LAST APRIL, CHICAGO TRIBUNE CARTOONIST SCOTT STANTIS DREW AN L SYSTEM map with stations named “Mugged,” “Knifed,” “Trash,” and “Urine.” Harsh, but he had a point: The pandemic has left Chicago’s trademark transit feature less reliable, safe, and sanitary, causing even loyal users to shun it. Even as people return to their normal routines, L use is only half of what it was three years ago.
Fueling the unreliability is a shortage of drivers. The Chicago Transit Authority adjusted its train schedules last fall to better align with available labor, but many runs are still getting skipped. Every day, the local rider advocacy group Commuters Take
