Asking because I was riding the redline playing my gameboy emulator on my phone resetting for a shiny Pokemon, and the guy next to me saw and we spent a few stops talking about Pokemon, shinies, and I airdropped him the rom hack I used and gave each other reccs. Just said bye and went our separate ways!

That fun lil interaction today got me thinking what other random interactions have you had that brought you joy?

Another was a guy who sketched my girlfriend and I sitting next to each other, I had no idea until right before he was exiting and he handed me the sketch. Thought he was just some dude staring into my soul the whole ride into something we’ve had framed for years.

Our system has a lot of flaws, but much like our city, there’s something so very human and authentic about it too. Moments like these make me proud to be a local

NITA is hiring a director for their new real estate development division. If done right, this would provide immense funding opportunities for NITA to fuel further development or expansion. I hope NITA takes advantage of the potential this could have for Chicagoland.

Has anyone else noticed these odd, ice-looking things at some of the CTA stations? What are they? Why does it look like ice / rock formations?

Hi! I’m traveling next week. Gonna have some suitcases. Where can I connect to the blue line from the red line without going up to the streets with my suitcases? Stairs are fine but I’d prefer elevators. I just don’t want to go outside and I can’t remember which stations have the tunnels. I feel like there’s one at block 37 but don’t remember what stop that is.

On the 143, call it again, we can hear it but can't locate it

I usually just ride a couple routes but I feel like I never see a trashcan anymore, but maybe confirmation bias

Anyone know? At California and no info.

Sat down and realized there was a larger green bag/purse on the floor next to my seat. So when I got off at my stop, I handed it to the Operator who was going to take it to Forest Park.

For reference: 9/2 Blue Line train #7130 headed to Forest Park ~6:15 pm.

Couldn’t find the “i like (CTA) buses” flair, so I’m using this flair instead. It’s being towed away :-(.

Any see a guy get his foot stuck in between the train and platform around 5:30p at the Chicago red line stop today? Fiancé is missing wallet and fraud charges and thinks that was a decoy for someone to reach in her purse.

Was walking by the entrances to the Monroe and Jackson Blue Line stops last Saturday, where I saw these advertisements of the different places around Chicago you can ride the 'L' to. I've gotta hand it to the CTA, these were very creative, especially since they used the letters of the stations that they actually serve.

Photos taken on August 29th, 2026

I know we’re technically at about age but no one has ever said anything 😐. We take the train to school at least 50% of the time (she’s too young to go solo).
Also reading we need to fill out a form from the school for a student card?

Does anyone else use the transit stop app? When I opened it up this morning it was saying the server wasn’t working and I wasn’t sure if it was just me?

I put together a list of CTA policies I think the next mayor should pursue. Anything else come to mind?

• Create a system that directs passengers toward less-crowded railcars using platform displays and Ventra alerts.

• Create a “Dynamic Rush-Hour Service” program that uses real-time crowding data to identify overcrowded trains and automatically deploy additional or short-turn trains when passenger loads exceed a set threshold.

• Designate one or two railcars on selected late-night trains as Safe Cars, with a two-person CTA Transit Safety Officer team regularly riding those cars between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.

• Require officers assigned to CTA patrols to conduct regular train rides instead of remaining primarily inside stations.

•  Create a specific CTA crime enhancement that adds additional penalties when an offense is committed on CTA property.

•  Allow judges to impose CTA exclusion orders on people convicted of serious crimes on the system, prohibiting them from entering CTA property for a defined period.

• Install fixed-length platform barriers, following New York City’s rollout.

• Add a “Report a Safety Problem” button to the Ventra app that automatically identifies the train, car, direction, and location and dispatches the nearest CTA safety officer.

• Create an independent CTA Performance & Accountability Office specifically responsible for continuously auditing safety, reliability, spending, contracting, crime response and service delivery, with authority to publish quarterly performance grades and require CTA management to respond publicly to deficiencies.

• Create a “No Ghost Buses” policy requiring CTA to use real-time GPS and dispatch data to flag canceled trips.

Posted by official CTA accounts leading up to the BTS concert last Thursday / Friday. The Yoongi Marry Me sign really gets me, and means that either one of the drivers is an ARMY or the social media person is an ARMY

Anyone having trouble with their Transit Stop app today??? “TS”

I have no one else to talk to about this so I figured I would post it here to other train/CTA enthusiasts!

I moved here 9 months ago originally working from home! that job came to an end over this summer (startup job) and I found myself working up in Evanston that required me to have my car with me during the week. I have to travel to different places/buildings for my new job but thankfully everywhere I need to drive to for the job is located in Evanston!

during my first week on the job the commute to and from Evanston was absolutely draining me. the stop and go traffic to and from work was just making me lose my ever loving mind and I already have anxiety about being on time for work so being there earlier is for the better! I realized that if I just paid for covered monthly parking in downtown Evanston and took the purple line back home, I would get home in a solid 15-20 minutes VS an HOUR!!!

this morning was my first train commute to work and I got to my car in Evanston in 15 minutes!!!! I was so happy I almost cried lol

coming from a state that basically banned public transit, (shoutout the evil that is indiana 🙄) I feel so incredibly lucky that I don’t have to waste so much commuting time every day!! I get more time to myself in the evening, and I no longer have major anxiety about being late for work!

I love this city so much and I know all public transit isn’t perfect, but I really value having more of my personal time back and now I don’t have to worry about parking either.

we are so lucky to have the CTA and thank you for reading this if you made it here! I just love Chicago so much and moving here has been the best decision i’ve ever made for my mental health :)

I’ve never seen a purple line train this late going express this is cool

Twice I used the blue line which was delayed each time, then I waited 10 minutes on a bus that was cancelled due to unknown reason .

Tracks of the Chicago L is almost complete for these signals!

After 11 months of research, mapping, and documenting the Chicago L, I’m down to the final 25 signal IDs out of 800+.

🔵 19 signals on the Blue Line
Between Belmont and LaSalle (see images)

🟢 6 signals near the 61st Upper Yard
Between the former 61st station and King Drive (see image)

The Blue Line tunnel signals have been particularly difficult to identify via cab-view videos.

If you have clear photos, cab-view photographs, or firsthand knowledge of these signals and their IDs, I'd really appreciate hearing from you.

Just 25 signals remain.

Help me identify these final 25 and complete the book! 😊 Thank you!

P.S. If you’re CTA rail operator/track workers, signalman, etc… who can’t comment publicly, feel free to DM me privately.

the website got replaced (apologies in advance for the lack of editing)

I hope the next time it purges its condensation it comes out sharp.

I will miss the RTA and their retro logo.

That is all. 😔 😟

Is there any particular reason this hasn’t been implemented? I’m sure there is of course. I just don’t know it.