The Weekly Breakdown #3, by Aaron M. Renn
Chronicling life riding the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)

CTA News and Rumors
-------------------

The 1/26/98 Crain's Chicago Business contained an editorial calling
for greater state support of the CTA, claiming that Illinois provides
a far less percentage of the CTA's funding than transit systems in
New York and Philadelphia receive from their respective states. 

The 2/6/98 Chicago Reader contains an article looking back at a
1968 strike against the CTA by black bus drivers.

Factoid
-------

Number of CTA "L" Stops: 141

CTA Breakdowns
--------------

Monday 2/2 - Fare card reader broken at Clark/Lake at approx 5 pm.

Tuesday 2/3 - At morning rush hour, two 11-Lincoln busses right behind
each other at Fullerton Station.

Wednesday 2/4 - At evening rush hour, the only fare card reader on
the north side portion of the Clark/Lake station that takes coins
had its coin slot covered with an "Out of Order" sign.

Thursday 2/5 - Door out of order on a Green Line car at evening rush
hour.

Thursday 2/5 - About 11:45 pm at Chicago/State. Wait only 5 mins for train
(good).  It comes, then stops twice (and almost stops a third time)
between Chicago and Clark/Division (bad).  Might I humbly suggest that
the CTA fix their L signal problems before renumbering bus routes.

Friday 2/6 - Yet another fare card reader out of order at Clark/Lake
at evening rush hour. 

About the Weekly Breakdown
--------------------------

The Weekly Breakdown is small Internet journal devoted to the trials
and tribulations of being a regular rider of the Chicago Transit
Authority. While it is primarily devoted to my experiences, I am 
happy to hear about an include yours.  Just send mail to 
breakdown@urbanophile.com  (I already have a couple good suggestions
I'm planning on including).

Aaron.