Well, there is some good, but all of this good comes with one minor flaw and one major one. I like that the Diversey station is easy to navigate and clean (other than some fresh half-eaten takeout--people, there are garbage bins, can we please act like adults?!). Both inbound and outbound sides are also accessible. There's also some of that "old charm" found with some stations. The minor flaw is there's only one screen per side with departure times. It's towards the middle of the platform, but more would be nice. The major flaw is that most of the station has no protection from the elements. Further still, if you want to hide under the overhead "rotisserie chicken" heater, you must walk across that uncovered area. Thus, while Diversey does some things well, the lack of protection from sun, snow, and rain really puts a damper on an otherwise good station. read more

At Diversey there's a CTA station that's mostly safe and clean. It's a fairly ordinary stop except for being in a pretty good location. Mostly that's why it's as good as it is, but the station itself is also okay. Lots of stuff in the area. There's also some good views. Clean station, which is more than be said about a few others around here. It serves the Brown and Purple Lines. There's other very close stops where you can make transfers. It seems pretty modern with helpful alerts on when the next trains are coming. The trains come a few times each hour. Clean and there's not too much trouble around. It's also less crowded than the Blue Lines. The trains are much slower but you won't deal with as large of crowds though. read more

CTA - Diversey - Station - Public Transportation Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Newer station with handicap access, elevators and wide stairwells and convenient access to everything in Lincoln park. Local stop for the Brown and Purple lines. Head North up Sheffield in the afternoon and there's a nice of strip of bars and nightlife venues. Head East on Diversey to Broadway and you'll find plenty of retail, shopping, restaurants and a theater but usually more busy day than night. Great stop to get off to explore Lincoln Park. Also good to get some grab and go food on the way to the lake front as Chicago heats up for the summer. read more

CTA - Diversey - Northbound - Public Transportation Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I was taking the brown from Chicago to the loop for a couple of months and then I moved north, getting on at Diversey and travelling all the way down to the loop. At that time I just arrived to the States and was exploring the city paying attention to details. First off, the loop is the central business district of Chicago and that means most of the riders you expect to see there will be young to mid-age, nice looking and smelling gentlemen and ladies. Fact. The train travels north passing successful neighborhoods which also means nice people, clean cars and stations (never smelled that odor of urine like the blue line), safety. The line tend to be packed most time of the day. Lots and lots of pretty girls can make you enjoy your ride home even more. My observation is that majority of the riders are ladies. Light casts shadow with the brown line attracting thieves and men willing to touch women-riders. read more

This ancient CTA line is the slow poke of the system, but if you are not in a hurry the service is actually very consistent. I live not far from the beginning of this line, so I can get any seat I want. The views are cool (if you are not napping during the slow periods of the ride). The CTA is planning on expanding and updating many of the platforms and stations, as they try to ride this gravy train to profitability thanks to its growing number of more affluent riders. read more

CTA - Diversey - The beginning of the Brown Line (Kimball/Lawrence) - Public Transportation Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Using the brown line when visiting has always been a great experience. It is a bit of a hike from where I am staying, but it's a nice walk and you have to cross your fingers for no rain (usually rains if you forgot your umbrella, but I digress). The brown line is very convenient to get to places you want to go in the Chicagoland north area. It is pretty simple since the line just goes to the loop and comes back to Kimball. It can get crowded during rush hours, but overall, the cars are fairly clean and the people that ride the train are mostly respectful. read more

Clean CTA station. Brown and Purple Line stop. CTA agent on duty for questions or problems. Nice and easy. TRANSIT!! read more

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***This CTA station lets out to the north side of Lincoln Park; like the other CTA stations, it is a convenient and inexpensive way to get around the city*** I am not sure what the parking situation is here; this station is a little outside the city so parking around here might not be that expensive. read more

The "Cadillac of EL Trains"!! From years of living here I have found the Brown line to have the cleanest cars, most on-time service, friendliest station attendants and cleanest stations.....and the passengers aren't half-bad either!! What more do you want out of CTA service?!? read more

Any city that offers public transportation to and from an airport (pay attention City of Angels!) deserves praise. For a mere 5 bones, this visiting Angeleno was transported from O'hare to downtown Chicago. Oh Blue Line, I'll be riding you often on this trip! read more

Please stop making me late for work. I just got this job, and it's so very convenient for me, so I'd like to keep it. I used to take you all the time. I always made sure I lived near one of your numerous well-maintained stops. I had to leave you for a few years for that filthy whore Blue Line, and I hated every second of it. I missed your clean, not-too-crowded cars, your generally well-groomed passengers, the convenience of your transfer stops and your efficiency. Now that I'm back with you, I have to ask, "What happened to your efficiency?" You've really let yourself go, Brown Line. You're sluggish and sometimes you seem to get confused about where to stop. Come on. You're better than this. I used to call you "Brownie" because you used to be a sweet ride. Nowadays, I'm sorry to say, I've been calling you "The Poop Chute." read more

This morning your intrepid rider (me) was on the Brown Line heading in to work. Picture me surrounded by people, smashed up against a door and not really in the best of moods. Here are a few key observations I made: 1. Every girl on this line was apparently issued a cd entitled "Crap Mix '08" and told to listen to it at loud volumes through earbud headphones so everyone can hear it. This album contains a varied amount of artists including Jack Johnson, KT Tunstall, and Disturbed. The only good part of this cd is that it apparently does not contain any Katy Perry, who, by the way, should be shot in the face. 2. The fat girl to my right felt the need to stare at me the whole ride, probably just desperate to make eye connection with anyone of the opposite sex. This, however, will probably never happen because it smelled like she bathed in her own pee. 3. That bitch was crowded. 4. Girl's love to talk on cell phones and yell because they think Patty can't hear them about the new sale at Macy's. It got three stars because it gets me where I need to go. read more

The Brown Line really is my favorite. The trains are cleaner and less crowded than most other CTA trains, they are air-conditioned, and as much as the temporary closures kill me, I know it'll all be worth it when the stations are made prettier. Countdown to a New Brown, indeed! Also, I secretly have a crush on the CTA voice, and I smile every time he says "This. Is. A. Brown. Line. Train. To. Kimball." read more

This is by far my favorite CTA line! 1. Always clean. Doesn't smell like someones old laundry (unlike some other lines we know...RED!!!) 2. On time! 3. The stations are well kept/feel safe. Riding the Brown line is one of my "I'm poor but can't bear to sit in my apartment for one more second" activities. I'll board at Montrose with a book and then just ride it around the loop and northbound. Great views of the city. (Don't judge me. You know you do it too) read more

Yes, we had some good times, Red Line, but I'm sorry- I'm going back to the Brown Line. When I left the Brown Line for you it was because you were popular, quick, metro, even a little dirty and dangerous. You pushed me around and made me feel like a big city girl. But now I have to go back to the Brown Line. Yes, it's slower. But it's also more respectable, less busy leaving more room for "me to be me". The Brown Line shows me views of the city you never could in your underground life. It's full of light and "thank you's" and "pleases" that just lacked with you. We'll always have Wrigley, Red Line. But for now I have to go to Southport. read more

I'll keep it short and sweet. Brown line kicks major arse becasue it got us super duper close to Mr. Beef. Therefore, the brown line ROCKS. read more

I come from the land filled with red and blue lines. Try riding either of those at any given time and you'll be lucky to get a seat. Both lines should consider cleaning every now and then. However, dear brown line, you have given me hope. Compared to the aforementioned more colorful lines, you are as clean as can be! Possibly because I travel on you around 11AM and everyone is already working at that point, but I never have a problem finding a place to sit. I usually can sprawl out over 2 seats without being an inconvenience. 09/11/08 - I kid you not that the brown line train from Clark & Lake at 5PM was, in fact, empty. Not a person was standing and there were seats open. I thought that was worth taking note of. read more

Affectionately known as the "poo line" (for it's you-make-me-want-to-eat-poo-rather-than-wait-for-you-to-come attributes), the Brown Line and I have a love/hate relationship I get on at Wellington where there is little to no platform. The mornings are excruciating. Half the time I feel like a tight-rope walker trying to get to an empty spot without falling into the rail pit. I get off at Merchandise Mart. When I leave work to head home, half the time I want to cry when I look into that sea of commuters. I've seen people backed up to the stairs. It's a game, trying to squeeze into a car. I throw elbows. I have no shame. But when the Brown Line is on (holidays, weekends, extreme early and late hours) - it's on baby! I've gotten to the Loop under 20 minutes! Astounding! So temperamental, that Brown Line. I have considered moving to Wicker Park just to go Blue. Oh and one more thing - most everyone who rides this line has a giant stick up his or her ass (me included). It doesn't make the experience any more pleasurable so maybe we can all work on this together. p.s. There is also a Brown Line conductor who repeats at every stop, without fail, "Move aside and let the passengers out, Brown Line Riders. Move aside and let them out, Brown Line Riders." Hey Lady. GOT IT! read more

From here it's only a 4 or 5 block walk to Gino's East so skip the crowds and tourist down town and come here, but remember to bring beer with you as it is BYOB, there is a bar just down the street that will sell to you to go but it will cost you $$ nice neighborhood too lots of other places I want to try out read more

If I had to rank the CTA lines, Brown Line would be the clear winner. It's always super clean, less crowded, and the station improvements have made it the superstar of the CTA even nicer. I love the Brown Line especially because it takes me to Knit 1, Stubbs Coffee, and Trader Joe's at Addison as well as other places on the line. The recent station renovations are completely worth the wait and the hassle. Some of the stations that have fallen in disrepair are finally matching the quality of Brown Line with the renovations. Nice stations for a nice CTA line. I'm glad to see that someone finally recognized the growth of the area and matched it with a good line as well as new stations. read more

You've had problems for quite some time. We all knew them and kept quiet. You've heard the way we whisper about you. You're showing your age. You can't keep up with the other stations. You haven't kept your appearances up. Finally, someone is doing something about it. You're going to rehab. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Other Brown Line stations have done it and have come out for the better. Take Kimball for example. No one would have thought Kimball could do it - but it did. And Kimball is a stronger station for going through it and getting the help it needed. And take Southport. Southport is there now. At least you'll have some company. And while most rehab is only 28 days, you're in such a bad state that you're leaving me for a year. I agree - it's for the best. When you come back you'll be a new station - one I barely recognize. Cleaner, more spacious (and no, that platform does not make you look fat) and safer. But it'll be a long, hard year without you. read more

I love you, Brown Line. Since moving to Chicago, I have only ever lived off the Brown Line. When I lived by the Fullerton stop and had to contend with the Brown/Red conundrum, I often chose to wait a few extra minutes to get a Brown Line. First, the view of the city never ceases to amuse and amaze me, and I would way rather look at the skyline than the inside of a grimy train tunnel. Second, the Brown Line is by far the most safe and clean line on the CTA - at least in opposition to the Red Line, where I've had hobos bargain with me for food, seen homeless guys jacking off, and actually witnessed a guy smoking weed in the middle of a car. Finally, the Brown Line is the most likely to be on time. When I was working downtown I was pleasantly surprised to find that trains actually arrived every few minutes during rush hour. Yes, I had to let three or four trains pass because they were totally full, but there were always a few behind them. Working at/near Merchandise Mart is an evening rush hour nightmare, but I'd rather wait outside than underground. Of course, as others have said, most Brown Line riders feel somehow entitled to be asses. This is especially true of the morning rush hour crowd. I'm 5'1", and the number of armpits that my head was stuck in during morning rush hour last summer was revolting. If the train is totally full, you should probably put that Sudoku and coffee elsewhere, and I have some suggestions on a place that might be appropriate. read more

You can't beat the views from this line. How many cities in the world can say that their L goes past some of the most remarkable sky scrapers ever built? My trip to Chicago was made a little more memorable thanks to this particular train line. read more

Definitely the most well-maintained of the L lines -- with the station upgrades completed, like the one at my home Diversey stop, they're almost all in good shape. The purple line express at rush hour is a useful addition, and there might be some slowdown in the winter, but even then I give props to the CTA for the rarity of late brown-line trains. And for shallow enjoyment, the brown line is also notable for very high levels of passenger hotness, thanks to its run near the young / social-heavy neighborhoods. It's a much better visual part of the workday than spreadsheets and PowerPoints. read more

Gas for mom's trip to the city: $20 Shopping in Lakeview: $200 Eating lunch downtown: $40 Riding the brown line north at 5:00 pm and both getting seats: Priceless read more

Of all the L trains in chicago, this one is my favorite. It tends to be the cleanest and peaceful. For a northsider, it really provides the best access to the places I want to go in Chicago. Being that it does overlap with the Red and purple lines along clark street helps save time, but only locals know this and it's a perk of living in chicago. read more

CTA - Diversey - Cloudy day - Public Transportation Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

First, we are newbies to Chicago and the el system was admittedly a little foreboding at first. Second, we now LOVE the el! What a great adventure in people-moving! We usually hop on at Southport (which recently reopened after a nice refurbishment) and, in just a few minutes and for only 2 bucks, we are viewing the tremendous downtown skyline and getting off at, say, Quincy for the short walk to Greektown, or Western for the Lincoln Square vibe, or wherever our hearts desire. When we want to return, it magically appears in a matter of minutes and we're back home again. In our limited experience, Brownie is better than the Blue or the Red (although the Blue from O'Hare is a great convenience). Brownie does not smell and does not have, ummm..., worrisome... clientele --athough it does have its share of door hoggers and phone yappers. Coming from a city where most folks live in the burbs and a car is a necessity, we find the Brown Line an engineering and environmental feat - and it sure saves gas and parking $$$! read more

This less of a review but more of some simple feedback. The person that put these CTA platforms together did not really take into consideration the fact that not everyone dresses like Cybil Shepard in the 1990's. It frustrated me when my heels get ruined because they get caught between these boards on the platform. Come on ladies, I can't be the only one this happens to??? Happy travels and safe stilettos to all! read more

The Brown Line takes you to the city's best neighborhood - Lincoln Park. There's also a lot of, uh, pretty faces on here - as this is pretty much the "rich people's train" through the North Side. read more

CTA - Diversey - Public Transportation Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Definitely one of the better trains. Better than red or blue for sure

Going home from Robo's. This is the closest stop from our friends place. So the wife and I usually take the walk of shame back early in the morning back to the suburbs. Its quite a trip but this station is "clean" and conveniently located like every other station in the city. Use the west side stairs to go downtown and catch the Brown Line to Armitage. Catch the 73 to the Blue Line or our car and then home. read more

I consider the Brown Line to be the finest line that CTA has to offer. Outside of rush hour, it's clean, fewer homeless people riding and hardly get asked to buy stolen crap from "vendors." Two complaints: 1.)The freaking morons that cram right next to the door and don't move to the middle. So much wasted space and they don't get it. Stop filling out Sodoku, put your Blackberry down and realize you need to move to the center of the cart to make room for everyone else! 2.) The running hours and the constant stopping for "signal clearance." I sometimes switch to Red Line and the walk home is 3 times further, but still make it home sooner because of how slow it moves. read more

If you're a public transportation enthusiast like myself, and enjoy a great view along the way. The Brown Line is for you. I love all the trains in Chicago. Let's face it, driving in this great city sucks. And gas prices are always high within city limits. What better than to leave your car alone for while and ride a train to work/school/the bar. First off, the view on the Brown Line is my second favorite (first being the Orange Line).. Second, it's probably the cleanest and least shady of the lines. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the individuality of our city. It's just nice to not worry about taking your laptop or I-pod on the train. Third, what better to do than ride the Brown Line on a lazy day and take in the beauty of our city. The only reason I don't give the Brown Line 5 stars is that out of all the trains, Brown Line trains seem to be the most off schedule. read more

You're clean, and I enjoy your single seats so no one sits by me. :3 The Brown Line runs oddly, and sometimes trains show up very quickly. Othertimes, you are waiting forever. It also goes through some pretty 'upscale' areas, which probably affects the clean as well. read more

The Brown Line is always a hoot and it gets me home. Me likie.

Brown Line is definately up there as one of the nicer lines - completely 'el'evated and goes through the Loop to Kimball. I'd rather be stuck in a train than stuck in traffic. read more

CTA - Diversey - Public Transportation Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I rode the brown line into work for a while. Originally from Montrose (until they tore it down) but more recently from Damen. Ever since the 3-track "scare" I've been riding the #22 bus more and more often which has worked out fine for me and actually gets me down near the Merchandise Mart quicker. read more

I'm not going to give the CTA a 5 star, but I have to give them some credit for the good websites on routes and rates and the predictable service they provide. I went from Diversy to the Loop and stayed above ground the whole way. Excellent way to get from point A to point B with the bonus of seeing the city with the extra bonus of experiencing a Chicago landmark! read more

This is my home stop but aside from that, I find this station to be consistent with other brown line el stations in the area which means it's generally clean, safe and accessible which for a CTA station should warrant 4 stars. But here are a couple of minor "improvements" that would make this station better. The first is the secondary exit on the northern end of the platform. The tall revolving gates are located at street level as opposed to platform level. This allows you to cross under the tracks to the other platform. (unlike the secondary exits at Southport, Paulina, Wellington, etc). Although this might be seen as convenient, I wish this exit could be used as another entrance. Maybe a farecard only entrance?? There is even an existing structure which I believe is the old station house, so it would be nice to be able to enter from the Lakeview side and not have to cross Diversey where drivers tend to not yield. Also, someone took the sculpture away which gives me a sad face. This is my home stop and the sculpture was called "Coming Home" I believe. So now, no art at this station. It's just wood, metal and tall street-level gates. Now, getting back to why I give this a good rating boils down to general cleanliness and safety. Like most of the brown line, the stations are fairly free of urine smells and trash. Crime is very light in this area and this station generally doesn't attract phone snatchers, purse grabbers and sketchy preachers (take note of this, Belmont). Overall, this station serves it's exact purpose. To allow trains to stop, drop off passengers, pick up passengers and then putter along it's way to the next stop with the added bonus of not having to worry about getting assaulted or being offered an ounce of rock. Happy travels everyone read more

Aside from the time you abruptly jerked forward and within 2 seconds had me sprawled out on the floor in a car packed with impeccably dressed morning commuters, Brown Line, I'd say I'm a big fan. Having used the Red, Brown, Blue, Purple, Green and Pink lines at one time or another (I'll get to you eventually, Yellow and Orange!), I think this is by far the cleanest, safest and most reliable of the El lines by a long shot. And because it's elevated vs underground, it has awesome views and no disgusting sewer stench at any of its stops (I'm looking at you, Red and Blue lines!). I disagree with previous reviewers who say that the cars don't ever get too crowded, though. You WILL get the "sardine effect" during rush hour times, particularly if you're boarding at Clark/Lake or Merchandise Mart around 5pm. However, I'd much rather be pressed up against an attractive, athletic, suit-clad man leaving Clark/Lake and heading toward Lincoln Park, than a pantless homeless man who's holding a half-eaten bagel he picked out of the garbage can and screaming Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (again, I'm looking at you, Red and Blue lines). I'd go so far as to say that I'm going to pick my future apartment(s) based on proximity to a Brown Line stop - I couldn't imagine my daily commute without it! read more