Video shows possible bed bugs on CTA train

FOX 32 NEWS - Bed bugs on a CTA train? That is the claim of one passenger whose complaints got a Red Line car pulled for inspection.

The pictures first surfaced thanks to a Reddit user. That user took a Red Line train to work Monday morning and spotted crawling bugs on the seat and on the rider.

Jim Stavropoulos, a bed bug expert, sat down to look at the pictures. Although he can't tell without seeing the bugs in person if they are in fact bed bugs, he says it's certainly a possibility.

"It's definitely a bug...could be bed bugs,” he said.

The CTA issued a statement saying in part, "we are aware of the recent report and the reported rail car was removed from service and treated for pests."

Stavropoulos says the clean-up isn't as simple as just calling an exterminator, and that sometimes the bugs hide in crack and crevices.

Some riders say they're not surprised by the discovery on a train they take every day, while others say they will be opting to stand.

"Definitely never sitting down again,” Emilia Misischia said.

The CTA says it cleans it train cars and buses on a regular basis, at the beginning and end of every trip.

CTA adds that if you have any issues, to immediately contact them and they will remove the train car or bus of concern.