CTA riders: Students not a class act

Jones isn't alone. Jane Gleason of Lakeview wrote to "Going Public" to complain about her former commute on the No. 152-Addison bus to the Addison Blue Line stop.

"Any commuter trying to get on the 152 west of the Red Line stop will often have to wait as anywhere from one to six buses--packed to the brim with students--fly by you while you patiently stand at your bus stop, Chicago Card in the air," Gleason, 23, wrote. "When I say that the buses are packed, I mean it. Not only are there kids in every seat and packed in the aisles, but they are packed so tight that they are squeezed up against the front door and the windshield."

About 93,000 Chicago Public Schools students, including elementary, high school and charter students, have CTA student fare cards, CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond said. Bond said she hasn't received any complaints about CPS students on CTA buses.
Some riders don't mind commuting with these students. Anne Wagemaker of Logan Square said she rides the No. 82-Kimball-Homan bus and two trains, packed with students, before 7 a.m. on weekdays.

"While the afternoon rambunctiousness of these same students might cause other riders to become annoyed, I am constantly impressed with these kids. Making an hour-long trip long before 7 a.m. to get to high school?" Wagemaker, 27, wrote. "They obviously have a serious stake in their education and future. I'm happy to share my morning with these lovely young people."

Too hot or cool for the CTA?
"GP" has received a few complaints about the temperature of CTA buses. The CTA said buses have electronically controlled heating and air conditioning systems programmed to maintain a consistent temperature.

Buses are automatically programmed to keep the inside temperature at about 72 degrees, via air conditioning in the summer, and about 68 degrees, via the heating system, in the winter. If there is a problem with a bus getting too hot or too cold, maintenance personnel are assigned to handle repairs. The CTA encourages riders to contact them at 1-888-YOUR-CTA if they notice a temperature problem.

Here is some feedback regarding the column.

Shawn J. Mayberry wrote: "Although I know student riders can be annoying, but with the recent events that have been taking place amongst our youth I think that it is pertinent that our youth interacts with various people. And we've seen what happens when bystanders are silent. See something inappropriate say something."
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A 48-year-old Edgewater man wrote: "I was reading your Oct 27, 2009, article on commuting with students as I used to commute also with students on the CTA's No. 92 Foster bus. I found the commute interesting as far as the things the students say and what some of the males carry in their pockets!"
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Peter Wiggin wrote: "I can't believe your most recent article about student commuters. I'm a freshman in high school, and I take a train and a bus to school every day. None of my friends 'hog the middle of the CTA bus, refusing to move for anyone and barely letting anyone else by,' but I can guarantee that if they did, they would be met with scorn from the other kids.

And so what if poor Jane Gleason waits while bus after bus passes her by packed with kids? We are paying citizens with the same rights as her. If six buses full of old men passed her by, I doubt she would complain to RedEye about them.

Of course, there are rude young children out there in Chicago. There are also rude adults who refuse to yield their seats for anyone. Riding with any of those people is 'a pain.' The way you grouped all children together was unfair. Would you grow up a bit?"
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Carly Pearline, 25, of Lakeview wrote: "My reaction to the article 'Rider: Students not a class act' about the abundance of students on the No. 80 Irving Park and No. 152 Addison bus was that of shock and disgust.

I read the article just minutes ago and am writing this as I ride on the No. 80 Irving Park bus headed west from Lakeview. Yes, there are a swarm of high school kids around me, yes they are filling up the bus -- but they are going to school!

To get an education! How do these 'complainers' propose these kids get to school everyday? And was it really so long ago that they themselves were 14, 15, 16, awake WAY earlier than they would like to be but trucking along, awkwardly socializing, making their way to and through high school?

My advice to the adults complaining about their oh-so-difficult morning bus rides, get over it! Deal with it!

We're adults with options, choices and supposed maturity. If these students are such a burden to you I suggest you choose a different mode of transportation in the morning; let them make their way."