Halloween is around the corner, and here we are, halfway through the fall quarter. It’s officially that time of year: the thrills of the spooky season are infiltrating society. While Halloween brings excitement, some scares can get too real. Specifically, on the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority). 

While I’ve only been in Chicago for a few months, I’ve had my fair share of unsettling moments on the CTA. I quickly learned that public transportation is unpredictable. From delays to crimes, these situations aren’t ideal and definitely not what I pictured when moving here. 

People experience dangerous occurrences every day on public transit from theft to harassment, and sometimes these can result in altercations that take lives. 

The city has a lot to offer, and it’s a beautiful place to be, but only if we can safely navigate the CTA. 

As a Chicagoan, you must have heard it all from the minor occurrences to the wild experiences while taking the Red Line. But what exactly should we be on the lookout for? Let’s break it down. 

Theft and pickpocketing are common concerns on the CTA, and for good reason. It’s important to stay aware while on CTA and be mindful of all your belongings. Instead of disregarding your bag on the seat next to you like you would a collection of disappointing Halloween candy no one wants, keep a hold on it. It’s also beneficial to know what’s on you at all times. If you lose something, you want to pinpoint exactly what it was. If you ever feel uncomfortable in your surroundings and the vibe is suspicious, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation. It’s not uncommon to experience this in the city.

Moving on to another common issue: intoxicated riders. It’s unfortunately common to find riders under the influence, making for an uncomfortable ride or some tricks after the treats. Kaye Regalo, a DePaul freshman, witnessed a suspicious drug exchange while exiting the CTA. Drug deals are more common than most people realize and not something you’d hope to witness on a commute. 

Harassment, catcalling, and sexual assault are even heavier concerns. According to CBS News, there have been 21 sexual assault cases reported on the CTA in the past year, which is disturbingly high. 

Everyone has heard horror stories about the Red Line, but for many young women, the Brown Line has become equally as daunting due to what we’re calling the “Brown Line Beater.” This individual, who fully covers his face and sits himself near young women while engaging in unsettling behavior, is the very individual who disgusted me and fueled me with enough anger to write an article about the dangers of the CTA. 

“I was commuting from Lincoln Park to the Loop and the Brown Line Beater was inappropriately touching himself in front of me,” Tessa Rarick, a freshman film and television major, said. “He followed me after I switched train cars on multiple occasions.”

This harrassment goes beyond sexual. Abdul Khan, a freshman biology major, recalled a distressing incident where he witnessed a young girl being targeted by a group of guys. 

“She was being bothered by a group of men who were yelling racial slurs at her and forcing her to take off her hijab,” Khan said. 

These types of situations are intense and can be life-threatening. 

From people smoking on the train to human feces on the steps, you can never be sure what you’ll see on the CTA. Unfortunately, these occurrences can be part of the everyday reality of public transportation. 

Always remember that it’s okay to ask for help. If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, reach out to staff or the passengers around you who are willing to intervene. But also consider that it is likely for people to not want to intervene because getting involved puts them at risk. 

However, I’ve witnessed situations where some individuals were breaking the rules and many passengers stood up to them because their behavior was a disruption.

Once when an individual was blasting music through a speaker, many riders were getting angry and requested him to turn it off. Although he refused until the train operator spoke to him, it still caught the attention of someone who could deescalate the situation. 

Similarly, I once witnessed two young men smoking on the Brown Line. At first, all the riders were silent but irritated by their behavior. But, once people worked up the courage to confront them, the two walked out.

These situations serve as a reminder that we’re all just trying to get from one place to another without disruption and a unified voice can change the circumstances. 

Prioritizing safety is the only way to survive the horrors that is the CTA. With everything good comes challenges, so attempt to travel in groups and stay alert. Wishing you a fall season filled with more treats than tricks, happy October!

Related Stories:

• COLUMN: CTA needs to do more to prevent sexual harassment
• $71 million private security contract fails to make CTA safer

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