uh oh, CTA wants to raise fares (Chicago: trains, schedule)

[mjtinmemphis]

I didn't notice a major difference on the #2 at 8:30 (hydepark express). Maybe a little difference in the number of people on the bus but nothing too drastic.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Drover

So far then, I haven't really felt the pinch . . .

. . . that is, until the commute home. I get off the Brown Line at Irving Park, and what rolls down the street to greet commuters emerging from the station? A shortbus! Right at the start of rush hour!! It was already full when it rolled up, and by the time everyone transferring from the train got on, it was packed like a boxcar to Auschwitz. Now you can't convince me that the operating costs of a jam-packed shortbus is significantly less than operating a standard-sized bus full to near-capacity. There's maybe a nominal fuel savings, and you're depreciating a slightly less expensive piece of equipment... but maintenance costs are probably comparable, and the labor cost to operate it is identical no matter what kind of bus it is. So I'm about 97% convinced that they stuffed us on that freakin' sardine can just to drive home a point.

Oh, and as if to show their relief that they weren't selected for a pink slip, there was rumors of a work action by bus and train operators today. Even if that's not true, best I can tell, everyone involved in this standoff is acting like an asstool.

[randomguymike]

As noted in our office today. Remember it was the day after the SB and volumes were lower than usual. I'm withholding my impact statement will the end of the week.

[i blame history]

Originally Posted by Drover

...they stuffed us on that freakin' sardine can just to drive home a point.

There's my theory!

[coldwine]

Originally Posted by Drover

it was packed like a boxcar to Auschwitz.

Drover!

[Montclare]

Originally Posted by i blame history

There's my theory!

Mine too. Thank God for Bustracker; I would have had to wait for the Fullerton bus for over half an hour without it. I got on only a few blocks from the beginning and it was already crammed completely full; no room to even pay the fare. Tempers were flaring as people tried to get off. And I was only on for a few stops; I can only imagine what the rest of the ride was like.

[andrew61]

Originally Posted by Mr. Whips

I've been living in a cave. You shouldn't need an education past highschool to get a well paying job. Yes I'm saying that.

In other words, the world owes you something for refusing to better yourself?

[Drover]

Originally Posted by coldwine

Drover!

OK, that was a little over the top. Was just trying to capture the indignity of the situation. Plus I had just gotten home from that commute so I was still a little hot under the collar.

Still am, kinda.

[binarybelle]

This just keeps getting better!

I was reamed out by a blind man this morning who could not understand why literally no one could move to allow him to pay his fare. We were packed in like sardines all the way to the front door. By the time I could move a little further back, I had to hold on to one of the upper bars with no straps. I am very petite and can hardly reach these, so after a few minutes I got a cramp in my shoulder. Oh, and there were high school kids sitting on the "platforms" (don't know what you call them) behind the bus driver that people usually use for groceries.

Sigh.

[elikhom]

Nothing different for me, last night going home didn't have any problems and this morning the same.