CTA has an L station in Garfield Park on Central Park Drive. It makes one wonder why the street is…read morenamed that, and where is Central Park at for crying out loud. Well I'll tell you about it in a little history lesson. Before it was Garfield Park, it was called Central Park, because it was designed to be a major attraction. The park was renamed after President James Garfield was assassinated, but the name of the street wasn't changed, so this is way. As for the actual station, it's simple and there's fast access to the Conservatory. It serves the Green Line. The station is along Lake Street. Find this at the north side of the park, which is where most visitors go. The Conservatory is just north from here. It's usually safe at this station, with it being in the park and pretty much just used by visitors to the park and its attractions. The other stations around here are even kind of scary. As for this one, it seems there's pretty good security around here. There's noticeably almost never any homeless for the most part. Getting to the Conservatory and park is a breeze from here. It's just there may be kind of a long ride. This is far out west of The Loop, and there's not as many trains.

An okay CTA stop. Not as large or new as some of the other stops, but it gets the job done. I do…read morelike the design on the train station, especially the different tones of bluish-green and the surrounding lights that fit the color scheme.

This CTA station is located in the Loop. You'll board a blue line train from this station from an…read moreunderground subway platform. I normally use this station to get to or from O'Hare Airport. Everyone coming in from O'Hare and nearby hotels for the Chicago Marathon will most likely get off at this station as the start line is over in Grant Park.

Such interesting smells! Mmmmm. So not all public transit…read morestops in Chicago are ADA compliant. Some don't have wheelchair ramps, access points, or elevators. Some require that you hike a mountain of stairs. Jeesh. This one is accessible. It's a good point to be able to transfer between the red and blue lines of the CTA system. There are plenty of elevators. I just don't wanna think about what those puddles are in the elevators. There's a walkway that connects the two train lines, which could use more inspiration. Mexico City's subway has the Tunnel of Science where they try to teach you about scientific stuff with murals and such. Nothing like that here. At least they have some decorative tile "J" mosaics on the platforms. When I went, it wasn't so crowded.

As of Jan. 4, 2009, Chicago's Free Trolley service has ended…read more I heard the inevitable news of your passing this weekend. (See the link at the end of this post to see the official announcement from the City of Chicago.) I was in such denial and did not want to believe it was all true. I was with you on your last day and didn't even know it was your last. I didn't even get to tell you in person, that ... I .. LOVE.. YOU... Thank you for keeping me warm in the freezing temps of winter, carrying my shopping bags, and my suitcase (whenever I came from Ogilvie) without charging me one cent. Thank you for the cheery music that made the ride all the more pleasureable. R.I.P. Chicago FREE Trolleys. You will be missed. He is the information from the City of Chicago (sorry for the long link as I couldn't use html codes in Yelp! reviews): http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalDeptCategoryAction.do?deptCategoryOID=-536896557&contentType=COC_EDITORIAL&topChannelName=Dept&entityName=Transportation&deptMainCategoryOID=-536896085

Sometimes free isn't that great- for instance a free taste of stinky cheese at a fancy supermarket…read morewhen you are lactose intolerant; You have a possible situation on your hands instead of being able to bask in the glow of FREE! My friends- the free trolley is a chance to bask. I randomly came across this free trolley and I was certainly glad I did. Instead of arriving at the Navy Pier hot and aggravated after a long walk in the heat, I followed the signs, waited a few minutes and hopped right on the train. The driver was extremely pleasant, the seats were clean, the trolley is well maintained, and there were no noxious toxic smells to complain or report about (thank goodness). There were plenty of seats available, and everyone on the train was in high spirits. We arrived at the Pier in no time at all, and I was able to experience this Chicago highlight in full tourist fashion, well rested and excited. At the end of my excursion, I was able to get back on the trolley- not the same one, but just as immaculate, and the driver was equally as inviting- and returned to where I began. Thanks Chicago!!

If you are trying to save money to get to your hotel downtown this is a good alternative. It…read morereminds me of public transportation in Baltimore in a way. As most public transportation drop off locations it smelled like urine once off the train.

CTA has an L station on Roosevelt close to Soldier Field. It connects a few Lines. Very busy…read moreespecially on football Sundays. Also close to the museums. There's trains coming at all times. Get a train to almost anywhere. It serves the Green, Orange, and Red Lines. This is a very busy station. Close to here is Soldier Field. Needless to say, it gets busy when there's a game. Of course, there's other stuff here too. Get off here to go to the Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, and Shedd Aquarium, along with other less known museums. There's also buses that take you right there. Better than driving. There's also no paying for parking. Here you can walk over to many attractions. It's best known for being close to Soldier Field and museums. There's buses for those not wanting to do as much walking.

In from St Louis and did the one day. 100K/65 M. The ride is well supported, and run by a really…read moregreat staff, has beautiful scenery, ending at Lake Geneva for day 1. Apparently day 2 and 3 are even more impressive. also an 18 mile option for those who want a simpler version. great spots to stop for snacks, ice cream, and instagram pics. Definitley worth the time and effort. I'll be back. pro tip: if you are only doing the one day, consider staying at Lake Geneva. it's activities and dining it dont disappoint. If you are doing more. You stay there already!!

This will be my third year as a three day rider for CowaLunga. As someone who has ridden in other…read moremulti-day charity rides, I can attest that this one is top notch! There are routes available for all levels. Do as little as 18 miles or ride all three days. You will feel an amazing sense of accomplishment at the end of a 190 mile bike ride. All routes are great, but I recommend considering the 2 or 3 day option. With a little training, it is an attainable challenge for even beginning riders. It is a well-supported ride. You will have fully stocked rest stops along the route, SAG vehicles always checking on you, and medical staff available should you need it. If you choose to do 2 or 3 days, your registration fee includes lodging. The first stop being in Lake Geneva at Conference Center Point and the second overnight being at the University of Wisconsin Whitewater. You will have a bed! You don't have to camp, sleep on air mattresses, or pay extra for a hotel. Your registration also includes two meals each day. The route is well marked with interesting places to stop along the way. And the minimum fundraising commitment is not daunting - it is very achievable. Spend 3 days riding your bike in the summer warmth while riding up into scenic Wisconsin, all while raising money for healthy lungs and clean air........how can you go wrong!

Although I maintain a residence on the south side, I spend majority of my time downtown (work) or…read moreon the north side (bf) and this route gets me downtown in about 20min (sometimes more depending on traffic and the bus driver). In the morning and between 5pm-7pm, it runs like clockwork....anytime between then it just has a regular schedule. Beware that the hours for this route has changed (not in my favor) so if you find yourself needing to take this bus anytime around 11pm or after, you're screwed. The plus side is that you don't have to drive or pay for ridiculously priced parking...the downside is you can't really take it at night.

The good: The bus gets on LSD between Fullerton and Grand…read moreso it saves 10 minutes over the 156 bus. The bad: The bus gets on LSD so if that's a mess it can take as long or longer than the 156 bus. I avoid this bus if traffic is snarled because of snow or rain since LSD will usually also be snarled. By the time it gets to my stop in the morning, Wrightwood, it's usually full. With Bus Tracker, I can many times wait another minute and get on a bus where I can get a seat. I'll usually take the 156 just so that I can get a seat and read the Redeye. If you get on before Diversey in the morning, you have a much better chance of getting a seat or just onboard. By the time the bus gets to Arlington, it's almost always full.

Dear #134 bus, I…read morelove you, I really do. I hope you aren't upset with me because I've had dalliances with other lines. They mean nothing to me, nothing! Especially that nasty #135. He may be ok for the evening trip home, but my mornings belong to you. The fact that I am the first stop on your morning route makes me feel like I'm getting VIP treatment with my choice of seats. Other routes are dirty, smelly, and the people are just downright weird. Aside from the occasional loud-talker, food eater, and/or coffee spiller those of us that travel within your advertisement lined interior are blissfully quiet and relaxed. You may want to consider having a word with your dispatcher though because they should never send shortie buses on this route. There are entirely too many people that rely on you and we need all the room we can get. I don't care what anyone else says, starting my morning with a lovely ride through the park and along the lake makes me almost happy to be going to work... almost. Yours truly, Josh G.

Gotta say, I've flown through O'Hare twice and this second time was actually pleasantly surprising…read more-- despite how big the airport is, the efficiency is pretty good! It took me almost no time to check in and get through security then get to my gate because the signage is posted up well. There are several food courts throughout the place too so it's easy to find a place to eat. I really had no trouble, and the bathrooms were fairly clean too. Compared to some other big/hub airports that really have a lot of issues (e.g. the Vegas Airport), O'Hare is actually doing a pretty good job.

The service serves its purpose but the interior of the trains needs upgrading. The intercom system…read moreis poorly designed and there are no electric digital marquees displaying the next stops. All these things are basic essentials in this day in age for modern public transportation in a major city. I can appreciate the importance of having the service readily available and accessible to the public, but providing guidance and safety to all who ride these trains should also be the importance of the administration that operates them. The Chicago transportation Authority needs to do better. I'm a bit disappointed in the conditions of these trains and how they run.