Introduction: Addressing Smoking on the CTA
Smoking on Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) trains has long been a concern for riders and officials alike. In the wake of increased complaints and a growing desire for clean public transit, a novel approach has emerged: crowdsourcing data to track and ultimately reduce smoking incidents on the ‘L.’ This article explores how a software engineer’s innovative platform is empowering riders, holding officials accountable, and seeking solutions for a smoke-free commute.
The Scope of the Smoking Problem on the CTA
For years, smoking on the CTA has been a persistent issue, particularly along the Red and Blue lines. According to rider reports and frequent commuters, the problem has worsened since the pandemic, expanding to more lines and stations. The Respiratory Health Association (RHA) obtained complaint data from the CTA, revealing that about a quarter of all smoking complaints between April 2024 and August 2025 originated from just ten stations—primarily on the Red Line. Notably, Fullerton and Belmont stations topped the list, highlighting both the prevalence of the issue and the importance of targeted interventions.
Yet, the true extent of smoking on CTA trains remains somewhat obscured. It is unclear whether these hotspots reflect higher smoking rates or simply greater reporting from vigilant passengers. CTA officials, including Acting President Nora Leerhsen, have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive strategy beyond enforcement, such as piloting air filters and exploring broader prevention efforts.
Crowdsourcing Data: A Grassroots Solution
Amid official efforts, one CTA rider and software engineer, Logan Kulinski, decided to take matters into his own hands. Frustrated by the lack of real-time public information regarding smoking complaints, Kulinski launched the CTA Smokers website. This platform uses crowdsourcing data to empower riders to report and track smoking incidents on CTA railcars in real time.
Anyone can submit a report on the site, providing details such as the train line, direction, next station, and railcar number. These reports immediately appear on the homepage, offering a live snapshot of where smoking is occurring across the system. Kulinski’s goal is to help riders avoid affected railcars and, more importantly, pressure officials to act on transparent, up-to-date information.
Challenges in Accessing Official Data
Despite the existence of internal complaint tracking, the CTA has been slow to release this data to the public. Kulinski himself filed Freedom of Information Act requests, only to encounter bureaucratic hurdles and limited access. “They kept trying to narrow the scope,” Kulinski noted, emphasizing the need for greater transparency. His platform not only displays reports but also forwards them to the CTA, ensuring that each complaint is officially registered.
Since launching a month ago, the CTA Smokers site has received over 100 submissions, with the majority coming from the 24-hour Red and Blue lines. This surge in crowdsourcing data demonstrates both the community’s willingness to contribute and the widespread impact of smoking on public transit.
Empowering Riders and Holding Officials Accountable
The crowdsourcing approach offers several advantages. First, it gives riders immediate access to information that can help them choose cleaner, smoke-free railcars. Second, it provides a transparent, public-facing tool that community members and advocacy groups can use to monitor trends and advocate for change. Finally, it holds CTA officials accountable by making the problem—and potential solutions—visible and measurable.
Officials, including CTA board members, have expressed interest in comprehensive strategies, but progress has been slow. Kulinski’s efforts highlight the power of civic technology and grassroots action in driving institutional change. As the project continues to grow, it may inspire similar initiatives for other transit issues, demonstrating the broader potential of crowdsourcing data in urban problem-solving.
Conclusion: The Future of Cleaner Air on the CTA
The fight against smoking on CTA trains is far from over, but innovative tools like the CTA Smokers website represent a promising step forward. By leveraging crowdsourcing data, riders can directly influence the conversation around public health and transit safety. As more people participate and share information, the hope is that officials will respond with greater urgency and transparency. Ultimately, this collective effort could pave the way for a cleaner, healthier CTA experience for all.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.