Does the CTA satisfy the needs of riders with physical limitations?
The answer is no, if you ask a psychology student who, as a school experiment, rode the Red Line in a rented wheelchair and was featured in Tuesday’s “Going Public.”
Michael Brennan, 23, said he had a difficult time getting on and off trains, was surprised that some stations lacked elevators, and had to rely on the kindness of commuters for assistance instead of agency employees.
The CTA said it is making more of its 144 stations accessible as funds become available, and by the end of 2009, 91 will be as a result of the Brown Line capacity expansion project. The transit agency also said customer assistants can be contacted via buttons on platforms and on “L” cars.
Riders weighed in with their own opinions on the accessibility issue via e-mail and on redeyechicago.com/ctablog. Others offered kudos and complaints about other aspects of the system.
Show some sensitivity
My mother has had similar difficulties with public businesses, schools, etc. when it comes to receiving assistance. It is never surprising how insensitive the public can be toward others. We always ensure our loved ones are taken care of, but neglect all others. I believe we are all brothers and sisters regardless of what God you believe in.
adrian diaz, 26, jefferson park
Transit pick-me-up
While I’ve certainly had my bad experiences on the CTA (being mugged and beaten up on the Green Line while other passengers looked on comes to mind), I’ve got to say that yesterday the CTA redeemed some of my faith. I lost (translation: forgot) my bike on the westbound No.66-[Chicago] bus Wednesday night. On [Aug. 7], I called 1-888-YOUR CTA and got directions to the bus garage [where] my bike was. That afternoon after work, my No. 66-Chicago bus driver not only gave me directions to the garage and stopped for me even though I didn’t know where I was going, he walked me to the garage personally since it was a “rough” neighborhood even though he was officially off of work. Everyone who helped me at the garage was pleasant, polite and helpful, but this driver was the best. I am so grateful to have my bike back, but I’m even happier to know that there are still kind people out there who are willing to lend a friendly hand despite the abuse we sometimes heap on them.
sarah sticha, 22, wicker park
Turn it down
Just curious, has anyone mentioned how much louder the trains are now that [they have] eight cars? I thought it was just me, but my neighbors have been talking about it, too. Not that the CTA could do anything about it except run six-car trains again and maybe more frequently to accommodate all the riders.
mary olvera, 29, lincoln square
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goingpublic&tribune.com
