CTA Tattler

It seems like you got quoted frequently, although only by inference in the Tribune.

Hey all,

I attended today's meeting (my first time, hopefully not last) and my impression is that the board grilled CTA staff repeatedly about customer concerns and clearly let them know that their necks are on the line if the ball is dropped with this project.

I heard Carole present most of the questions we've asked here over the months, but I can't say that I'm satisfied with a lot of the answers from the CTA staff that spearheaded the 3track effort.

One gentleman's comments were inaudible most of the time and sounded like he was addressing the person next to him -- not the board, media or the rest of us in attendance. And it was frustrating because they were critical questions that needed to be addressed.

However as Kevin noted, Frank Kruesi basically took ownership of this plan and said he'd be in deep caca if it doesn't bode well.

The board UNANIMOUSLY approved the 3tracking project, though asked how could it have been approached differently, say if money wasn't an object.

When Carole asked the group to address why it did not include Sheridan as a purple line stop, they answered that only 4,300 or so riders use the station daily. However, they plan to use it instead of Addison for Cubs games. It doesn't make sense to me that Sheridan won't be used regularly and agree that the CTA is just asking for overcrowded platforms at Belmont going south.

Since the trains will probably be parked at Sheridan during this mess, why not go ahead and open the Purple doors and let people on and off? What about the CTA "alternating" and letting the purple customers have Sheridan as an option?

The CTA saw fit to NOT alter red line frequency. The group said that the current schedule of red line rush hour trains every 3 minutes is sufficient. I don't know about you, but I've NEVER seen the red line run that frequently, EVER ... unless trains were backed up and then had to run express.

Though not my favorite plan, I better understand why the CTA chose to beef up existing bus routes to help out, but for the life of me do not understand why the 36 Broadway bus will not receive additional runs. The line runs very close to the red line tracks -- more than the 22 Clark!

I didn't sense a lot of confidence about how the peak rush hour crowds will be handled. There was a mention of closing off stations that were overcrowded and redirecting customers to the nearest buses that will receive additoinal runs.

Excuse me? So if Thorndale red line station is overcrowded, you'll ask people to walk several blocks east to stand with the horde of 147 Express riders or potentially a taxi ride west to Clark for to get to work? The 147 has historically struggled to accomodate riders without a major project like this progress ... what in the world will happen next week?

I guess we'll find out sooner than later.

On the C.T.A. blog,I kept seeing comments about crumbling railroad ties.I was under the impression those recycled plastic"wood" ties were being used widely on the system.

Doo-doo Day is upon us?

James: Basically starting with the Pink Line project. In the past millennium, wooden ties were used. The portion of the Blue Line at issue (past Jefferson Park) was built in 1983-1984. Before that, concrete ties were used on the Dan Ryan and Logan Square to Jeff Pk segments in 1969-1970, and they broke, too, and were replaced with wooden ties.

>
Correction, it's not just the staff, the boards neck is on the line right now. They have made a bad decision and they know it...it doesn't impact the board who does not for the most part ride the CTA..so they don't really care either way...as long as they have a job as

>
I have already posted blogs on how they could have done different now and planned for this over the past 10 years...the Board chose to do nothing..they could have also requested an ADA exception and more funds. Instead, this plan will melt down big time when the first mistake gets made.

The best alternative? Don't put up with this mess. Do yourself a favor and either Take Metra, ride your bike, drive or move if you have to...but avoid this mess altogether.

Take the bus westbound to your nearest METRA train station. The north line almost ALWAYS runs on time. There are way to many CEOS and LAWYERS and the like that ride the line to allow it to degrade down to CTA service standards. It may take a little training on the riders part on how to board the train. They shut the doors...don't expect them to bounce open for you. They are powered by Air pressure. Wait your turn to get on the Metra train. Then be patient getting on. If ridership increases, Metra will make the caseto add more trains.

Back in the Loop floods of 92, the CTA lost many riders to metra due to the closing of the subways...many never went back.

Also, the North line is clean...keep it that way. Metra will kick off troublemakers as needed as they are running a railroad, not a homeless shelter.

Regarding stopping the train at Sheridan, my dad leave near Irving/Broadway for 2 years. Let's just say the Evanston Express will NEVER stop at Sheridan..even if it is a good idea for now. It makes it too easy to run drugs express between Howard and Sheridan :)

I still can not see how the CTA justifies its existance by running it's passengers away. Cutting back the number of trains reduces revenue. AT a time when their budget is supposively bailing water, they cut North side service, their biggest money maker besides the airports big time. "Hey, I am a board member, cousin of the Geico cavement. Me say one track service on slow zones..me think more riders will come". "Me close both subways during the Taste of Chicago...more riders will Loop around".

"Me say, bring back 40 Ohare express and run from downtown. More riders will ride bus"(and be stuck on the Kennedy)".

My apologies, better stop now before the board gets "better" ideas.

TransitMan

>

Chicago, IL -- Frustrated by repeated attempts to demand better services to no end, CTA Riders banded together today to hold a rally at the Federal Building. Board members were captured and forced to ride the Purple, Red, and Brown line repeated times. Board members, pleading insanity, still refused to change their bad service policies. One by one, a mob reminicent of the French Revolution, lowered each board member into the Chicago Tunnel System with a 1 weeks supply of food and a special fork used for catching rats.

If you are walking the streets of Chicago and hear pleading or wimp-ering or crying beneath your feet, do not be alarmed. A CTA board member may be attempting to escape to their limos and BMW's. Please do your fellow riders the honor of using all new porta-potties. To win "the Green award", these potties are piped to feed into the Chicago Tunnel System.