Seating Assignments

Once onboard I was met with the problem of where to sit. Much like Southwest, there are no assigned seats and every seat is certainly not created equal. On this particular trip I was treated to the new 5000-series model, which is slowly replacing the older 2000- and 3000-series models the CTA operates. While the 5000-series is noticeably quieter, smoother, and brighter, it’s main feature (one might argue flaw), is the center-facing seating arrangement, similar to the one used by the New York Subway.

CTA 5000-series.

The problem is the CTA’s implementation of the new layout. The chorus of complaints has actually become so loud that the 7000-series models the CTA will begin operating in 2016 will feature a different layout that solves the problems of the 5000-series. The 5000-series is designed to allow more room for standees. It does this by severely reducing the comfort of seated passengers. Instead of operating the open bench seating like New York, the CTA went with individual bucket seats, with posts strategically placed for standing passengers. Basically, each seat is like a middle seat on Spirit Airlines.

That said, there are a few good seats on each car. Near each door are seats that face the end of the car instead of the center. These are the best seats in the cabin, but they’re also priority seats for passengers in wheel chairs, so you may lose your seat at some point in the journey. Slightly less than awful seats can be found at the ends of the cabin. The end seats have a good deal of space between the side of the seat and the wall, providing some welcome respite from the otherwise sardine-like journey.

Best seats in the 5000-series.

The Onboard Experience

Once seated—thankfully in a seat at the end of the cabin—I put my bag away in the under-seat area. While not specifically designated for baggage, it’s a handy area to store your belongings. After stowing my carry-on, I enjoyed the entertainment system, which is completely different every trip. On this particular journey I was able to watch an episode of “Angry Woman Screaming into a Cellphone.” Admittedly not my favorite show, but I hadn’t yet seen this particular episode.

After the show ended, I decided to check out the AVOD. I saw that nearly everyone had a PED, so I thought I might have missed the purser handing them out when I boarded. Then I realized each person needed to supply their own PED. As much as that irked me, I had brought along my iPad, so I got it out of my bag and decided to get some work done. The cellular connection was reliable, although there’s no WiFi, something I hope the CTA is working on.

There is no meal service whatsoever; as the CTA expressly forbids eating and drinking, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that the CTA offers an onboard duty-free experience. A young man offered passengers chocolates for $1 each, noting that the proceeds went to benefit a local high school sports team.

As I neared my destination, I collected my belongings and steeled myself for the push through the sea of humanity to the “closing doors.”

I set off from my house and made my way to the station a short distance away. One of the benefits of living where I do is the close proximity to the train. Because I’m a Chicago Card Plus holder, there’s no need to stop at ticketing, I can head straight to the gate if I want and that comes in handy on days when I’m running late. The Chicago Card Plus (soon to be the Ventra Card) offers two payment options, pay-per-use and monthly unlimited uses. As I’m only a CTA Platinum rider, the pay-per-use option makes more sense for me, but were I to move up to Chicago Executive Platinum or, dare I dream, Chicago Services, the monthly plan would make more sense. The good thing about CTA fares are that walk-up fares are the same price as advance-purchase tickets making spontaneous trips accessible. It’s nice that buying a last minute ticket doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

Another great thing about the riding the CTA is the ability to do as many free same-day changes as you want. Want to take an earlier train? Just show up at the station and catch the next train. Had a meeting run late? No worries, there’s another train a few minutes away. No change fees, no need to reprint your boarding pass, just head right to the gate and you’re good to go. And the best part is this feature isn’t available just to Chicago Transit Elite members, it’s open to everyone.

 Granville Station

Arriving at Granville Station, I had a few minutes to kill before my train, so I decided to pick up a paper and a bottle of water. The downside at Granville is that almost all of the amenities are before security, so you’ll need to give yourself a few extra minutes if you want to do any shopping.

Pre-security shopping at Granville.

However, many CTA passengers leave behind such amenities when they are done using them. This offers the opportunity for acquiring free amenities should you find yourself without a drink, a snack, or some printed entertainment while aboard.

Free on-board amenities.

Boarding on the CTA is all automated and very similar to what Lufthansa has been working on in German airports. I touched my Chicago Card to the reader and I was through in seconds.

Security and boarding all-in-one.

This really is an ingenious way to board and I can definitely see this being adopted across the travel industry. As this was a day-trip I had packed light, but there is a dedicated lane for those with larger suitcases and over-size items.

I was surprised to find that the lounge after security is quite spartan, with only a Coke machine for refreshment and literally no seating whatsoever.

The post-security lounge at Granville.

Out at the gate area things aren’t much better. It’s a tradeoff, frankly. On the one hand, there are benches. On the other, passengers are completely exposed to the elements, save for a thin piece of tin that barely protects from the occasional light drizzle.

Gate area seating.

I headed up to the gate as it wouldn’t be more than a few minutes before my train arrived and I wanted to do my best to get a good seat.

My ride.

In Part II I’ll talk about boarding and the trip itself. I’ll also cover the seat map and a little advice on the best seats on the train.