CTA to Expand AI Gun Detection Technology Amid Rising Safety Concerns on Chicago Transit
Chicago, IL – February 12, 2026 — The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced plans to broaden the deployment of its artificial intelligence (AI) gun detection system across the city’s rail and bus network in the coming weeks. The move comes in response to growing safety concerns following several recent violent incidents on CTA trains and buses, as community members and transit officials gathered Thursday evening to discuss these issues.
Community Voices Safety Concerns
The public meeting, hosted by the 8th District Police Council in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood on the Southwest Side, offered a forum for residents to express their worries and learn about steps being taken to enhance transit security. While some riders like Bruce Stewart, a frequent Red Line commuter, have noticed an increased police presence — including K9 units — others have observed challenges remain on the system.
“I’ve definitely seen a lot more police on the trains. I’ve seen some of those K9 units,” Stewart stated. “But I haven’t really seen too much of the softer security things they’ve had going on.”
CTA rider Carla Jennings shared a different perspective, noting the presence of vulnerable populations on the system. “I do see homeless people and I do see people who appear to have mental illness,” she said. Officials acknowledged this as an ongoing challenge requiring more than enforcement.
"You can’t really arrest your way out of that,” said Kevin Ryan, CTA Vice President of Security. “So we try to engage with service providers to go on system and engage the people.”
AI Gun Detection Technology: From Testing to Full Rollout
In 2024, the CTA began piloting the use of AI-powered gun detection technology. The system employs advanced software to analyze video feeds and flag individuals carrying firearms as they enter train stations or board buses. Officials say early results have been promising and now the CTA is preparing a full-scale launch of the technology soon.
“We’ve seen really good results,” Ryan told the police council meeting attendees. While he did not provide a specific rollout date, he emphasized that the expansion is imminent.
The AI system will complement the CTA’s existing security infrastructure, which includes approximately 33,000 surveillance cameras installed throughout the network.
Crime Trends Show Mixed Results
Data shared by Chicago police indicate a modest overall decline in crime on the CTA in early 2026 compared to the same period last year. From January 1 through February 8, police reported 134 crimes on CTA property — down from 144 during that time frame in 2025, a 6.9% decrease.
Robberies during this period fell by 18%, and larceny thefts dropped 11%. However, the city saw increases in criminal sexual assaults and aggravated battery cases on the transit system this year.
Federal Pressure to Improve Safety
The expansion of AI gun detection also comes amid federal scrutiny. The Federal Transit Authority has put the CTA on notice, threatening to withhold federal funding unless the transit agency implements an updated safety plan by March. CTA officials maintain their technology upgrade efforts were underway prior to this deadline and insist the expansion is not merely a reaction to federal pressure.
Looking Ahead
With safety a paramount concern for Chicago’s mass transit riders, CTA leaders are seeking to leverage technology and increased collaboration with social and mental health service providers to create a more secure environment.
“Our goal is to keep people safe while also addressing the complex social issues that sometimes manifest on the system,” said Ryan.
As the AI gun detection rollout moves forward, residents and riders alike will be watching closely to see if the additional security measures bring a tangible improvement to daily commutes across Chicago’s buses and trains.
For ongoing coverage of CTA safety initiatives and Chicago local news, stay tuned to CBS Chicago.
