Whether on the rails or the routes, Kyra Kyles tries to shine a light into the darkness of the CTA. Why is your train late? How do you order a new Chicago Card? What is a "switching problem?" You want to know? Kyra will find out for you.
"Going Public," which appears every Tuesday on Page 4 of RedEye, has tackled topics ranging from the hefty fines charged for eating on the CTA to singing bus drivers who bring joy to riders.
So if you see this RedEye staffer on the system, break the powerful code of CTA silence and say hello. Kyra's ears (and eyes) are open for all of your gripes, kudos and any questions related to the riding experience. E-mail her "Going Public" column at kkyles@tribune.com.
"Going Public," which appears every Tuesday on Page 4 of RedEye, has tackled topics ranging from the hefty fines charged for eating on the CTA to singing bus drivers who bring joy to riders.
So if you see this RedEye staffer on the system, break the powerful code of CTA silence and say hello. Kyra's ears (and eyes) are open for all of your gripes, kudos and any questions related to the riding experience. E-mail her "Going Public" column at kkyles@tribune.com.
Recent Columns:
January 6, 2009
Ride on! GP's '09 resolutions
Are you already regretting that gym membership you started seven days ago?
December 30, 2008
Let's celebrate the CTA in 2009
The rest of Chicago might be breaking out the champagne glasses, ripping up the confetti and picking glam outfits for New Year's Eve on Wednesday, but that night won't bring much to celebrate when it comes to the CTA.
December 23, 2008
I don’t hand out lumps of coal
I haven't owned a sleigh since I was 8. Still, sometimes I feel like a CTA Santa, keeping an eye on the transit agency year-round. There certainly have been some mass transit missteps this year, but the agency seems to be trying to improve, ramping up the rollout of bus tracker, aggressively attacking slow zones and, last week, unveiling an impressive upgrade to transitchicago.com. That's why I dug deep into my virtual velvet bag and suggested a few gifts we riders can give the CTA.
December 16, 2008
These CTA bus drivers lose badges of honor
In "The Scarlet Letter," heroine Hester Prynne bears her shame on her chest. In the CTA's case, their sometime shame comes in the form of badges worn by bus operators-gone-bad.
December 9, 2008
Cool ad campaign is just that—cold
Colorful? Yes. Tasty-looking? Yes. Warm? Not so much.
November 25, 2008
Get mileage out of public transit gifts
"Going Public" suspects that, deep down, you want no part of Black Friday.
November 18, 2008
Riders: When will CTA projects end?
Hats and gloves have been brought forth from the back of the closet.
November 11, 2008
Let the CTA know if experiments work
It's time to share your West Side story.
November 4, 2008
Riders: Pink is the new problem
There are eight shades of the rainbow represented on the "L" system, but lately, one color is emerging as a source of commuter crankiness.
October 28, 2008
Tell the CTA how you really feel
Fed up with fare hikes?
January 6, 2009
Ride on! GP's '09 resolutions
Are you already regretting that gym membership you started seven days ago?
December 30, 2008
Let's celebrate the CTA in 2009
The rest of Chicago might be breaking out the champagne glasses, ripping up the confetti and picking glam outfits for New Year's Eve on Wednesday, but that night won't bring much to celebrate when it comes to the CTA.
December 23, 2008
I don’t hand out lumps of coal
I haven't owned a sleigh since I was 8. Still, sometimes I feel like a CTA Santa, keeping an eye on the transit agency year-round. There certainly have been some mass transit missteps this year, but the agency seems to be trying to improve, ramping up the rollout of bus tracker, aggressively attacking slow zones and, last week, unveiling an impressive upgrade to transitchicago.com. That's why I dug deep into my virtual velvet bag and suggested a few gifts we riders can give the CTA.
December 16, 2008
These CTA bus drivers lose badges of honor
In "The Scarlet Letter," heroine Hester Prynne bears her shame on her chest. In the CTA's case, their sometime shame comes in the form of badges worn by bus operators-gone-bad.
December 9, 2008
Cool ad campaign is just that—cold
Colorful? Yes. Tasty-looking? Yes. Warm? Not so much.
November 25, 2008
Get mileage out of public transit gifts
"Going Public" suspects that, deep down, you want no part of Black Friday.
November 18, 2008
Riders: When will CTA projects end?
Hats and gloves have been brought forth from the back of the closet.
November 11, 2008
Let the CTA know if experiments work
It's time to share your West Side story.
November 4, 2008
Riders: Pink is the new problem
There are eight shades of the rainbow represented on the "L" system, but lately, one color is emerging as a source of commuter crankiness.
October 28, 2008
Tell the CTA how you really feel
Fed up with fare hikes?