A teenager runs alongside a moving bus, pounding on the door to be let in. Riders nonchalantly cross between “L” cars. A Brown Line commuter leans dangerously near the edge on a superskinny platform.
All these activities lead to one question: “What are you thinking?”
We all make CTA mistakes–brushing other riders in the rush for a train or leaning against bus doors–but some actions almost defy explanation. “Going Public” has its list of the top five Rider Riddles.
1 Leaning over the lines
Come on, you know exactly which lines we mean. The bright blue ones found on the platforms of many CTA stations.
Some riders act as if the raised, blue areas are there to add a dash of color to an otherwise blah station, but those markings are there to remind you to stand clear of oncoming “L” trains and the tracks. But even if there is no line, be careful.
On Thursday, “Going Public” spotted a rider leaned over so far at the Armitage stop that it’s a wonder he wasn’t tapped to be a stuntman in a “Matrix” movie. Please, for the sake of avoiding an encounter with the track’s 600-volt third rail, stand back.
2 Crossing between ‘L’ cars
This act once seemed the sole domain of panhandlers trying to cover as much ground as they could between “L” stops. But a RedEye staffer and frequent rider tells “Going Public” that he’s witnessed riders passing between “L” cars much more often.
He said he recently saw two apparently middle-aged women walk between rail cars, and even pause mid-cross for a brief conversation.
While this action is completely kosher on a moving Metra, it’s downright prohibited and could earn you a fine on the CTA, according to transit agency spokeswoman Robyn Ziegler.
3 Running in front of buses
“Going Public” has noticed the persistence of a gigantic no-no: riders so eager to catch a bus that they will run in front of it or alongside it to get the bus driver’s attention.
Though we understand the urgency of getting to work, school and other appointments on time, it’s not worth the danger of running in front of any kind of moving vehicle. Even if the next bus doesn’t come for an hour, being behind schedule is no reason to lose your life.
4 Dirty language
Nobody should censor conversations on buses and trains, but what about a teeny bit of rider restraint?
While riding the rails, “Going Public” has, unwillingly, overheard loud sex advice sessions and profanity-filled tirades screamed across cars. Sure, it gets boring on the train, but consider the small children, preteens on field trips and other riders who may not want to overhear NC-17-rated ranting.
5 Strapping on the moving feedsack
Gnawing hunger may tempt a rider into a quick bite of a candy bar or a handful of potato chips, despite the fact that the CTA can fine you for eating or drinking on buses and trains. Yet nothing really explains a rider who takes up two seats to lay out and chows on a meal that might include salad, a hefty sandwich and a beverage. Just don’t ask to borrow any Grey Poupon.
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Why do some riders do that?
Send your own “what-are-youthinking” scenarios–along with full name, age and neighborhood–to kkyles@tribune.com. Your response could run in the “Hey, CTA!” section that appears in this space on Wednesdays.
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kkyles@tribune.com
