Commuting Win, Commuting Fail: Metra + CTA

Sadly, the new year brings a new work policy. Instead of a flexible hybrid schedule (with two days in the office), we’re moving to a fixed hybrid schedule (with three specific days in the office).

The policy goes into effect with the new year, and this was my first day back in the office.

In the past, I took the Metra in and walked from Millennium Station. It was a bit of a trek, but when it was cold… that was a long way to go. No easy pedway path that I could find.

// Edit: looks like there might be a way that gets me closer.

One thing I hadn’t tried yet, until today: hopping on the CTA. I was against using two different transportation methods, but it felt like the way to go with the cold. The Washington/Wabash stop was close by (about a block and a half away), with the Blue and Purple lines both having an explicit stop at the Mart.

I have a Ventra card (somewhere). But it’s been ages since I’ve used the CTA. Luckily, I had it paired on my app, and was able to just add money onto my card and use my phone (via Apple Wallet) to pay at the turnstiles. Nice!

Riding the Brown Line to the Mart.

A Reference Note:

Washington/Wabash > Mart is the Brown Line
Mart > Washington/Wabash is the Purple Line

A Topical Note:
The CTA stop at State/Lake is closing for three years. This stop is actually on the way for my commute.

So in a nice stroke of luck, my commute got a bit shorter. At least for three years.

There were a lot of announcements, letting folks know that the train would be skipping State/Lake.

A Silly Note:
On the way home, I hopped the Purple Line. We stopped before entering the Loop for a while, and the conductor got on the intercom letting folks know there were some changes. He mentioned the State/Lake closure, so I kind of tuned out.

But he then said – “We’re changing things now, due to an emergency on the tracks. We’re operating line a Brown Line train now.” I heard this, and I didn’t hear it.

I was expecting just to be on the CTA for a few stops. So when I heard “Washington,” I stepped off the train.

And that’s when I realized I had gotten off at Washington/Wells, when what I needed was Washington/Wabash.

If you imagine the CTA lines around the Loop as a clock: I was expecting to travel Clockwise, exiting at 3:00. Instead, I was actually traveling counter-clockwise (because we were “operating like a Brown Line train”), exiting at 9:00.

So I had a bit of walking to do. Ah well, more exercise.

To add insult to injury, my long walk back to Millennium Station took me past the OLD Grubhub office building. Who says the universe doesn’t have a sense of humor?

Related:
Returning to the Merchandise Mart After 22 Years: First Day at the New Grubhub Office
Tie is a Flat Circle