CTA Tattler

New subway exit signs point the way to safety

Large white signs with bright red lettering now point the way to street-level safety in CTA subway tunnels.

The signs, made of reflective materials, were installed in the Blue and Red Line tunnels beginning in July. Installation is complete in the Blue Line tunnel, and is continuing on the Red Line.

The signs posted every 200 feet, point in each direction, stating the number of feet to the next streetside exit.

The signs are just one part of the response to scathing criticism from the National Transportation Safety Board in the wake of the July 2006 Blue Line derailment. Specifically, the CTA is partially addressing Safety Recommendation No. 12 from the NTSB report:

• Examine and improve as necessary your ability to communicate with passengers and perform emergency evacuations.

To that end, the CTA also conducted emergency evacuation drills in the Blue Line tunnel in August and September during service suspensions for slow-zone work.