While it's understandable that the transit union is pushing for adding armed guards on the CTA, it appears the the conversation should really be about introducing unarmed outreach personnel.
Women-only transportation helps to dismantle one of the barriers that women face daily, so it should be seriously considered in the Chicago and other U.S. cities.
While adding more police to the CTA may have been inevitable, it's going to be crucial for officers to stay focused on serious crimes, not cracking down on minor infractions.
Smoking, littering, radio playing, and other infractions can make CTA trips unpleasant and reduce ridership. But many riders say it's wisest not to confront the offender.
In the first week of Chicago's scooter pilot, scooters were reportedly used as an assault weapon and to vandalize a car. Scooter riders were also injured in run-ins with motorists, potholes, and an angry bicyclist.