PACK 'EM IN! - Chicago Transit Authority to Test Seatless L Cars!
RIDERSHIP INCREASE - UP 7% SINCE JUNE, 2007, 25% FOR SENIORS - DICTATE CAPACITY BOOST!
Gasoline in Chicago over $4.50/gallon for regular. Seniors riding free on mass transit since last March. Both factors have contributed to increased ridership on CTA trains and buses this year.
Several years ago, the Chicago Transit Agency tested increasing train car capacity by running cars with only center-facing seats. This new "seatless" strategy, however, takes "capacity" one step further.
Most cars on CTA L Trains can accommodate about 90 riders per car, while combining standing room with some seating. Cars with center-facing seats only, parallel to the windows, increase capacity beyond that. Seatless cars can add dozens of riders - but with far less comfort, of course.
In Tokyo, Japan, uniformed "pushers" man every station during rush hour. Their job: to cram as many passengers as possible into overcrowded rush hour trains. While no one at the CTA is proposing this kind of approach here in Chicago, it is obvious an often-draining rush hour El ride will become less bearable if all the seats are taken away.
Standing-room-only train cars would begin this fall as a test, on the Brown Line L, which serves downtown and the north and northwest sides of Chicago. Here, each eight-car train would contain two contiguous cars lacking seats. Those desiring seats, or riders disabled, pregnant, or elderly, could find seats in the remaining cars. No seatless buses are contemplated at this time.
One alternate solution would have the CTA purchasing new train cars. However, additional car purchases will require some additional capital funding from the State of Illinois, and that funding is not likely to be coming any time soon.
Of course, each train would still have grab bars or straps for riders to stabilize themselves during their ride. But I wouldn't guess these riders would be very happy about the complete lack of seating for their commute downtown.
See Jon Hilkevitch and Deanese Williams-Harris's story in today's Chicago Tribune for more info.
DEAN MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
