Smoking
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“Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA” part three: We like smoked hot dogs, not ‘L’ cars – an exercise in guerrilla urbanism
February 23, 2026
“Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA,” part two: A sociology student, a lung health advocate, and a transportation expert share their POVs
Welcome to the second installment of "Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA," our unconventional effort to find holistic solutions (not just more policing) to the vexing problem of smoking inside 'L' cars. Read part one to get up to speed on my perspective and approach to this topic. As many people are aware, burning tobacco or cannabis, or vaping, in an enclosed space is a serious danger for people with respiratory issues, seniors, and young kids. For the rest of us, it's also unhealthy, and a major annoyance and deterrent to using transit.
February 13, 2026
Introducing “Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA.” In part one of our series, editors from other cities and our transit agency weigh in.
"Now, [Streetsblog] don't you fill me up with your rules'Cause everybody knows that smokin' ain't allowed [on the 'L']"
February 11, 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
Smokin’ on the ‘L’ train: What Explains the Rise in Cigarette and Pot Smoke on the CTA?
The increase correlates with a drop in transit ridership, and an apparent increase in homeless people sheltering on trains.
May 3, 2019
