Steve's Guide To The CTA

1. Know The System- Be aware of how your city is laid out and the major routes within it. Be aware of when bus and train routes start and stop and which run all night. Get to know what routes you usually take and when they are busy and how often they come. Be familiar in case you get stranded somewhere with no phone and little to no money, you'll be able to find your way home.

2. Get A Seat- If at all possible sit down. Getting jostled about in a crowded train car or bus sucks. Not to mention you are more vulnerable to getting your pocket picked. If you're stressing out during your commute you're starting your day off on the wrong foot. If you're at a stop where a lot of people are waiting and a bus or train hasn't come in a long time there's usually two coming back to back so wait for the second one and get a seat.

3. Track It- Duh. With technology the way it is you should be able to time things so you're not waiting a long time for a bus or train ever.

4. Alternate Route- Where ever you live or work have a couple different routes to and from. Sometimes there's going to be construction or events which slow transit down, when that happens have another route to take. Also variety is the spice of life. Take different routes, don't get in a routine of doing the same thing everyday it mutes your brain, mix it up.

5. Be Polite- If you bump someone say excuse me. If you need to get out say excuse me. Simple. There's no reason public transit should be the go to complaint that it is. If we are considerate and kind we will receive similar treatment. The employees of public transit have a long, hard, virtually thankless job. Don't give them a hard time, treat them with respect and they will do the same. Realize that they probably get harassed by many people each day and cut them some slack if they give you some attitude. Besides attitude is a function of living in the big city- enjoy it.

6. Don't Engage Crazy People- There's a lot of crazy people out there. It's really fun to watch them. So watch them but don't talk to them. Don't engage with them, once you're involved they may not leave you alone. Have a book or you're phone handy to get absorbed in if a crazy tries to pull you in with their tractor beam.