CTA

Plus transit experts and advocates Yonah Freemark, Nik Hunder, and Oboi Reed respond to the good news.

SBC readers may remember that a year ago I took a busman's holiday, or rather a transit writer's getaway, by checking out the promised Frequent Network 10-minutes-or-better bus intervals on the #54 Cicero bus, which debuted that day. Not coincidentally, the date was March 23, my 54th birthday.

By Noah Wright

Here's the fourth installment of our series "Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA." This is our campaign for "carrot" rather than "stick" strategies (not simply more policing) to reduce smoking and vaping in 'L' cars. Take a look at part one for an intro to my thoughts on this subject and the approach I'm taking. But to recap, it can be dangerous for people with disabilities, senior citizens, and young kids to inhale smoke in enclosed spaces, and it's unhealthy and aggravating for the rest of us. And ultimately, smoking on trains can make trips feel unsafe and unpleasant, causing people to avoid transit.

This is the third episode of our series "Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA." It's an attempt to to find holistic solutions (not just additional enforcement) to the frustrating issue of smoking and vaping within 'L' carriages. Check out part one to get a sense of where I'm coming from on this topic. Many of us know that smoking in enclosed spaces is a big problem for those with lung conditions, elderly folks, and young children. And second-hand smoke is harmful and irritating to others as well, and it discourages people from riding public transportation.

"Now, [Streetsblog] don't you fill me up with your rules'Cause everybody knows that smokin' ain't allowed [on the 'L']"

All photos are by James Porter.

The initial results for the City's Smart Streets enforcement pilot are promising, hopefully paving the way for effective bus-priority streets citywide.

"Brother" Eric Basir has been working for the CTA since February 2018. He started as a customer service assistant, became a flagman, then a train operator, and for almost five years, he's been a rail car repairer, currently working out of the Midway terminal.