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“Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA” part four: Our latest work, “Interview with the Smoker”
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.
February 24, 2026
Forest Park branch revisited: J. Niimi checks the pulse of the Blue Line route, two years after he stopped commuting on it
Two years ago when ridership was lower, taking the train across the West Side after work meant frequent encounters with smokers and drug users. What's it like now?
October 22, 2024
What’s the most constructive response to unhoused people sleeping on the ‘L’?
Thanks to Brandon Johnson's election, there's a new opportunity to pass Bring Chicago Home, which would be a win-win-win for unhoused people, commuters, and the CTA.
April 6, 2023
Police now require ‘L riders to show proof of airport business to exit ORD station late at night
While the sight of unhoused people sleeping on floors in the airport didn't provide a great first impression of our city to visitors, neither do steel security gates and a heavy police presence at a transit station.
March 9, 2023
After Lightfoot ousts homeless, CTA resumes ORD ‘L’ service suspended for “cleaning”
The longterm solution to Chicago's homeless crisis is providing more housing, as well as supportive services like mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, and job assistance.
February 27, 2023
2023 CTA budget approved with no fare hikes, partnership with city on homeless outreach
Today the CTA board approved its proposed $1.8 billion operating budget, with no fare hikes and a stated commitment to get the transit system back to good working order as the COVID-19 pandemic wanes.
November 16, 2022
Lawrence viaduct tent fire is one more sign Chicago needs to house our homeless
From more people experiencing homelessness sleeping on 'L' trains, to an increasing number of tents in viaducts, housed Chicagoans are seeing constant reminders of the city's failure to take care of our most vulnerable residents.
March 23, 2022
Homeless coalition hopes CTA security plan won’t “criminalize” unhoused people on the ‘L’
"I don't think there's really going to be a decrease in people sleeping on the trains until we have a more systemic solution in place.”
March 14, 2022
Number of unarmed guards on CTA doubling to over 200 to address crime, rule-breaking
It will be important to monitor whether the increase in security personnel leads to more unhoused people being ejected from the system without being offered a better alternative for shelter.
March 9, 2022
Can we humanely improve conditions on the ‘L’? Here’s what’s happening in SF, NYC
Now is not the time for the nation’s second-largest public transit system to go backwards, with conditions that scare people away people from using buses and trains.
February 25, 2022
