CTA installs security cameras at four Blue Line stations

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has begun upgrading old cameras to high-definition ones at four stations along the Blue Line.

The agency also is installing new cameras at the Clinton, LaSalle, Grand and Chicago stations along the line. Slated to be completed shortly after Labor Day, the work is being performed at night to minimize service disruptions, CTA officials said in a press release.

"Data and technology coupled with stronger community and agency partnerships are the primary components of [the Chicago Police Department's] strategy to make Chicago a safer and stronger city," said Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson.

Through its Safe & Secure initiative, CTA is adding 1,000 new cameras throughout its system and upgrading more than 3,800 older-model cameras. The agency is paying for the effort through a fee on ride-hailing services such as Lyft and Uber that operate in Chicago. The fee is the first in the country to be dedicated to public transit improvements, CTA officials said.

Revenue from the ride-hailing fee also will fund $179 million in track repairs on five of CTA's eight rail lines.

CTA has doubled its security camera network since 2011. Found at every rail station and on every bus and train, the cameras have been "an important tool" to help Chicago police identify crime suspects and detect crime patterns, agency officials said.