In the Windy City of Chicago, the start of the new year has been marked by a troubling continuation of transit violence that has officials and commuters alike holding their breath. As the city kicked off 2026 with its sights set on improvement, it seems the train system’s safety has taken a back seat to chaos. A recent incident on the Chicago Red Line, where two people were brutally stabbed on a platform, has reignited fears and frustration over safety in public transportation. The attackers remain unidentified, but one thing is clear: the city must act quickly or face serious consequences.
The Trump administration previously warned Chicago to get its act together when it comes to transit safety. Federal officials made it abundantly clear that a plan would need to be put in place or the city could find its federal funding at risk. With violence on the rise—assault cases in transit systems skyrocketing by 150% over five years—it appears time is running out for Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker to step up and take responsibility for the safety of their commuters.
Federal Transit Authority head, Marc Molinaro, has raised a clarion call of urgency regarding Chicago’s escalated risk levels. Assaults on transit riders are not just elevated; they are soaring nine times higher than the national average. This alarming statistic has caught the White House’s attention, pushing them to demand that the city submit a proper safety plan by March. If Chicago fails to deliver a plan that meets federal standards, the city might have to contend with losing up to $50 million in much-needed funding.
It’s evident that the locals are tired of the crime and the chaos of their daily commute becoming routine. The attacks have caused not just injuries, but a ripple of fear that could turn away commuters who rely on public transport to get to work, school, and other essential locations. Unfortunately, it seems that waiting until violence is front-page news is the only catalyst that compels some to act.
As the challenges continue to mount for city leaders, many are left scratching their heads as to why it has taken so long to address the issue of safety in public transit. It certainly shouldn’t take a financial threat to induce meaningful change where lives are at risk, but that appears to be the unfortunate reality for Chicago right now. With 90 days on the clock, the stakes couldn’t be higher—as the safety of countless commuters hangs in the balance, and the city’s handling of this situation will make headlines for weeks to come. Will they step up, or will they let yet another warning slip through the cracks? Time will certainly tell, and the pressure is on.
