After the Alert: Cold wreaks havoc on CTA trains, buses; more info needed
The first CTA Alert hit my cell phone before 5 am Tuesday: "Due to flooding, #78 Montrose buses rerouted both in directions via Montrose, Lincoln, Irving Park and Ashland."
Then news came about the Damen bus and Montrose station closing because of the huge water main break. (The CTA originally reported the wrong station was closed, but then corrected it.) The subscribers to Tattler's CTA Alerts got the news early and were able to adapt quickly. And we thank the CTA for that.
But the CTA still has been inconsistent about its communications to the wireless text group on emergencies and outages. For instance, we didn't hear a word Monday about the Clark and Lake subway and elevated station closing for another broken water pipe.
And Tuesday morning's commute on the Red Line was backed up due to interlocking problems at Howard Street.
Remember CTA, the more your customers know, the better they can adapt to changing situations, especially in inclement weather. So please open up that information pipeline a little wider.
(Chicago Tribune photo by Nancy Stone / January 22, 2008)
I think it's hilarious how you gently chide the CTA for it's failings. Not sharing with riders the explanations for or existence of delays, station closing, etc. isn't some small nagging issue the CTA should get around to fixing before achieving perfection. It's emblematic of a crumbling, aggravating, and embarrassing system that we should have the guts to admit simply DOES NOT WORK.
Posted by: More skeptical | January 23, 2008 at 09:53 AM
I had no problems with yesterday's commute. I got to Bryn Mawr at just about 8 and was at work early.
Today was a special kind of hell, though. Gawd, it sucked. (And can all the juicy germbags just stay the hell home or at least buy some Sudafed? Thanks.)
Posted by: Bob S. | January 23, 2008 at 10:12 AM
Can't wait to see the comments on the post sure to come - the CTA has ordered some very highly advanced video rail cars - finally some attempts to curb crime!
Posted by: Mike | January 23, 2008 at 03:04 PM