CTA crime down 25 percent last year, Emanuel says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Newly released numbers show crime dropped 25 percent on the Chicago's trains and buses in 2015. At a brief news conference Wednesday morning, Mayor Rahm Emanuel applauded efforts to keep CTA riders safe, but said there is more work to be done.

The CTA's Tammy Chase said there were 4,691 crimes committed in 2014, compared to 3,512 in 2015.

Emanuel said the decrease in crime comes down to two factors: security cameras and keeping trains upgraded to modern standards.

Since 2011, more than 23,000 cameras were installed on and around CTA property, the mayor's office said. Last year alone, they captured the images of 256 suspects that led to their arrests. Emanuel said he has been pushing for all older rail cars to be retrofitted, which may have led to a safer environment.

The mayor said keeping riders safe is a team effort. He said in the future, the CTA will continue working with police.

"That coverage, plus the work of the officers dedicated to the CTA that the ridership of the CTA can have a safe, secure and reliable ride from work to home and from home to work. Our work is not done," Emanuel said.