We’ve crowned the best “L” lines.
We’ve shamed the worst bus routes. (Cough, No. 8-Halsted, cough.)
In 2006, we even had a CTA-inspired marriage proposal, still attracting YouTube views at “Joe Proposes to Jason.”
It’s been a wild ride.
But like a Red Line train arriving at Howard or 95th, I’ve officially reached the end of the line.
This column marks my final turn as “Going Public,” as I prepare for an exciting assignment that includes a brand-new blogtastic adventure to complement my pop culture-focused columns that appear in this space every Friday. I certainly hope you’ll make my new gig part of your RedEye routine.
Fortunately, I leave you in capable hands.
Your next “Going Public” guide is RedEye reporter Tracy Swartz, whom you might know from the sports section’s Five on Five.
Ms. Swartz — also a regular rider — is an investigative dynamo with a deep curiosity about the CTA.
But before I pass on the mass transit mantle, I want to say goodbye to this column the best way I know how: sending CTA shouts to people and things I’ll most miss, including …
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CTA employees
I’ve always had a semi-soft spot for CTA customer assistants, bus operators and rail operators, particularly the truly helpful ones. Unfortunately, the good employees suffer because of more callous colleagues who balk at offering directions, stop at Starbucks mid-bus route, or cop an attitude when smart cards go wild. Even so, the “L” and bus bad apples have made for invigorating reader e-mails and entire columns, so, yes, I will miss them too. I’ll also pine for the presidents I’ve covered, from the yellow-jacketed Frank Kruesi to the uber-organized Ron Huberman to the newest boss, Richard Rodriguez.
Mass transit mysteries
Like the Mona Lisa smile, the CTA is a great source of mystery. As part of an ongoing series, I enjoyed fielding rider questions — why certain under-construction stops don’t seem to be progressing, why you can buy food near (but not eat on) trains, and what the heck Securitas is doing. My only regret is that I won’t get to report the resolution of the biggest mystery: bus bunching. Maybe one of my great-grandkids will get that CTA scoop.
You
RedEye provides the space. The CTA provides the news. But the real power behind “Going Public” is the riders. That’s why the part of the “GP” gig I’ll miss most is reading and responding to your CTA kudos, frustrations, observations and personal stories. But this is far from a final farewell. You’ll see me in the paper and out on the system. And when you do, CTA Code of Silence be damned, come up and say hi. Heck, I’ll save you a seat.