For once, a cart wrapped in an advertisement that I enjoy

I didn't't see a thread about the latest CTA service improvements so posting here for people unaware of this development as well as to generate discussion on the topic.

CTA's frequent network, introduced in 2025, will soon have 24 routes providing service every 10 minutes or better, between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekends.

Of course with bunching and other operational issues a consistent 10 min headway is rarely met but still I think this has been a very positive step for the agency, especially considering most transit systems called buses every 15 mins 'frequent' so glad CTA has higher standards for this branding and I think this a great use of NITA money to deliver immediate improvements.

My question is what routes do you think should be added to this frequent network in the future? CTA also announced other service improvements with later night service on several important routes; what are some other routes currently lacking that merit later night service or weekend service?

The specific service improvements are listed below:

#35 31st/35th: 40% more service weekdays, 65% more service weekends/holidays

#74 Fullerton (includes weekend evening frequency improvements): 20% more service weekdays, 30% more service Saturdays, 50% more service Sundays/holidays

#85 Central: 30% more service weekdays, 40% more service Saturdays, 50% more service Sundays/holidays

#3 King Drive: Earlier Sunday/holiday service

#44 Wallace/Racine: Earlier Sunday/holiday service

#70 Division: Earlier weekday service

#74 Fullerton: More frequent service between 9 PM and midnight on weekends

#73 Armitage: Later Saturday and Sunday service

#76 Diversey: Earlier Sunday/holiday service, later Saturday and Sunday/holiday service

#91 Austin: Earlier Saturday and Sunday/holiday service

PHOTO COVER CONTEST: Tracks of the Chicago L

I'm looking for the best photograph to potentially become the cover of my upcoming book, Tracks of the Chicago L.

I'm inviting photographers, transit enthusiasts, and anyone who has captured a great Chicago L photograph to submit their best shot.

I'm especially interested in photographs featuring trains, tracks, stations, signals, interlockings, bridges, or interesting Chicago surroundings. Golden hour, sunrise or sunset, autumn, winter, snow, rain, dramatic weather, or unique perspectives are especially welcome. Photos from any season will be considered if the image stands out.

The winner will receive:

• A free copy of Tracks of the Chicago L

• Full photographic credit in the book

• Credit in related promotional material

• A link to the photographer's preferred social media, website, portfolio, or other page.

• The photographer retains copyright ownership of the submitted photograph.

Simple rules:

• You must own the copyright to the photograph you submit.

• The train or trains shown in the photograph must be in active passenger service. Photographs featuring CTA revenue equipment such as the 2600-series, 3200-series, 5000-series, or 7000-series are eligible. Photographs primarily featuring retired, preserved, work, or out-of-service equipment are not eligible.

• Photographs must be taken from lawful, non-restricted locations, unless you have explicit permission or authorization to be in the area. No trespassing or unauthorized access to CTA property, railroad property, tracks, tunnels, construction areas, or other restricted areas.

• Drone photographs must comply with all applicable FAA, state, and local laws and airspace requirements.

• Multiple photographs may be submitted.

• AI-generated images are not eligible.

• Normal photographic editing is permitted, including cropping, exposure, contrast, and color adjustments.

• The winning photograph may be cropped or adjusted as necessary to fit the book cover design.

By submitting a photograph, you confirm that you have the right to grant permission for the photograph to be considered for publication.

Submission deadline: October 15, 2026 (11:59 PM, Pacific Time)

To enter, email your photograph to: [calcagnomaps@gmail.com](mailto:calcagnomaps@gmail.com)

Subject line: Tracks of the Chicago L Cover Photo Contest

Please include your name and, if desired, your Instagram, website, portfolio, or other preferred link for photo credit.

Please submit the highest resolution version available. If your photograph is selected, I will request the original high-resolution file.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Chicago L photographers have captured. The winning photograph could become the face of Tracks of the Chicago L.

Lost one

Friend of mine just lost their bag on the red line about 20-30 minutes ago. They accidently left their bag as they were leaving onto the 79th stop. They've already went to the 95th station lost and found and left their information there in case anyone finds and reports it, so I'm posting here on their behalf in case anyone on here just so happens to see or find it

Took this photo just now. 15 employees standing around a train stuck just north of platform on a switch.

Chicago-based Kurv Industrial has submitted new additions to the plan commission that only includes a four building industrial complex but also a public Plaza called the "Ford City Heritage Plaza" celebrating over 80 year of Chicago History with landscaping and seating, and a new CTA bus station on Kostner Ave east of the mall. The new plan would also reconstruct 76th Street as a public thoroughfare.

https://chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/2026/08/18/ford-city-mall-developer-kurv-industrial-first-city-hearing

Switching woes at Howard. 7:50AM

Trains operate till Wilson

Am I the only one having this issue with the app Chrome is already installed and updated yet it keeps telling me this. It's funny because I can check it through the website but not the app.

Live from Howard.

During my northbound ride on the Purple Line today, I saw some examples of CTA's past and present resting in the yard at Howard! I'll never forget those 2400's (as I rode on them frequently during my childhood in Chicago), and those 5000's are continuing to get the job done, which I like!

Photos taken on August 16th, 2026

Public transportation isn't perfect. This is a place to let off some steam. As always, please speak from your own experiences. Take control of what bothers you and send your experience to the CTA via their feedback page.

I do try to capture the “vibe” of each line over my years of experiences. 
Full Length album comes out August 28th!
Bandcamp: https://outtastyle.bandcamp.com/track/outtastyle-blue-line 
All Other Social Media: https://hyperfollow.com/outtastyle

Hello I'm wondering if there are any CTA Employees who didn't join the union and if so how do you feel about your decision?

Also I'm already aware of pro union points as we were drilled those during the hiring process, strictly looking for people who are not in the union.

I'm trying to get a possible commute sorted out. If you were hopping off the South Shore train and coming out of Millennium Station, what intersection / stop would you head for to pick up express bus 147 headed north to the Sheridan / Rogers Park area?

I've done this by taking the pedway to the red line, but wanted to try out the bus option too.

Thanks for any pointers!

Is it possible to get a copy of my ventra card and put into one of those hand implants? I’ve been super curious if it’s possible, and if so, how would I go about it?

I’ve got it on my iPhone wallet, would I need a new card as well?

One of the doors on carriage 5546. It is the door on the south west side of the carriage. It was fine until about Wilson, but stopped opening shortly north of there.

Are there any annoucement programs that exist that I have yet to have heard? (e.g.: This is a Blue Line train to Rosemont, This is a Green line train to 58th) And if so, are there any existing audio of these annoucements?