CTA Riders Won't Stand For It
Customers prefer more seats over more room
By MATT BARTOSIK
Updated 1:18 PM CST, Tue, Jul 28, 2009
It sounded like a great idea.
In September, the CTA introduced new "Maxi" cars—rail cars with fewer seats to allow for more standing room and, consequently, more riders.
With great fanfare, former CTA President Ron Huberman said the agency would attach two Maxi cars to each Brown Line train during rush hours with plans to expand to other CTA rail lines.
But it looks like passengers are maxed out when it comes to Maxi cars, according to the Tribune.
"Customers didn't like the loss of seats," said CTA spokesperson Noelle Gaffney.
The Maxi program has been deemed a failure, and CTA officials won't be spending any more money on the project. That means there won't be any new Maxi cars on other lines, nor will the old Maxis be converted back to regular 39-seat cars.
Matt Bartosik, editor of Off the Rocks' next issue, experienced his first "Maxi" car just this weekend.
Copyright NBC Local Media / NBC Chicago
First Published: Jul 20, 2009 8:32 AM CST
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