I’m on a train from Chicago to Bloomington, IL. A college buddy of mine recently moved there and started up a monthly poker night. This will be my second night of playing poker, ever. I like poker night. I like hanging out with my buddy even more.
There’s a part of me that wants to catch this train tomorrow and keep going. I don’t even remember all its other stops, though I know L.A. is one of them. I haven’t been to L.A. since my wife was in film school there.
I wonder where all the trains that leave L.A. are headed. I bet those places are interesting, same as the journey of getting to them. Same as all the passengers. So many other interesting people with places to go, but lots of time to get there.
Some great new real-time perks here. Thanks CTA!
I was excited about the upcoming Chicago Ventra card until I read this. A mountain of fees are on the way, including a $10-per-hour “Account Research Fee,” a $2 fee for simply calling customer support, and—my personal favorite—a $2-per-month fee on the debit card if you stop making purchases or topping off your account after 18 months.
Oh, and if you want out, the CTA will charge you a $6 “Balance Refund Fee” to refund you your remaining balance. They will charge you to give you your money back.
This is absolutely disgusting, and the CTA should be ashamed. I get that everyone’s hurting right now, but gouging customers is not the answer.
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While it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to keep track of all the Chicago transportation improvement projects on the docket for the next decade, two major changes are coming soon that will permanently alter the way Chicago’s public transportation system operates. These changes — a newly outsourced mass transit fare payment system and a potential investment into ‘L’ line modernization and expansion — will both involve the Chicago Transit Authority in public-private partnerships (PPPs or P3s).
However, despite assurances that P3s are vital for the future of infrastructure, and public officials’ claims that the city is not “selling off” its assets, we should be skeptical of the idea that these projects are foolproof solutions to budget woes.
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“So while in Chicago, you should at least try to get someplace weird. While I think Andersonville and Rogers Park are two great places to do it, I’m going to send you to Uptown. Uptown works for three reasons. First, it’s accessible, right off the Red Line. Second, it has an energetic corner at Lawrence and Broadway. Third, the Green Mill is there. And fourth, there’s a rad Ethiopian place called Demera. If you’ve never had Ethiopian food before, I expect you to go. Do not google anything. Do not be a coward. Do what they do and stop crying. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to see a guy perform guitar there and drink some honey wine. Once you’re done, go across the street to the Green Mill. Pay the cover. Listen to whatever weird experimental Swedish jazz band has flown in to play there and just there. Shut your gaping mouth and just try to appreciate what is happening. Please. Try.”
The essence of Chicago captured on the back of a car.
Chicago’s Very (tiny) Own: Chicago in Miniature
