Do you think the CTA/METRA will come back after Covid or will it become obsolete? (Chicago: real estate, rental) - Illinois (IL) - Page 6 - City-Data Forum

nap1313 · 03-30-2021, 07:14 AM

Seems like a lot of us on here are starting to take our first rides on CTA right about now. I too took my first ride on the blue line yesterday for the first time in over a year. There are a lot less people, but not as empty as I thought it would be. I also thought the loop would be pretty desolate, and while it is definitely a lot less crowded than normal, there were still more people than I thought there would be.

TBideon · 03-31-2021, 09:20 AM

I took the Blue line from LaSalle to California (Logan Square) yesterday evening. The derelicts and... I'll be nice and call them loudmouths really have carte blance more than ever.

If the city can't provide adequate security - uniformed, undercover, deputized civilians, city ambassadors, Guardian Angels, etc - then we'll just have more of the same uncomfortable situations if not chaos at times. It's very different today than a year ago.

Master Jay · 03-31-2021, 09:34 AM

I really wish there was an L that cut north and south from the northside to the south side, along Western Avenue, for example.

The handful of times I made my excursion from the northside to Ignotz Ristorante on 24th and Oakley takes me 3 trains. And timewise, it WOULD be faster to just do the drive.

Every once in a while, I do like to sightsee, so I DO take the 3 train ride. But a north-south train in the middle of the city would be ideal!

Master Jay · 03-31-2021, 09:36 AM

aaaaaand after submitting that, I just realized this SHOULD have gone in the post asking about a potential "circle line" of L trains.

Sorry about that.... Now, you people QUIT making similar posts!!!!

BRU67 · 03-31-2021, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nap1313

Seems like a lot of us on here are starting to take our first rides on CTA right about now. I too took my first ride on the blue line yesterday for the first time in over a year. There are a lot less people, but not as empty as I thought it would be. I also thought the loop would be pretty desolate, and while it is definitely a lot less crowded than normal, there were still more people than I thought there would be.

Pink Line definitely seems like it's picking up. By May, when many employers require people to get back to work, they'll be more crowded, I'll guess.

OKParker · 04-02-2021, 08:08 PM

Investing near the L - I think its long term progression is inevitable

personone · 04-02-2021, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRU67

Pink Line definitely seems like it's picking up. By May, when many employers require people to get back to work, they'll be more crowded, I'll guess.

Yes, it will definitely be picking up soon. Although May may be a little early before companies start requiring people back for at least hybrid schedules. I honestly feel like it is more likely summer when the transition back will start and probably fall before it's officially "required." I also feel like the hybrid schedules may be here to stay for many companies (telework 2-3 days, in office 2-3 days).

BRU67 · 04-03-2021, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OKParker

Investing near the L - I think its long term progression is inevitable

I agree. I apply the 1 Mile Rule - any property must be less than a mile from the L for me to even consider it. Closer the better. The hot market activity I'm seeing is too coincidentally along L corridors for me to think that the Covid will turn into anything other than a short term blip in the back to the city movement.

If you watch carefully, the articles and commentary predicting otherwise almost always come from the same usual conservative suspects.

jfre81 · 04-03-2021, 08:41 AM

We've got a bunch of white collar suburban folks who think their way of life right now is going to be the norm for everyone. They have no idea. Somebody has to get to the Amazon warehouse to get worked like a machine so you can get deliveries of everything you need to your house. The fairy godmother didn't wave her wand and drop them on your porch.

Also, more likely than not, you're going back to the office sooner than later.

TBideon · 04-03-2021, 01:01 PM

Your last sentence is dead on. Full remote isn't happening in large scale to the degree we thought/hoped it may, and corporate is eager to bring back the arcane nonsense of in person. I hate it and am looking for jobs that are full remote, but for the time being things will go backwards. Covid just didn't last long enough for true cultural and institutional change.