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All articles tagged ‘L’

Death Note Black Edition

Frederick Linsmeyer • January 6, 2011 • Manga

Death Note Black Edition volume 1

Viz Media is republishing the popular thriller series, Death Note, in a new format. Artist Takeshi Obata’s and writer Tsugumi Ohba’s story unfolds in Death Note Black Edition, a six volume collection — down from the original 12 volumes, and comes with larger print, select pages in colour and a redesigned cover.

A Japanese high school student, Light Yagami, stumbles across a mysterious book called the Death Note, which has the power to end another person’s life. Upon writing the names of known criminals in the Death Note, Light attracts the attention of L, an enigmatic detective, who is determined to track down and bring the mastermind behind executions. Will Light and his ideal world be jeopardized by the authorities or will L wind-up with his name written in the deadly diary?

The first volume was released on December 28^th, 2010 with volume 2 following on March 1^st, 2011.

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Why the Canada Line froze up

Frederick Linsmeyer • November 25, 2010 • Trains

Snow is synonymous with Canada, but this morning’s snow and the Canada Line did not mix. So why is snow and ice such a frustration with rapid transit lines?

The third rail is near the top with the yellow cover.

First of all, snow and ice can affect how the trains get their power. The Canada Line runs off a single third rail using a shoe that glides across the top. During inclement weather, snow and ice can build up causing trains to lose electricity and thus stop moving. The Expo and Millennium lines are not susceptible to this type of interference because the power rails are mounted horizontally over each other. The trains that operate on these two lines use collection shoes that collect electricity from the sides of the power rails, rather than the top.

There are multiple ways to mitigate the problem. Other systems, such as the Chicago ‘L’, use sleet scrapers which brush snow and other obstacles off the third rail ahead of the collection shoe. A deicing solution can also be sprayed onto the third rail to prevent ice from forming and interfering with the electrical pickup. Alternatively, frequent use helps to lower the risk of build up. TransLink already does this by running “ghost trains” which are effectively empty trains around the system to assist in reducing the build up of snow.

Another common issue is that snow and ice accumulate between switch points which is critical at major junctions or turn-arounds. The Expo and Millennium Lines utilize a seamless type of switch, called a swingnose, that closes all openings to allow a smoother trip. The switch points must move all at once — snow and ice can get caught in the gaps and prevent the switch points from making full contact with the rails. This can be disastrous if a train crosses over where the points have not fully closed.

Frequent use should help keep the switch clear, but a switch heater may be employed to keep the rails warm so that snow or ice doesn’t build up. As a last resort, human intervention may be required.

There’s no perfect solution to prevent snow (or any type of weather) from making the trip troublesome. TransLink has posted a press release on their winter contingency plans for 2010. Besides, it could always be worse.

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Taking the Apple Line

Frederick Linsmeyer • November 10, 2010 • Trains

Armitage is now Nephrus.

Ever since Apple contributed to the renovation of the North/Clybourn station on the Red Line, Chicagoans have wondered if the Chicago Transit Authority would let the electronics company rename the station. The CTA is investigating the ability to sell the naming rights to its stations and routes in hopes of increasing revenue for the embattled agency.

The idea would be to allow corporate sponsors purchase the naming rights to L stations and lines and bus routes. While the CTA is open to suggestions, it’s possible that North/Clybourn might become the Apple station (if not already nicknamed that).

The only downside might be for passengers who are unfamiliar with the system and could become confused or lost due to odd station or route names.

Nephrus is next. Doors open on the right at Nephrus.

I don’t think that’s in the web site’s budget.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

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Chicago ‘L’ photos

Frederick Linsmeyer • June 26, 2010 • Photography, Trains

Looking north from the Adams/Wabash transfer bridge

Taking rapid transit in another city is always a unique experience. It’s a great way to get around and see the surrounding landscape from a different angle. Most major cities have some form of rapid transit from light rail to heavy rail and in varying ways be it above or below ground. Chicago is an interesting case utilizing infrastructure that dates back to the turn of the century along with some of the most recent rolling stock.

Chicago is probably one of the few cities in the world that hasn’t totally embraced the subway and buried everything underground. The majority of the system, run by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), is elevated above streets with steel support structures and embankments, or running down the median of major freeways. The overhead trackage has earned the system’s name as the ‘L’, which is short for elevated. Sections of the elevated structure vary in detail and colour, with some portions in the Loop being painted a deep yellow or maroon. This unique structure makes a great contrast over the modern streets of Chicago, a rarity among most metropolitan areas.

A CTA transit map in a 3200-series car

The ‘L’ system has been growing for over a century and each of the lines have their own distinctive style. The stations in the Loop are a mixture of new and old; decorative wooden mouldings and sheet metal structures to glass panels and steel supports. Other stations throughout the system were constructed from brick with sculpted facades to elegant stone walls with Greek-styled columns. Most newer stations, especially those along the highways, are bare concrete with glass and steel; nothing elegant, but still beautiful in its own way.

Below is a selection of my photos taken on the ‘L’ while wandering through Chicago. It’s just such a unique system where the stations vary almost at every stop and present amazing subjects for the camera. Keep in mind, when snapping pictures on the ‘L’, to please follow and respect the CTA’s photography policy.

Note: These photos were taken over a period of three years during various trips down to Chicago.

System information courtesy of Chicago ‘L’.org

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CTA unveils new 5000-series cars

Frederick Linsmeyer • April 15, 2010 • Trains

Chicago commuters, rejoice! The CTA is rolling out the long awaited 5000-series rail cars on the Red Line in the coming weeks. Currently, the Red Line runs the 2600-series cars, most of which date back to the early 1980s. The 5000-series will be tested on the other lines as well to ensure they are able to handle rush hour crowds and the city’s temperamental weather.

While the new cars have the appearance of the existing 3200-series that are already in service on the Brown, Orange and Yellow Lines, there are many distinct amenities on-board. New digital destination signs replace the familiar coloured roller curtains, improved lighting inside with glow-in-the-dark flooring to assist in alighting during emergencies, security cameras for enhanced passenger safety, interior destination displays with electronic maps, and updated air conditioning and heating elements for comfort. The side doors have been revised with enhanced sensors and visual displays to alert passengers when they are about to close. For passengers using wheelchairs, new spaces have been provided to allow handicapped passengers enjoy a safer ride.

Another major change is an updated seating arrangement — instead of the traditional forward/backward facing seats, the seats will face the aisle to allow more standing passengers. As a result, additional stanchions have been added to accommodate support for commuters that are holding on.

The Bombardier-built 5000-series will eventually replace the ageing 2200 and 2400-series which have been in service since the late 1960s and mid-1970s respectively.

Check out the photos of the new 5000-series cars on CTA’s flickr photostream. View the full press release on the CTA web site.

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CTA fare hike averted

Frederick Linsmeyer • November 12, 2009 • News, Trains

Your wallet won't feel as light when taking transit.

A sigh of relief is being heard throughout the Chicago region as state and transit officials reached an agreement that would see CTA fares stay at their current prices.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn worked with officials to use capital funds, which are meant for new projects, expansion, and equipment upgrades, towards paying employees and for day-to-day operations. This deal would mean that the $3 fare to ride the ‘L’ would be held off.

The CTA is facing a $300 million deficit for 2010 which would increase over the next few years.

Sources: MSNBC, Chicago Sun-Times

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Editorial: Trains and Strollers

Frederick Linsmeyer • November 4, 2009 • Editorials

A few weeks ago, an Australian mother had the fright of her life when the stroller holding her six month old baby rolled off the platform and in front of an oncoming train. Then, this past Monday, another mother rushing to catch a southbound CTA Red Line train in Chicago watched as the train doors closed on her 22 month old daughter’s stroller and pull it down the platform. Miraculously, neither child was seriously injured in either incident.

I’ve seen far too many cases while riding the SkyTrain in Vancouver where parents rushing to get on a train and push their strollers in between the closing doors. It’s pretty stupid to be standing in the train hearing the shouts “Hold the train!” while seeing a large stroller caught and watching the doors re-open and close again making sure that whatever was stuck is now free.

First of all, it’s dangerous. When the doors close, stand back and let the train go. It’s bad enough the kid has to suffer the fact that these two metal doors are approaching them on either side and when they hit the carriage, it’s enough to wake them up or scare them. Worse yet, if the child is in one of those cheap easy-to-fold strollers, the results could be disastrous.

Secondly, it’s incredibly stupid. You’re risking your infant’s life (and quite possibly your own) instead of waiting for the next arrival. There will be another train. A five minute wait is better than the five minutes spent watching the train doors consume your infant and stroller. It’s totally not worth it.

Don't let these close on you!

The doors on SkyTrain are meant to re-open and then close if they detect something obstructing them. If the obstruction isn’t cleared, the doors will continue to re-open and close another four times before the train stops. Not stops as in no longer leaving the station, but as in stops and requires to be taken out of service. On Chicago’s CTA, the trains are not automated, and the rail operator is always seen peeking out from the front making sure everyone is on board before closing the doors. With SkyTrain, this isn’t the case as the system is completely automated, so that extra human safety element isn’t there. The chimes or announcement mean that the doors are closing. It doesn’t mean sprint.

Next time you’re at the station with your infant in a stroller, don’t rush and try and burst onto the train when the doors are almost closed. Don’t let go of your stroller either. It just takes one careless moment to turn into a huge disaster that no-one should experience. Safety begins with you, so take your time, don’t run and most importantly: don’t stick your kid between closing doors!

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CTA Fare Hikes and Service Reductions

Frederick Linsmeyer • October 13, 2009 • News, Trains

Passengers could be paying $3.00 for one of these.

Chicago commuters are facing fare hikes and service reductions on the CTA. Due to declining sources of public funding and the current economy, CTA President, Richard L. Rodriguez, detailed changes for bus and rail service for the 2010 budget.

The good news is that no bus or rail routes will be removed. However, service will be at lower frequencies and either start later or end earlier – Night Owl and rush hour service will not be impacted.

Bus fares are expected to rise 25 cents to $2.50 and rail fares will increase by 75 cents to $3.00. Passes will also increase – $8 for the 1-Day pass, $18 for the 3-Day pass, $30 for the 7-Day pass and $110 for the 30-Day pass. Reduced and Transfer fares will remain unchanged.

All service changes and fare increases are set to take place starting February 7^th, 2010.

This budget will be presented during a meeting in November 2009 to the RTA and Cook County Board. The transit authority must submit a balanced budget to the RTA before November 15^th, 2009 and must be approved by the RTA before the end of the year.

See the full proposed budget on the CTA web site.

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Possible new Green Line stop

Frederick Linsmeyer • September 16, 2009 • News, Trains

CTA Pink Line at Quincy

The Chicago Sun-Times overheard the CTA talking about a new station on the Green Line near the Museum Campus and Soldier Field. While there are no plans for this stop at either Cermak Road or 18^th Street in the immediate future, there is a need for a station on the Near South Side in the 2.5 mile gap between Roosevelt and 35-Bronzeville-IIT. Unfortunately, the Green Line is plagued with a few significant stretches of track where there are no stations.

Up until 1978, there was a station on Cermak Road, but was closed and removed due to budget cut backs.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

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Armitage

Frederick Linsmeyer • May 29, 2009 • Trains

The renovated station house

Opened on June 1^st, 1900 and located in Chicago’s trendy Lincoln Park neighbourhood, Armitage station was one of the first to serve the Northwestern Elevated Railroad. Originally named Center Street, the Armitage station house was designed by William Gibb. The street-level station house was based on the Classical Revival style; being constructed of brick and finished with an elegant terracotta trim. The platforms are wooden planks with edges capped off using blue plastic to enhance visibility when boarding or alighting trains. The platform canopies feature corrugated sheet metal roofs which cover a short section where the stairs and new elevators are located.

On the north end of the inbound platform is a former control tower that was used to manage the interlocking for the northern portal of the State Street subway. The interlocking is now controlled at a tower further up the line at the Clark Junction, where the Brown Line diverges from the Red and Purple Lines.

Armitage serves the Brown and Purple Express lines on the outer tracks, while Red line trains pass through without stopping on the centre tracks.

In 2006, work began on the Armitage station to enhance it for the Brown Line Capacity Expansion Project. This project would give the station longer platforms to allow eight car trains, elevators, and an expanded station house for increased crowds during rush hours. Much of the station house’s original design was left unaltered and the interiors were replicated to give passengers the true feeling of days gone by.

Personally, this is one of my favourite stations (the other being the historic Quincy station) and is located in a beautiful neighbourhood. Stop by and take a look!