Hello, I'm Johnny Cash... I hear the train a comin' It's rollin' 'round the bend And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when, I'm stuck in Belmont station, and time keeps draggin' on But that train keeps a rollin' on down to Dan Ryan... When I'm in Chicago, this is the CTA line that serves me most since it stretches the furthest from north to south. I stayed in Lakeview on my last trip, so hopping down to the Near North, the Loop and Chinatown was a cinch. It sure helps to know that the Red Line is open 24 hours a day with no more than fifteen minutes between trains. This is my public transportation of choice since I'm a cheap so-and-so and willing to risk some airborne germs to get where I need to go. Man, that screeching noise between North/Clybourn and Clark/Division really drives me crazy in the winter. So crazy that... When I was just a baby, my mama told me - "Son, Always be a good boy, don't ever play with guns. But I shoved a nun at Berwyn just to watch her cry Now ev'ry time I hear that whistle, I hang my head and sigh... Guess it helps me to know the Red Line will be waitin' for me now that I'm servin' time in Folsom. read more

CTA - Clark/Division - Platform at Jackson station (from Wikipedia.org) - Public Transportation Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Why is it the Chicago just can't get its shit together. Ventra card works on bud but not on train.

The station itself is moderately clean and well-lit, with escalator and escalator convenience. It is also frequented by famous Chicago street musicians, which is a plus. It also has four exits - Northeast, northwest, southeast, southwest each of which open into different sides of the junction so you don't have to wait trying to cross roads. It saves a lot of time. But other than that, it could use some work in the cleanliness department, and general maintenance. There's a CVS Pharmacy right outside the station, so there are a lot of homeless people around it. The elevator smells pretty bad all the time. read more

Always people asking for money. Have heard yelling and screaming over drugs which happened once with a cta staff member with no action. I was very scared even around staff read more

I have been to this station at least 60 times since April. If you visit the 42nd street station in NY like I did last year for the 500th time in my life you will notice a deep contrast to Chicago. That is that one of the most famous train stations in the world does not smell like urine or have aggressive panhandling in or around that specific train station. The amount of people riding at night after 9PM who are yelling, are  vagrants, are completely drunk, disorderly, are looking at you so they can liberate your electronic device ( IPAD, IPHONE etc) who are looking to hit on women, who follow cta customers for change makes the service among the people who are clear rational thinking people unrideable between 9pm and 6AM and make the train riding experience very bad. I suggest finding a bus line that is devoid of freaks during the time you must travel. Maybe nothing can be done. Maybe not. I am not an angry person in general. but this is a rant. read more

Generally clean and efficient train stop. I've never had any issues at this CTA stop however there are many homeless that gather around the entry and exits to this stop. Would suggest being accompanied if it's late in the evening because I have witnessed some harassment though rare to be bothered by bystanders. read more

The Clark/Division station is the shame of the State Street Subway. Today, charming original details such as the tile work and modern but austere illuminated signs that read simply "Clark" are masked by persistant putrid urine smells and puddles of unidentifiable liquid that drips from the creepy stalactites above, pooling on the platform and tracks. By all accounts, the station should be a success; the center island platform is totally cool and when two trains arrive at the same time, it feels very frenetic and exciting. But with dim lighting, drainage problems, a shuttered retail operation, and the escalator that is broken more often than it is functioning, the station is even more miserable than it might be. Clark/Division, along with its Red Line brethren Wilson and Jarvis must vie for the title of most putrid public transportation facility in North America. Luckily, Rahm and Forrest Claypool have announced a long overdue renovation of the station, adding elevator access as well as a western mezzanine and entrance at LaSalle/Division. The Gold Coast deserves a better station, for sure, but I'm slightly fearful that we're going to get something that looks like one of those visually overwhelming, touristy, Daley-era PoMo monstrosities downtown, but this is a most welcome development. The project isn't scheduled to be completed until 2017, though, so none of us will probably be around to enjoy the renovations. In the meantime, maybe the Popeye's upstairs at the corner will sponsor a thorough facelift à la the Apple Store at North/Clybourn to tide us over, but somehow I doubt it! read more

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Despite our occasional head-butting, I have been a loyal child of the Red Line for over a decade. The Red Line helped me to learn my Chicago geography, on a street and a neighborhood level. There was a time that I didn't know any of the neighborhoods to the west. It was just Rogers Park, Edgewater, Uptown, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Gold Coast, "downtown," South Loop...and then fuzzy. It travels pretty quickly between Howard and Wilson, before getting tangled up with the other lines after the curve at Sheridan. Running on the elevated tracks on the weekends for most of the last year was a real pain in the ass for making trips downtown, and the underground slow zone from North/Clybourn to Clark/Division made me super late to Yelptoberfest. Plus the cars are always really crowded late at night. Throw another couple of cars on the train, CTA! There are drunks and hard-working people trying to get home. But oh well. This thing runs 24 hours which is a huge bonus; I know that I can always get home as long as I don't fall asleep and wake up in the train yard at Howard (this has happened to me twice, folks), in which case it's not that hard to climb down out of the train and walk back towards the station. read more

There are things about the red line that I used to find...off putting would be the best word. Weird people who start conversations without people about nothing and keep talking and talking. The weird woman with huge fake nails who continually rubs her fingertips together and constantly looked like she was trying to grab imaginary grapes out of the air. I don't really have an complaints about those. I find them funny and colorful. Live human theater that I find to be a bonus to my ride. The stations aren't too bad but vary wildly but none of them are so bad that I would feel unsafe or anything. The complaints I have are with the CTA in general but it's not really their fault either. The massive overhaul that the Brown line has undergone hasn't and will probably not happen here. That's pretty retarded, the Red Line is one of the oldest lines and in need of massive overhaul-although Blue is probably worse. The hike in fares really sucks too, especially with no changes in quality. Boo, CTA. Boo, Daley. Boo read more

The Red Line is not my favorite line, but one of the cool things is that it connects between the two baseball stadiums (Addison for the Cubs and 35th for the Sox). They have improved the downtown stations (such as at Lake) and are working on some of the others too. read more

CTA - Clark/Division - Lake station on the CTA Red Line - Public Transportation Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Hide yo' kids, hide yo' wife! And hide yo' husbands! Last weekend, I was grabbed and robbed on the red line on my way home, right around the Roosevelt stop. F-er just grabbed my arm, snatched my phone out of my hand, and ran off as the doors were closing. On the train. In front of others. Amazingly brazen. So just be VERY careful, and keep your cell phones hidden! It's sad that that's the reality, but there are a lot of a-holes out there. When I filed a police report, the cop said it was the 3rd one that DAY on the red line. Uh...?!? I didn't realize I needed to start carrying a money belt around, but apparently I do. I was very lucky that he didn't have time to take anything else. Man, I hope the karma train rolls around to this guy. The only reason why I gave this 2 stars was because the employee at the ticketing booth was super nice, and took care of me when I was shaking and crying after the incident. It's just a bunk system...no security cameras, and they should have at least posted signs warning passengers of the recent high rate of thefts. read more

***Chicago's subway/train system is an inexpensive and simple way to travel to key Chicago destinations like Wrigley Field and US Cellular Field; unfortunately, since trains do not come that frequently, they can get incredibly packed during peak times*** Chicago's subway/train system was the first one I had ever ridden in the U.S. (I have traveled on the trains in Japan many times). Chicago subway system (trains alternate from below ground to above ground) was pretty good. I liked the exit points, which put you in key Chicago areas (right at The Magnificent Mile, Wrigley Field, US Cellular Field, etc.). Knowing where to go was pretty easy as well. Buying tickets was simple too (loadable fare cards are used). They have automated machines and one-way rides are the same ($2.25) regardless of distance traveled, which is different from Japan where your fare depends on how far you are going. The CTA makes getting on and off trains easier too. In Japan, you have to use your ticket to both board the train and exit the station. In Chicago, once you board the train you are good to go. There were a few things about Chicago's train system that could have been better though. The trains did not run that often. In Japan, they are usually every 2 to 5 minutes (during peak travel periods). There can be some significant gaps between trains in Chicago. This can lead to incredibly packed trains (it was not too humid when I was in Chicago, but I imagine that if it was humid, these trains would be quite uncomfortable). The subway stations were merely just functional, which was good because it was easy to get in and get out of. The one nice (or fun) thing about Japan is that many of their stations are like little cities onto themselves. They feature great little markets and gift shops as well as some good restaurants. It provides great opportunities to discover new things. Overall, I enjoyed the simplicity of Chicago's train system and the way that it makes getting to Wrigley Field or US Cellular Field so easy and cheap. I wish the trains came more frequently though (I also wish that they were not as packed). Still, the trains are significantly less cheaper than cabs here and they can get you to many places that you probably want to go. read more

Oh, Hello there, Red Line. I saw you over there being all convenient and fast. Yeah, you go lots of places. You take people to where they need to go. From north side to south side, you're always there, running relatively on time. I know, I know, you have some problems in the middle of the night. We're all tired, I understand. I won't get into the fact that you don't go past 95th St., though I presume this isn't your own fault. You take me all sorts of neat places, like that coffee shop off Berwyn that I like or Comiskey Park. I like your 35th St. Station because of that cool mosaic mural on the floor and the view you provide of the awesome ball park. I also think it's awesome that you take my arch-nemeses to Wrigley Field to enjoy a day of baseball, too. It's just so nice of you to do that. I also enjoy your Cermak Station because it's right in Chinatown! Seriously, what can't I do off of one of your many stations? So thanks, Red Line, for being convenient and taking Chicagoans where they need to go. read more

Unlike other elevated sections of the 'El' popularised in films set in films such as ER, the Red line runs underground like the London Underground. Taking mainly a north-south course, it has delivered me to happy destinations such as Alinea and the Magnificent Mile. I've found the trains not too overcrowded, even during rush hour and I like the clear announcements about upcoming stations, which removes one possible stress from my journey as someone who isn't a local. However, in common with the rest of the El, I have to say that the stations involve a lot of stairs and trying to get suitcases through the ticket barriers can be very trying. To compound it, the staff just sit in their booths and watch you struggle. I'm not sure what they're paid for but customer service doesn't seem to rank highly on their list of priorities. I'm grateful for a public transport system in Chicago but there are possible improvements to be made read more

I grew up in Chicago so I miss public transportation especially the Red Line. This rail will take you to more popular stops in the city of Chicago then any of the other, and it runs 24 hrs a day. It's North and South pretty much through the heart of the city so if you want to hit up Wrigley Field, The Cell, State and Grand, Lincoln Park, etc. this is a great way to get around. My only advice is to make sure you don't fall asleep and miss your stop because as you get closer to the end of the line either way the shadier it gets. I've seen everything from a three card monty hustle to a dude getting his wallet cut out of his back pocket heading up towards "The Rog" (Rogers Park). It's a great way to get around inexpensively and also very entertaining people watching. Just keep your eyes peeled and you'll be alright. read more

At least you are consistent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ly smelling of urine! Oh man. It's a train guys - NOT a potty! I once took Brown Line everyday but since I got a new job, it's red all the way baby. Way too cool for the loop, the Red shoots right under it. That is a huge PREESH for me since I work all the way at 35th. And if my memory serves me correctly, the Brown line does not come with it's own preacher. Praise the LORD! Some days, when the Red Line is packed I toy with a Brown-to-Green transfer. You tempt me Red Line, but I do not stray. I prefer the straight shot. And your character. And your characters! Don't change. Ever. But PLEASE do something about that stank. read more

Red Line, oh Red Line. How do I love you? Let me count the ways. I first fell in love with you at Clark/Division. I'd just moved back. When it was warmer, I never rode you. I always walked. But then it got chilly out. I was so grateful when you took me a stop or two down the road. I felt strange about it at first, but you were so kind. You didn't care if I took you just one stop. It's not your fault that mother, juggs, thugs and speed haunt you. You're just trying to do your job, is all. And I ain't lyin'. I love when you have an escalator. Yes, I know, I should walk. Up. Those. Staiiiiiiirrrrrs. But, gosh! You just don't know how excited I get when I see an escalator. It's better than Xmas. And I ain't lyin'. I love that you run 24/7 even on holidays! Wow! You just don't quit. Except once in a while. But you come back quick. So it's a'ight. Red Line, oh Red Line ... you're so entertainin' from those bums at Jackson, to the drunks at Addison but you have just as many normal folk, tryin' to get home or to somewhere fun. I love that you have cool stuff near your stations. Like Starbucks and Dominick's at Fullerton. Wrigleyville at Addison. And all those fun bars. I don't even drink, but they look cool. I love that you're so close to the bus lines when I have to transfer and it only costs $.25. YOU ROCK! Public transportation is cheaper, more green and relatively more efficient than automobile transport. It is also inconvenient at times and the clientele can be challenging. But, you know what? I'll take it ANY day over sitting on LA's freeways or taking the buses and few trains there. Ya'll are spoiled. There, I said it. Yeah, you Chicagoans .... oughta try living in LA and getting around without a car. Yea, it can be done. But who the hell would want to? You think these trains are bad? At least you have them. I live in an area of the city where every day, I have so many options on how to get where I'm going, it's like a game to figure out which is best. Often, I can just catch the first bus available out of 3 and get to my destination just that quick. Or I can take the train, the bus. The train or the bus. I got so I hardly went anywhere in LA because of the traffic. I pretty much started staying in my neighborhood. Guess what that is? Isolating. Boring. But every time I got into my car to go somewhere, I'd get so aggravated, it just wasn't worth it. Red Line, I love how you connect so easily with other El trains. You're so well designed! Thank you, again, for saving me $8-10K a year. For under $1K annually, you take me everywhere I wanna go in this, my hometown, Chicago! And I ain't lyin'! read more

Sometimes I want to give the CTA, in general, 1 star and sometimes I want to give them no stars. =/ Today, i will give them one because I just had a chocolate chip cookie and eating those always puts me in a better mood. Anyways, here we go... I take public transportation on my way to work every weekday and majority of the time you have to see it for what it is. The Red Line is just plain ol' "DUUUURRRTY." If i had a nickel for every time I've seen a half-eaten chicken wing laying on a seat, I'd probably have $0.35 cents. Straight-up disgusting. That's my two cents, maybe I should add that to my $0.35 and I can get some hand cleanser or something so that I can rid the bacteria from my hands after touching the hand rails in the passenger cars. No? (Yeup, that's me in a "better" mood.) read more

I used to depend on the Red Line on a daily basis when I lived way up on Morse. Although I don;t ride on the red line as much anymore but is it just me or is it taking much longer to get around once you get north of Belmont. If memory serves me correctly, it seemed to move much faster up that way? It is still as unkempt as it used to be in the the off peak hours and many more people are calling it's cars their bedrooms late at night. I hate to be a total jag bag because it does have it's better points. If I want to go to a Cubs, Bears or Sox game it is there for me. It proves very useful when I need to traverse the length of the city in the middle of the night too. read more

There are a lot of terrible things about the Red Line but the worst part is it runs right through our tourist area and it kills me to think people get an inaccurate representation of our city. If you're a tourist and considering riding the Red Line, know these facts: 1) For Cubs and Sox games it's safe ... because there are so many people. You literally can't move to commit a crime. This brings me to point two ... 2) If you are indeed riding it to a game know that some full trains may go sailing by since everyone takes it to the game. Leave early. 3) If you're riding it on a non-game day, know that you MUST keep an eye on your valuables at all times. It is not a safe train. In all honesty I advise my friends coming in from out of town to just cab or take a bus. 145/365 read more

I'm writing a review of the Red Line mostly for the train operator I occasionally get on my ride downtown in the morning. At the stops, he makes announcements that contain positive advice for living in the world- today he announced "Make the world a better place, love one another." as riders exited at the Monroe station. More like him, please. read more

The Red Line is probably the most convenient and definitely the cheapest way to get from the north side to downtown to the south side, and vice versa. Experiences will vary. If you're a tourist you'll probably have a slight chance of encountering the following. A) Rush Hour / Cubs / W. Sox Games. Hot, crowded, armpits in your face. B) The sleeping bum. You didn't notice the sleeping bum until you've sat down and realized it reeked. Then you've noticed the sleeping bum on the seat behind you. C) God crazies. The occasional folk that stands in the middle of the doorways, peddling up and down the car, telling you to repent and/or praise the lord. And if you're one of them, no I'm not listening to you because I'm listening to my iPod, and no we won't all start singing Hallelujah. D) The reeking piss smell. Most of the time it isn't too bad. But there's a 1 in 100 chance possibly you'll have to run to another car. E) Don't shove your life in my face loud talkers. Yes, of course a train is a public place, but if your voice is louder than the train's intercom system and I can hear you from the other end of the train, go do something else with your powervoice. Oh no don't preach to me with it. F) Delays. *Do Do Do* Your attention please. This train is experiencing an equipment problem. We hope to be moving shortly. Thank you old rolling stock. read more

This is the primary CTA line I take. It's a love hate relationship. It's so convenient yet so gross. I have recently witnessed 2 thefts of cell phones, and the longer I live here the worse it seems to get. I on a regular basis see ppl. spitting out there sunflower seeds on the train floor, changing a baby diaper and once again throwing it on the floor - spitting.... where else but on the train floor, sleeping bums - aggressive pan handlers - it's a show for sure. There are always delays, medical emergency, power failures, and my favorite technical difficulty. The train cars are filthy. Disgustingly dirty. But, I don't care for the bus, so the red line is my mode of transportation 7 days a week. Gets me where I need to go - and hopefully I can make it on time. It's not glamorous that's for sure. I suggest minding your own business - not taking your phone out.... and for the love of god ppl. step out and step back in if your standing by the door at a stop. Train tracker- I can't speak to the other lines - but the red line.... total waste of time. I just stopped using it, it simply is not accurate. read more

When I decided to write a review of this line I was thinking I'd rate it 2 stars based on the facts that everybody likes to complain about in relation to it.. However, after reading a few of the reviews here my disgust has mellowed somewhat and overall I think it deserves higher since the upside of it for me is much greater than the downside. Yes, there are times when the sanitary conditions on the line are deplorable, but for those of us that either choose not to drive or can't it does serve a useful and effective way to get from one end of town to the other. Yeah, the vomit on the floor yesterday literally turned my stomach, but thankfully that's not the norm. My wish list for this line are 2 things that would really make my riding experience better. First I'd like there to be increased police riding the line (actually I don't think it would be an increase since I don't think there are any riding it now). Using undercover police is the strategy that airlines use to keep us safe while flying and it should be implemented on our public transportation too. The second thing that's really needed in the L system is that the trains need to be cleaned at the end of the line before they are sent back out so they won't stink of urine and will have the trash removed. read more

So today I'm at the Division Red Line stop, and a lady approaches me to ask "if the train has come yet". I didn't know how to respond to the question, so I stare blankly for 30 seconds or so while all the possible answers to this swirl around in my brain (The 12:07pm train: yes, the 12:11pm train: not yet ... or ... you know there's more than one train on these tracks, right?), but instead i just settled on a simple "No", to which she seemed pleased. Afterwards I wondered if she knew something I didn't about another CTA doomsday scenario, and I started to question whether the variable reliability of the red line had reached an all-time low, forcing me to wait for 'the train' to go to 95th and up to Howard and back down to Division before it eventually slams on it's breaks and comes to a screaching halt once again at the Division station. But, as it goes, the train arrived roughly 120 seconds after she posed that not-so-fateful question. And when I walked in to try and figure out which of the dozen people I was going to have to ask to 'move their shit' so I could sit down (the guy who was only blocking the seat with his legs), and was forced to listen to that 14-year old blast music through his cell phone's tiny speaker (who is inexplicably on the train at 12:24 on a school day) ... I was actually kind of relieved. The train came as it always did, and took me and everyone else on that train where we needed to go like it always has. And -- as the conductor let everyone know for the third time that he would be closing those doors soon -- I realized that it wasn't pleasant, but at least I could count on it. read more

Still dislike this line, but I have to admit the station renovations of the stops inbetween Howard and Sheridan have definitely helped in ending many of the leaks that used to exist on the stairs going up to the platforms, and/or on the platforms. And I've realized recently that the slow zones on this line have decreased from what they used to be, so by mentioning all these things, I'm giving credit where it's due. Here's hope they sooner rather than later get around to fixing the ceiling above the turnstyles(and at street level) at several of the stops, including at Berwyn! read more

It's okay. Convenient, sometimes you get to see the guy dressed like Jesus carrying a cross, and sometimes you get to see the guy singing about seeing the guy dressed like Jesus. But it is dirty and smelly like most CTA transportation, and I don't think I've ever had a completely smooth ride any time I have taken it an appreciable distance. Always many erratic stops for no apparent reason. Some times for long periods of time, which is definitely not cool when I had to take the train from work in the loop and get to Loyola's northshore campus in time for class. read more

I would say the Red Line is the most interesting of the rainbow of lines we have in Chicago. From a man I believe was Ronnie Woo-Woo exclaiming "Woo Obama Woo Obama Woo 08 Woo 08 Woo Obama Obama Woo 08 08." throughout my entire ride from Wilson to North/Clybourne. To a man with a violin in the Chicago station playing holiday music (in December, of course). To the ridiculously wonderful people watching opportunities. And so much more in between. But the disgusting smell & unknown substances that frequent this line really kills it. read more

The CTA's Red Line is for me the classic Chicago "El" experience, and one I love the best. To get to it I usually take the Blue Line from O'Hare to downtown, walk through the block long tunnel and emerge at the platform for the Red Line. From there I hop a ride North, come out of the tunnel and I always smile as I know I'm on my way to fun times, or if I'm heading South I just had a lot of fun and am going home with a smile. And yes I smile even if the Cubs didn't win as hey, it's still a Cubs game and I got to enjoy it! And the Red Line takes me to a lot of other great places besides Wrigley Field...some places along Halsted St. come to mind. The CTA for a non-Chicagoan is not that bad to get around. Ticket machines are easy to use especially compared to BART in SF, or even Metrolink in STL. and the value you get for the price paid is pretty good. The ride is reflective of a system that was built many, many years ago. It's tight in the tunnels, it's a little bumpy, it's noisy and screechy, but it's also a piece of Americana that especially if you're a rail fan is one of those rides you gotta take. You just do. I've rode the Red Line at all times of the day and night and at different times of year. I have had a time or two where I was on one end of a platform and 30+ teenagers all dressed alike were at the other end and I was glad my train came when it did. And I can also say that waiting for a train on one of the elevated platforms at 5 am in the middle of a Chicago snowstorm was one of the coldest things I've ever done...BURRR!! But I've never had the CTA let me down and frankly I enjoy every ride I take on it. Could it be better? Of course, but for what it is and how old it is, and knowing how many people it serves it's a privilege for me to ride a system that just works so dang well. 5 Stars for an old El Line in Chicago? I couldn't dream of giving it anything less. read more

This station is very well lit even at night. It is in the subway but I have seen some that are not as well lit as this one before and it is refreshing to see that when you are heading home. They do have an elevator at this stop but you have to go towards the LaSalle side in order to get to it, and that can be a little confusing because the station is so long. My only issue with the elevator and it is not CTA's fault but people go to the restroom in the elevator and the smell sometimes can knock you to the ground it is potent. They and try and keep it clean I have to give them that but this does not help the smell intermingling with your nose and making you want to pass out on sight. I know one time I came to the station to make a run to the store and it was garbage all over the place when I was getting on the train, but by the time I came back it was all cleared up. My grandbaby came and visited me and she dropped a jar of milk and the lady came with tons of paper towels and a bag so we could place the rest of our stuff in the bag and she helped us clean up the milk. That was very sweet and I was pleasantly surprised. Safe Travels Everyone and as always... Enjoy!! read more

Yes, we had some good times, Red Line, but I'm sorry- I'm going back to the Brown Line. When I left the Brown Line for you it was because you were popular, quick, metro, even a little dirty and dangerous. You pushed me around and made me feel like a big city girl. But now I have to go back to the Brown Line. Yes, it's slower. But it's also more respectable, less busy leaving more room for "me to be me". The Brown Line shows me views of the city you never could in your underground life. It's full of light and "thank you's" and "pleases" that just lacked with you. We'll always have Wrigley, Red Line. But for now I have to go to Southport. read more

I know I haven't seen you much lately, even though I live across the street within easy walking distance (indeed, such close proximity figured prominently in my decision to rent this very flat)... but what can I say? The 148 bus has usurped you; just a short walk down the block, and it drops me off practically right in front of work. *practically RIGHT in front of work*, you know? But I can't quit you. read more

2 stars for the frequency/stops of the Red Line, and no more. The cars are always dirty and something liquid has usually been spilled, so it sloshes around when the train stops and accelerates. The cars also always smell bad, and worse when the homeless ride (but how else are they supposed to get around?). For anyone who uses public transportation and wants to see the system change, I recommend going to the following site: http://www.bettertransit.com/ read more

You guys in Chicago are SO spoiled. Take it from someone in a city where the mass transit is much more mass and a lot less transit: San Francisco. (The Muni system in our fair hamlet is a joke.) It may be easy to take for granted, but: 1. The A/C makes the cars like delightful meat lockers. I bet they even have heat in the winter. 2. It runs all night. 3. You don't need NextBus to tell you when the next train is coming... because you know it's going to come! 4. When you hit a snag, it's often quickly resolved. If it isn't, they actually tell you what's up. 5. The craziest person on the train isn't the driver. read more

I'm feeling the urge to give the red line a little praise, because myself, a blue-liner, had no idea just how good you guys had it. So there may be a stinch of piss at times... well, I think I would settle for a foul smell any day if it meant my train would run 24 hours, frequently and at a pace faster than a turtle. Tonight I had just missed a red line train up north after 2am, I waited probably 5 minutes for the next: I've waited longer for a blue line at 2pm. I also made it at the stop I needed to get off in record breaking time. I think in the amount of time the blue line gets from Irving to Belmont, I got from Jarvis to Sheridan on the red. I'm a big fan of the red line, unfortunately, until I move elsewhere, I'm destined to take a lazy turtle for public transit. read more

Archaic, smelly, never on time, and always takes twice the time the CTA website will say it takes. It's been under construction since I moved here and changes so often I can't keep track. Is it running at night or on the weekends? Maybe! Maybe it'll only the the NB or SB that's closed, or rerouted to the elevated tracks. It's anyone's guess! The red line is consistently one of the worst experiences of my life. It smells so bad and goes SO SLOW sometimes I've just had to get off and tell myself to calm down before I started screaming and jumped out of one of the doors. Why more people don't snap while riding the train is something that's beyond me. read more

Is it me or does the red line smell worse than the other lines? That back area at the end of each car with the 2 seats often smells the worst. It's like sitting in a toilet. I try to stick to the end cars because they seem less crowded but I doubt the accuracy of my own assumption on that one. On hot summer days, I like that the tunnel's often cooler than above ground. Conversly, it's also wamer down there in the winter and helps me de-thaw. I'm torn on the musicians. Some are gret and a lot are horrible. The bucket players are the worst. read more

I love the redline! I also love to hate it - what's not to love? you can ride it to Belmont or Fullerton or (I think) State and Lake and change over to another line. it's a straight shot down town otherwise, and close to pretty much alot of stuff. I hate to stand, which I sometimes have to do -- it's difficult sometimes when the train is crowded, but I'm still glad it's there. read more

Pro's: Runs 24/7, Connects the North Side with the South Side and the downtown Loop in between, very frequent service, get to meet some interesting characters (never boring in this sense, but this can also be a con as you will see below) Cons: Runs extremely slow these days around the Lakeview & Lincoln Park areas primarily between Addison - Belmont - Fullerton due to track construction and sometimes signal clearance issues (the train is probably slow in the South Side as well). One time a trip from Howard to Chicago Avenue took me a whopping hour. Lately it has averaged about 40 minutes which is probably the same amount of time it takes a Metra train to get all the way from north suburban Highland Park to the downtown Chicago Loop. Pathetic. .... Get to meet some interesting characters (ie. bums, drunk frat boys, panhandlers, etc.) read more

Dear Red Line, I don't get mad often. However Saturday morning you made me late for work. Really late. Whatever happened to signs that would very clearly that you were not operating? Makes no sense...You should really tell people what is going on with you if you are under construction or having tracks repaired. All I ask is for proper communication with me... Furious I was. Too bad I need you. Hate to love you, Jessie read more