CTA to start Safe Ride Specialist Program

​The Safe Ride Specialist Program will start in September. During the one-year pilot, teams of Safe Ride Specialists will travel the CTA system's trains, buses and stations, especially in areas identified by CTA riders. ​Specialists will be ready to de-escalate potential conflicts, and support riders experiencing mental health and substance issues. Safe Ride Specialists will wear branded uniforms and will carry outreach materials, care and hygiene kits, and Narcan. The $9.6 million program will be supported by previously allocated funds in the CTA budget and additional funding authorized by the RTA Board in May.