In Tuesday’s Going Public column, Kyra Kyles wrote about the all-too-tempting fatty foods lurking in and around “L” stations. And while ” ‘L’ stop eating” can be hazardous to your gut, it also can be a tasty delight, as several readers wrote in to say. Meanwhile, another reader has a funding suggestion, and frustrations with delays along the Red Line continue. Check back next Wednesday for more public transit news and views.
The good old days
I actually don’t have a favorite place–that is, anymore. There was nothing like getting off at the Fullerton stop to get the best hot dog in town from Demon Dogs. And oh, the scent of those Old Fashioned Donuts approaching the Halsted stop at 63rd Street. Now that was good “L” stop eating.
Theresa Smith, 36, South Side
Join the club
Hands down, it’s Chicago Bagel Authority just outside the Brown Line’s Armitage stop. Their Tonya Harding Club is the best sandwich in the city.
Matt Gibbs, 22, Lincoln Park
CTA brought to you by …
The CTA is a very vital part of Chicago. To be without it would stifle business throughout the city. Though I am grateful for its existence, the cost is one of the highest in the country.
I understand the need for financing such a great system. The major renovations and payroll are costly.
Day-to-day maintenance is also a great expense.
In the age of corporate sponsorship, I believe the cost to the general public can be a little less taxing.
CTA buses and trains have been automated with computers that call out each stop. Some major places such as The Merchandise Mart, Ford City, Wrigley Field, [U.S. Cellular Field], The Plaza and many others are broadcast over the speaker system as the stop approaches.
I’m sure you have a great sales and marketing department. Why not solicit businesses along each route?
It could mean exposure for the businesses and revenue for the CTA. My bus could call out restaurants, hotels, liquor stores, etc. as it approaches that stop. Beauty salons, strip malls and car dealerships could all benefit from such a system.
I love what the CTA does for me, except the part about emptying my pockets. Consider transferring the cost to someone who could actually afford it.
zavian a. chappell, 43, chicago
Slow motion
I agree the Red Line has become brutally slow lately, but the line has had many slow zones for years due to deferred maintenance by the CTA.
However, I’m getting really tired of the CTA using the Clark Junction and the Brown Line rehab work as the reason for all North Side Red Line slow zones in general. The line is riddled with slow zones all the way from downtown to Rogers Park. These slow zones are in areas that have nothing to do with shared tracks or signals with the Brown Line.
What is CTA’s excuse for so many slow zones on its most heavily traveled line? If funds are short, why isn’t money being spent to fix the problems where the most people can benefit?
Matthew Puetz, 27, Edgewater
Think you have it bad?
I have been reading all the gripes by the Red Line riders. I take the Green Line. When the Green Line was being repaired, CTA shut down the entire line for two years. If the Red Line riders think that the stops on the train line are a nuisance, try taking a bus until all the repairs are done.
G. Duncan, 54, Austin
Communication is key
It’s funny–6:40 a.m. on the southbound Red Line from Sheridan to the Loop: It could take 20 minutes or 45 minutes. Never, and I say NEVER an explanation of a delay until we are well into it. To the CTA: If a train is delayed, those operators have radios. Use them and tell your customers.
If we all knew about the slightest delay, we could have an easier day and plan around the mishaps.
Joe Conrad, 30, Buena Park
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Have something to say about public transportation in Chicago? Send your ideas and opinions to kkyles@tribune.com.
