by Aaron M. Renn
Chronicling life riding the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
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This week's snow storm caused some transit problems in Chicago, but they were far less serious than they could have been. Bus routes were the most affected, of course, but most bus routes on major arterial streets appeared to be running. The L and Metra ran, but with some delays, particularly on the Blue Line where frozen switches caused problems. Since the storm hit on a weekend, the impact was less than if a full rush hour load of passengers was trying to make it home. [ Source: various Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times reports ]
A #X48-Western Express hit a #94-South California on 12/28 near 49th St. 16 passengers and two bus drivers were treated and released at area hospitals. [ Source: Chicago Tribune 29 December 1998 ]
It's 1999 and time to take a look back at the 1998 year in transit in Chicago. Here are a few of the top transit stories this year as reported in the Weekly Breakdown. Enjoy.
1). More Service Cuts. On April 26, the last round of planned CTA service cuts took effect. They eliminated overnight service on numerous CTA bus and L routes, leaving only 19 bus routes and two L lines with 24 hour service. The Pilsen neighborhood was particularly hard hit.
2). Proposed Bus Renumbering. Frank Kruesi's plan to renumber all Chicago bus routes to be more "logical" in the face of almost universal opposition appeared to die early in the year. But it was resurrected as part of the proposed 1999 budget and now looks like it will be approved by the CTA board.
3). March 9 Snowstorm. A snow storm caused unusually severe problems on public transit with many Metra and CTA trains running well behind schedule. Some L lines were actually closed at times. The main culprits were frozen switches and power failures that knocked out signals. Metra was particularly embarrassed and vowed to do better next time.
4). Major Projects Receive Funding. The Douglas L rehab and the Ravenswood platform expansion project received funding in the new TEA-21 transportation bill. Congress must still follow through with annual appropriations and the state must come up with local matching funds, but this was an important political victory for Illinois.
5). Red Line Follies. The Red Line suffered a number of fires and had other serious safety problems during the year. On July 12, a Red Line train derailed at Webster. On June 25, a Red Line train was stuck near 35th St. totally without power and the passengers had to be rescued by another train. On July 20, a Red Line train was seen moving under power with a set of doors open. Ditto on August 10. Back on February 23, the last two cars of a Red Line train became detached at Grand Ave. In early September, Red Line trains caught on fire twice. On October 22, another Red Line train caught on fire. Another Red Line train caught on fire on December 20.
Any other nominations? If I get enough suggestions, I'll run a supplemental list next week.
Happy New Year!
The Weekly Breakdown is a small Internet journal devoted to the trials and tribulations of being a regular rider of the Chicago Transit Authority. I would be happy to hear about and include your experiences. Just send mail to breakdown@urbanophile.com.
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