New York Times coverage of Chicago is always so funny. I mean sad. Sad, because they tend to approach Chicago with this sort of patronizing “golly, these Midwesterners done something to get written about” outlook. This week, the El is crappy. You’re not like me, so you probably didn’t get the implied conclusion, which is that New York = AWESOMEZ0RS and Chicago = shitty.
Click to read my delicious defense of the Chicago Transit Authority:
It’s going to be weird for me to take on the El, because I haven’t used it a lot lately. I’ve been in New York going to school. While I was home for one weekend over spring break I took the Red Line to Chicago Avenue from Fullerton to get to a doctor’s appointment, and things went fine. But that was the only time I’ve taken the El since January. I did, however, use it to partially commute (in combination with Metra) to the University of Chicago, which is hellaciously far away from my house, all summer long. And things went fine then, too. Anyway, here are a few CTA pros:
1. Chicago Cards. Anyone can buy one. They’re pre-loaded, they allow for touch-pad (whatever it’s called) entry to all trains and buses, and they automatically reload via your credit or debit card. They also allow the bearer a discount, and you can do pass-backs to get your friends or visiting guests on the train quicker. I don’t know why this sort of system hasn’t made an appearance in New York yet.
2. Our buses don’t suck. It’s just my opinion. I’d rather take a train, but I do take buses in Chicago, and I never would in New York.
3. “El” means “elevated.” I think I’d rather have a clear view of plunging to my death than get trapped somewhere under the East River for even a few minutes.
4. You can also drive a car. I’m not even kidding. Nothing is more satisfying than having options.
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Chicago’s Transit System
Chicago is a world-class city that is quickly become gentrified. For many years, the transportation infrastructure was ignored and left to fall apart. While this work is now urgently needed, it comes at a time when the city’s class and power structure have decided to do so because of its upper crust taxpayers. The city’s politicians and policy makers should strive to continue to have a world class city grounded in its rich history of inclusion — welcoming low-income, working and multi-economic status families.
Sincerely,
Esther Nieves
Wagner School 2006
I agree with you. I’m really targeting people, mostly New Yorkers, who are overly critical of Chicago because it’s not New York. This work needs to be done, and I think some of the changes that have been implemented to the El system over the past year (the Pink Line, for example) are reaching out to lower-income areas of the city.
Or maybe I just have no idea because I live in a well-serviced area. Although I hear the Southport Brown Line stop is closing for a while, so it seems like a lot of frat boys are about to be inconvenienced.
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