by Aaron M. Renn
Chronicling life riding the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
You can now read The Weekly Breakdown on the web at http://www.urbanophile.com/breakdown/
There is a new CTA transit map out that reflects the service reductions that went into effect in December. Pick it up at a CTA rail station or call the CTA service line at (888) YOUR-CTA to get a copy.
Parking Crunch II: Yet another Letter to the Editor writer suggests that it might not be the smartest thing in the world to drive downtown on overcrowded roads and to park in an exorbitantly priced garage when Chicago has one of the most extensive public transit systems around.
DuPage Residents Need Not Apply: The CTA announced that it is instituting a residency requirement for all new non-union employees. To be hired for such a job in the future, a person must live in the CTA's service area (Chicago and 38 inner suburbs). CTA president Frank Kruesi has promised to seek a similar residency requirement for union employees during the next contract negotiation. [ Source: 3/12 Chicago Tribune ]
The Howard line north of Wilson was built on freight right of way. The CTA itself operated freight service on the line as recently as 1973.
3/9 - A snowstorm (usually when public transit shines) wreaks havoc on CTA and Metra commuters. Several Metra lines experienced lengthly delays (I have first hand reports of UP North trains delayed over 1 hour, Rock Island trains delayed nearly an hour (due to a Metra Electric overhead power line down on the tracks at Blue Island), and relatively modest delays of 10 minutes on the UP west line). The CTA also had major problems. Power outages disrupted service on the Red, Brown, and Purple lines. A fallen tree interrupted service on the Yellow Line. There seemed to be switching problems at Tower 12 in the Loop as my train was delayed significantly just south of the Merchandise Mart and I saw crews working on the tracks. I also have first hand reports of Blue Line problems, with several outbound trains running express to get service back on track. Not public transit's finest hour.
3/9 - Fare card reader out of order at south State/Lake platform.
3/10 - Fullerton platform is jammed with people. A train approaches and the announcer says something like, "The southbound Red Line train approaching has been delayed and is probably full. The next Red Line train just left Wilson. If you are going downtown, please consider taking the Brown or Purple lines."
3/12 - Southbound Howard train at am rush. Experiencing numerous stops for no reason. At one point the customer service assistant comes on the speaker to apologize for the delay caused by "waiting for a signal to change"
3/12 - Northbound Ravenswood at pm rush hour. Two trains back to back.
Note: The north entrance to the Clark/Lake L station re-opened. No new turnstiles. :-( Maybe it was just temporarily closed because both fare card machines were out of order.
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 and include yours. Just send mail to breakdown@urbanophile.com.
Aaron.
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