Parameters of Review:
a) NOT a downtown Chicago dweller (read as: Still figuring out the labyrinthine maze that is Chicago downtown and the criss-crossed networks of the METRA/Amtrak/The L)
b) Final Destination: LaSalle and Kinzie Road
c) Mode of Transportation from Union Station: The Brown Line
d) Origin: Quincy/Wells Station (From Union Station, exit east on Jackson Blvd [landmark: Corner Bakery Cafe, circa July 2015], continue east past "Wacker Drive", "Sears Tower", "Franklin St", Turn left (head North) on Wells Street, Arrive at Quincy Station)
e) $3 for a one-way "Ventra" ticket [Ventra is the moniker given to the "L" system], Vending machines available at Quincy Station
f) Time of departure on the "L": 5:45 pm
g) Time of return on the "L": 9 pm
Pros:
a) Suffice to say, Chicago has an extensive network of public transportation. I live in Schaumburg, I took the Western Milwaukee Metra train into Union Station, hopped on the brown line, got off at Merchandise Mart, walked to Kinzie and LaSalle. All good !
Cons:
a) So, what could go wrong ? Here is the situation. Upon returning to the "Merchandise Mart" Brown line station at 9 pm, I realized that entrance to the station has a turnstile that ONLY accepts fare-cards [There is NO vending machine to purchase tickets]. So, for a passenger to get ON the Brown line, YOU NEED a Ventra card. No vending machines on the ground, None up in the station as I can see, nobody to help at 9 pm, so what do I do ?
b) Solution: Head South on Wells (away from Kinzie) towards the "Merchandise Mart Plaza", hang a right (head west-ish) towards the Southern Entrance of the Merchandise Mart (see attached map with directions). Enter through the "Southern" Entrance, make your way to the second floor and head East (right) till you hit the Vending machine kiosks/turnstiles. [Notable Landmark: Potbelly Sandwiches, Jamba Juice]. You have have NOW arrived at the Merchandise Mart Station ! Buy your tickets and be on your way.
c) There are NO instructions whatsoever to help a person navigate to the ticket vending machines at this station. So, travelers beware. If you intend to enter this station (on either entrance) after a certain time in the evening AND if you don't have a valid fare card, be prepared to expend at least 15 to 20 mins to get a ticket.
Summary:
a) Whilst very convenient beyond an iota of doubt. there are still some nuances to traveling by the "L" as evinced by the Merchandise Mart Brown line post-evening ticket-vending-machine-search episode above. read more