Thursday, February 4, 2010

CTA Changes Coming on Sunday February 7th

So you've probably read about the cuts to CTA service, but if not the CTA Tattler has a couple good posts about the changes here.

Specifically for the South Loop here are some links to the changes:
Hopefully this isn't too painful...

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm scared to see what the 3 and 4 look like Monday morning. They're already pretty packed between 8 and 9am on S. Michigan, and with the X3 and X4 eliminated, it doesn't look good.

Jim in the Sloop said...

The whole thing makes no sense. The new #2 schedule makes it sound like they will now run every 7-12 minutes during peak hours, but under the old schedule it was every 15, if it came at all. So this sounds like an increase in service rather than a decrease. I'm completely mystified. If they reduce the #2 they're going to need shoehorns to get us all in.

Anonymous said...

More crowded buses is a big problem for me, I take my daughter in a stroller to daycare at work. Typically, no one provides me the use of the handicapped fold-up seats for the stroller and I am forced to stand, now I won't even get on the bus. DAMN! Looks like I'm walking more often!

Anonymous said...

I for one can not stand folks that bring stollers on the bus. I mean it. My first thought is you have got to be kidding me that you are trying to get on a full bus with a stroller. The second is that I as a man would NEVER tell my wife/girlfriend who was with my son/daughter to get on a bus with a stroller during rush hour. Don't have a baby if you don't have the spare change to take a cab. I am the first person to give up my seat to an older lady or man, but not someone who is that inconsiderate that creates havoc.

Anonymous said...

Wow anon, Seriously??? Take a cab without a child seat? Try and think that through for a second...

People that share your attitude should be walking downtown or sitting in the back of the bus.

I am a man (maybe more than you) and I do not have any other option than to bring my infant to work when the weather is so cold.

I invite you to think about your comment and reflect on reality. A parent with a stroller creates havoc? No sir, it is inconsiderate people like you that feel obligated to sit on your ass.

Anonymous said...

I'm with Anonymous (the one who talked about x3 and x4). I fear Monday what my commute will be like. Going north of Randolph on Michigan from the sloop, there are currently 3 options: #3, #x3, #x4 and 2 out of those 3 are being cut! That means longer waits, much more crowded buses, and a more expensive trip on a daily basis because I may have to transfer if I can't fit on the # 3. Once this settles in, if it's really bad I may be driving to work! And to the Anonymous who "cannot stand folks that bring strollers on the bus," I wonder who really can stand you!

Lance Uppercut said...

Bashing people with strollers is simply not constructive . . . the real issue is overcrowded/underfunded mass transit.

Granted, some people don't exercise very good muni-manners. I don't think a stroller "entitles" you to anything special but that doesn't mean I think they're a nuisance.

I'm not sure what the best solution is. Do people with strollers deserve a special area like the handicapped and elderly folks? What about obese people? Where does it end?

Anonymous said...

I have to laugh at this question, "Do people with strollers deserve a special area like the handicapped and elderly folks?" Anyone who uses public transportation with kids knows the obvious answer...

Strollers have little babies inside them. They should be kept out of the flow of circulation within the bus and in a secure place. Always. The parent should be sitting next to them to comfort them if needed.

Are there any more monsterous comments about who gets the right to ride the bus comfortably?

Any able-bodied person should not hesitate to get off their ass when someone of need enters the bus... and that includes helpless babies in strollers!

I can't believe I am arguing this???

Lance Uppercut said...

I led off my post with "Bashing people with strollers is simply not constructive.". Not sure how much clearer or diplomatic I can be on the subject.

More importantly, I'm pretty sure it's against the law in this state to have a baby sitting in a stroller in a moving bus, train, etc. The device should be folded up prior to boarding and all riders seated.

Feel free to correct me BUT cite your source.

Carl said...

Stroller or no, if you paid for one seat that's all you're entitled to.

Riders with infants are certainly NOT the same as riders with bona fide disabilities.

Anonymous said...

CTA’s rules were changed to allow open strollers back in 2003 to promote a family-friendly transportation service. I use a small stroller and take my daughter to daycare at my office, so I have to commute during rush hour for 1-1/2 miles of the bus route. Taking an infant out of a stroller and entering the bus is next to impossible (and very dangerous). Strollers are necessary for some people, the day that infants can walk is the day strollers are not necessary, otherwise suck it up.

As for people sitting in the seats who don't fall into the categories: elderly, expecting women, and people with disabilities; they should be ashamed of their selfish behavior. I avoid sitting there always. I cringe when I see able-bodied people lounging on the front seats while I am scampering to place my stroller in a safe area on the bus.

How about this approach: Help people if you can; don't help them if you can't. I don't think the background of why they need the help really makes a difference. Helping someone, even if you're annoyed or don't think they deserve it, is just kindness, which the world needs more of.