The Chicago Traveler

The other day, before driving to the grocery store, I pulled into the gas station to fill the car’s tank. I read the sign… $4.20 for a gallon of regular gas! Eep! Filling the tank would leave me with no money left for groceries. And I’m certainly not the only one feeling the pinch on the wallet.
Chicagoans are now paying an average of $4.07 a gallon for self-serve regular gas. Not only is it the first time the average has surpassed $4 a gallon, it’s the highest price anywhere in the nation, even more expensive than bigger cities like New …read more

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People 65 years old or over can ride free on Chicago’s public transportation starting today. The free ride programs include the CTA, Metra, and Pace systems which serve Chicago and its surrounding counties (DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will).
Back in January, legislators agreed to a sales and real-estate-transfer tax hike to help bail out the financially struggling CTA. However, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich wouldn’t sign it unless a provision was added: seniors ride for free.
Seniors must have the Senior Reduced Fare Card to take advantage of the free transit. Those who already have a Card are automatically registered. Seniors who …read more

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Ron Huberman, the president of the Chicago Transit Authority, stated that the CTA plans to eliminate the 54th/Cermak branch of the Blue Line, beginning April 27. The CTA declares low ridership on these West Side trains as the reason.
Fortunately, the new Pink Line covers most of this branch. However, there are three stops which the Pink Line doesn’t service: Racine, UIC-Halsted, and Clinton. Therefore, people who used to take the Blue Line (54th/Cermak) east to these destinations will now have to (a) use the Pink Line, get off at Polk, and take a bus the rest of the way or …read more

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The folks here at b5media are generally a friendly, cheery bunch, but on occasion even we need to blow off some steam. So this month, we’re taking the opportunity to rant about the things that frustrate or annoy us.
Now, I love Chicago and just about everything about it. I was born and raised here, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. So what could I possibly have to complain about?
• Winter: Where do I even begin on this? The winds of the Windy City are cruel and painful during the cold winter months. I don’t know how the meteorologists here …read more

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Not all of Chicago’s architectural marvels are attention-grabbing skyscrapers or majestic statues. In fact, while thousands of commuters pass by or through this building, only a few appreciate its significance in design.
The Chicago “eL” station at Armitage Avenue is a visual treat for anyone who takes the time out of their busy day to observe it. Completed in 1900, the building features a Neo-Classical look, constructed entirely of brick with terra-cotta trim. (The old-fashioned lights are not the original ones, however.) There is remarkable attention to detail in the columns and arched windows, reminiscent of works from the Italian Renaissance. …read more

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