being forced into strangers’ armpits is not the kind of interaction I am looking forward to. Of course, “happens only during rush hours”. Sorry, but I actually lived in an Eastern European city and had to commute like that to work.

Yeah, I lived in Chicago for 6 years. You're being overly dramatic.

Public transportation in Chicago sucks. The blue line incredibly crowded, id rather not get stabbed or thrown on to the tracks on the red. Metra is pretty ok. Also cyclists in Chicago apparently are allowed to do whatever they want. Run red lights, clip pedestriansnon the the sidewalks.

While I would like to see chicago spend more in public transit dollars and improve overall safety, this is a ridiculous representation of what it’s like to use the El. I commuted via el exclusively for 6 years, and didn’t even own a car for 5, and I never saw or knew someone who saw what you’re describing.

If you want to let your life be controlled by the worst comment section on the local news site that’s fine, but don’t waste our time with your nonsense.

I have a friend that was recently pushed onto the tracks. It was not the first time this guy did it either. The blue line is just incredibly crowded but I wouldn't consider it dangerous. I'm sorry but the El sucks for a variety of reasons depending on the line, I don't own a car but I still avoid the El as much as possible. Those are my experiences, not some news comments.