Roosevelt & State: Talk About Heavy Waits

And that's what you do...WAIT...if you're on the North side of Roosevelt at State anticipating a ride on either the #12 or #127 Westbound. Especially if it's 2 below zero and the Hawk is stirring up a 30 below wind chill. Remember, that corner is a straight shot West from Lake Michigan with only the Orange/Green Line platform to slow the wind.

On too many occasions this record-breaking winter, did I find myself and 20 - 30 frozen fellow CTA riders, huddled, shiverring, and ANGRY. Why? As we stand there freezing, usually the #127 Circulator sits, warm and snug a half block East in front of the train station entrance...idling. Out of just basic human kindness and consideration, you'd think the driver would let us on board to warm up until his "set in stone" schedule dictates that he proceeds West...but that never happens. Usually, if it's that cold, the CTA Supervisor sits on the bus or stands inside the train station with her clipboard, never once wielding her power to move the bus toward the long suffering riders at the corner, just 30 yards away. I tried to get onboard one dangerously cold morning, only to be motioned to step away from the door.

Five to ten miserably cold minutes later, at lone, beat-up, nearly broke down #12 will pull up and mercifully end our suffering. And, without FAIL, as soon as we pull away, here comes the #127. Every. Single. Time.

If you are having a similar experience on your bus line, we'd like to hear your story. Share with us your comments. I can guarantee that the CTA brass and the folks in Springfield will hear about it.

Ride smart.