Trish Nee wrote to "Going Public" about a Blue Line train emergency in April 2008 that led to the evacuation of trains. Nee wrote to the CTA in April 2008 seeking compensation for clothes and a suitcase damaged in the evacuation. Nee said she still hasn't heard back from the CTA. Her correspondence with the CTA is after the jump.
Nee wrote to the CTA in April 2008: "I was one of the many people stranded on the Blue Line Tuesday morning. I left Cumberland at about 7:30 a.m. I was supposed to start work at 8:30 a.m. and did not arrive until after 10:00 a.m.
I was on the second train behind the stalled train. It was about 8:10 when our train stopped. The announcements were [sporadic] and not very informative.
When everyone finally started leaving the train, I was a bit apprehensive as I was caring a suitcase with items for my work.
I had to walk through the dark tunnel single file in what seemed like a mile to the nearest exit area.
There was a CTA man holding a flashlight at one point where we had to go around the red/green light. All this time I am trying to maneuver pushing my suitcase.
Then when we finally get to the exit we have to walk through utter filth and water to climb up the rusty spiral staircase!! ...
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CTA rider: I should be compensated after evacuation
At this time the man behind me took my suitcase for me. I never could
have done it on my own. All the time, 'stuff' is falling on our heads
and clothing.
Then we had to climb up another ladder-like staircase to the street. We were told the shuttle buses would take the Blue Line route, but mine went south on Wacker.
I got off at the Metra station and walked because I knew I would be even LATER for work!!!!! What is the CTA going to do about this and the fact that I and MANY others were late for work or whereever the passengers were going?
My coat and blouse and shoes are so badly stained with rust and God knows what else, my suitcase is the same way. My nails are a complete mess... Manicure shot to Hell... I was late for work by 11/2 hours, of which that time was taken away from me...
I am so upset that NO ONE FROM THE CTA was asking for our names or phone numbers at Clinton and Fulton were I exited.
I did go over to the State of Illinois building and no one there was of any help regarding my situation (clothing, shoes, suitcase and nail mess).
I have taken the CTA as far back as I can remember, yesterday I drove to work because I was so concerned about the day before. I certainly CANNOT afford to do that everyday.
How does the City of Chicago expect to have an Olympics event here, when delays like this happen?
I HOPE to hear from someone about being compensated for all I went through. If you need proof I was on the Blue Line, my picture is on the Tribune Web site."
After not hearing back, Nee sent another e-mail to the CTA in December 2008. The CTA responded in December 2008: "Thank you for your inquiry. We apologize for the delay in resolving your issue. Your information will be shared with the responsible area managers for appropriate action."
In November 2009, Nee wrote back to the CTA: "I am still waiting for a response to my problem after well over a year and a half. I had two telephone interviews and still no compensation. Coworkers have had settlements made and they didn't even go through what I did on April 15. Could someone please settle this problem?"
The CTA responded in November 2009: "Thank you for your complaint. Your information has been forwarded to the Claims Department for follow-up. Again, we are sorry for your negative experience and appreciate your comments."
Then we had to climb up another ladder-like staircase to the street. We were told the shuttle buses would take the Blue Line route, but mine went south on Wacker.
I got off at the Metra station and walked because I knew I would be even LATER for work!!!!! What is the CTA going to do about this and the fact that I and MANY others were late for work or whereever the passengers were going?
My coat and blouse and shoes are so badly stained with rust and God knows what else, my suitcase is the same way. My nails are a complete mess... Manicure shot to Hell... I was late for work by 11/2 hours, of which that time was taken away from me...
I am so upset that NO ONE FROM THE CTA was asking for our names or phone numbers at Clinton and Fulton were I exited.
I did go over to the State of Illinois building and no one there was of any help regarding my situation (clothing, shoes, suitcase and nail mess).
I have taken the CTA as far back as I can remember, yesterday I drove to work because I was so concerned about the day before. I certainly CANNOT afford to do that everyday.
How does the City of Chicago expect to have an Olympics event here, when delays like this happen?
I HOPE to hear from someone about being compensated for all I went through. If you need proof I was on the Blue Line, my picture is on the Tribune Web site."
After not hearing back, Nee sent another e-mail to the CTA in December 2008. The CTA responded in December 2008: "Thank you for your inquiry. We apologize for the delay in resolving your issue. Your information will be shared with the responsible area managers for appropriate action."
In November 2009, Nee wrote back to the CTA: "I am still waiting for a response to my problem after well over a year and a half. I had two telephone interviews and still no compensation. Coworkers have had settlements made and they didn't even go through what I did on April 15. Could someone please settle this problem?"
The CTA responded in November 2009: "Thank you for your complaint. Your information has been forwarded to the Claims Department for follow-up. Again, we are sorry for your negative experience and appreciate your comments."
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