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 York City and Los Angeles.

And remember, that’s just an average. As I said, I paid $4.20 a gallon in my neighborhood, and there have even been sightings of prices as high as $4.49 a gallon. Many city residents have started to buy just enough gas to drive to the suburbs, where gas is 30 or 40 cents cheaper per gallon.

According to the Lundberg Survey, the national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gas is $3.79. Why does gasoline cost so much more in Chicago? One main reason is the type of gas Chicago sells. By law, the city must use a cleaner burning fuel which costs more to produce. Also, Chicagoans pay nearly a dollar’s worth in city, county, state, and federal taxes on every gallon of gas they buy. The worst part is that gas prices will likely continue to rise as the summer goes on.

If you’re traveling around Chicago, I recommend using the city’s extensive public transportation system to help with travel costs. Full fare (paying by cash) is $2 per ride on buses and trains. Fare cards, transit cards, and 30-day, 7-day, or Visitor Passes offer lower fares and faster boarding. Also, Chicago has plenty of reasonably priced restaurants and budget-friendly attractions.

As for me, I think my car will be staying put for the next few months…

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) JOE M500

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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 do not have a Reduced Fare Card can register at one of the RTA’s Customer Service Centers (PDF list of registration sites).

For more information and details, check http://www.rtachicago.com/

Photo credit: CTA

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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 (54^th/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 (b) catch a bus to the Forest Park branch of the Blue Line.

While many commuters are not happy about this change, the CTA does plan on adding extra service to the Green Line, Pink Line, and what’s left of the Blue Line, as well as buses in the affected areas.

Photo credit: CTA

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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 manage to keep their jobs, because Chicago winters are ridiculously unpredictable. Chicago has been known to get anywhere from 9 to 87 inches (23 to 221 cm) of snow through the season, making walking or driving an absolute mess. To all the people who think snow is beautiful, try traveling through 6 inches (15 cm) deep of sludge and slush. All while coping with incredible wind chills. In January and February, it is not uncommon to spend several days below 32°F (0°C). In fact, Chicago usually spends at least two weeks below 0°F (-18°C)! So to all those West Coasters who start griping when it dips below 60°F (16°C), suck it up.

• Lake Shore Drive: Again, this is another one of those categories that could be a blog post all by itself. To this day, Lake Shore Drive scares the bejeebus out of me. During rush hour, I think the average speed along LSD is less than 15 mph (24 kmph). Millions of Chicagoans crawl along at a snail’s pace on their way to/from work, all while honking their horns and using language that would make a sailor blush. However, it’s the non-rush-hour periods that give me nightmares. Chicago visitors drive leisurely along Lake Shore Drive, paying more attention to the lakeshore than to the road in front of them. Chicago natives zip right past them, weaving in and out of traffic, completely ignoring the 45-mph (72-kmph) speed limit. Sitting in the passenger seat, the combination of the two leaves me with a vice grip on the cushion beneath me and my foot firmly planted on my imaginary brake. And as a driver? Well, when I’m driving, I try to find an alternate route. Heh.

• Public Transportation: First, let me start by saying that I think Chicago has one of the best public transportation systems in the country. You can get just about anywhere within city limits with the vast network of buses and trains. However, is it really that difficult to keep the buses running on time? Some bus lines, like #49 (Western) and #66 (Chicago), I have never had a problem with. But others, like the #65 (Grand), #80 (Irving Park), and #78 (Montrose), I often wonder if I would have gotten to my destination faster had I just walked there instead! Dear drivers of the #22 (Clark) line, I would much rather see one bus every 10 minutes than wait for three buses every 30 minutes. And eL riders, please take a tip from Jon in D.C.: if you let me get off the train first, there will be much more room for you to get on the train. This is much more effective than trying to push me out of your way. At over 200 lbs (91 kg), I am not a man you want to be pushing around. Especially when I have every intention of pushing back.

Chicago is my home, and I love it dearly. However, no city is perfect, and there are always things that can be improved upon. What about you? Is there anything about Chicago that gets your goat?

For more ranty goodness, check out The Geeky Traveler.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) foamcow, Araceli Arroyo, pantagrapher, brownphoto

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

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. It’s almost hard to believe that this historic and beautiful structure is a “commonplace” train station.

Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Zolk (1, 2), thirdrail

CTA Armitage Station: 944-46 W Armitage Ave; 888-YOUR-CTA (888-968-7282)
Brown Line schedule (pdf document)
Purple Line schedule (pdf document)
Public trans: Bus # 73 or Brown/Purple Line (Armitage)
http://www.chicago-l.org/stations/armitage.html

Post from: The Chicago Traveler