Physical Space Issues, Infant Strollers, and Related Safety Problems

Here is another form of unfairness to the traveling public on CTA:

Individuals taking up space with big items!

Just a few examples:

• Shopping carts (loaded to overflowing)
  
• Huge boxes
• Oversized suitcases (we're talking more than what's appropriate)
  
• All other forms of oversized or bulky things

CTA and Pace drivers are instructed to tell riders with these kinds of items to assure that they are stowed properly. Some enforce it, some don't. There are occaisions when people with such items in excess quantity are not to even be allowed on the bus. Too many times these persons are allowed to travel anyway!

Is there nowhere to draw the line? Does this imply laziness, or just simple weariness on part of the drivers who are sick and tired of being abused by passengers when challenged in this respect? We think it's both!

Elderly ladies with loaded shopping carts who are also using a walker while traveling alone, yuppies who decide it's a good idea to bring their huge boxes on from one of the many expensive retail stores they frequent, Parents with loads of kids who don't bother to keep their kids seated, high schoolers that can't stay in their seats while screaming and fighting, homeless people who's endless piles of belongings take up half the front of the bus along with their foul body odor....the list is endless!

All of these people have the unfettered right to use the CTA, it's a truth that can't be interfered with. Afterall, it is public transit.

Moving right on to another disaster waiting to happen: Strollers with infants or other small children. CTA policy says strollers are supposed to be folded up upon the parent(s) boarding.
We see this issue from two perspectives....CTA has a concern with strollers being an issue because they can block aisles and contribute to passengers tripping and such.

We see it this way too: Anyone under the age of five riding as a vehicle passenger is mandated by Illinois law to be restrained for their own safety in a car seat, booster seat, et al.
Our point is multi-fold in regards to this. If parents take the kid(s) out of the stroller and fold the darned thing up and there is an accident....the kid(s) can fly out of the parent's arms resulting in nasty or fatal injuries!

If the kid or kids remain in the stroller and an accident occurs, they are in the stroller safely strapped in, which lessens the likelihood of serious or fatal injuries. We can easily conceive of an accident where people could be injured regardless. Let's at least provide protection for the kids!
Illinois law also says kids are supposed to be in seatbelts while a passenger in a vehicle....would it kill the CTA to install seatbelts and enforce it for the young ones?

Chicago Police As CTA Customer Service Agents

It has been brought to our attention that CTA Customer service agents have been slacking so much at the Orange line Midway station, that CPD Officers are left to do what the CTA agents are supposed to get paid for.

The Police are there to protect and serve, but not in that context. We know that Officers don't mind giving directions and interacting with those in transit, but to do someone else's job without benefit for their services is ridiculous!

Should there be a terrorist attack at this location....there would be hell to pay!

If anyone has any insight into this, speak loudly!

Living Like Sardines

For years, the CTA has received tons of complaints about unsafe transit conditions which will eventually contribute to many serious injuries or mass loss of life during a train or bus accident, should one occur while overcrowded conditions are present.

At the least in the current day, it contributes to people being involuntarily groped, exposed to foul breath, body odor, and the criminal minded who know just how to take advantage of the situation.
This situation causes more than just unwanted physical friction: passengers become irate and verbal hostilities take place, fights even break out.

Another problem this causes: passengers miss their stops because they can't get off, and CTA personnell are instructed to just ignore the overcrowding because the CTA wants their money!

For $2.00 a ride, this is NOT worth it!

Welcome To Our Visitors / Open Comments

We've seen some visitors who have left comments, and want to extend a welcome to them as well as anyone else who reads, and has yet to comment.

We don't want this to be a one way conduit. We want everyone to know that this is also their place to spew venom over any CTA issues they have. It is in that spirit that we are leaving this open to hear what matters to everyone....give it everything you've got!