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You wanted it? You got it. More "Going Public." A place to sound off, submit photos, suggest CTA solutions and get into discussions with your fellow riders. I'm Kyra Kyles and I'll be here for you answering questions, responding to your comments and bringing you the straight scoop on transit mysteries with an assist from the CTA. So come one, come all and we'll talk CTA 'till we get motion sick.


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  • « Seatless on the CTA? | Main | Tracking Envy »



    Baggage Boors Beware: On Candid Camera

    Posted July 18 at 12:22 p.m.

    It's hot.  I know I'm not telling you anything new.  But this is almost the kind of hot that infamously touched off the drama in "Do the Right Thing."  I'm two steps away from going old-school and calling Rosie Perez to bring me some ice.

    That's why it's really dangerous to be a luggage lout right about now.  I know, I know.  You need to ride the buses and "L" trains and you also need to be able to bring your stuff (groceries, luggage, grocery carts).  But there should be some kind of limit, folks, and if you do bring things onboard, be careful with them. 

    Or you just might anger the wrong rider.  I got an e-mail and some pretty choice photos from a rider named Erica who used her camera phone to memorialize a rider with quite a lot of baggage who was causing quite a lot of blockage.

    Baggage_3 

     

    Tell me, honestly.  Have you ever done this?  What do you think the CTA could do to mitigate the baggage boors?  Personally, I think you should either streamline your stuff or pitch in with some buds on a shared limo in some extreme carry-on cases.


    in CTA rants | Permalink

    Comments

    Wow, talk about blockage!

    Kyra, are the CTA is talks about limiting/elimating things that can block aisles (strollers, luggage, etc)? That can be a safety hazard as well!

    Posted by: Pamela | Jul 18, 2008 1:42:05 PM


    Yep, that's crazy! I certainly understand if you need to take a lot of stuff but then call a limo, take a cab or have someone drop you off!

    Posted by: nancy | Jul 18, 2008 3:33:55 PM


    If you don't have a car, a friend to drive you or the ability to rent a car, CTA is your last hope of getting from point A to point B.

    Yes, those baggage/strollers/bikes, etc, are hogging the limited space, but people have to go and take their belongings with them. Remember, this is PUBLIC transportation, not PRIVATE transportation. We have to put up with several inconveniences in life and this is one of them.

    If you've ever had to move your things, couldn't get a ride, couldn't afford a cab, but you HAD to be there with a suitcase the size of Rhode Island, you would realize that by the grace of God go all of us!!

    One day, those people who are complaining about this, will be on the other end of this. I hope they have a sense of humor about people moving. But what goes around . . . DOES come back around!!!

    Posted by: Apres Ski | Jul 21, 2008 7:15:40 PM


    I agree that this is public transit and we all share the space, but we should be respectful of one another.

    If someone clearly cannot get past your bags/bikes/stroller then you're being inconsiderate, and either need to move towards the back of the bus or at least make a path for people to get by.

    Just imagine if there's an emergency; are we all supposed to just hop over your excess bags?

    Posted by: Jen | Jul 23, 2008 12:29:05 AM


    Baggage, unfolded strollers and carts are just some of the many perils that await those of us who are disabled but "lucky" enough to be able to board a CTA bus. Consider the #77 bus where numerous flight crews travel to the blue line with all their worldly goods crammed into rolling trunks. But its not just the baggage, its where they put it ~ right in the aisle in the front of the bus while they also block access to disabled seating. Although I suppose its to my credit that I have become limber enough to negotiate this daily obstacle course, it is maddening to have to compete with these young space hogs. Ever consider pooling together for a cab or moving to the back of the bus, flight crews? Fly the friendly skies, yes, but you're making the #77 not so friendly indeed.

    Posted by: maggie | Jul 23, 2008 4:55:55 AM


    Dear Excessive Baggage Carriers,

    All that baggage!!! Excessive baggage!!! Please excuse me I would like to get through the isle & not have to trip over and watch others trip over your traveling home. And please can I sit down in the seat next to you where you have your backpack in I am sure it does not require a seat.
    I am asking this now inlight of when you see me or another paying customer board and turn your head or play with your phone.

    Thanks,

    April

    Posted by: April | Aug 3, 2008 8:22:43 PM


    There should be a limit to what you can carry on the bus and the bus driver should enforce these rules. The worst is during rush hour on the #9 or #X9. People getting on the bus with stroller(the Caddie of strollers) and no baby. Not only do we have to waste time for you to put the tank on the bus, now we have to decided if we are going to climb or leap for the door before you miss your stop. CTA should do the same as they do for bikes on the "L". No large items during rush hour times.

    Posted by: Horatio | Aug 7, 2008 10:02:24 PM


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