Faster Than a Speeding Snail by CoreyBlack
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Description
Throughout the final decade of the 20th Century, Chicago once quasi-world-class rail system began to falter. A lot of the trouble was caused by the fact that most of the city's elevated train superstructure turned 100 years old during the 1990s. Age, coupled with Chicago's brutal weather, and the CTA's often slap-dash maintenance pointed toward a perfect storm of service problems as the millennium approached. Something had to be done. That something was a massive, multi-billion dollar renewal project that took place throughout much of the Zeros and was only officially finished last December.
As with any project so massive, there were problems and disruptions. That is a huge understatement, and the perfect storm happened anyway. In the five years between 2003 and 2008 the disruptions became so bad that the rail system was almost un-ridable during all but rush hour. Commutes from one side of town to the other that had previously taken 55 minutes stretched to upwards of three hours. Trains would stop between stations for up to 30 minutes while work crews in bright orange and florescent chartreuse vests would work on the tracks ahead. Sometimes, this would happen more than once during any given trip, and the endless refrain over the trains' PA system would be "This train is being delayed because (insert problem)" or "This train is experiencing an equipment failure..." My standard refrain became, "this train won't get you downtown before powdered milk goes bad," or something in more colorful language that isn't printable here. To make matters worse, the fares kept going up. There were perennial budget shortfalls and constant threats of even more drastic service cuts. Most Chicagoans couldn't see how those threats had any relevance under the circumstances as they dug ever deeper into their pockets.
I'm happy to announce that the CTA rail system is back up to its 1980s standards, but there are still threats of service cuts and incessant fare increases.
I believe, when I maid this picture (on the Howard Red Line on September 4th, 2007) that the train was actually stopped on the tracks near the Sheridan Road station: that or it crawled veeeerrrrryyy-sloooowwwly.
Comments (14)
TomDart
I really like this piece of life...
bmac62
Excellent pic of semi-disgruntled but resigned passengers. Also like anything with reflections. Really glad to hear that service has returned. In a visit to Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry in June 2009 I read about all the corruption in the Chicago public transportation system before the El...namely the trolly system. Wealth, power and maybe a little local fame were all at stake. So, nothing new under the sun is proven true once again... Fascinating write-up Corey.
beachzz
More powerful than a tonka toy!! I only rode the bus when I was in Chicago, so never got to experience the amazing 1980's era super public transport you mention. Poor me, missing out again. I love your urban shots--you always capture people, places and things just right!!
Seaview123
Never been to the windy city, but I used to have to take the subway to school when I lived in New York. You just gotta love public transportation! Nice photo!
whaleman
"...before powdered milk goes bad..." just killed me! The guy nearest the camera doesn't look too happy either.
myrrhluz
I was there in 2005. I hope to be able to do a comparison study someday. Excellent image! I like seeing both the inside and the curve of the outside of the train. Great reflections! Very expressive faces on the less than transported passengers. I love your title and the powdered milk comparison. When I was in Japan, the common phrase about the roads was, "The shortest route between any two points is under construction."
durleybeachbum
Those faces say it all! A really greast pic.
Chipka
No matter where you go, public transport passengers all look the same. There are always the people reading and not really paying attention to much. There's always that look of bored resignation on their faces. And in terms of this shot, I love the contrasting light: the trains here aren't dark, but that bright sunlight makes the standard CTA metal look rather dark and moody. The outside curve is wonderfully caught, and the reverse angle of the "HOWARD" designation, partly cut off is perfect. It faintly spells "Oh" which just about says it all. This is incredibly well seen. I love its gritty urban candor!
jmb007
bonne photo!!
yons
Great capture
flavia49
wonderful picture!!
sandra46
outstanding image, superb shot!
auntietk
I love your train shots, and this one is fabulous with the reflections and a couple of your neighbors who may have busted you. :) And thanks for the information about the "renewal!" I didn't know all that.
watapki66
Wonderful photo