More than 14,000 complaints have been lodged with the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) about smoking on its trains and platforms over the past 14 months – a staggering number that highlights just how widespread the problem persists.
According to data collected under a Freedom of Information Act request, ridership was at an all-time low during this period, yet smokers continued to light up in plain sight. The CTA Red Line led the pack with nearly 5,500 complaints about smoking, followed closely by the Blue and Green Lines.
While it may seem surprising that so many people are still willing to smoke on public transport despite knowing they're breaking the law, some riders simply accept this as a fact of life. Rigo Osorio, who commutes on the Red Line daily, estimated he spots at least one smoker every time he's on the train.
For others, however, smoking is more than just an inconsiderate habit – it can be a serious health hazard. For those with conditions like asthma, exposure to second-hand smoke can make everyday life unbearable. "I have asthma," said Osorio. "But I don't like to argue with nobody, so I just stay away."
The CTA has implemented various measures to crack down on smoking, including deploying privately contracted security guards to patrol the trains and stations in search of smokers. These guards use chatbots to collect complaints and respond to riders' concerns about smoking.
However, critics say that while the CTA is doing its part to educate riders about the dangers of smoking, more needs to be done to hold people accountable for breaking the law. Chicago police have issued 3,486 citations for smoking on trains and buses through September this year – a number that's roughly half of what was issued in 2024.
Aldermen like Bill Conway and Andre Vasquez are calling on the CTA to do more to enforce its no-smoking policy. "Almost every time I've been on, I can smell cannabis," said Alderman Vasquez. "So it's clear the behavior is occurring. The accountability part is the challenge."
Conway introduced a resolution last month urging the CTA to take stronger action against smokers. "It's absolutely fair to raise fines or have other punitive responses," he said.
The data shows that smoking complaints tend to peak during the afternoon commute, when riders are most likely to be stressed and fatigued. However, one nurse who regularly rides the Red and Brown Lines says she's seen smokers on her train at all hours of the day – even as early as 6:30 am.
Despite the efforts of city officials and riders to crack down on smoking, many remain unconvinced that anything will change. "There just isn't enough restrictions or people really enforcing it," said a student at DePaul University.
According to data collected under a Freedom of Information Act request, ridership was at an all-time low during this period, yet smokers continued to light up in plain sight. The CTA Red Line led the pack with nearly 5,500 complaints about smoking, followed closely by the Blue and Green Lines.
While it may seem surprising that so many people are still willing to smoke on public transport despite knowing they're breaking the law, some riders simply accept this as a fact of life. Rigo Osorio, who commutes on the Red Line daily, estimated he spots at least one smoker every time he's on the train.
For others, however, smoking is more than just an inconsiderate habit – it can be a serious health hazard. For those with conditions like asthma, exposure to second-hand smoke can make everyday life unbearable. "I have asthma," said Osorio. "But I don't like to argue with nobody, so I just stay away."
The CTA has implemented various measures to crack down on smoking, including deploying privately contracted security guards to patrol the trains and stations in search of smokers. These guards use chatbots to collect complaints and respond to riders' concerns about smoking.
However, critics say that while the CTA is doing its part to educate riders about the dangers of smoking, more needs to be done to hold people accountable for breaking the law. Chicago police have issued 3,486 citations for smoking on trains and buses through September this year – a number that's roughly half of what was issued in 2024.
Aldermen like Bill Conway and Andre Vasquez are calling on the CTA to do more to enforce its no-smoking policy. "Almost every time I've been on, I can smell cannabis," said Alderman Vasquez. "So it's clear the behavior is occurring. The accountability part is the challenge."
Conway introduced a resolution last month urging the CTA to take stronger action against smokers. "It's absolutely fair to raise fines or have other punitive responses," he said.
The data shows that smoking complaints tend to peak during the afternoon commute, when riders are most likely to be stressed and fatigued. However, one nurse who regularly rides the Red and Brown Lines says she's seen smokers on her train at all hours of the day – even as early as 6:30 am.
Despite the efforts of city officials and riders to crack down on smoking, many remain unconvinced that anything will change. "There just isn't enough restrictions or people really enforcing it," said a student at DePaul University.
I mean come on! 14k+ complaints about smokers on CTA trains and platforms? That's just ridiculous 
. It's like, hello, you're breaking the law, don't do it in public spaces where non-smokers are already suffering from second-hand smoke 
. And what's with the lack of enforcement? I saw a guy smoking on the train yesterday and no one did anything 
. The CTA is doing some things, like hiring security guards and all, but it's just not enough 
. And what's up with the attitude of some riders who are like "oh, I'll just stay away" when they have conditions that make second-hand smoke super problematic? Like, get active about it! Take a stand 
. This is not a joke, people's health is at risk 
. We need real change, not just empty promises 
.
That's a LOT of stress for riders with asthma 
! Data shows that smoking complaints peak during afternoon commutes when people are most stressed 
Let's raise those fines or implement stricter enforcement! 
. But for people with asthma or other conditions, it's like a nightmare 
. Aldermen Conway and Vasquez are onto somethin' with their resolution 
. Maybe if ppl saw some consequences for breakin' the law, they'd think twice before lightin' up on the train 
. It's like, we get it, stress and fatigue can be a real thing during rush hour 
.
. I mean, sure, maybe more needs to be done, but we can't just jump on the bandwagon and start calling for harsher punishments 
.
.
. Like, have you seen the state of the traffic on this city lately? That's a real problem that needs to be addressed 
.
and stuff. i feel like the cta should have better security measures in place or somethin'... those chatbots ain't gonna cut it 
We need more transparency and accountability, that's for sure!
. & its not just smokers who are the problem, its also people sellin cannabis on the trains 
... some peeps need 2 step up n hold ppl accountable 4 breakin the law 
. its not hard 2 come up with ways 2 keep public transport clean n safe 
we need more than just a slap on the wrist fines or better yet some actual consequences 
CTA gotta take it up a notch 
! When's the last time you saw someone gettin' fined for smokin' on the train? 
6:30 am, anyone? 
I made a diagram to show how frustrating this is... >> [ ASCII art of a train with smokers on board, surrounded by exasperated passengers ]
But for those who do, it's just not cool.