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Things to do on the CTA to avoid NATO crush this weekend

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More than 20 CTA buses rerouted. Street closures from the Near North to past McCormick Place on the south. “Rolling” Chicago highway shutdowns for NATO dignitaries. So stay away from all those areas this NATO “Global Crossroads” weekend. But it doesn’t mean you have to totally stay away from the CTA. In fact, if you... Read more »
By Kevin O'Neil,
May 17, 2012 at 8:17 pm
• 9 comments

New "El Stories" to debut June 2 - including the tale of "L Challenge" winner

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People just can’t get enough of “El Stories,” so the Waltzing Mechanics will debut a new show June 2 based on 17 stories adapted from real CTA rider interviews. And one of those stories chronicles Adham Fisher’s recent record-breaking ride through all 143 CTA rail stations. Co-adaptors Zack Florent and Keely Leonard accompanied Fisher on... Read more »
By Kevin O'Neil,
May 16, 2012 at 7:44 pm
• 3 comments

Vintage photos show CTA rail cars, track through the years

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In case you rail fans missed it, you must check out Chicago Magazine’s recent review of vintage CTA rail cars. Drawing from photos on the CTA’s Flickr page, it pulled together a nice collection of historic photos with explanatory captions. I’ve feature some of the here, but it’s worth a stop there to check them... Read more »
By Kevin O'Neil,
May 15, 2012 at 7:37 pm
• 18 comments
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The case of the stolen CTA maps: DePaul searches dorm rooms

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Stealing CTA rail maps from train cars has become a “rite of passage,” according to a late-April DePaulia report, the student newspaper for DePaul University. And now that seemingly innocent ritual has led DePaul authorities to search dorm rooms for the pilfered maps after they were contacted by the CTA. A Monday DePaulia story about... Read more »
By Kevin O'Neil,
May 14, 2012 at 7:23 pm
• 8 comments

26 CTA bus routes will be affected by NATO summit

Riding the CTA during the NATO summit next weekend certainly will be easier than riding the Metra, but it still will be no picnic. The good news is there are no tough restrictions such as there are on the Metra, and there will be no Loop “L” renewal work. The bad news is there will... Read more »
By Kevin O'Neil,
May 13, 2012 at 7:30 pm
• 11 comments

CTA, please don't adopt Metra's "reasonable" NATO restrictions

All I can say is: I hope the CTA doesn’t impose the same restrictions on passengers as the Metra will be doing May 19 through 21. From the Tribune story: Riders on all Metra lines will be subject to screening and baggage checks, with more extensive screening on Electric District trains, which run under McCormick... Read more »
By Kevin O'Neil,
May 11, 2012 at 4:06 pm
• 16 comments
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Weekend Loop track work reroutes Brown, Orange and Pink lines

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The CTA took a two-week break from Loop track renewal work after its first weekend April 20-23. Now it is back at it this weekend, with route changes for the Brown, Pink and Orange lines. Brown and Orange line trains will be through-routed via the Lake  and Wabash sides of the Loop. That means the... Read more »
By Kevin O'Neil,
May 10, 2012 at 6:44 pm
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Your CTA transit card could be used against you in court

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As the jurors in the Hudson family murder case meet to determine whether William Balfour is guilty of the crime, they have one small, thin piece of circumstantial evidence to consider. Balfour’s CTA transit card. You see, part of Balfour’s alibi is that he used his CTA card to take a train and a bus... Read more »
By Kevin O'Neil,
May 9, 2012 at 7:31 pm
• 3 comments

Riding the New York City subway with Stanley Kubrick in 1946

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Some things never change. Life on the subway 66 years ago look much like life on the subway in 2012. And Stanley Kubrick could capture a gorgeous image in 1946, just as he did much later in his life. The Museum of the City of New York recently posted these photos taken by Kubrick for... Read more »
By Kevin O'Neil,
May 8, 2012 at 7:17 pm
• 12 comments
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News pickup: "L" Loop project slow; more wood platforms being replaced on Brown Line

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After five days at the New Orleans Jazz Fest, I’m getting caught up on some CTA news. Special thanks to Patrick Barry for covering the announcement of the Loop bus rapid transit project. Loop track project off to slow start. Following a two-week break after its first weekend Loop “L” track replacement, the CTA will... Read more »
By Kevin O'Neil,
May 7, 2012 at 7:05 pm
• 8 comments