Update on CTA passenger communications efforts, CTA alerts system
I've been very critical in the past about the CTA's efforts to communicate service outages and delays to passengers. In fact, I tried to remedy the problem by working with my brother Dan to create a wireless alert system that notifies riders by SMS cell phone and email messages about outages and delays.
By way of update, I can say that the CTA has greatly improved its efforts to communicate problems to riders. On some mornings, I've been inundated with both loudspeaker announcements as well as CTA alerts about various system problems. The CTA itself has by far been the most active participant in our wireless alerts.
I've also seen comments here remarking on the CTA's improved communications. And you guys are tough critics. So CTA, keep up the good work. But given the fact that we're all still human and can improve, what ideas for improvements in communications efforts do you guys have for our CTA pals?
CTA wireless alerts update: As I mentioned above, the 400-plus subscribers to CTA wireless alerts have gotten great information in the last eight months about service outages and problem areas.
We've heard from the CTA about the Davis station closing because of wind-blown debris, bus reroutes due to fires, switching problems causing delays on the Red Line, and station closures caused by doofuses leaving unattended packages.
You riders also have shared excellent information gleaned from motormen and CTA personnel.
Unfortunately, there's also been a recent spate of stupid alerts. That has to stop. And we've taken action to boot the worst offenders from our alert network.
So hang in there, all you great CTA alert users. That was just a small bump in the road.
Have you thought about splitting the alerts into train and bus alerts? I don't ride the bus and I'm a little annoyed that I have to go through a bunch of stuff that doesn't apply to my traveling situation. Please consider it. Thanks!
Posted by: Tammy | March 16, 2006 at 11:07 AM
I agree .. if not the ability to select specific bus routes and train lines by color, then at least the ability to separate bus from train. It seems that would get rid of over half of the alerts I get .. which is good because I don't need them!
Posted by: Cec | March 16, 2006 at 01:07 PM
Is there a Metrarail Alerts service?
Also
Is there one for Pace bus? I have been posting alerts on the route I ride, but if there is alert service that covers PACE, I'd be interested ins subscribing to that.
Posted by: Uncle Crabby | March 16, 2006 at 02:45 PM
It's continually amazing to me how CTA personnel who make systemwide announcements over the station loudspeakers do their absolute best to make them unintelligible: mumbling, too fast, with no breaks in the sound. How hard is it to realize one's voice is going to echo badly through bad speakers? Enunciate clearly, speak slowly, and pause between phrases! No more useless garble!
Posted by: Scott | March 17, 2006 at 07:39 AM
On what line are you hearing more announcements? It's as silent as ever on the Howard branch of the Red Line, to my ears.
Posted by: Chicago Jason | March 17, 2006 at 10:30 AM
Jason -
I hear announcements most mornings on the blue line and I've heard announcements for various different lines at Clark/Lake. It seems to always be the same guy. He announces the delay time, gives the cause, and then thanks us for our patience and understanding.
Posted by: melanctha | March 17, 2006 at 02:46 PM