New to IL, Need help commuting downtown (Chicago, Wheeling: living in, buses)

[czmudzin]

I recently moved here from Cleveland, OH. I got a job in downtown Chicago, but I live in Wheeling.

I see on the Metra, I can drive to the Wheeling station and take the NCS line to the Chicago Union Station, but that is 0.6 mi away from where I need to be for work.

The location I'm trying to arrive at is 161 N. Clark St., Chicago. That's very close to the Clark/Lake stop on the Blue Line of the CTA, but that doesn't run out the way out to Wheeling.

I'd really appreciate some options to minimize my commute or at least arrive closer to Clark St. to not have to walk in the winter.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by czmudzin

I recently moved here from Cleveland, OH. I got a job in downtown Chicago, but I live in Wheeling.

I see on the Metra, I can drive to the Wheeling station and take the NCS line to the Chicago Union Station, but that is 0.6 mi away from where I need to be for work.

The location I'm trying to arrive at is 161 N. Clark St., Chicago. I think that's more accessible using the Chicago CTA lines, but they don't run all the way out in Wheeling.

I'd really appreciate some options to minimize my commute or at least arrive closer to Clark St. to not have to walk in the winter.

...WALKING!

Any healthy person can walk 0.6 miles, approximately 2 blocks north / 4 blocks east, much faster than trying to rely on CTA. Buses and "rapid transit" can be an alternative in bad weather, but rarely is truly necessary for such a modest distance...

[froglipz]

That really is a short walk!

[reneeh63]

Consider it this way....a healthy person can walk a mile in 15 minutes (4 mph) - that's brisk but not race walking. That means you can easily walk 0.6 miles in less than 10 minutes. Think of it a PART of your daily minimum cardio!

BTW, this is why urbanites are healthier and less overweight than those in the 'burbs!

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by reneeh63

Consider it this way....a healthy person can walk a mile in 15 minutes (4 mph) - that's brisk but not race walking. That means you can easily walk 0.6 miles in less than 10 minutes. Think of it a PART of your daily minimum cardio!

BTW, this is why urbanites are healthier and less overweight than those in the 'burbs!

There are no shortage of obese, junk food swallowing, never get out of their car types living in Chicago...

In my suburb many commuters walk to train!

[czmudzin]

To all those that suggested walking, I have no issue with that really. I run about 350 miles per year recreationally. I was just thinking that in the winter time, the 15-20 minute walk could get pretty brutal. But that's just an assumption? Thoughts?

[pvande55]

Dress in layers. The tricky thing is not to overdress and arrive sweating.

[RJA29]

Originally Posted by czmudzin

To all those that suggested walking, I have no issue with that really. I run about 350 miles per year recreationally. I was just thinking that in the winter time, the 15-20 minute walk could get pretty brutal. But that's just an assumption? Thoughts?

Walk. You'll get used to it, and might not find a better alternative. There will be brutal days, but those are not the norm.

[IrishIllini]

Originally Posted by chet everett

...WALKING!

Any healthy person can walk 0.6 miles, approximately 2 blocks north / 4 blocks east, much faster than trying to rely on CTA. Buses and "rapid transit" can be an alternative in bad weather, but rarely is truly necessary for such a modest distance...

Lol...yeah, it won't be a bad walk. Bundle up in the winter but you'll be fine.

[Rhino4401]

Your can walk with the right gear, and it's also smart to have back up plan. An expedition type coat is helpful to people who wait for trains & walk every day, in all the weather.

There has to be a bus Union station--not for daily use but worth the hassle on days of blowing freezing rain, instant frost bite temps.

Friends who commute to the loop on UPN switch to CTA at Davis on very cold days. I agree with PP, and you're right to figure out how to keep it as quick as possible for the brutal days.