Homeland Security on CTA?

On Tuesday night I decided to take the 147 back from the Michigan/Randolphh stop as I was kind of tired and didn't want to ride home.   I put my bike on the rack and when paying the driver asked me to remove my balacalava. I asked why and he said "homeland security"

He was a bit ornery about it so I was less than thrilled. But whatever I removed it.  I couldn't tell if he was just being nasty or just really was under rules to do so.

Anyone else aware of this "law?" Any of your lawyers know if we truly no longer have the right to wear a balaclava (or similar facial covering) on public transportation in Chicago?

Josh

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Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on January 15, 2015 at 6:34pm

Very interesting.  I had a somewhat similar experience.  I was getting on a number 62 Archer bus at Pershing and Rockwell, in the morning and going south to the Loop.  It was on one of those terribly cold days a week or so ago.  I was wearing a balaclava.  The driver wouldn't let me on the bus until I revealed my face and "looked into the camera."  I wasn't happy.  I asked him why.  He said something about "What if you were robbed, wouldn't you want to know by who?"  Since I had to get to where I was going, I reluctantly complied.  I heard the driver later talking to other riders, defending himself.  

This is disgusting.  9/11 made cowards of our government and, by extension, cowards of us all.  The Patriot Act is the worst attack on personal liberties in America in my (rather long) lifetime.  Enough of this for me on a biking forum.  Sorry.  

Permalink Reply by Matt M. 18.5KM on January 15, 2015 at 8:07pm

Try the Washington DC area in 2002.  You guys have it easy.

Permalink Reply by Duppie on January 16, 2015 at 1:20am
Did you ask the CTA whether it is a policy?
Permalink Reply by Josh L. on January 16, 2015 at 2:29am

No I haven't reached out to them. It's hard to believe this guy is acting on his own so I assume he heard the policy at some meeting, etc. 

Duppie said:

Did you ask the CTA whether it is a policy?
Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on January 16, 2015 at 4:26am

Were you asked before or after swiping your fare card?

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on January 16, 2015 at 5:55am

I know the CTA and CPD were checking anyone using U-Pass cards (which have a photo on them) to verify students were using their benefits properly, but it sounds like the driver was just suspicious.

Permalink Reply by Gene Tenner on January 16, 2015 at 6:44am

Two years ago I walked into my bank and was asked to remove the balaclava or fully show my face. I am sure the same fear of masked evil-doer was the driving force behind the request. I obliged willingly.

Permalink Reply by Tom A.K. on January 16, 2015 at 6:49am
What ? ! It's just me !
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Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on January 16, 2015 at 8:18am

As a matter of fact, I was robbed on an el platform once -- by several people, and by force.  It was not a pleasant experience.  Nonetheless, I'd take any additional risk of being robbed again against living in a state of constant governmental surveillance.  Also, I don't think there any evidence that cameras on CTA buses prevent robberies.  Maybe, in a few rare cases, they assist in identifying wrongdoers.  Mostly, they are there to help the CTA defend itself against any accusations that its personnel acted wrongly.

It's a matter of personal choice.  Instead of living in constant fear and paranoia, I'd rather just try and keep my wits (or half-wits!) about me and avoid trouble.  Being on cameras constantly creeps me out.  Reasonable people may differ.  

  

h' 1.0 said:

Ever been robbed, Jim? Not hard to see the driver's side of things if you have.

Jim Reho said:

Very interesting.  I had a somewhat similar experience.  I was getting on a number 62 Archer bus at Pershing and Rockwell, in the morning and going south to the Loop.  It was on one of those terribly cold days a week or so ago.  I was wearing a balaclava.  The driver wouldn't let me on the bus until I revealed my face and "looked into the camera."  I wasn't happy.  I asked him why.  He said something about "What if you were robbed, wouldn't you want to know by who?"  Since I had to get to where I was going, I reluctantly complied.  I heard the driver later talking to other riders, defending himself.  

This is disgusting.  9/11 made cowards of our government and, by extension, cowards of us all.  The Patriot Act is the worst attack on personal liberties in America in my (rather long) lifetime.  Enough of this for me on a biking forum.  Sorry.  

Permalink Reply by Josh L. on January 16, 2015 at 3:23pm


before.
Bob Kastigar said:

Were you asked before or after swiping your fare card?

Permalink Reply by SixtyTwoPercent on January 16, 2015 at 3:33pm

I would take mine off if asked. I know that I am generally in a cold-induced stupor and would not think to take it off without being prompted.

I will say this. When the demonstrations were happening downtown this past year (middle-east related) I saw someone wearing a facial covering (like a bandana) and it really weirded me out. I wanted to run over and demand that the person remove it. I felt like that was one step removed from a thrown rock/molotov cocktail or other mayhem. Really.

Permalink Reply by Eli on January 17, 2015 at 3:52am

I felt like that was one step removed from a thrown rock/molotov cocktail or other mayhem. Really.

That's ridiculous.

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