Anyone Try The New CTA Cars Yet?

I haven't, but I am wondering how bike-friendly they are. What has your experience been like?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/ct-met-getting-...

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Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on August 27, 2012 at 5:35am

When they first tried them on the Red line a few years back, they were quieter inside but you can't look out the windows.

Permalink Reply by Ace Mann on August 27, 2012 at 5:38am
They are on the pink line. They have a lot bigger space for bikes. They also have a much smoother ride, it is much easier to hold the bike & stand.
Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 27, 2012 at 6:32am

Read the article without having to deal with the annoying Legacy Press paywall here.

Nope, that's not the full article either.  Usually you can read stuff at the mobile site but for some reason this article is not there.

Legacy Journalism Fail.

Permalink Reply by Matt on August 27, 2012 at 7:09am

I don't think it is a paywall yet? I read the entire thing by setting up an account with a cookie.

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 27, 2012 at 7:17am

Even after setting up an account, and giving them personal info (that they can use or sell-erburg), you are only allowed to see/read a certain number of news stories per day/month/year before being shut out without paying to "upgrade" your account.

James doesn't do cookies... 

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 27, 2012 at 7:48am

I'd love for someone who travels on the lines in question with the new cars to take a quick cell-phone video of their experiences of rolling a bike onto one of the new cars and what they are like inside as far as room, ride, comfort.  

That would be very helpful in letting folks experience exactly what these new cars are like short of actually riding one themselves. 

All it would take is a short video, a post to youtube, and sharing with others what a bird-eye view experience they had.   

So much better than Legacy Journalism has left us with from the Craptacular Jurnile. 

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on August 27, 2012 at 7:51am

I like the smoother, quieter ride, but overall I hate them for all the reasons given in the Trib article.  I generally hate center facing seats - getting feet stepped on, crotches or butts or bags in my face, and not having any view all make the ride suck.  The pole spacing just adds insult to injury.  Haven't tried them with my bike yet.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on August 27, 2012 at 9:00am

Agreed.

h' said:

Worst thing about center facing seats I've experienced is that it's pretty much untenneable to be in the same area as a large rowdy bunch of teens.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on August 28, 2012 at 3:18am

On the flip side, with the spacing of the vertical bars on the new cars, it's difficult for two people in bulky winter coats to fit into the two seat spaces between the bars, which results either in squished people or wasted space.


The NYC cars are much longer and wider, with a lot fewer vertical bars, so the space is much more open, making it a lot easier to move through the car.

AM said:

They're also on the Green Line.  Personally, I like the inward-facing seats, which are like NYC subway cars.  One reason is that it is substantially easier to get in and out when the train is crowded, especially in the winter when people are wearing bulky coats.  Ever been pinned to the wall and the person on the aisle can't make enough space to let you out?  Also, if the car is not crowded, it is now possible to bring a bike further inside. And the AC power train (as opposed to the DC systems on the old cars) does make for a less jerky ride.  

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 28, 2012 at 3:32am

First world problems.

People are getting too big to fit into all the seats.   Since there are times when people can't bring their bikes onto CTA trains wouldn't it be fair if there were times when folks who needed more than one seat would be prohibited from the trains at these times too?

Paging Kevin Smith...

Bicycles are permitted on CTA trains (The 'L') every day, except during weekday rush periods (7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Up to two regular bicycles are allowed inside each car. Bicycles are also not allowed on July 2 or 4, or when trains are full.

Note: Certain railcars on the Blue Line have doors that swing inward and cannot accommodate bicycles. Only enter cars with green decals that show that bicycles are allowed inside.

Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on August 28, 2012 at 3:40am

Even if one is not obese, winter coats add a few inches to everyone.  People who may fit side by side in those spaces in summer clothes may not fit in winter.  Your "solution" seems like overkill, given the frequency of CTA service.

Permalink Reply by Far'arned Retrogrumpalunkus #63 on August 28, 2012 at 5:42am

It's not MY solution.  I just wondered if it would be fair -since bikes are banned at rush hour and if someone from the CTA says it is "too crowded."

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