Power to the southbound tracks on the CTA's Blue Line downtown has been shut off after a woman was struck and badly injured by a subway train at 8:15 this morning. Blue Line customers are being advised to use alternate service into the Loop.
Following a federal appeals court decision, it looks like 330 more red light cameras are on our way.
Our city's freaky up-and-down weather has one bone-jarring side effect: potholes. As of Monday there were more than 1,100 dotting the city landscape and threatening to bust axles. The city says it's on it and you can file a claim for any damages. Incidentially, if you're driving east past the Heart 'O' Chicago motel, don't let that shallow looking puddle on the right side of the road fool you. Trust me.
Chicago Carless follows up on his story breaking the CTA's homeless ridership crackdown with a late-night ride with the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.
Hope you're not headed out of town today -- the weather has snarled pretty much every mode of transportation: planes, trains and automobiles. Even ice skates.
The CTA returned the Belmont station to four-track service on Saturday, much to the relief of commuters. Meanwhile the tunnels got some glow-in-the-dark paint.
Unfortunately sometimes public indecency is a fact of life on public transportation. CTA Tattler has a good post exposing one particular lowlife and some suggestions on what to do if you become a victim.
First they sold off the parking meters, now City Council is weighing a proposal for a "congestion reduction fee" on parking spaces downtown. Proceeds would theoretically go to the CTA for service improvements.
Double Bike Match launched today: donate to World Bicycle Relief through the site and an angel will match it, so that two bikes can be purchased for needy people.
The CTA debuted a completely redesigned transitchicago.com today (you may need to hard-refresh the page if you've been there lately.) The site is a big step forward in the agency's effort to standardize messaging and streamline information. Service alerts are made clear and are available by RSS.
The Active Transportation Alliance will be giving out 200 free bike headlights tonight at Chicago and Wells from 5:30-7:30pm.
Commuting.in prettifies the CTA Bus Tracker for your mobile device, but also allows you to save favorite bus routes and stops.
The Chicago Journal reports that in 2009 the CTA will begin construction to add a new stop to the Green Line at Morgan Street. This will help close the massive gap that goes Clinton to Ashland with no stop in between. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2010 or early 2011.
Just when you thought that parking meter privatization deal couldn't get any worse, someone read the fine print: all parking holidays will be off, and no free parking on Sundays, either. City Council votes today; call your alderman. UPDATE: The deal passed City Council 40-5.
The CTA unveiled new hybrid buses today that plug into an electrical outlet at night and run on battery power for most of the day. The move is estimated to save the CTA almost $7 million annually in maintenance, labor and fuel costs by retiring aging buses.
It will cost you considerably more to park at a meter in the near future. But don't worry: You probably won't be able to move your car from in front of your house anyway.
The good news: some downtown bus shelters are going to have warm air piped into them over the winter. The bad news: it's not part of a CTA improvement program, it's an ad for stuffing. More details in Drive-Thru.
The CTA appears to be cracking down on homeless ridership -- just in time for winter weather -- by posting signage at train terminals reminding passengers that they must pay for another fare to ride a train board a train going the opposite direction. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has begun tracking any ejections of homeless people by CTA employees.
Tired of dodging the city tow trucks thanks to that fistful of parking tickets you've collected? The Department of Revenue is giving you a break.
The CTA is once again mulling offering naming rights to individual CTA stations. The RedEye's Kyra Kyles has some suggestions; I always thought Dunkin' Donuts should sponsor Library -- where the Pink, Orange and Brown lines stop. GB readers had some other good ideas in Fuel back in 2005. (By the way, if you're interested in discussing the proposed Red Line extension below 95th, there are a couple meetings this week.)
Crain's examines the linkages between Chicago and Detroit and the effect the current calamity with U.S. automakers could have on us.
Hopefully you remembered not to park on snow routes tonight, because whether there's snow on the ground or not, Chicago's winter parking regulations go into effect at 3am Dec. 1 -- very late tonight or very early Monday morning, depending on your perspective. Hope you don't wake up to a missing car!
Believe it or not, you can get gas in Chicago for less than $2 a gallon. Not in a nearby suburb, not across the Skyway in Indiana, but actually within the city limits, specifically at a BP and Mobil station at 76th Street near the Dan Ryan Expressway.
Whether they're called HOT (High-Occupancy Toll) or Green Lanes, four (to be determined) Illinois toll roads are going to be changing in 2010. Aimed at reducing congestion, commuters will be rewarded for driving with a buddy (or 2, or 3), or taking the bus, with access to a designated lane for vehicles with more than one passenger.
Commenters at the CTA Tattler are discussing which CTA bus route would get the "Bunchie" for slowest and least reliable service.
Looks like the trusty Chicago Card may become obsolete in the near future. The CTA is claiming that a new "smart" version of credit and debit cards will be accepted for payment of bus and train fares in about a year. Seems like a rather bold prediction, but it could mean more money for other improvements if it pans out.
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation has become the Active Transportation Alliance, to reflect a broadening of its focus beyond bikes.
Because I'm going to need it when the CTA raises fares by 25 cents starting in 2009. An unrelated upside to this news is that the gas surcharge for taxi rides ends today, as oil prices have declined; however, cab drivers are lobbying for a 16% raise in their base fare.
It looks like CTA is going to vote to raise fares as much as 50 cents today.
"Chicago Geek Girls is a network of groups devoted to supporting the work & play of women who identify as geeks."
The blog Hyde Park Progress explores the transportation options available to the area from a U of C (ex)undergrad perspective.
If Chicago ever becomes a high-speed rail stop, we've already got the station for it. Or at least the design for the station.
A pool report of President-elect Obama's ride to his first intelligence briefing highlights what many of us already know about downtown traffic.
Some Metra riders recently had a surprise guest engineer: a teenager.
Construction shortcuts on the new brown line stations result in splintering wood in the platforms and rust on canopies and railings. Expect things to look uglier as winter sets in.
While it's running short on funding, Metra says it won't raise fares in 2009 or (probably) 2010. That said, if it doesn't get some cash soon, service will be "slower, bumpier and less reliable."
Starting today, CTA riders can sign up for emails from the agency to alert them to construction, delays and changes in service. OMG.
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning found an interesting paradox in its recent transportation study: Chicagoans are driving 5% less, but congestion is actually worsening.
Wondering what to make of the CTA's budget proposal? The CTA Tattler breaks down the fare hike as well as the budget over all.
iGo car sharing and the CTA have signed a deal where iGo members will be able to use one smart card for both their iGo and CTA rides. Pending board approval, the program should be in place by the end of this year.
City Council has banned texting while driving. It'll be a $75 fine, rising to as much as $200 if you get into an accident.
The CTA released its proposed 2009 budget today, and it's full of fare hikes. Apparently "belt tightening" is the new "doomsday."
Life's drama recorded on a bus shelter wall. [via]
In an effort to balance the city budget, Mayor Daley announced today that Midway Airport has been leased for $2.5 billion to an outside group who will operate the airport on a 99-year contract.
Want to show some love to your favorite El stop (and if you have favorite El stop that might be a sign of something altogether different)? The CTA unveils its new online gift shop with items featuring various city stations. And who doesn't need a train system shower curtain?
If you use Twitter, you can now follow your favorite El line, buses or the CTA as a whole, and send updates to the group thanks to CTA Tweet, created ex-GB staffer Dan O'Neil, who also created the cellular CTA Alert System and works at Everyblock. More details on CTA Tattler.
Stickers stating "Someone opened a door and killed my friend" have been popping up on parking meters and signposts around town, courtesy of Anti-Dooring.org.
GB staffer Sandy reports that there's been a street cave-in on Lawrence just east of Western due to a water main break. Buses and traffic are being rerouted.
Add another voice to the debate over a third airport for the Chicago area: the FAA chief who says another airport is needed in addition to the $15 billion expansion at O'Hare.
While we spend plenty of time fretting about our public transportation system, the American Public Transportation Association reminds us we're not alone.
Fortunately, today's CTA cuts hit administrative staff and not service. But that doesn't mean we won't see that later this year or next.
We've mentioned it previously on GB, and here's another reminder/warning: to help ease overcrowding, seatless train cars will start showing up on rush hour El trains starting in late October or early November.
There's some disappointment with the Sundays Parkways plan for car-free streets in October. John Greenfield traveled to NY to experience their version of 'ciclovia' and offers some tips on why New York's worked where Chicago stumbled.
Last call on Metra's bar cars comes this weekend.
For the third year in a row, Hotwire.com declares Chicago the top destination for the Labor Day weekend. And if you do choose Chicago as your vacation destination, a New Zealand travel site tells you the best way to spend 48 hours here.
Speaking of nightmares, four buffalo escaped from an area just outside of Joliet and found their way onto 55, which ended up being a bad move.
The good news: Lake Shore Drive north of Irving Park is finally being resurfaced, saving countless tires. The bad news: it'll be shut down to one lane in each direction for hours a day for the next few months.
The Expired Meter is passing around a petition to get the City to reverse its decision to start booting cars after two unpaid tickets instead of three.
Does the little smudge in the sky in this photo look like a UFO to you? Read a report by the National Aviation Reporting Center on Anomalous Phenomena on the infamous 2006 sighting here [PDF].
The Sun-Times reminds drivers to use their turn signals. Why don't they? Well, 7% said they want to "add excitement" to their trips. Hm.
The Windy Citizen launched a new blog on Thursday to cover Bensenvile's plight in the O'Hare expansion. Particularly interesting is a google map highlighting the places discussed on the blog.
Want to figure out how much your next cab ride should be (or want to make sure you're not getting ripped off when cabbing it in other large cities)? TaxiWiz estimates fares for a handful of cities, among them Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. I calculated some standard trips I take, and was very surprised by the resulting accuracy.
The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is launching a new program called Sunday Parkways, which will give riders and pedestrians in Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Garfield Park, North Lawndale and Little Village the opportunity to bike through their neighborhoods on streets without cars.
With gas prices still above $4, scooters are booming in popularity. Did you know that Chicago is home to one of the only scooter companies in the US?
A new study says that congestion and gridlock in the Chicago area is costing us more than $7 billion in lost time and wasted fuel.
Just got notice from Drive-Thru Editor Robyn that the Grand Blue Line stop is closed due to a fire in the area as of 4:45pm. Details as we get them. While we're at it, the southbound Blue Line tracks will be shut down between Racine and the Medical Center from 9pm to 4am tonight. Southbound trains will run on the northbound tracks -- won't that be fun. UPDATE: No details ever emerged. I assume it's back to normal.
If you'd like to learn more about what the city is doing to improve bicycling, attend a discussion at the Chicago History Museum this Tuesday. Titled "In the K/Now," a representative of Chicagoland Bicycle Federation and the Chicago Cycling Club will pass on tips for Big City Biking as well as tell you more about what to expect as more Chicagoans move on two wheels.
The CTA added its popular Bus Tracker to more routes last week, and a little birdy (FoGB George Aye, now working at the CTA) let us know that they plan to roll it out citywide by the end of the year.
Prompted by a Red Eye story on the lakefront bike path congestion, architecture critic Blair Kamin resurrects a 1998 column of his which shows that nothing much has changed. On your left...
The city has 104 red light cameras. They plan on installing 25 more. They expect to collect more than $50 million in fines because of them. If gas prices weren't enough to make you ditch the car, this might do it.
The work on the CTA Blue Line track between Rosemont and O'Hare is finishing four days early. Starting tomorrow, Blue Line riders will get to experience the thrill of Blue Line trains going to O'Hare at 55 mph. Yee haw!
Introducing Where the El?, twitter-driven live tracking of CTA trains.
High gas prices has created a rise in the number of gas siphoning incidents here in Chicago, which in turn has resulted in a rise in the sale of locking gas caps.
The TSA at O'Hare will soon have Superman vision.
This fall, the CTA's going to start experimenting with seatless L cars.
We just got notice that the Red Line is currently shut down southbound from Howard to Argyle Addison for "an emergency situation" at the Argyle stop. We'll keep you posted. UPDATE: Here's the current alert from the CTA. UPDATE 2: Service down to Granville has been restored, and shuttle buses are running between there and Addison. UPDATE 3: As of 5:50pm, according to the CTA, Red Line service has resumed.
Good news for bike riders who use the trains: the CTA is building bicycle parking structures at 4 of its El stops where demand for bike parking has exceeded supply.
Don't forget, today's the day that the CTA is starting shuttle service between the O'Hare and Rosemont Blue Line stops, so that the CTA can work on the track between the two. Train service to O'Hare is expected to resume July 28.
O'Hare continues its stellar rankings among large airports, this time placing last in on-time departures and third to last in on-time arrivals. As usual, Midway fared better.
On Monday, an Air Nippon jet dropped about 1,450 gallons of its fuel into Lake Michigan. The Trib asks about the event and what's happening to the fuel.
Attention all "playas": You may want to think about removing the tint from the front window of your "hooptie" (do they still call it that?). The city is considering raising the fine for having a tinted front car window from $25 to $250. Now as for that booming bass...
Jessainthebox creates embroidery based on photos shot on CTA trains. [via]
The Expired Meter is a blog devoted solely to Chicago parking tickets. And yes, there's plenty to say on the topic.
Beyond calling the taxi company, if you lose something in a cab, you might want to put a listing in the Chicago Dispatcher, the weekly newspaper for the taxi industry. The paper's Lost & Found service covers all your bases.
GB staffer Jenni reports that there's been some sort of accident at the Wilson Red Line stop. Rumor on the street below is that someone jumped in front of a train. We'll keep you posted as details come out -- this might affect the evening commute. UPDATE: Still no details on what happened, but the CTA reports that service has resumed. Tribune has details about the accident.
The streetcar in Chicago is long gone, but leave it to a gas crunch to get people talking about bringing back the "Green Hornet."
The subject of a Sun-Times article in today's paper, who complained about the hardships of not having a car, gets a bit of a dressing down by (naturally) the author of the blog Chicago Carless.
Today, United Airlines announced it's following the trend set by American Airlines a few weeks ago, and will start to charge you $15 for that first checked bag. Analysts expect other airlines will follow suit with similar fees, as well as some others popping up for luxuries like selecting your seat ($10 for a window, $5 for a middle).
Remember Peotone? Me neither.
Due to rising project costs the CTA is looking to private companies to develop the airport express project that will originate at Block 37.
As of 5:106:44pm today, the Red Line is shut down up and running again between 47th and Grand after a train hit killed someone a robbery suspect (who was fleeing a store he had just tried to rob) on the tracks near the Chinatown stop.
Clinton Miceli was killed last night when he was doored by an Xterra and thrown into oncoming traffic on North La Salle. This morning, a cyclist was struck by a CTA bus in Lakeview. Please, please, please be careful out there, drivers and cyclists alike. This week is Bike to Work Week, so let's be extra vigilant.
The Sun-Times profiles Elmhurst resident Maureen Sullivan, who runs her car off of vegetable oil.
Yesterday, 101 cars were ensnared in a police sting designed to remind drivers they need to stop for pedestrians at all crosswalks.
Well, it really began on Saturday, but if you're a Monday-Friday commuter, now's your time to shine. Get information about bicycle commuter stations and events at the Chicago Bicycle Federation's website.
Unlike other cities, Chicago is showing no special preferences to owners of hybrid cars by giving them a break on feeding the meter and providing them with free parking spaces to encourage their use. Should we really be surprised?
A CTA train derailed for the second time in a week -- this time on the Red Line, near 95th.
Drivers looking to get the "lowest reported gas station prices" can call the city's new hotline at 312-742-4427 or look online. The website is also where the city asks users to report gas station prices.
Planning on flying to Buenos Aires or Honolulu before the year is over? Better move that date up. American Airlines announced it's cutting flights from Chicago to those two cities on September 3 and January 5, respectively.
A Green Line train derailed on the South Side this morning, injuring about 10 people.
Apparently fewer people are taking limos to O'Hare and Midway, thanks to rising fuel costs and shrinking pocketbooks.
Post your subway crush here.
In case you've forgotten since the last time this article was rolled out, the Sun-Times would like to remind you that decibel levels on the CTA can sometimes be dangerous. (This time there's video.)
Flickr user BlueFairlane demonstrates why it's important to wear a helmet when cycling ... and why cars drivers need to watch what they're doing.
If you're trying to get to work today via the I-80, you're already well aware that a semi carrying 10 tons of Oreo cookies crashed near Morris, IL early this morning. Although crews had successfully brushed the last of the crumbs to the side of the road by 6 am, the morning commute for those going eastbound is still totally dunked.
Currently holding the top spot in the country for gas prices: Chicago. Personally, I'd like to know where to find gas at the city's average of $4.07/gallon.
From the Chicagoland Stolen Bike Registry, a project to help understand patterns in comes this unfortunate report: "I locked my bike up very well to a metal pole/street sign in front of my friend's house... When I came out at midnight, the pole had been sawed through and thrown into the alley and my bike was no longer there." (Note: if you own a Specialized, be careful. They seem to be very "hot" lately with thieves.)
The Sun-Times takes a look at the best and worst of the CTA trains.
The CTA Tattler has a rundown on the CTA train reroutings this weekend. Due to work on the elevated tracks there will be some serious re-routing in the Loop. You might want to check out the details if you're planning to be downtown.
The publishers of Grand Theft Auto 4 are suing the CTA over those GTA ads that were pulled from buses in April. The ads were originally supposed to stay up for six weeks between April and June.
This Wednesday is Crossing Guard Appreciation Day! Safe Routes to School and the Chicagoland Bike Federation want your help thanking the crossing guards who keep kids safe as they walk or bike to and from school. So buy the crossing guard in your life something sweet or a new whistle this Tuesday.
IDOT is so overwhelmed by the volume and severity of potholes that it's hiring contractors to help catch up on the repairs. Meanwhile, CTA buses will soon get dedicated lanes, prepay kiosks at busy stops and other upgrades to help reduce congestion downtown.
The federal government will likely give Chicago a grant to study innovative traffic reduction techniques in the city. Among the options to be considered are increased parking charges in specific locations and congestion pricing, which notably recently went out in a blaze of glory in New York.
Beginning today, taxi drivers will be adding a $1.00 surcharge to cab fares to compensate for rising fuel costs.
A semi-truck hit the north stairwell of the Chinatown/Cermak Red Line station around 5:20pm today; reportedly two people have been killed and many more injured. If you're heading that way, take an alternate route, as the area is swarmed with emergency response and the trains are delayed. Very sad.
If you haven't been to the Chicago Stolen Bike Registry in a while, it's worth visiting even if you haven't lost a bike. While you're there, check out the stolen bike statistics and theft map to help you know what to look out for and where to be particularly careful. Given 99.34% of the listed thefts were unrecovered, being careful is probably the way to go.
Carfree Chicago has launched a new line of L Stop buttons for fashionistas who are interested in displaying neighborhood pride, support for public transit, or both. The buttons' bright, bold colors are perfect for springtime.
Amtrak says a Chicago-to-Iowa City rail line would carry 187,000 round-trip passengers a year, for a $55 million investment. National security and energy efficiency concerns have made rail lines an increasingly attractive alternative to flight for regional travel.
Remember yesterday's blue line snafu? Check out images of the passenger revolt with some additional details via the NYTimes.
The city has put together a helpful web page about where you can recycle/donate your old unused bike (with some helpful suburban locations too) as well as link to a company who's willing to recycle bicycle tires. Since tires aren't supposed to go to a landfill, this is a huge help!
In July 2006, after the Blue Line derailed and started a small fire near the Clark/Lake stop, 85-year old Elfa Lari suffered major injuries. Today, on the same day that the Blue Line once again had to be evacuated near the Clark/Lake stop, the agency reached an agreement to settle the case for $1.25 million.
Hope you didn't need it today: there's a train stuck at Clark & Lake, and it's shut down the line. Read a first-person account after the jump.
CTA announced that digital screens that announce real-time arrival information for trains will soon be added to more stations; the signs will also display advertisements, which the CTA expects could earn millions in revenue for their coffers.
Popular Mechanics listed the Circle Interchange and O'Hare as two of the "10 pieces of U.S. infrastructure we must fix right now." Not sure how you'd fix the Circle, but Daley's right on top of it with O'Hare... right?
Google has teamed up with the CTA to make planning your trip a whole lot easier.
Today begins the CTA Bus Tracker program for a handful of routes, with more to be added in May.
Because you're not flying ATA today. Or ever again.
The CTA permanently added two cars to all brown line trains yesterday, though no one seems to have noticed yet. Sounds like you might score a seat if you head for the ends of the platform.
Wondering how much that cab ride is gonna be? Check with Taxi Fare Finder. [via]
The CTA has successfully sent a 24-year old to jail for two years for spray painting the outside of an El car back in December. I think vandalism sucks and all, but couldn't time and money have been better spent hiring some cleaning crews for the inside of the cars instead?
CTA will be soon be unveiling the selected bus routes that will have GPS tracking ability, with riders able to track routes online by April 7. ChicagoBus.org already has a list of the majority of the routes on hand, among them the Western 49/x49 line.
...by plane, anyway. A week after they started flying to Gary-Chicago, SkyBus Airlines cut its service to Greensboro, NC (its only service) in half. Not to be outdone, AirTran is stopping flying between Midway and Minneapolis on May 5.
Wake Great Uncle Billy: Free rides for seniors began today on the CTA. Get the details on the program here.
The CTA will be eliminating the Blue Line service to 54th/Cermak for six months beginning April 27, claiming that Pink Line service to the same terminus has gobbled up the rider share and made the 54th/Cermak Blue Line the least-used in the CTA network. Along with making several experimental bus lines (78, 170-174, 192) permanent additions to their schedule, CTA claims that it will increase operating hours and service on several bus lines, and up the Forest Park and O'Hare Blue Line train service as a result.
The CTA is recruiting riders for its Mystery Shopper program. Good observational skills are required; trench coats and spy glasses are optional.
As Ron Huberman says, "Gum is the nemesis of transit."
Due to rising fuel costs, ATA will discontinue its domestic service at Midway Airport on April 14 and international service on June 7. If you have a flight that will be impacted by ATA's departure, you can visit the airline's website for refund information.
The city is about to install as many as 220 new red light traffic cameras. They've only announced six locations, but two are likely regular intersections for driving GB readers: Belmont and Lake Shore Drive along with Belmont and Halsted.
French company JCDecaux is offering to renegotiate its bus shelter contract in order to bring low cost bike rentals to the downtown area.
The CTA is going to expand its GPS bus tracking system this spring, one garage at a time. (Didn't know there was such a thing? Check it out.)
NPR shares Chicago's scourge with the nation: 250,000 potholes.
Yesterday, the RTA heard a $5.5 billion proposal to extend the Blue Line as far as Yorktown Center.
You'll always know where you're going in these shoes. [via]
And what does Phase 2 mean, I hear someone ask? The CTA Tattler has all the details; 20% reduced capacity on the Red Line (boo!), larger trains on the Brown Line (yay!), and the southbound trains will start to share a single track, while northbound trains will have access to two tracks (boo! yay!).
Commuter Feed is a new traffic reporting service built on Twitter. Follow Chicago's traffic patterns here.
Once again helping provide cheap posts for city-focused blogs all over the country, US News and World Report published a list of America's Most Miserable Airports, with O'Hare coming in at #1 (lots of delays & very full flights).
Got a complaint about the TSA? Register it on this site, developed by Chicago programmer Matt Dennewitz. (Thanks, Paul!)
Wednesday, Mayor Daley, who has given "salutes...in the Chicago way" to motorists who have perhaps dangerously impeded his progress as a cyclist, proposed raising fines to as much as $500 for turning right in front of a bicyclist, opening a door into the path of a cyclist or passing too closely.
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, the League of Illinois Bicyclists, and Trek Bike Corp. are sponsoring a bicycle safety essay contest for Illinois fourth- and fifth-graders. Winners will receive Trek 820 mountain bikes and helmets for submitting the best essay. All entries must be postmarked no later than March 31, and must be 100 words or less.
The 100th annual Chicago Auto Show opens Friday, so we here's a couple things to get you ready: Jalopnik's newness cheat sheet, Showlopnik, the derivatively named intern blog, and the 8th annual Auto Show Shutdown. After the jump, links to car blogs' CAS category archives.
That beautiful fog that swathed the city in film noir magic last night? It also canceled about about a thousand flights at O'Hare and Midway.
CTA art isn't usually all that interesting, but this work by Jonathan Gitelson looks amazing, at least online. We'll have to wait for the Armitage stop to reopen to be sure.
The REI Bicycle Friendly Communities Grant Program has awarded the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation with a $15,000 grant in recognition of its mission to make Chicago a more bike-friendly city. The Federation will use the grant to fund Sunday Parkways, a program that provides traffic-free biking on selected city streets during weekends and holidays.
CTA announced yesterday the purchase of 400 new rail cars that will roll into service in 2010. The cars feature live video security cameras, flat-screen monitors that display the train's current location, state-of-the-art diagnostic systems, and stain-and-smell resistant seat fabric. The new trains can run up to 70mph, unless you're in a beloved slow zone. Sadly cattle prods to move doorway loungers into the cars during rush hour will not be included.
Chicago rapper Kid Sister tips her hat to I-Go on the Canadian MuchMusic blog. [via]
If you were hoping transit funding from Springfield would stave off Metra fare hikes, you're going to be disappointed.
ChicaGO, a new mapping service developed by two Loyola students, tries to give you an idea of how long it'll take to get from one point to another using the CTA.
The Senate and the House just approved a long-term plan to aid the CTA. Relief is in the air - provided Blago doesn't veto. If you'd like to give the Gov your two cents about transit, call (217) 782-6830 or email, asking that he sign the bill.
The Chi-Town Daily News looks into the lives of musicians in the CTA subway.
Folks flying to Columbus will soon have an option other than Southwest at Midway -- Skybus at Gary. (I think I'll stick with Midway, thanks.)
You may want to check your I-PASS balance.
How bad is the CTA's budget crisis? Bad enough to catch the attention of The Economist. (Thanks, Jill!)
Wired reports that all the major airports suck in terms of delays, but Midway is the ninth least sucky of them all. (O'Hare is toward the back of the pack, naturally.)
If you're planning to go out tonight for your New Year's Eve celebration, keep in mind that the CTA will be increasing the frequency of some downtown bus lines and all train lines. Full details over at the CTA Website. And if you're saving up your pennies for those famous "1-cent fares," you might want to read this post at the CTA Tattler for the startling truth about penny fares!
A little birdie told me about this shindig, especially if you're into bikes and bike people. Ring in this New Year in high style at Holy Roller's New Year's Eve. This dance party benefits West Town Bikes. The evening's entertainers include Matt Roan + E, DJ Andrew Foster and DJ Coyote DG. Enjoy a midnight dance-a-long with Chicago's own Team Band. There's a secret location that you have to RSVP for, as well as some other fancy spy like stuff. Details in Slowdown.
Senator Dick Durbin earmarked some cash for a few local projects in the big Federal spending bill this week. Included were millions for CTA Circle Line development, Brown Line reconstruction, Metra expansion and bus and train service statewide. (Thanks, Sarah!)
The CTA's Holiday Train will be finishing its 2007 run this weekend, so if you haven't caught the train yet, it's your last chance! The train will be running on the Yellow Line today, and on the Orange Line this Saturday. See the CTA site for a schedule, and check out the Holiday Train photos on Flickr.
The SRAM grant program has awarded $10,000 in mini-grants to four causes that advance bicycling, including Bike Winter and West Town Bikes.
A new study sponsored by AXE (a male grooming brand) finds that flight delays can lead to romantic connections. Thanks to its poor on-time percentage, O'Hare places a respectable 13th on the list of major US airports; Midway limps in at number 31. The best matchmaker? Philadelphia International Airport. Start rearranging your connecting airports, people.
The Center for Neighborhood Technology wants pedestrians to be as safe as possible. So they're offering a new PDF "Pedestrian Rules of the Road" (PDF) to keep you out of danger.
Frequent flyers take note: O'Hare and Midway will be offering flu shots near the gates this year.
Submit questions now and show up today at 2pm for a live video chat with CTA President Ron Huberman.
As if the city could predict the arrival of the first winter storm of the season, the December to April winter parking bans go into effect tomorrow morning. Check your street (or these maps) for the snowflake-emblazoned signs, and don't count on any leniency from the tow truck drivers if you're car's in the wrong zone come 3am.
Parking rates at O'Hare and Midway airports are moving on up as of tomorrow. You'll feel the biggest hurt parking in the international lot at O'Hare, where the daily rate leaps from $30 to $50 per day. Other increases are more modest, unless you roll big and valet, which will run you $45 (as opposed to $32). All this plus proposed city and county tax hikes? 'Tis the season!
A mere 12 days after the latest near-miss of two planes near Chicago, Lewis University announced Tuesday in timely fashion that it will be the first Illinois school to offer an air-traffic controller degree. What a great job: "marked by high stress levels, bad work hours, little glory and the fear never far from a controller's thoughts that one mistake could kill a lot of people."
Apparently, it's national news when travel goes smoothly at O'Hare, a.k.a. "the hub that has been the scene of so many traveler nightmares."
We wondered what the mayor's plan was for the CTA. Well know we know.
Facing a $4 million shortfall, Metra ratified a proposed budget containing a series of 10% fare increases along with a weekend rate jump to $7 a pop. The RTA still has to sign off before the rates are set.
Illinois drivers' understanding of traffic laws ranks 45th out of the 50 states.
Well, there's one cut the CTA hasn't made (yet): the Holiday Train. Get your fix of twinkle lights, garlands and Santa all while moving down the tracks on your favorite CTA line. The Red and Purple lines get the train first, starting this weekend. Check the CTA's website for a full schedule of when the train'll be at your station.
The Beachwood Reporter is asking what the Mayor and the folks in the Hall are doing to prevent a CTA meltdown -- besides, of course, hiring a guy plucky enough to come up with a show-stopping number like rolling "doomsdays."
Although it's reportedly unlikely, Delta Airlines is thinking about buying United in an effort to deal with rising jet fuel costs.
ParkingAnyTime.com, is "a free community generated parking guide that connects motorists with on and off-street parking". Somewhat useful, especially in finding garages and getting the actual parking restrictions on a street, but areas covered are severely limited thus far.
According to New York magazine, the fastest flight from NYC to CHI is on ATA from Laguardia to Midway. The worst? Kennedy to O'Hare on Delta.
Not that anyone thinks airports are safe, but recent security breeches and bomb threats relating to Chicago operations sure make the TSA look even more incompetent.
The newest CTA doomsday date: January 20, according to a CTA press release. 81 bus routes eliminated, 2,400 employees laid off, 3 garages closed, and new fare pricing structure.
Looks like Monday will be a commute just as usual, in more ways than one. CTA and Pace have accepted short-term assistance from the Governor. Again.
The now annual Sadie Hawkins' Day Race & Style Ride is back again, November 10th. What is it? "Sadie Hawkins Day Race/Style Ride is an on-street, in-traffic, point-to-point bike adventure for couples or pairs... There are prizes for the fastest couple, fastest tandem team, fastest out of towners, best dressed, and more." Last year's inaugural event drew people from out of town, generated a ton of missed connections and suffice to say, there were a few couples that are still together to this day.
In an unlikely application of high technology, 10 Chicago Shell gas stations are getting fingerprint scanning payment systems. Expect a mad rush on Play Doh locally as well.
A pitiful email from CTA President Ron Huberman with the subject line "Please Prepare for Next Week" appeared in my inbox tonight. "I ask that you take the time to prepare for next week's commute," he begged me, asking that I review the service cuts and fare increases expected to begin this Sunday and create a new transit plan, if needed. Given the media blackout on this topic, I'm grateful for the update. Someone get that guy a copy of this book!
Not as civil as the Tattler, but a good venue for transportation woes: CTA Sucks.
USA Today reports that screeners at O'Hare missed about 60% of hidden bomb materials that were packed in everyday carry-ons. LAX did worse -- missed 75% -- while SFO missed only 20%. The head of the TSA says the the high failure rates stem from increasingly harder tests.
Dmitry Samarov blogs about his experiences as a Chi-town cabbie over at HACK. He even draws his passengers. The Sun-Times recently profiled this Soviet immigrant turned driver, including some fun quotes about getting propositioned.
The City of Chicago just launched a new six-month in-car parking meter program. Drivers pre-pay an initial $15 either at City Hall or online and they get the device for free. The rate will depend on what zone the meter is located, and you have to call which explains all the recent zone stickers. It's a pilot program limited to 1,000 people.
The City ordered the "Party Cab" to clean out the decorations by Thursday, meaning there's one less interesting ride home.
The FBI is investigating the removal of a dozen spikes from Metra tracks near 100th Street and the Bishop Ford.
GB alumni and fellow teammate Luke Seemann recounts a hit-and-run during the team's weekly Saturday morning ride up to Highland Park and back on his excellent Chicago Bike Racing. Clearly an attack on the riders who were paying attention to the rules of the road, the culprit turned himself in and is now facing felony charges in court. Luke has further details on Thomas Lynch.
Maybe the reason the CTA changed its mind on the Chicago Card is because its president, Ron Huberman, rides the rails, too.
Good news for Chicago Card holders who were going to have to jump through CTA's hoops. The CTA is reversing its decision.
If you want to check out the undeniably nifty Smartcar then you've missed your Chicago chance for a test drive -- the Smart Team came through in June. But next week they'll be in Louisville if you fancy a roadtrip, and St. Louis on Oct 3rd.
When it takes you a half hour to get from the circle interchange to Roosevelt you may not need a national study to tell you Chicago traffic is one of the worst in the nation. Well here it is anyway.
Since pinching pennies is the rule of the day with the CTA, make sure your pennies stay right where you put them on your Chicago Card. If you ran out and got a card when they were first offered four years ago, your card might be expiring as early as October 17th (note: this doesn't affect Chicago Card Plus users). To check the status of your card, and to replace it, talk to a customer service agent in person, go online or call 888-968-7282.
The Tribune sent a reporter and photographer along with two Chicagoland Bicycle Federation employees to ask the question in an article with video. Of course, they find out what most of us already know: cars mean trouble. Go ahead and take the poll, if you're so inclined.
The juggernaut-like O'Hare expansion plan won another victory when the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the notion that relocating 1,600 graves in 158-year-old St. Johannes Cemetery in Bensenville, IL, to make room for more runways violated the Illinois Religious Freedom Restoration Act. "We are very excited about this decision," said our not-at-all-ghoulish mayor.
The plan to increase sales taxes in Cook and neighboring counties to raise funds for Chicago-area mass transit systems failed in the Illinois house. Supporters hope to build more support for the plan in the days to come, but service cuts and fare increases loom on September 16. As GB reported earlier, it's probably a good time to get your Chicago Card.
Given the pending fare hike, the CTA is waiving the $5 fee for the Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus until Halloween. The cards will make riding 50¢ to $1 cheaper, depending on the time of day and location, so it's worth the effort to find a sales location [pdf] or use the separate online ordering sites for the Chicago Card or Chicago Card Plus.
The Block 37 project is millions over budget, to the surprise of nobody. Crain's reports that the city is now in talks with the same firm that leased the Skyway to privatize the CTA station below the block.
Tonight's Critical Mass bicycle rally ended with police action, including some arrests. Bikers were turned away from the planned route to 12th St. Beach by police, who came by paddywagon, ATV, Segway and even bike to stop the throng. Visit CCM to upload your personal ride report.
Chicagoist answers a question I've been wondering the last week or two: What's up with the new "Zone #" stickers on all the parking meters?
If you've ever been down Ravenswood near Wilson, you might have seen the rather large stickered and logoed truck with bright red, yellow and black graphics that say, "On the Fly." The Chicago Traveler has the scoop: On the Fly is a mobile bike mechanic shop. Joe Ebervein and Rich Kwaitkowski will go where you are to get you on the road again.
HACK is a blog by taxi driver and artist Dmitri Samarov, created as a companion to his pretty amazing website. Check out his other "Hack," a minicomic about his day job.
A new state law signed by Gov. Blagojevich this past weekend gives bicyclists something to be happy about: more room. The law allows bicyclists to move further into the travel lane to avoid getting cut off by right-turning cars. It also requires drivers to give bikers three feet of room when passing. To aid in communication, the new law allows bike riders to signal a right turn with the right arm (effectively letting you point to where you're going).
The CTA Tattler runs down a list of some of the CTA's rules of behavior.
The Sun-Times' Transportation section features a fun little article about some of the more random stuff found in the CTA's lost and found. So, if you're wondering where your porn, bicycle, or prosthetic breast (all items mentioned in the story, btw) ended up, now you know.
If recent talk of some riders wanting to disband the Chicago Critical Mass has you riled up, you may want to weigh in on the matter.
I found out about this transit change the hard way this past weekend: on the weekends of July 14 and 21, as well as August 11 and 25, CTA trains will not run between the O'Hare line's Western/Milwaukee and Clark/Lake stations (on August 11, the Jackson/Dearborn station will also be closed). Instead, a bus shuttle will run between all closed stations to substitute for the faster, more convenient train service.
The September 28 celebration of the 10th anniversary of Chicago's Critical Mass ride may also be the marking of its end, as reported in the Sun Times. The large draw of participants dedicated to showing the benefits of cycling is apparently causing more problems than displaying productive transit solutions; apparently no one likes a group of loud, drunk folks on bikes (but if you've seen a Critical Mass ride, you know that hardly describes the majority of riders). Before you start crying in despair, note that no formal plans have been made to shut down the ride, which is scheduled for the last Friday of every month at 5:30 p.m. in Daley Plaza.
Amtrak and GrandLuxe have teamed up to bring high-end GrandLuxe Limited service on regular Amtrak routes that primarily involve Chicago. Of course, a luxury train ride isn't cheap; routes start at $789.
Lee Bey of The Urban Observer directs our attention to a CTA study I've not heard of before. The Chicago Central Area Transit Plan made a case for tearing down the Loop's elevated lines and replacing them with subways that connected with the existing lines in the rest of the city. Unfortunately the project ended up $500 million short so it died before it ever got off the ground. But I think Lee is correct in asking if the city will ever dream that big again.
Hope you didn't try to fly out of O'Hare on United yesterday. Nearly all of the Chicago hometown's computer system crashed, bringing the fleet to a screeching halt. In today's Crain's, UAL COO Pete McDonald blamed it all on one guy. Wonder if his last name is "Bartman."
As of today, Cheikh "Bamba" Dione is the first fleet-based hybrid taxi driver in Chicago. Oh, and if you attend the formal unveiling, you may be lucky enough to watch David Hudson receive CCC's Cab Driver of the Year award and then witness his hand print and signature rendered in wet cement for CCC's "Walk of Fame."
Happy birthday to The CTA Tattler! The blog celebrates its third anniversary today.
ChicagoTows.com is a nearly real-time database of Chicago vehicle towing. Keep your eye on those pirates. (Thanks, Pat!)
The CTA may suck in a lot of ways, but at least there's one employee willing to