CTA gift ideas that didn't make the final list
You probably heard that the CTA has finally reopened its gift shop, after jobbing out the site to New York-based Image Exchange.
Our friends over at the Beachwood Reporter recently came up with this list of gifts that perhaps you didn't see at the site:
- Maps: Never used.
- Authentic fake time sheets.
- Surplus Conductor to English translators.
- "I spent two hours going through this slow zone and all I got was this crummy T-shirt."
- Evacuation safety manuals: Like new!
- Surplus Frank Kruesi bobblehead dolls.
- Those extras 30 minutes per day CTA has been stealing from you while you wait for their buses and trains to arrive.
- Screws leftover from the last set of repairs that we couldn't figure where to put back in.
- "My other train is a bus" bumper stickers.
And there are more here.
How about one for the kids? It's a Chicago Card and reader. The kids can spend hours of fun swiping their card over and over on the reader while being denied and asked to "swipe it again"!
Posted by: Ed | October 16, 2008 at 08:07 AM
I could go for an Uncle Frank bobblehead.
Posted by: Ralph | October 16, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Wow all of those are so amazingly true. I want a few of those for my place. I mean I want the lit LED sign that reads Brwyn Mawr red Line that appears on every 84 peterson bus. Makes you wonder what station you're at!
Posted by: Bluebummer | October 16, 2008 at 08:16 AM
A Power Point presentation touting the Block 37 downtown-to-O'Hare express train.
One of those old "95th to downtown in 15 minutes" signs.
A pair of the seats taken from the new seatless el train. Imagine sitting down to breakfast in one of those in your own home!
An official "Sounds of the CTA" CD featuring such classics as "Tube Socks", "Stop Holding The Doors", "Find The Red Card And Win Twenty Bucks" and the classic "Hey, My Wallet!"
"Conductor For A Day". Bid for a chance to become a real CTA conductor and relive the golden era when there was more than one CTA employee responsible a train with more than 300 passengers.
Posted by: Dude | October 16, 2008 at 09:54 AM
I renew my call for Customer Service Assistant In-action Figures.
Posted by: Martha | October 16, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Your very own pile of sunflower seeds.
Whoah! I'd love to see a picture of the 95th to downtown in 15 minutes signs. Link?
Posted by: chris | October 16, 2008 at 10:22 AM
CTA Train Map - Bemont Collector's Edition
Posted by: swizzle | October 16, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Chris,
I used to see that sign everyday when I went to work or school downtown and scoffed at it everytime I walked by. They eventually took it down. Truth in advertising rules I guess.
I tried to find a photo on the web but had some difficulty. I'll keep looking.
Posted by: Dude | October 16, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Maybe the CTA Gift Store should offer a revenue bond issue to the retail market like the MTA recently offered in New York. The prospectus states that the bonds are "being issued to finance transit and commuter projects and/or refinance any outstanding indebtedness." Imagine, a fabulous opportunity to help CTA retire debt from Block 37. Just in time for holiday giving!
Posted by: Martha | October 16, 2008 at 12:33 PM
I think I'd like a "Block 37" black hole bank.
You keep stuffing money in it, but when you open it up, the only thing there is an empty box...
KevinB
Posted by: KevinB | October 16, 2008 at 03:28 PM
I'd like a Brown Line conductor doll who announces "Ravenswood" everytime you squeeze the belly.
I mean seriously, I've been living here for almost 10 years and think they stopped calling it Ravenswood before that, yet the drivers keep dropping that name on passengers!
Posted by: Stan | October 17, 2008 at 08:46 AM
I'd also like an authentic "Shell Game", complete with dealers who will chase you out of the train and threaten you if you don't give them your money.
Posted by: Stan | October 17, 2008 at 08:48 AM
When it comes to the list in the story, I think I would like to have...hmmm...gifts No. 4, 6, 8, and 9. Lol. My first choice will be No. 8. I may really have a use for them *rofl.*
Posted by: Stamolka | October 17, 2008 at 09:15 AM
And after clicking on the link to see what else the Beachwood Reporter had on its list, I think I will also take Nos. 10, 13, and 14. Lol. How much will thiese gifts cost me? I am low on money at the moment. Lol. XD
Posted by: Stamolka | October 17, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I also understand that the CTA is working on another shower curtain based on the response of certain female members at the last "coffee".....I heard it's a life size RonH shower curtain...and how he's dressed, I'll leave to their imagination...
Estimates say that the profits should make up the $6 billion shortfall in the capital budget (EG)
KevinB
Posted by: KevinB | October 17, 2008 at 01:48 PM