Official Chicago Public Transportation Question Thread (upkeep, live, cost of)

[hank0604]

I'm pretty sure I remember the subway in D.C. being a lot grimier than the El. But yeah, there are a lot of stops that are pretty bad. Especially the red line stops in the loop.

Here's a thought: do the CTA/neighborhoods near a stop ever organize community clean-up efforts? I would certainly participate in a group effort to go paint and replace some tiles at a few stops. Maybe even hire some artists to design some murals, then those can be reproduced on the walls fairly easily by unskilled painters. An activity like this wouldn't cost them much money aside from supplying paint.

In fact, if anybody wants to organize something like this, you can count me in to donate a weekend or two of my time. I'm so sick of people finding random, arbitrary things about Chicago to complain about, without suggesting any solutions. In a lot of cases, you have to take matters into your own hands and make something happen.

[advocatusdiavoli]

Originally Posted by via chicago

The Deep Tunnel has also taken 30+ years of construction (wont be finished for another 10), and has already cost $3 billion+.

A comprehensive subway in place of the L is a nice thought and all, but it aint gonna happen. Buses are far more versatile and are not subject to high upfront capital expenditures, or tearing up the entire city for a few decades...

Unfortunately buses are prone to suffer from the same congestion problems we are trying to escape by investing in public transportation.
It's a short sighted approach in my humble opnion.

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by advocatusdiavoli

Unfortunately buses are prone to suffer from the same congestion problems we are trying to escape by investing in public transportation.
It's a short sighted approach in my humble opnion.

I dont disagree with you. But the funding just dosent exist. It'll be a minor miracle if we even get the Circle Line completed.

[advocatusdiavoli]

Originally Posted by via chicago

I dont disagree with you. But the funding just dosent exist. It'll be a minor miracle if we even get the Circle Line completed.

I get it but if I was to think about one aspect Chicago I would like to see an improvement it is definetely the public transportation. I strongly believe good transportation system helps the economy and quality of life of the entire city. Buidling more highways will not help as LA has proved to the world so I hope any money Chicago gets will be spend on public transportation infrastrcute and not just adding more buses or some tourist attraction.

[supernerdgirl]

Everyone needs to remember the City of Chicago doesn't exactly have jurisdiction over the CTA. The RTA does, and that's a state entity. Thus, the state has to divvy up any funding, which has to be approved by the RTA. Da Mare doesn't have much to do with it.

[Attrill]

Originally Posted by supernerdgirl

Everyone needs to remember the City of Chicago doesn't exactly have jurisdiction over the CTA. The RTA does, and that's a state entity. Thus, the state has to divvy up any funding, which has to be approved by the RTA. Da Mare doesn't have much to do with it.

Beat me to it! The mayor does appoint some members to the RTA board and the CTA chair, but he has no direct control over the CTA or it's funding.

[long101]

[quote=hank0604;7177616]
Here's a thought: do the CTA/neighborhoods near a stop ever organize community clean-up efforts? I would certainly participate in a group effort to go paint and replace some tiles at a few stops. Maybe even hire some artists to design some murals, then those can be reproduced on the walls fairly easily by unskilled painters. An activity like this wouldn't cost them much money aside from supplying paint.
quote]

Thats not a bad idea. Or how about we have teams of prisoners do it under supervision, its not like they are doing anything else with their time. Instead of having them clean a block in the loop have them clean up a L station

[supernerdgirl]

Originally Posted by long101

Thats not a bad idea. Or how about we have teams of prisoners do it under supervision, its not like they are doing anything else with their time. Instead of having them clean a block in the loop have them clean up a L station

I think folks in Edgewater do get together to clean the L stations on occasion, particularly Bryn Mawr. I never can do it because i'm usually working.

[Chicago60614]

I don't mind how it looks. The trains are usually clean, but the cars are old and not set to be replaced until later this year and next year.


I guess if it bothers you, you could just write them a check or give your debit card number so they can install nice upgrades.

[advocatusdiavoli]

Originally Posted by Chicago60614

I don't mind how it looks. The trains are usually clean, but the cars are old and not set to be replaced until later this year and next year.


I guess if it bothers you, you could just write them a check or give your debit card number so they can install nice upgrades.

She already does, every time she rides the L she gives them her money.