"Privatizing" Amtrak Food is the Public's Problem

There are many problems with the House of Rep.'s Federal Transportation Bill - you don't have to be planted firmly on one side of the...

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Commuter News, In Brief

It's President's Day, and there's no congestion on the Expressways, so here are a few commuting news items of note. We start with a story...

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• CTA survey tests fare scenarios

Finally! Shoes on for Some at O'Hare

A more efficient, more humane mode of airport security is slowly sweeping the nation... and beginning in March, this expanding TSA pilot...

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Why did they let him drive?

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Chicago Cyclists Looking Ahead

Tonight (Feb. 1st) Chicago bike commuters can see the city's pitch in person.  A presentation of the city's "Streets for Cycling Plan...

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Weird (but True!) Traffic Tale

After reporting traffic in Chicagoland for 4 years, I thought I'd heard it all.  Each shift brings a different adventure for commuters:...

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What's Old is New Again

When the 2012 Auto Show kicks off here in Chicago, 100% electric cars will be on display... just like they were in 1901 - at the first...

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Metra Fares Going Up February 1st

It was inevitable - the cost of our region's most efficient and extensive mass transit option is going up.  Metra Rail officials were&...

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Metra Says "We're Sorry"

If you are a Metra commuter on the Southwest Service, BNSF or Heritage Corridor Lines - then the Agency has formally issued an apology for...

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Big Bus Route Changes in the Loop

I live on the Northside - and Oh how I miss Lower Wacker.  As Chicago commuters know, getting over to the IKE, or getting...

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• Why reporter Tracy Swartz rode all 139 CTA bus routes

What's Up with Rising Gas Prices?

Some energy analysts are on the record, predicting $5 per gallon gas for U.S. drivers in 2012.  I don't think any commuter is truly...

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Log-on to See Where the Plows Are

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• Photos: Cars of the 2011 Chicago blizzard

8 Air Travel Trends for 2012

Conde Nast Traveler magazine has come out with several travel predictions for the year ahead,...

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PETA to IDOT: Cows are People Too?

It's one of those stories that makes you shake your head and wonder, 'Don't we have other battles to fight in this society?'  ...

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New Year = New Traffic Laws, Toll Hikes

It's that time of year again - we kiss 2011 goodbye, and ring in 2012 with about 200 new laws in the state of Illinois... several of...

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How Exactly do Speed Cameras Work?

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• Red Line rehab plans announced

The CTA Budget Hole: Is Work Force the Problem?

CTA employees have been "gaming the system."  Those are just a few of the strong words that came from CTA President Forrest...

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• CTA Tattler

We're #1... In Nasty Bottlenecks

Like we needed a study for this one.  Nevertheless, the 'Circle Interchange' has cropped up in the top spot for truck bottlenecks,...

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Metra's Fare Hike Proposed, CTA Ride Still $2.25... For Now

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I Miss My Shoes.

It's the last vestige of glamour for a pregnant woman - our high heels.  Even as your mid-section turns into a watermelon-like orb, and...

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Quantifying the "Suckiness" of Your Commute

I.B.M. has released the results of its 4th annual "Commuter Pain Survey" and has this cool speedometer graphic to show for it....

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• Getting there: Share your transit images

Shoes Back On? Still Up in the Air

It's the policy that the Brit on a Boeing, (otherwise known as 'The Shoe Bomber') saddled us all with:  No more

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Rahm Not Backing Down From Traffic Aide Cuts

Did you see any pedestrians 'up in arms' at a 'testy' Town Hall Mtg. Monday Night?  Any drivers protesting the firing of 80...

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