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CTA-TV  Lv 


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^^  -    Ci/'c^ii  '-/i'  J 


The  minicam — it' s  everywhere ! 
But  did  you  know  that  it's  CTA's 
own  minicam?  Operated  by  the 
Video  division  of  the  Training/ 
Development  programs  depart- 
ment, CTA  TV  probably  won't  win 
any  Emmies  this  year,  but  its  pro- 
ducers, directors,  and  cameramen 
are  out  to  capture  the  CTA  em- 
ploye audience. 

Several  programs  have  been 
produced  already.  One,  entitled 
"Handling  the  Public,"  deals  with 
bus  courtesy,  and  consists  entirely 
of  group  Interviews  with  operators 
from  the  North  Park  and  77th  Street 
garages. 

In  the  tape,  the  operators  tell 
their    methods    of    dealing    with 
problems,    sometimes   going  be- 
yond the  methods  illustrated  in  the 
rulebook.  The  situations  are  com- 
mon ones,  such  as  getting  people  to  move  to  the  rear 
of  the  bus,  how  to  deal  with  complaints,  and  what  to  do 
with  riders  who  insist  on  bringing  baby  strollers  onto 
the  bus„  While  most  of  the  solutions  are  simply  com- 
mon sense,  some  are  quite  extreme,  such  as  chewing 
garlic  to  get  people  to  move  back. 

"Handling  the  Public"  is  going  to  be  shown  at  every 
garage  on  the  system,  with  the  premiere  scheduled  for 
late  January  at  the  77th  Street  and  North  Park  garages. 

The  crew  has  also  taped  and  produced  two  versions 
of  the  CTA  Technical  Institute.  One  is  a  five-minute 
tape  that  basically  e}q)lains  what  the  CTATI  is,  and  it 


As   Elonzo   Hill,  superintendent,  Training  Center,  videotapes,  Art  Hubbard,  assistant  supervisor. 
Instruction,  and  Rosalio  Garcia,  M/P  intern,  engage  in  a  role-playing  discussion. 

will  be  used  rather  like  an  advertisement.  It  will  be 
sent  to  prospective  participants  at  other  authorities 
throughout  the  nation. 

The  second  version  is  longer  and  more  detailed.  It 
will  be  shown  to  people  not  having  time  to  take  the 
entire  ^I,  but  interested  in  increasing  their  knowledge 


of  mai^s  trar 


aflisH 


RETIREES 

RY,  1980 


(continued  from  page  1) 

Bob  Bizar,  director  of  the  video  project,  envisions 
CTA  TV  as  a  three-fold  program.  First  is  its  train- 
ing value,  especially  in  refresher  courses.  Secondly, 
the  system  can  easily  be  used  as  an  internal  commu- 
nication system,  carrying  messages  in  a  more  vibrant 
form  than  a  simple  memo.  And  third,  the  camera  can 
record,  both  visually  and  aurally,  events  of  historical 
significance,  such  as  the  October  visit  of  the  Pope,  and 
last  summer's  White  House  fire. 

With  the  limited  equipment  of  one  color  and  two 
black-and-white  cameras,  the  eagerness  of  the  crew, 
and  the  cooperation  of  the  subjects  are  essential  ele- 
ments to  the  project. 

Future  training  problems  to  be  taped  include  a 
feature  on  turning  the  55  foot  long  articulated  bus;  an 
explanation  of  how  the  control  center  operates,  and  a 
tape  on  NapervUle  roads  for  the  travel  information 
center. 

In  addition,  the  Claims  and  Law  departments  have 
requested  tapes  of  their  guest  speakers,  so  that  the 
speakers  will  not  need  to  keep  returning  for  small 
groups  of  trainees.  The  tapes  will  then  be  filed  and 
replayed  whenever  necessary. 


Ted    Radakovic   tapes   as   Martha    Koch    interviews  Harold   Robinson 
in  the  Travel  Information  Center. 

Management  education  sessions  also  use  the  video 
system  in  their  role-playing  sessions  of  corrective 
case  interviews  and  performance  evaluations.  The 
sessions  are  recorded,  then  played  back  and  critiqued 
by  the  group.  By  actually  seeing  and  hearing  how  they 
perform  in  typical  employe  relation  situations,  the 
participants  gain  a  better  perspective  on  how  they  are 
actually  seen  by  others. 

Currently,  a  documentary  is  being  produced.  Its 
subject  is  the  accessibility  that  CTA  provides  through- 
out the  city,  from  the  Loop  to  the  neighborhoods.  The 
tapes'  premise  is  that  the  CTA  is  responding  to  the 
needs  of  the  thousands  of  people  who,  for  one  reason 
or  another,  are  moving  into,  or  staying  in,  the  city. 
This  "special"  is  going  to  be  viewed  by  neighborhood 
organizations,  the  State  Street  Council  and  other  con- 
cerned business  groups,  as  well  as  the  CTA  Board 
of  Directors. 

The  video  crew,  Martha  Koch,  Mike  McNamara,  and 
Ted  Radakovic,  has  become  a  familiar  sight  to  many 
employes  in  the  past  few  months.  So  now,  when  you 
see  the  camera,  SMILE,  you're  on  CTA  TV. 


CIA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Mike  McNamara.Ted  Radakovicand 
Martha  Koch  (left  to  right)  tape 
their  latest  effort,  a  documentary 
on  the  control  center.  The  bus 
controller  is  Derrick  Robinson. 


Bob  BIzar  (second  from  right), 
director  of  the  video  project, 
reviews  the  tape  "Handling  the 
Public"  with  the  CTA  TV  staff. 


JANUARY,  1980 


CTA  Board  adopts  1980  budget 


The  Chicago  Transit  Board  adopted  an  operating 
budget  of  $504,482,000  for  the  1980  fiscal  year  on 
Jan.  9.  The  1980  budget  represents  an  increase  of 
13.4  per  cent  over  the  1979  operating  expenses  of 
$445,002,000. 

In  an  introduction  before  the  budget  hearing  on 
Dec.  12,  George  Krambles,  Executive  Director,  ex- 
plained that  the  budget  reflects  continuing  inflation 
which  for  1979  will  be  over  14  per  cent  and  for  1980 
is  anticipated  at  a  9  and  one-half  per  cent  rate. 

"A  30-year  decline  in  ridership  has  been  reversed, 
and  the  number  of  CTA  riders  has  steadily  increased 
since  1973.  In  1979,  the  CTA  provided  722  million 
passenger  trips, an  increase  of  3.7  percent  over  1978, 
and  an  increase  of  15.6  per  cent  over  1973.  This  trend 
will  continue,"  said  Krambles. 

Paul  Kole,  General  Finance  Manager,  said  that  the 
13.4  per  cent  increase  for  1980  is  attributed  in  its 
entirety  to  anticipated  inflationary  increases  in  labor, 
material,  and  other  expenses. 

"As  an  example,"  Kole  said,  "the  price  of  diesel 
fuel  was  42  cents  per  gallon  at  this  time  last  year  and 
now  the  current  price  is  72  cents  a  gallon,  an  in- 
crease of  71  per  cent," 

System-generated  revenue  for  1980  is  expected  to 


New  Year's  resolution 

Board  Member  Nick  Ruggiero  presents  button  with  the  wording  "CTA 
1980  New  Year's  Resolution  -  Keep  within  our  budget"  to  Chairman 
Barnes  when  the  budget  was  approved  at  the  January  board  meeting. 
While  distributing  the  buttons,  Ruggiero  expressed  his  hope  that  every 
employe  of  the  CTA  will  make  every  possible  effort  to  achieve  this  goal. 


increase  to  $262.7  million  or  15.7  per  cent  over  1979 
projected  results. 

"This  increase  results  mainly  from  the  fare  change 
effective  in  November,  1979,  and  also  includes  an  es- 
timated one  per  cent  increase  in  ridership  for  1980," 
said  Kole. 

To  cover  1980  operating  expenses,  $241,792,000 
will  be  required  in  public  funding  through  the  Regional 
Transportation  Authority.  In  addition  to  the  public 
funding  for  operating  costs,  the  1980  budget  also  in- 
cludes requests  to  the  RTA  for  public  assistance  of 
$801,000  to  pay  interest  on  CTA  revenue  bonds  and 
$300,000  for  unanticipated  emergency  capital  im- 
provement expenses. 

The  required  public  funding  through  the  BTA 
represents  a  decrease  from  49.1  per  cent  in  1979  to 
48  per  cent  in  1980. 

Qf  the  total  budget,  64.4  per  cent  is  for  operating 
the  2,420  buses  and  1,100  rapid  transit  cars.  Buses 
on  137  routes  operate  over  254,000  scheduled  miles 
each  weekday.  Over  2,500  train  departures  are  made 
each  weekday. 

Maintenance  of  buses,  rapid  transit  cars,  structures, 
and  facilities  account  for  29.7  percent  of  the  operating 
budget. 


Use  of  operating  funds 


1980 
$505.6  Million 


Mat'l 

5.1% 


Fuel&Elec. 

7.8% 


Claims 
(Injuries  & 
Damages) 

3.4% 


Another 

5.5% 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Construction  of  225 
new  bus  shelters  begins 

The  first  CTA  bus  passenger  shelter  designed  for 
narrow  sites  was  constructed  at  the  comer  of  Adams 
street  and  Campbell  avenue  on  Nov.  30o 

This  shelter,  one  of  10  experimental  shelters  being 
tried  out  by  the  CTA,  was  among  an  order  of  225 
shelters  now  being  constructed  throughout  the  CTA's 
service  area. 

The  10  experimental  shelters  have  narrow  side 
panels  and  cantilevered  roofs  to  protect  persons  from 
the  weather  yet  permit  passers-by  plenty  of  access 
on  the  sidewalk. 


First  CTA  bus  passenger  shelter  with  canti- 
levered roof  Is  visited  by  CTA  Chairman 
Eugene  M.  Barnes  (right)  and  his  guests  at 
corner  of  Adams  street  and  Campbell  avenue 
on  Dec.  3.  They  are  State  Rep.  Douglas 
Huff  Jr.,  (D.,  20th)  in  cap  and  white  coat; 
Aid.  Eugene  Ray  (27th)  in  black  coat  and 
hat;  Chicago  Sewer  Commissioner  Edward 
A.  Quigley,  behind  Mr.  Barnes;  Lawrence 
Allen,  deputy  supt.  of  sewers,  in  white  car 
coat  and  hat,  and  Mrs.  Willie  Jackson,  rep- 
resentative of  Midwest  Terrace,  senior 
citizens  building,  150  S.  Campbell,  near 
the  new  shelter. 


Forty  of  the  225  shelters  are  12  feet,  4  inches  long. 
The  remaining  185  shelters,  including  the  10  ex- 
perimental shelters,  are  8  feet,  3  inches  long.  All 
225  shelters  protect  an  area  5  feet,  8  inches  deep  and 
are  7  feet,  6  Inches  in  height. 

"We  are  especially  pleased  to  get  this  project 
underway  before  the  severe  winter  weather  begins," 
said  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes. 

The  225  shelters  cost  a  total  of  $309,500  and  are 
funded  by  federal  and  state  governments  and  the  RTA. 

Crews  of  the  Maintenance  Department  are  con- 
structing the  shelters  on  sites  throughout  the  CTA's 
service  area  in  Chicago  and  suburbs. 

The  new  shelters  are  similar  iji  design  to  the  200 
previously  installed  by  the  CTA. 


Suggestion  Winners 


Dominick  Lopiccola,  driver  at  69th  Street  garage, 
won  $705  from  the  CTA  Employee  Suggestion  Plan 
for  recommending  changing  the  relief  point  for  drivers 
on  the  #52A  South  Kedzie  bus  route  from  111th  to 
103rd  street. 

Another  cash  award  winner  was  Nick  Suero,  car 
repairer  at  Congress,  who  received  $30  for  suggesting 
the  use  of  a  new  brush  holding  tool  for  2400  series 
car  motor  alternators.  Lawrence  Bemas,  machinist. 
Central  Counting,  was  given  $10  for  proposing  the  in- 
stallation of  safety  guards  around  the  Central  Count- 
ing grinder. 

Honorable  Mention  gift  certificates  were  awarded 
to  10  other  employees  for  submitting  usable  ideas 
about  making  work  easier  or  safer  at  CTA.  Included 
were:  James  Bell,  bus  servicer,  69th  Street;  John 
Gamer,  bus  repairer,  Beverly;  Michael  Gray,  bus 
and  truck  mechanic.  South  Shops;  Daniel  Joseph, 
driver.  North  Park;  and  Winmon  Lewis  Jr.,  painter. 
South  Shops. 


Dominick  Lopiccola  (left),  driver  at  69th  Street,  receives  a  check  for 
$705  from  Gene  Jendrach,  Suggestion   Plan  analyst. 

Other  Honorable  Mention  winners  were:  Betty 
Rice,  ticket  agent.  West  Section;  Richard  Stenzel,  bus 
repairer.  Forest  Glen;  Ralph  Stephens,  shopman, 
SkoMe  Shop;  Richard  Wadington,  bus  repairer,  Forest 
Glen;  and  Robert  Wrobel,  electrician.  Plant  Mainte- 
nance, 


JANUARY,  1980 


« 
1 

1 

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)-  ; 

f"V1 

iL_i 

James  Walker  (Beverly  garage)  is  a 
hero  to  Mrs.  Phyllis  Finney,  of 
West  118th  street.  "One  after- 
noon my  10-year-old  son  Corey 
ran  away  from  the  school  where 
he  is  supposed  to  stay  until  I 
pick  him  up.  He  wasn't  at  home, 
either,  so  I  called  the  police. 
While  they  were  at  my  home,  the 
telephone  rang.  It  was  Mr.  Walker. 
He  had  my  son  with  him,  and  he 
was  unharmed.  He  had  encoun- 
tered Corey  at  a  bus  stop  on 
111th  Street  and  saw  that  he 
was  not  boarding  the  bus,  so  he 
began  to  question  him.  When  he 
found  out  that  Corey  had  run 
away,  he  had  him  get  on  the  bus 
and  ride  with  him  until  he  could 
get  to  a  phone.  I  hate  to  think 
of  what  could  have  happened  if 
it  were  not  for  a  wonderful  and 
kind  man  like  Mr.  Walker." 


Assunta  Kaya  (Forest  Glen  garage) 
was  thanked  for  her  help  by 
Matilda  Ippoliti,  of  North  New- 
land  avenue.  "I  have  not  taken 
the  91  Austin  bus  too  often,  so  I 
had  to  ask  the  driver  for  assis- 
tance, and  she  was  extremely 
helpful  and  courteous.  Also,  I 
noticed  that  she  was  considerate 
of  all  her  passengers,  especially 
older  people.  When  questioned 
about  the  all-day  Sunday  transfer, 
she  gave  out  information  without 
ever  interrupting  her  driving 
schedule.  She  gave  everyone 
boarding  the  bus  a  cheerful  smile, 
and  her  friendliness  touched 
everyone." 


commendation  corner 


Emma  Watt  (77ih  Street  garage)  was  the  driver  of 
a  3  King  Drive  bus  that  Elmer  Beard  took  both  down- 
town and  back  to  his  home  on  King  drive  the  same 
evening.  "The  ride  downtown  was  smooth,  and  the 
operator  was  a  very  businesslike  yoimg  lady  who  was 
an  excellent  driver.  To  my  surprise,  the  same  driver 
was  going  south  at  8th  street  when  I  was  ready  to  re- 
trace my  steps.  She  was  so  skillful  and  careful  I  was 
deeply  impressed  and  pleased.  About  midway  on  the 
trip,  a  police  officer  boarded  the  bus.  His  presence 
made  me  feel  quite  secure.  As  a  senior  citizen  of  7Y 
years,  personal  safety  is  important  to  me.  I  arrived 
at  my  home  in  the  same  45  minutes  it  took  going  down. 
I  was  delighted  with  the  evening's  transportation." 

#### 
Charles  Robinson  (North  Park  garage),  the  driver 
of  a  151  Sheridan  bus,  was  the  subject  of  a  letter  from 
Jacqueline  Jones,  of  North  Lake  Shore  drive.  "He  is 
courteous,  predictable  (always  at  my  comer  at  exactly 
the  same  time  each  day);  always  has  a  smile,  a  kind 
word;  offers  directions  and  assistance  to  people...! 
could  go  on  and  on.  I  will  no  longer  be  traveling  this 
route  in  the  morning  and  will  really  miss  seeing  this 
gentleman  each  day.  He  richly  deserves  commenda- 
tion. He  does  his  job  well  above  and  beyond  what  can 
be  expected." 

#### 
Ignacio  Hernandez  (Archer  garage)  was  the  driver 
of  a  62  Archer  bus  that  Dorothy  Rohl  and  her  family 
took  from  the  Loop  on  their  way  home  to  South  Tnim- 
bull  avenue.  "We  just  returned  from  a  pleasant,  re- 
laxing ride  with  operator  #7014  from  Kinzie  street 
through  the  State  Street  Mall,  and  found  it  is  a  con- 
venient and  pleasant  way  to  see  the  new  mall.  He  was 
courteous  to  all  and  operated  the  bus  so  smoothly,  it 
really  was  a  joy  to  ride  with  him  to  Kedzie.  Our 
salute  to  him  and  all  drivers  like  him." 

#### 


James  Kolstad  (Beverly  garage)  was  appreciated  by 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Crescent  Sr.,  of  South  Washtenaw 
avenue,  for  his  courtesy  on  a  49A  South  Western  bus. 
"We  have  not  ridden  buses  or  trains  for  several  years, 
and  it  was  a  refreshing  experience  to  be  greeted  by 
your  driver.  This  man  called  out  the  cross  streets, 
which  I  am  sure  the  older  riders  appreciated — 
especially  those  with  poor  eyesight,  as  they  didn't 
have  to  strain  to  see  the  signs.  This  man  operated  in 
a  most  professional  manner,  and  I  am  certain  your 
ridership  would  increase  if  others  were  as  courteous 
and  pleasant  as  he  was." 

#### 

Irma  Saucedo  (Archer  garage)  was  the  driver  of  a 
94  South  California  bus  that  George  Tomisek,  of  South 
Homan  avenue,  was  afraid  he  had  already  missed 
early  one  evening  at  19th  street,  "I  got  to  the  comer 
a  few  seconds  late,  and  she  started  to  go,  but  when 
she  saw  me  she  stopped,  and  I  sure  did  appreciate  it, 
I  was  coming  from  St,  Anthony  Hospital,  and  after 
dark  I'm  afraid  to  stand  on  that  particular  comer.  It 
takes  a  fine  lady  like  her  to  protect  us  elderly  men. 
(I  am  71.)  I  don't  know  the  lady,  but  I  do  think  she  is 
a  wonderful  person,  and  very  courteous." 
#### 

Thomas  Southern  (69th  Street  garage)  and  Kench 
Borum  (77th  Street  garage)  are  drivers  of  buses  that 
Catherine  Rajca  takes  regularly  from  her  home  on 
South  Wood  street  to  school  at  73rd  and  Oak  Park 
avenue,  "I  get  the  first  driver  on  Garfield.  He  is  al- 
ways so  polite  and  has  a  smile  every  day.  He  also 
has  a  kind  word  for  everybody  when  they  leave  the 
bus  at  Archer  and  Cicero,  I  get  the  second  driver  at 
73ixl  street,  and  when  he  sees  a  bus  coming  on  Cicero, 
he  waits  for  us  because  he  loiows  there  is  a  half-hour 
wait  for  the  next  bus.  He  also  smiles  and  has  a  kind 
word  for  everyone," 

#### 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Among  other  operating  employes  receiving 
commendations  recently  were: 

Carlos  Alonso,  Limits;  McBride  Anderson, 
69th  Street;  and  David  Arreguin,  North  Parle. 

Pedro  Balderas,  Arnold  Beler,  and  Bobby 
Brown,  all  of  North  Park;  Bruce  Berkowitz. 
Forest  Glen;  and  Booker  Bolton,  North  Avenue. 

Jean  Cage  and  Leroy  Carr,  both  of  North 
Park;  Gail  Calloway,  North  Avenue;  John 
Cameron,  Ashland  Terminal;  Glen  Carpenter, 
69th  Street;  Edith  Carr,  Anthony  Ceriale,  and 
Floyd  Cooley,  all  of  Forest  Glen;  and  Wayne 
Cousins,  Lawndale. 

Bruno  Diaz,  Limits;  James  Dolan,  Howard 
Terminal;  Frederick  Douglas.  North  Park;  and 
George  Duszynski,  Forest  Glen. 

Vincent  Ecter  and  Eva  Edwards,  both  of 
77th  Street;  and  James  Estes,  Forest  Glen. 

Carmelo  Gonzalez  and  Jesus  Gonzalez  Jr., 
both   of  North   Park;  Wallacene  Good,   Forest 


Glen;  James  Gregory,  77th  Street;  and  fidgar 
Griffin  Jr.,  North  Avenue. 

William  Head,  Forest  Glen;  and  William 
Henderson  Jr.,  North  Park. 

Arthur  Jackson,  John  James,  and  Willie  Jett, 
all  of  77th  Street;  Zeke  Jagst  and  Willie  James, 
both  of  North  Park;  and  Robert  Johnson, 
Archer. 

Edward  Kaminski,  Archer;  and  Chester 
Konopacki,  Limits. 

Ricardo  Leiva,  Forest  Glen;  John  Lemond 
and  Jorge  Lopera,  both  of  North  Park;  and 
Paul  Lewis,  North  Avenue. 

John  Mack  Jr.,  Lawndale;  Joseph  Mackin, 
Adolph  Marth,  and  Angel  Martinez,  all  of  North 
Park;  Eleanore  Madrecki  and  Flora  McCIure, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  Lamont  Maxwell,  Archer; 
Daniel  McGee,  North  Section;  Gysbertus 
Mheenbeek,  Howard  Terminal;  Willie  Moore 
and  Robert  Mumbower,  both  of  North  Avenue; 


and  Nelson  Mounia,  Limits. 

Vito  Napoli,  Forest  Glen;  and  Victoria 
Nesbit,  North  Park. 

OIlie  Oliver,  77th  Street. 

Angel  Perez  and  Robert  Pritchard,  both  of 
North  Avenue. 

Johnnie  Readus,  52nd  Street;  Jose  Rivera, 
Jose  Rodriguez,  and  Angel  Roman,  all  of  Forest 
Glen;  and  Pablo  Rosario,  Limits. 

Joseph  Sanhamel,  Mary  Schmidtke,  Glenn 
Steude,  and  Daniel  Stronach,  all  of  North  Park; 
Donald  Sheller  and  Edna  Stiffend,  both  of 
Forest  Glen ;  and  Leia  Steele,  Lawndale. 

Reuben  Thomas,  Lawndale;  Robert  Thomas, 
North  Park;  and  George  Thompson  and  William 
Thompson,  both  of  Archer. 

Leroy  Vaughn.  77th  Street. 

eleven  Wardlow,  Limits;  Gary  Williams, 
North  Park;  and  Howard  Wilson,  Forest  Glen. 

John  Zupko,  Howard  Terminal. 


promotions 


The  Transportation  Department  has  ap- 
pointed two  new  assistant  superintendents. 
Assigned  to  the  same  sections  in  which  they 
previously  served  as  management  profes- 
sional interns  are  Horace  Brooks,  Person- 
nel, Far  South,  and  William  Mooney,  Sup- 
port Services. 

In  Materials  Management-Stores,  James 
Riley  Jr.  has  been  promoted  from  order 
control  clerk  to  unit  supervisor.  Inventory 
OperationSo  Anthony  Ambut,  former  driver. 
North  Avenue,  is  now  training  coordinator, 
Human  Resources-Training/Development 
Programs,  Sergio  Rodriguez,  former 
analyst,  Labor  Relations,  has  been  selected 
senior  financial  analyst,  Financial  Services. 
Also  in   Financial  Services,   Daniel  Reel, 


former  travel  information  representative. 
Management  Services,  has  been  appointed 
data  entry  operator. 

Five  former  bus  repairers.  Vehicle 
Maintenance,  have  been  chosen  relief  fore- 
men in  the  same  departments  In  their  new 
positions,  Daniel  Costley,  formerly  of 
Forest  Glen,  and  Leodls  Royster,  formerly 
of  77th  Street,  both  move  to  North  Avenue; 
Lotuiie  Austin,  previously  at  North  Avenue, 
moves  to  Archer;  Daniel  Gleich  remains  at 
77th  Street;  and  Dennis  Cook  stays  at  North 
Park. 

Recently  assigned  as  bus  drivers  to 
Forest  Glen  are  Kevin  Majors,  former 
laborer.  Vehicle  Maintenance,  South  Shops, 
and  Wilson  James  HI,  former  conductor. 
North  Section;  and  to  77th  Street,  Wavie 
Murphy,  former  ticket  agent.  South  Section. 
Within   South   Section,    Oliver   Baylor  has 


been  reassigned  from  conductor  to  work 
train  conductor. 

In  Operations  Planning,  Ronald  Peel  has 
moved  from  traffic  checker  to  traffic  clerk. 
Now  serving  as  traffic  checkers  in  the  same 
department  are  former  drivers  Eddie  Tin- 
sley  (69th  Street)  and  Eleson  Murphy  (77th 
Street),  and  former  motorman  Dorris  Wil- 
son (South  Section). 

At  Skokie  Shop,  Giuseppi  Geraci  has 
been  reassigned  from  laborer  to  shop 
tractor  operator.  Anthony  Finney,  former 
driver.  Archer,  is  now  substation  attendant. 
Plant  Maintenance,  Maureen  D;piaher, 
former  clerk/stenographer.  Engineering, 
has  been  selected  stenographer,  Grant 
Programming.  Anne  Bandur,  utility  clerk, 
has  moved  from  Claims  Management  to 
Administration  and  Development  within 
Claims/Real  Estate/Sales. 


Seven  new  M/P  Interns  appointed 

Seven  employes  have  been  appointed  as 
Management/Professional  Intern  Trainees 
by  Chicago  Transit  Authority  Chairman 
Eugene  Barnes. 

Bus  Supervisors  Linda  Brooks,  Rosalio 
Garcia,  Rosalind  Jones,  Charlene  McFad- 
den  and  Mike  Sanchez;  as  well  as  Rapid 
Transit  Supervisor  Cynthia  Florence  and 
Line  Instructor  Mary  Beth  Cobleigh,  be- 
gan their  on-the-job  training  on  December 
24th. 

The  Management/Professional  Intern 
program  consists  of  a  deep  and  varied  in- 
volvement in  many  divisions  of  the  Trans- 
portation Department. 

The  interns  will  spend  the  next  year 
learning  about,  and  working  within  the 
divisions  of  Personnel,  the  Control  Center, 
Bus  Instruction  and  Supervision,  and  also 
will  serve  as  special  assistants  to  the 
Transportation  Manager. 

Part  of  their  training  also  Includes  a 
Management  Education  Training  Seminar. 
After  that,  they  will  spend  a  few  months  In 
each  division  of  the  Transportation  Depart- 
ment. 

Next  December  when  their  one  year  in- 
ternship concludes,  the  interns  wiU  be  The  seven  Management/Professionallnterns  appointed  by  Chairman  Barnes  in  December  are:  left  to 
placed  in  the  Transportation  division  in  right,  Linda  Brooks,  Rosalind  Jones,  MaryBeth  Cobleigh,  Charlene  McFadden,  and  Cynthia  Florence, 
which  he  or  she  performed  best.  Standing,  left  to  right,  Mike  Sanchez  and  Rosalio  Garcia. 


JANUARY,  1980 


From  Bobtail  to  Big  Bend 


School  children 
learn  about  eta 

As  the  sight  and  sound  of  a  giant  steam  locomotive 
filled  the  room,  the  eyes  of  the  second  graders  grew 
wider  and  wider.  Their  eyes  had  been  almost  as  wide 
a  moment  before,  when  a  horsecar,  complete  with 
ringing  bells,  had  appeared. 

This  excitement  is  part  of  a  program  called  "What 
is  CTA  ?".  Its  purpose  is  to  acquaint  elementary  school 
children  with  Chicago's  transportation  system  at  an 
early  age.  The  program  is  sponsored  by  the  Public 
Affairs  department,  and  is  available  in  both  Spanish 
and  English. 

"What  is  CTA?"  explains,  through  slides,  tape 
recorded  sounds,  and  live  commentary,  that  CTA  is 
buses,  trains,  and  most  importantly,  people.  The 
children  are  shown  a  brief  history  of  Chicago  trans- 
portation including  the  bobtail  horsecar  of  1859,  the 
trolleys  and  streetcars,  and  the  Big  Bend  buses  and 
rapid  transit  trains  of  today. 


The  commentator,  through  pictures,  explains  the 
exact  fare  system,  the  difference  between  the  ele- 
vated and  the  subway,  and  the  roles  of  motorpersons, 
operators  and  maintenance  workers.  The  youngsters 
are  shown  pictures  of  a  bus  being  shampooed,  and  the 
commentator  answers  any  questions  that  the  children 
might  have  from  previous  trips  taken  on  CTA  with 
parents  or  teachers. 

To  ensure  audience  participation,  a  "name  that 
bus  sovuid"  game  is  played.  The  soimds  of  coins 
dropping  Into  the  farebox,  windshield  wipers,  doors 
closing  and  directional  turn  signals  are  played,  and 
the  children  are  asked  to  identify  them.  Some  of  the 
guesses  can  only  be  attributed  to  the  imagination  of  an 
eight-year-old,  but  with  a  little  concentration  all  of 
the  sounds  are  eventually  identified. 

The  bad  habits  of  graffiti  writing  and  littering  are 
not  mentioned.  The  children  are  encouraged  to  keep 
trains  and  buses  clean  by  holding  on  to  paper  wrap- 
pings, and  are  advised  never  to  remove  the  cap  of  a 
pen  while  the  vehicle  is  moving. 

Since  everyone  takes  the  CTA  sooner  or  later,  the 
concept  behind  the  presentation  is  to  encourage  chil- 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


dren  to  begin  taMng  CTA  earlier,  but  with  more  safety 
and  greater  awareness.  "What  is  CTA?"  illustrates 
the  best  ways  to  use  the  system. 

Using  children  of  CTA  employes  as  models,  the 
slides  demonstrate  the  best  ways  to  sit  and  stand  on 
buses  and  trains,  where  to  safely  stand  on  an  "L" 
platform  and  at  bus  stops. 

Showing  that  the  CTA  can  be  taken  to  fun  places, 
the  program  includes  pictures  of  animals  at  the  zoo, 
the  circus,  museum  exhibits  and  the  Culture  Bus. 
Each  child  is  given  a  poster  to  take  home,  and  all  are 
urged  to  discuss  the  program  with  their  parents. 

"What  is  CTA?"  is  geared  primarily  toward  first 
through  fifth  graders.  Cam  Render,  writer/co- 
ordinator of  the  program,  hopes  to  have  a  middle 
grade  program  ready  by  next  fall. 

The  program  has  been  enthusiastically  received  by 
both  students  and  teachers.  More  than  120  schools 
have  been  visited  so  far  by  Mrs.  Render  and  two  as- 
sociates, Elda  Leal  and  Steve  Hastalis,  both  of  Public 
Affairs.  Several  schools  have  requested  the  program 
to  return.  More  information  on  the  program  is  avail- 
able from  the  CTA  Public  Affairs  department. 


what  is  eta? 


for  travel  information  call  836-7000 


Above:  To  help  create  a  lasting  good  impres- 
sion of  the  CTA,  each  youngster  receives  a 
"what  is  eta?"  poster.  The  poster  was  design- 
ed by  Ervin  Harris,  an  artist  in  the  Training/ 
Development  programs  section.  Human  Re- 
sources department. 


Far  left:  During  the  slide  show.  Cam  Render, 
writer/coordinator  of  the  program,  asks 
one  of  the  children  to  identify  some  of  the 
interesting  places  that  can  be  visited  by 
riding  CTA. 


Left:  Steve  Hastalis  (right)  operates  the 
tape  recorder  as  the  youngsters  listen  intent- 
ly during  the  "name  that  bus  sound"  game. 


JANUARY,  1980 


Retiree  brings  joy 
to  hospital  patients 

When  Walter  Chrusciel  retired  from  his  35-year  job  as  a 
CTA  bus  operator  in  1976,  he  found  that  gardening,  travel, 
visits  to  his  children,  and  becoming  active  in  several  Senior 
Citizens  clubs  just  wasn't  enough  to  keep  him  occupied.  At 
his  wife  Helen's  urging,  he  joined  her  in  volunteer  work  at 
Oak  Forest  Hospital. 

Every  Wednesday  the  Chrusciels  arrive  at  the  hospital  at 
8  a.m.  Mrs.  Chrusciel  is  a  shopper  for  bedridden  patients. 
A  volunteer  since  1974,  she  wheels  a  large  cart  throughout 
the  hospital,  seOing  candy,  soda,  cigarettes,  toiletries  and 
other  items  from  the  hospital's  commissary. 

Mr.  Chrusciel  volunteers  in  the  woodshop,  which  is  part 
of  Oak  Forest's  activity  therapy  program.  He  and  the  patients 
work  together  to  create  salad  bowls,  bird  houses,  doll  cradles 
and  book  racks.  Mr.  Chrusciel  works  with  each  patient 
individually,  since  each  one  has  a  different  project,  varying 
according  to  their  ability. 

The  patients  keep  their  finished  products.  Many  give  them 
as  gifts  to  friends  and  family,  or  sell  them  at  the  Patient's 
Activity  Bazaar  in  November.  Proceeds  from  this  bazaar  go 
towards  the  financing  of  patient's  field  trips. 

The  Chrusciels  don't  just  work  on 
Wednesdays.  They  also  escort  patients 
on  field  trips.  In  the  past  year  they 
have  gone  to  ball  games,  bowling, 
museums,  shopping  centers,  and  even 
took  a  group  of  patients  to  the  Papal 
Mass  in  Grant  Park.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Chrusciel  speak  Polish,  and  were  able 
to  interpret  the  Pope's  native  tongue 
for  the  patients. 

Every  Christmas  the  Chrusciels  dress 
up  and  play  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Santa  Claus, 
distributing  gifts  and  holiday  snacks  to 
the  1200  Oak  Forest  patients.  Natural- 
ly, Mr.  and  Mrs.  Claus  were  received 
with  hugs,  smiles  and  Christmas  cheer 
by  all  the  patients. 

"We  made  them  happy,  and  they  let 
us  know  it,"  said  Mrs.  Chmsciel. 

The  Chrusciels  reside  in  Oak  Forest, 
not  far  from  the  hospital.  They  have 
five  children  and  10  grandchildren. 
Mr.  Chrusciel  began  working  for  the 
CTA  in  1942.  Many  of  the  Oak  Forest 
patients  reminisce  with  him  about  the 
old  streetcar  routes.  His  last  assign- 
ment before  retirement  was  Beverly 
garage. 


Top:  Walter  and  Helen  Chrusciel  dress  up  as 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Claus  to  distribute  gifts  and 
holiday  cheer  throughout  Oak  Forest  Hospital. 

(Pholo  courtesy  Oak  Forest  Hospital) 

Center:  Helen  Chrusciel  offers  an  assortment 
of  candy  to  patient  Edward  Cassell. 

Bottom:  Walter  Chrusciel  shows  patient  John 
Gierut  how  to  build  a  wooden  car  with  wheels. 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Lori  Romito  -  O'Connor,  wife  of  Tim 
O'Connor,  lineman,  Plant  Maintenance,  West 
Section,  and  daughterin-law  of  John  O'Connor, 
director.  Passenger  Controls/Graphics,  has  per- 
formed in  the  Ruth  Page  production  of 
Tschaikovsky's  "The  Nutcracker"  at  Arie  Crown 
Theatre  for  the  past  six  years.  She  appeared  as 
one  of  the  maids  and  also  performed  in  the 
"Snowflake"  and  "Marzipan  Shepherdess" 
sequences. 

Lori  began  her  ballet  studies  at  age  5.  After 
years  of  training,  she  became  a  member  of  the 
Milwaukee  Ballet  Company  performing  in 
various  productions,  and  she  has  appeared  on 
television.  She  executed  dance  in  its  modern 
form  with  the  musical  group  "Styx"  in  a 
Canadian  tour,  and  she  has  made  numerous 
appearances  in  and  around  the  Chicago  area, 
embracing  all  forms  of  dance  including  classical 
ballet,  jazz,  and  disco.  Currently  Lori  teaches 
dance  classes  in  the  western  suburbs. 

(Photo  courtesy  Chicago  Tribune) 


Pioneers  elect 
officers,  announce 
1980  program 

Maynard  "Pinky"  Moran  (Control  Center 
'73)  has  been  elected  president  of  the  CTA 
Pioneers,  an  organization  of  CTA  re- 
tirees. 

Moran  heads  the  organization  he  helped 
to  found  five  years  ago  and  now  numbers 
about  600  members.  The  CTA  Pioneers 
meet  for  lunch  at  12:30  p.m.  on  the  second 
Tuesday  of  each  month  in  the  Golden  Flame 
restaurant,  Higgins  road  and  Nagle  avenue. 

"While  the  monthly  meetings  are  for 
retirees  and  their  guests,  we  have  four 
ladies'  day  luncheon  and  dancing  programs 
planned  this  year,"  Moran  said. 

"These  will  be  a  Valentine's  day  party 
on  February  12;  Mother's  day  party  on 
May  13;  back  to  school  party  on  September 
9,  and  a  Christmas  party  on  December  9. 
The  parties  feature  door  prizes  for  the 
ladies,"  he  said. 

Other  officers  elected  for  1980  are 
George  May  (Limits  '71)  1st  vice  presi- 
dent; Myles  Harrington  (Kedzie  '73)  2nd 
vice  president;  Walter  Steinbeiss  (North 
Park  '74)  secretary,  and  Melvin  Homing 
(North  Park  '77)  treasurer. 

Nine  members  were  elected  board  mem- 
bers. They  are  Frank  Laske  (North  Park 
'72),  Carl  Larsen  (Control  Center  '72), 
William  Pinasco  (Forest  Glen  '75),  Ralph 
Kugelard  (Transportation  '73),  Clarence 
Lind  (Limits  '71),  Everett  England  (Skokie 
Shop  '72),  Warren  SchoU  (Local  241  '79), 
Raymond  Reighard  (Transportation  '73), 
and  Russell  Wamstedt  (Suggestion  Com- 
mittee '75). 

Peter  Collucci  (Limits  '76),  Frank  Tur- 
pin  (Forest  Glen  '70)  and  Raymond  Koc- 
moud  (77th  '77)  were  elected  seargents  at 
arms.  George  Nash  (Control  Center  '79) 
was  elected  entertainment  chairman. 

Pioneer  meetings  are  open  to  all  CTA 
retirees.  Dues  are  $1  per  year.  Lunch- 
eons cost  approximately  $4  per  person. 


Charles  L.  Moore  holds  the  plaque 
he  received  from  Mayor  Byrne  after 
being  chosen  first  runner-up  in  the 
Mayor's  Neighborhood  Garden  Con- 
test for  the  seven-ward  area  sur- 
rounding his  home. 


Honored  in  gardening  contest 


"Urbs  in  Horto" — city  in  a  garden — is 
the  motto  that  appears  on  Chicago's  city 
seal,  but  it  takes  people  apd  hard  work  to 
give  the  motto  meaning.  One  of  those  who 
works  to  make  the  garden  bloom  every  year 
is  Charles  L.  Moore,  night  yard  foreman  at 
Jefferson  Park. 

Moore  can  transform  an  ordinary  back- 
yard into  an  orderly  oasis  of  shrubs  and 
flowers  blended  to  bring  out  the  best  in  any 
property.  In  recognition  of  his  gardening 
achievements  at  home,  Moore  recently  re- 
ceived a  plaque  from  Mayor  Byrne  as  first 
runner-up  in  his  community  in  the  Mayor's 
Neighborhood  Garden  Contest. 

For  Moore,  the  award  should  have  come 
as  no  surprise.  He  has  been  gardening  for 
more  than  20  years,  and  once  took  a  three- 
month  course  in  landscaping  at  the  Uni- 
versity of  Illinois  in  Champaign.  He  also 
has  been  a  licensed  landscaper,  working 
with  architects  and  others  to  plan  the 
beautification  of  commercial  as  well  as 
residential  property. 


While  Moore  won  the  mayor's  award  for 
what  he  did  in  his  own  yard,  his  efforts  by 
no  means  stop  at  his  garden  gate.  He  has 
also  helped  neighbors  in  the  8100  block  of 
Wabash  avenue  enhance  their  own  lawns 
and  gardens  with  tips  on  good  landscaping 
practices. 

Moore's  prize-winning  technique  in- 
cludes the  use  of  evergreens  for  ornamen- 
tation in  front  of  his  home.  Alongside  a 
fence  in  the  back  are  shrubs,  which  he 
keeps  well  pruned  to  provide  accent  for 
the  rest  of  the  garden.  Among  the  flowers 
he  grows  in  carefully  arranged  displays 
are  petunias,  begonias,  geraniums,  peonies, 
marigolds  and  mums. 

For  Moore,  landscaping  and  creating 
beauty  outdoors  using  nature's  own  tools 
provide  a  pastime  that  anyone  who  sees 
the  results  can  enjoy.  By  sharing  his  ex- 
pertise with  his  nei^bors,  he  not  only 
helps  them  beautify  their  own  yards  and 
gardens,  but  enhances  everyone's  property 
and  ensures  stability  in  the  commimity. 


JANUARY,  1980 


safety  awards 


"It  seems  to  me  I've  heard  that  scsig  before"  could 
have  been  the  theme  song  for  the  Vehicle  Maintenance 
Department's  Zero  Accident  Program  Safety  Award 
contest  for  the  third  quarter  of  1979.  In  the  competi- 
tion among  rail  vehicle  terminals,  61st  Street  came 
out  on  top,  just  as  in  the  first  quarter  of  the  year. 
Howard  was  second,  having  been  a  winner  in  the  pre- 


vious quarter. 

Among  bus  garages,  52nd  Street  took  first  place 
hcmors  for  the  second  quarter  in  a  row,  having  had  a 
perfect  accident-free  record  during  the  previous 
three-month  period.  Still  trying  hard,  but  coming  in 
second,  was  69th  Street,  which  was  first  in  both  of  the 
two  earlier  quarters. 

At  South  Shops,  the  winner  was  Mechanical  Area, 
which  also  won  in  the  first  quarter.  Only  Vehicle 
Overhaul,  at  SkoMe  Shop,  was  a  first-time  award 
winner  during  the  third  quarter  of  1979. 


Surrounded   by   his   award-winning  crew,  Chuck   Kubal    (center),  day 
foreman,  holds  the  first  place  ZAP  award  that  52nd  Street  took  for 


both  the  second  and  third  quarters  of  1979. 


Night  crew  members  at  69th  Street  celebrating  their  award  are  (left 
to  right):  Louis  Green  and  Michael  Jagielski,  bus  repairers;  Glen 
Brunson,  night  foreman;  Odell  Morris  Jr.,  bus  servicer;  Ted  Nickel, 
clerk;  and  Edmund  Smolinski  and  Henry  O'Neill,  bus  servicers. 


At  61st  Street  shop,  the  satisfaction  of  being  a  winner  is  reflected  in 
the  faces  of  (left  to  right):  John  Shanahan,  car  repairer;  Ronald  Ben- 
shish,  safety  specialist.  Safety;  Leon  Fields,  foreman;  Thaddeus  Gutt, 
car  servicer;  and  Johnnie  Henderson,  assistant  foreman. 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


The   men  who  made   it  all  happen  share  the  limelight  at  ceremonies  terminal  shops.    Howard  came  in  first  in  the  previous  quarter, 

marking  Howard's  winning  of  the  second  place  ZAP  award  among  rail 


James  Forrestal  (left),  unit  supervisor.  Mechanical  Area,  happily  accepts 
the  safety  award  his  area  won  in  competition  with  other  units  at 
South  Shops  from  George  Haenisch,  supervisor,  Bus  Shops. 


At  Skokie,  Matt  Coyle  (right),  supervisor.  Rail  Vehicle  Shops,  presents 
third  quarter  safety  award  plaque  to  Paul  Venticinque,  unit  supervisor, 
representing  Vehicle  Overhaul. 


JANUARY,  1980 


13 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


JOINING  THE  ranks  of  the  retired  on 
Jan.  1  were  WALTER  OQUIST  (left),  and 
THEODORE  PIETRUS  who  had  40  or  more 
years  of  service  with  CTA  and  its  predecessor 
companies. 

HABOLD  ANDERSCHAT,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  8-15-42 
WILLIAM  BALDYGA,  Supervisor, 

Transportation,  Emp.  4-5-46 
AEMAND  BARATTA,  Valuation  Acct., 

Property  Accounting,  Emp.  7-1-40 
WALTON  BELL,  Motorman, 

South  Section,  Emp.  2-14-46 
JOHN  BOLL,  Painter  Helper, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  10-22-52 
EDWARD  CECH,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  1-28-46 
JOSEPH  CERVELLI,  Machinist, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  5-1-46 
WAYMOND  COBB,  Mobile  Equip.  Oper., 

Materials  Management,  Emp.  11-1-56 
CLETUS  COBLEIGH,  Bus  Repairer, 

Beverly,  Emp.  10-3-47 
LOGAN  COLLINS,  Money  Handler  I, 

Central  Counting,  Emp.  8-10-48 
CHESTER  CORDEK,  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  3-24-42 
WILLIAM  CROSSE,  Carpenter, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  10-1-41 
JOSEPH  CZAJA,  Electrical  Worker  A, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  12-10-45 
DANIEL  DALY,  Bus  Repairer, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  2-11-49 
GEORGE  DAUBS,  Superintendent, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  10-1-53 
MARGARET  DORGAN,  Keypunch  Oper., 

Datacenter,  Emp.  3-1-44 
DAVID  DURDEN,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  11-13-51 
RAPHAEL  EDWARDS,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Empo  10-4-51 
FRED  EGGER,  Machinist, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  10-8-51 
HARRY  FILIP,  Conductor, 

West  Section,  Emp.  9-30-43 
CHESTER  FILIPEK,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  2-21-49 
KATHLEEN  FORBIS,  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section,  Emp.  7-15-61 
JOHN  HALLAHAN,  Area  Superintendent, 

Far  North,  Emp.  1-29-46 
ROBERT  HARNISH,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  10-18-45 
WILLL.\M  HARVEY,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  7-6-51 


WILLIAM  HASS,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  5-4-67 
JOHN  HENNELLY,  Garage  Foreman, 

North  Park,  Emp.  12-8-47 
JOHN  HORTON,  Supervisor, 

Central  District,  Emp.  6-27-46 
OWEN  HOSENDOVE,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  9-8-47 
CALVIN  HOWARD,  Operator, 

52nd  Street,  Emp.  8-22-47 
VERNON  HOWE,  Paint  Shop  Foreman, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  4-29-40 
WILLIAM  HOWE,  Operator, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  8-21-47 
HARRY  JOHNSON,  Operator, 

52nd  Street,  Emp.  6-24-46 
WILLIE  KELLEY,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  6-10-48 
RALPH  KEMPE,  Foreman, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  11-5-47 
LOUIS  KINCANON,  Schedule  Maker, 

Schedules,  Emp.  5-18-42 
JOSEPH  KMIEC,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  3-8-44 
ANTHONY  KRISCHUNAS,  Operator, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  5-16-46 
MICHAEL  KRISTMAN,  Foreman, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  1-12-42 
ALVIN  KRZEMINSKI,  Foreman, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  12-10-46 
JOSEPH  KUBICKI,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  5-13-42 
PETER  KUTCHEN,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  11-8-45 
ALDEN  LAWSON,  Claims/Law  Coord., 

Law,  Emp.  4-19-50 
MARGARET  LYNCH,  Index  Clerk  HI, 

Sales/Risk  Management,  Emp.  8-27-47 
EMMETT  MALONEY,  Painter  A, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  3-18-41 
GERDA  MATHEWS,  Ticket  Agent, 

North  Section,  Emp.  1-5-63 
JOSEPH  McCRAY,  M&S  Technician, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  9-30-47 
ALFRED  NIBLACK,  Operator, 

52nd  Street,  Emp.  8-22-49 
VINCENT  ONDRIAS,  Bus  Repairer, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  11-13-47 
WALTER  OQUIST,  Sr.  Transit  Technician, 

Transportation,  Emp.  10-28-35 
WILLIAM  PANEK,  Foreman, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  6-18-46 
RAYMOND  PAUS,  Bus  &  Truck  Mech., 

South  Shops,  Emp.  7-14-48 
GEORGE  PEDERSEN,  Conductor, 

North  Section,  Emp.  7-1-42 
WALTER  PETERS,  Bo.x  Puller, 

North  Park,  Emp.  3-10-43 
HERBERT  PETERSON,  Box  Puller, 

North  .Avenue,  Emp.  5-21-46 
MELVIN  PFEIFFER,  Conductor, 

North  Section,  Emp.  6-9-47 
ARTHUR  PHILLIPS,  Claims  Rep., 

Sales/Risk  Management,  Emp.  6-2-41 
JOHN  PIETROWSKI,  Motorman, 

North  Park,  Emp.  8-12-48 
THEODORE  PIETRUS,  Unit  Supervisor, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  4-17-39 
ALEX  PLODZIN,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  4-17-51 
STANLEY  RAVEN,  Electrical  Worker  A, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  8-11-41 


WALTER  REMBACK,  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  10-6-48 
JOHN  ROGERS,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  10-25-56 
ROBERT  ROESING,  Supervisor, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  1-22-36 
NORBERT  ROLNICKI,  Substation  Chief 

Operator,  West  Shops,  Emp„  7-12-37 
JOSEPH  SARNECKI,  Bus  &  Truck  Mech., 

South  Shops,  Emp.  8-27-47 
EDWARD  SCHAEFER,  Operator, 

Limits,  Emp.  9-8-41 
THOIVUS  SLATTERY,  Upholsterer, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  10-11-48 
RLTDOLPH  SMAJO,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  10-24-52 
ROBERT  SMITH,  Bus  &  Truck  Mech., 

South  Shops,  Emp.  3-4-47 
RAYMOND  SPATZEK,  Bus  &  Truck  Mech., 

South  Shops,  Empo  11-20-61 
GEORGE  STRESKE,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  11-26-41 
STEN  STROBL.AD,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  5-31-45 
DORIS  SULLIVAN,  Blind  Case  Clerk  I, 

Sales/Risk  Management,  Emp.  4-19-55 
ALOIZE  SZYMELL,  Box  Puller^ 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  4-21-43 
GEORGE  TORSON,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  8-20-56 
CASIMER  TUREK,  Elec.  Wrkr.  Leader  A, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  12-4-42 
NORM.'VN  VON  KAENEL,  Conductor, 

West  Section,  Emp.  10-19-42 
ROBERT  WALTERS,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  5-22-46 
DAVID  WEINBERGER,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  7-5-45 
ROBERT  WHITNEY,  Conductor, 

North  Section,  Emp.  9-16-47 
DONALD  WILSON,  Operator, 

Lawndale,  Emp.  7-22-46 
DAVID  WOODS,  Bus  Supervisor, 

Beverly,  Emp.  9-8-47 
FRANK  ZBROSKEWICH,  Serv.  Truck 

Chauf.,  Transportation,  Emp.  12-14-50 
WALTER  ZURAWSKI,  Resident  Instructor, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  6-5-46 


We're  sorry. . . 

In  the  August,  1979,  issue  of  Transit 
Newsj  we  inadvertently  omitted  the 
name  of  the  following  retiree: 

GEORGE  WOODMORE,  Conductor, 
West  Section,  Emp.  12-22-47 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  33 


Number  1 


Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA. 
Editorial  and  graphics  by  the  Public  Affairs 
Department:  BUI  Baxa,  Acting  Manager;  Staff.  Mel 
Alexander,  Christine  Borcic,  Kathy  Byrne,  Jack 
Sowchin,  Jeff  Stern.  Produced  by  the  Adminis- 
trative Services  Unit  under  the  direction  of  Charles 
T.  Zanin. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  $2.  CTA  TRAfMSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago 
Illinois  60654.  _ 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


ESTHER  ANDERSON,  70,  Accounting, 

Emp.  6-1-26,  Died  11-23-79 
ANTONIO  ARNIERI,  69,  Umits, 

Emp.  9-20-28,  Died  11-3-79 
PLATO  BIBBS,  70,  District  A, 

Emp.  10-21-43,  Died  11-15-79 
WALTER  BIRKER,  80,  Limits, 

Emp.  3-11-26,  Died  11-13-79 
GEORGE  BONKOWSKI,  71,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  5-20-46,  Died  11-4-79 
STANLEY  BUGAY,  85,  North  Section, 

Emp.  6-26-19,  Died  11-22-79 
ROBERT  CHRISTIAN,  72,  Keeler, 

Emp.  10-15-29,  Died  11-15-79 
EDWARD  CORRIGAN,  77,  West  Section, 

Emp.  3-2-46,  Died  11-9-79 
SAMUEL  ERASE,  86,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  5-16-30,  Died  10-27-79 


ANDREW  J.  FLOOD,  78,  Engineering, 

Emp,  2-16-19,  Died  11-30-79 
JAMES  GEORGE,  67,  West  Section, 

Emp,  5-20-41,  Died  11-29-79 
FRED  HEIDECKE,  85,  West  Section, 

Emp.  5-3-15,  Died  11-28-79 
PATRICK  HESTER,  89,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  8-14-22,  Died  11-23-79 
SAVERIO  INTERRANTI,  89,  Way  & 

Structures,  Emp.  4-11-20,  Died  11-17-79 
JOHN  JANKOWSKI,  70,  Claims, 

Emp.  8-26-26,  Died  11-21-79 
JAMES  T.  KELLEHER,  77,  Lake  Street, 

Emp,  2-8-44,  Died  11-2-79 
WILLIAM  KELLY,  52,  North  Avenue, 

Emp,  10-5-47,  Died  12-9-79 
FREDERICK  KNOERR,  83,  Electrical, 

Emp,  1-2-45,  Died  11-13-79 
LEON  MALY,  66,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  12-16-47,  Died  9-10-79 


ALFRED  MEDNUS,  64,  Archer, 

Emp.  5-12-48,  Died  11-8-79 
PETER  MICELI,  79,  Engineering, 

Emp.  11-13-30,  Died  11-8-79 
JOHN  MOENICH,  96,  atokie  Shop, 

Emp,  2-24-36,  Died  11-27-79 
FANNY  RHODA,  85,  North  Section, 

Emp.  9-11-47,  Died  11-9-79 
LYDIA  RUCK,  82,  West  Section, 

Emp,  9-19-44,  Died  11-1-79 
TONY  RUDES,  86,  Archer, 

Emp,  11-8-13,  Died  11-2-79 
TOMMIE  VINSON,  46,  69th  Street, 

Emp,  8-10-64,  Died  11-1-79 
SYLVESTER  WALSH,  73,  North  Section, 

Emp,  6-29-39,  Died  11-23-79 
JOHN  WERSIC,  90,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  6-22-23,  Died  4-11-79 
ADAM  WIELGOSZ,  66,  Limits, 

Emp.  1-25-45,  Died  11-20-79 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  January 


years 


W.  T.  Henderson 

Archer 


35  years 


V.  J.  Hartney,  South  Section 
L.  C.  McGee  Jr.,  52nd  Street 
J.  P.  McGrail,  Skokie  Shop 
J.  J.  Rossi,  Maintenance 


25  years 


F.  J.  Black,  Adm.  Services 

E.  P.  Blicharz,  IVIethods  &  Standards 
E.  C.  Carter,  North  Avenue 
M.  F.  O'Connor,  South  Shops 

G.  J.  Weathers,  Near  South  Area 


30  years 

W.  L.  Eldridge,  South  Shops 

M.  J.  Fahey,  Foster  Shops 

E.  A.  Levandowski,  Central  Counting 

C.  A.  Mathews,  Rail  North 

J.  W.  Richardson,  South  Section 

R.  Suta,  Far  North  Area 

R.  H.  Welter,  Howard/Kimball 

D.  Williams,  South  Section 
T.  H.  Williams  Jr.,  77th  Street 
F.  H.  Zimmerman,  Rail  North 

Mary  Ann  Allison,  training  manager.  Avis  Renta-Car  Division,  David 
Rosanova,  manager,  RTA  Consumer  Services,  Bernard  Ford,  general 
manager,  RTA,  Roger  Wood,  manager.  Management  Services,  Jess  Barker, 
instructor.  Travel  information  Center,  and  Dennis  Nazak,  training  specialist, 
RTA,  stand  behind  nine  Travel  Information  representatives  who  partici- 


pated in  the  two-day  communications  skills  seminar  held  December  13-14 
at  the  RTA  Training  Center.  Displaying  certificates  recognizing  their 
achievements  are  (left  to  right,  front):  Brendan  Gregg,  Valerie  Barker, 
David  Bourne,  Odean  Alexander,  Irene  Pastinsky,  Doreen  Horn,  Mario 
Tricoci,  Michael  Johnson  and  Catherine  Haymaker. 


JANUARY,  1980 


15 


Send  us  your  ideas 

Transit  News  wants  to  print  your  story,  and  we 
urge  all  employes  and  retirees  to  submit  story  ideas. 
Submissions  to  Transit  News  may  fall  under  two  cat- 
egories: 

Feature  story  ideas 

(As  appear    in  this  issue  on  pages  1-3,  8-9, 10.) 

Feature  story  ideas  may  include  interesting  facts 
about  the  work  of  CTA  departments  and  employes  or 
accomplishments  in  commimity  service,  hobbies  or 
other  non-work  activities  by  CTA  employes  or  re- 
tirees. 

Short  news  items 

(As  appear  in  this  issue  on  pages  7,  bottom;  11;  15, 
bottom.) 

Short  news  items  may  include  interesting  and  news- 
worthy facts  about  CTA  employes  and  retirees,  or 
their  immediate  family  members,  and  announcements 
of  future  events  to  be  held  by  employe  and  retiree 
groups.  Short  news  items  submitted  with  a  photograph 
will  receive  preferred  treatment.,  We  would  like  black 
and  white  photos,  but  we  can  also  print  color  photos 
in  black  and  white »    Photos  will  be  returned. 


Deadlines 

Feature  ideas  about  future  events  must  be  received 
by  Transit  News  at  least  one  month  before  the  date  of 
the  event. 

Short  news  items  annoimcing  future  events  must  be 
received  at  least  two  months  before  the  date  of  the 
event. 

Feature  story  ideas  and  short  news  items  about  on- 
going activities  or  recent  accomplishments  may  be 
submitted  at  any  time. 

Transit  News  will  maintain  a  file  of  all  feature 
story  ideas  and  short  news  items  submitted.  Because 
space  is  limited,  all  decisions  concerning  story  selec- 
tion and  treatment  will  be  made  by  the  Transit  News 
staff. 

All  material  sent  to  Transit  News  must  include  your 
name,  work  location  and  work  phone,  home  address  and 
home  phone  o 

Send  your  ideas  to:       Transit  News 

CTA  Public  Affairs 
Room  734 

Merchandise  Mart  Plaza 
Chicago,  Illinois      60654 

You  may  phone  in  your  ideas  by  calling  664-7200, 
Extension  816  or  Extension  2188. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   No.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPOnTA'TION  CTH.    LIBRARY 
N0RTHWli1S'L'r:]RN  UNIVERSITY 
1810  HINMAN  AVErJUE 
EVANSTON,    IL  60201 


TN 


'TATION  LIBRARY^-^ 
;     2  i9.qo 
TERN  UNIVERSITY 

ten  years  ago 

CTA  celebrated  the  completion  of  one 
of  its  largest  modernization  and  ex- 
pansion programs  (left)  as  a  new  2200 
series  rapid  transit  train  broke  through 
the  barrier  at  Logan  Square,  opening 
the  Kennedy  rapid  transit  route  on 
Feb.  1,  1970. 


On  Sept.  28,  1969,  (below)  the  first 
phase  was  completed  at  the  opening 
of  the  Dan  Ryan  rapid  transit  route 
at  the  95th  street  terminal. 

During  the  last  ten  years  over  150 
million  rides  have  been  taken  on  the 
Kennedy  route,  and  the  Dan  Ryan 
route  has  provided  over  310  million 
rides. 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

FEBRUARY,  1980 


Raleigh  Mathis  appointed 
manager  of  Security 

CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M,  Barnes  announced  the 
appointment,  on  January  21,  of  Commander  Raleigh 
Mathis  of  the  Chicago  Police  Department  as  Manager 
of  the  CTA' s  Securiiy  Department.  The  appointment 
is  effective  February  1. 

"When  I  became  the  CTA  Chairman,  my  personal 
commitment  to  the  people  of  Chicago  and  the  people 
throughout  the  CTA  service  area  was  to  improve  the 
security  for  our  riders  and  employees,"  said  Barnes. 
"This  appointment  is  evidence  of  that  commitment. 

"We  at  the  CTA  consider  ourselves  fortunate  to 
have  a  man  with  such  outstanding  abilities  and  leader- 
ship qualities  to  head  our  security  effort,"  added 
Bameso 

Barnes  said  that  the  first  responsibility  he  is 
giving  Commander  Mathis  is  to  "evaluate  and  then 
restructure  the  CTA's  security  program." 

Commander  Mathis  will  continue  CTA  efforts  to 
improve  liaison  efforts  with  law  enforcement  agencies 
in  the  area  to  develop  a  coordinated  transit  security 
program. 

"To  stress  how  important  the  security  of  CTA 
riders  and  employees  is  to  me  and  the  Authority," 
added  Barnes,  "Commander  Mathis  and  the  Security 
Department  will  report  directly  to  my  office." 

Commander  Mathis  has  been  a  member  of  the 
Chicago  Police  Department  since  1959.  Prior  to  this, 
he  was  a  police  officer  with  the  Chicago  Park  District 
for  five  years, 

Duiing  his  career  with  the  Police  Department,  he 
served  as  a  Sergeant  and  Lieutenant  in  the  Patrol 
Division,  Commanding  Officer  of  Area  No.  1  Youth 
Division,  and  District  Commander  of  the  3rd  Police 
Districto 

In  AprU,  1978,  Commander  Mathis  was  promoted 
to  Deputy  Superintendent,  Bureau  of  Commimity  Ser- 
vices. In  this  capacity,  he  was  responsible  for  co- 
ordinating and  directing  the  Bureau's  activities  and 
resources  to  provide  police-community  services,  and 
to  recommend  procedures  to  cultivate  a  workable  re- 
lationship between  the  Department  and  the  community^ 

Chairman  Barnes  said  that  he  was  "especially 
happy  with  the  community  Involvement  experience"  of 
Mathis.  "As  the  public  has  been  learning  since  I  took 
over  the  Chairmanship  of  the  CTA,  I  am  interested  in 
heading  the  Authority  in  a  direction  of  becoming  more 
responsive  to  the  needs  of  our  riders  and  the  com- 
mimities  we  serve;  Commander  Mathis  shows  this 
same  type  of  orientation,"  Barnes  commented. 

Commander  Mathis'  present  assignment  with  the 
Police  Department  is  Commander  and  Chief  Inspector 
of  the  Inspection  Division, 

He  has  been  the  recipient  of  many  awards  and 
honors.  He  received  five  Honorable  Mentions  for  In- 
vestigative Excellence  from  the  Police  Department 
and  received  the  Superintendent's  Special  Commenda- 


tion for  Outstanding  Achievement  for  1977. 

In  June,  1978,  the  Mayor  and  City  Council  pro- 
claimed "Ralei^  Mathis  Day  in  Chicago."  And  in 
July,  1978,  the  Illinois  State  Senate  passed  a  resolution 
citing  Mathis  for  his  "Achievements,  Excellence  and 
Superior  Performance." 

Commander  Mathis  lives  in  the  South  Shore  com- 
munity. 

Chairman  Barnes  also  referred  to  the  decision  to 
set  aside  $43  million  in  Interstate  Transfer  Funds  for 
rapid  transit  security  as  additional  evidence  of  CTA's 
top  management  concern  for  protecting  riders. 

With  these  capital  monies,  the  following  improve- 
ments will  be  made  at  CTA  rapid  transit  stations: 
closed-circuit  television  surveillance;  improved  light- 
ing; two-way  radio  commimication;  alarm  bars;  tele- 
phones on  all  platforms  with  "911"  emergency  dialing, 
and  integration  of  all  alarms  (fire,  intrusion,  and 
emergency). 

Such  improvements  in  security  on  the  CTA  are 
nothing  new  to  CTA  Chairman  Barnes,  During  his 
five  terms  in  the  State  Legislature  as  a  Representative 
of  the  29th  District  from  Chicago,  he  served  as  Chair- 
man of  a  special  Subcommittee  of  the  House  Committee 
on  Transportation  which  investigated  and  made  rec- 
ommendations concerning  the  problems  of  crime  on 
public  mass  transportation  systems  throughout  Illi- 
nois, but  with  particular  emphasis  on  the  situation 
in  Chicago, 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Francis  J.  Mullen 


Margaret  Conway 


Charles  Marble 


Claims  department  realigned,  promotions  announced 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  announced  a 
major  realignment  in  the  CTA  organization,  effective 
January  21,  by  transferring  the  Claims  Department 
from  the  Finance  Division  to  the  Law  Department  and 
naming  a  new  head  of  the  Department. 

The  former  secretary  of  the  CTA  Board,  Francis 
J,  Mullen,  an  attorney  and  a  31-year  employe  of  the 
CTA  and  its  predecessor,  the  Chicago  Motor  Coach 
Company,  was  named  director  of  the  Claims  Depart- 
ment reporting  to  the  CTA  General  Attorney. 

In  making  the  organizational  change.  Chairman 
Barnes  stated:  'We  recognize  our  responsibility  to 
deal  effectively  and  equitably  with  those  people  who 
have  just  claims  against  the  CTA.  As  with  all  of  the 
organizational  changes  taking  place  at  the  CTA,  we 
have  one  goal  in  mind  and  that  is  more  efficient  ser- 
vice to  the  publico" 

Chairman  Barnes  also  announced  two  other  ap- 
pointments in  the  Claims  Department.  Charles  Marble 
was  named  superintendent  of  Claims  Administration 
and  Miss  Margaret  Conway  was  named  supervisor  of 
the  Subrogation  (Insurance  Claims)  Section. 

Mullen,  a  graduate  of  Loyola  University  School  of 
Law,  joined  the  former  Chicago  Motor  Coach  Com- 
pany in  1949  as  assistant  claims  manager.  During 
his  career,  he  has  held  positions  in  the  CTA's  Law 
and  Claims  Departments. 

Mullen  lives  tn  the  Sauganash  commimity. 

Marble,  first  hired  as  a  bus  driver  by  the  CTA  in 
1958,  has  worked  as  station  clerk  and  accident  clerk 
in  the  Transportaticai  Department.  He  formerly  was 
supervisor  of  Claims  Management. 

Marble  is  a  resident  of  the  Auburn  Gresham 
commtmity. 


Miss  Conway  has  been  an  employe  of  the  CTA  since 
1958  and  has  worked  in  the  Claims  Department  since 
1968.   Her  last  position  was  that  of  claims  analyst. 

Miss  Conway  lives  in  the  Jefferson  Park  area. 


John  Donohue  (right),  physical  security  specialist.  Security,  received 
a  U.S.  Department  of  Transportation  citation  from  Thomas  Boyle, 
manager,  Safety,  at  a  recent  Chicago  Transit  Board  meeting  honoring 
him  for  his  participation  since  1977  in  annual  programs  of  the  Trans- 
portation Department's  Transportation  Safety  Institute  held  in 
Oklahoma  City. 

Robert  F.  Creson,  institute  director,  wrote  CTA  Chairman  Eugene 
Barnes  that  Donohue's  courses  on  "Facilities  Protection"  are  "well 
received  by  the  students  (from  throughout  the  U.S.)  who  identify  his 
efforts  as  a  major  highlight  of  the  5-day  course.  He  has  an  acute 
awareness  in  the  specific  area  of  equipment  and  procedures  for  the 
protection  of  physical  facilities." 


FEBRUARY,  1980 


Plaster  artwork 
an  off-time  hobby 

It's  fun,  creative,  and  rewarding,  and  you  can  do  it 
in  your  own  home.  This  is  what  Beverly  bus  drivers 
Charley  Lane  and  X.  L.  Reed  discovered  about  making 
and  painting  plaster  figures  for  decoration. 

Both  had  been  looking  for  something  to  do  in  their 
spare  time,  and  had  seen  and  admired  samples  of  the 
art  they  chose  to  develop. 

Today  they  make  a  variety  of  plaster  objects  for 
their  own  enjoyment  as  well  as  to  give  or  sell  to  rela- 
tives or  friends.  Their  workshop  and  "gallery"  is  in 
Reed's  basement  on  South  LaSalle  street  in  Roseland, 
just  over  a  mile  from  Lane' s  home  on  Winston  avenue. 

There  they  meet  on  their  days  off  to  mix  plaster, 
pour  the  mixture  into  molds,  remove  figures  already 
hardened  from  the  molds,  and  paint  them  to  create 
truly  finished  products. 

Having  started  making  their  figures  in  earnest  just 
a  year  ago.  Lane  and  Reed  have  now  completed  more 
than  100  objects,  and  are  constantly  refining  their 
artwork  and  looking  for  new  variations  and  art  forms. 
They  sent  away  to  Mississippi  for  their  first  set  of 
molds,  which  now  include  zodiac  signs,  large  decora- 


tive spoons,  heads  of  an  Asian  man  and  woman,  a  bull 
and  matador,  owls,  falcons,  floral  displays  and  re- 
ligious themes. 

The  two  drivers  find  it  helpful  to  work  together. 
When  it's  time  to  pour  the  plaster  mixture  into  a 
mold,  it  takes  one  person  to  hold  the  mold  and  the 
other  to  pour  and  fasten  the  mold  securely.  When  the 
plaster  hardens,  they  take  turns  brushing  on  the  initial 
coats  of  base  paint  and  then  carefully  applying  the 
final  decorative  touches  with  acrylic  latex. 

One  innovative  idea  the  two  developed  in  working 
with  the  molds  was  to  Insert  straightened  paper  clips 
into  the  wet  plaster  in  such  a  way  that  they  could  be 
used  as  built-in  hangers  once  the  completed  figures 
were  ready  for  display.  They  also  learned  to  place 
triangular  portions  of  real  hangers  into  the  large 
figures  of  matadors  and  bulls  to  provide  a  stronger 
framework  and  keep  the  edges  from  breaking  offo 

Lane  and  Reed  are  currently  experimenting  with 
the  production  of  an  unusual  form  of  picture  frame  in 
which  they  set  a  photograph  or  picture  directly  onto  a 
flat  wood  surface  before  sealing  it  on  permanently 
with  acrylic  shellac. 

As  their  enthusiasm  grows  with  the  completion  of 
each  new  object  or  the  sale  of  another  figure,  the  two 
drivers  can  reflect  on  their  good  fortune  in  finding  a 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Opposite  page; 

Beverly  bus  drivers-  Charley  Lane  (left)  and 
X.  L.  Reed  display  some  of  the  100  plaster 
figures  they  have  made  since  they  started 
their  hobby  a  year  ago.  Samples  of  their  work 
on  display  in  Lane's  church,  in  friends'  homes, 
and  at  a  local  business  have  attracted  neighbor- 
hood interest  in  their  work. 


Right  above: 

At  work  in  his  basement,  Reed  uses  a  deter- 
gent box  to  hold  a  small  mold  in  place  as  he 
pours  in  the  plaster  mixture.  The  larger 
molds  require  Lane's  help  at  this  stage  of  the 
operation.  The  latex  mold  of  a  dog  (fore- 
ground) stands  in  front  of  a  support  used  to 
hold  it  in  place. 


Above : 

On  the  "production  line,"  Lane  brushes  on 
a  base  coat  of  paint  to  prime  a  plaster  figure 
of  a  dog  for  the  more  artistic  final  paint 
scheme  that  will  be  applied  later. 


Right: 

Lane  and  Reed  use  acrylic  paints  to  put  the 
final  decorative  touches  on  figures  that  will 
be  added  to  their  stock  of  plaster  objects 
available  for  sale. 


rewarding  hobby,  and  being  able  to  join  forces  to  make 
a  success  of  it. 

"It  sure  keeps  me  from  wastii^  time,"  said  Reedo 
"Fd  certainly  rather  be  doing  something  useful  like 
this  than  just  sitting  around  watching  TV,  We  know 
we've  got  something  going  when  we  get  calls  from 
people  who  have  seen  our  figures  in  church  or  in  a 
business  place  that  displays  them  for  us." 

"We  started  this  as  a  hobby — just  to  do  something," 
adds  Lane.  "I  really  enjoy  it.  It  helps  me  relax. 
We're  thinking  about  teaching  our  youngsters  and 
others  in  the  neighborhood  how  to  do  something  con- 
structive  like   this   next   summer,  when  they've  got 


time  on  their  hands.  We'd  like  to  show  tiiem  it  can 
pay  to  be  creative." 

Lane's  sons — Charles,  16,  and  Rodney,  15 — have 
already  shown  interest  in  their  father's  hobby.  Reed's 
children — Connie,  11,  and  Dexter,  7 — are  still  in  the 
observing  stage,  but  they,  too,  are  beginning  to  see 
that  plaster  figures  can  serve  as  inexpensive  gifts  for 
friends  and  family  at  Christmas  and  other  occasions. 

Any  time  they  want  to  learn  more  about  figure- 
maldng,  they  know  they  can  get  plenty  of  paternal 
guidance  right  in  the  basement  of  Reed's  home,  where 
the  two  Mississippi-bom  CTA  veterans  can  be  found 
working  on  their  hobby  on  almost  any  day  off. 


FEBRUARY,  1980 


Frederick  Moore  (North  Park 
garage)  was  praised  by  Evelyn 
Zagon,  of  Estes  Avenue,  who 
"had  the  good  fortune  of  being  a 
passenger  on  his  #151  Sheridan 
bus  from  downtown  to  Foster 
Avenue.  He  was  most  courteous, 
and,  when  asked  a  question, always 
answered  and  gave  information  in 
a  most  polite  way.  He  called  out 
all  the  streets,  mentioning  well 
ahead  of  time  those  he  had  been 
asked  to  stop  at  by  riders.  He 
was  polite,  helpful,  and  most 
conscientious  of  every  passen- 
ger's welfare.  I  am  a  'young' 
old  person,  77  years  of  age,  and 
can  say  it  really  made  a  pleasant 
day  riding  in  his  bus." 


Rex  Runnels  (West  Section)  was 
commended  by  C.  V.  MacLellan, 
of  Cicero,  who  said,  "Ever  since 
I  can  remember,  I  have  ridden 
the  Douglas  Park  'L'  to  and  from 
work  in  the  Loop.  Now  I  am 
retired.  Today  I  heard  the  most 
beautiful  and  distinct  voice  sing 
out,  "We  are  approaching  Western 
Avenue,'  and,  after  leaving  the 
station,  'Next  stop  will  be  Cali- 
fornia.' The  conductor  did  this 
all  the  way  from  Washington  to 
54th  Avenue.  He  takes  pride 
in  his  work.  He  is  a  professional. 
I  thanked  him  for  an  enjoyable 
ride,  and  when  I  asked  him  for 
his  name  and  badge  number, 
his  modest  answer  was,  'I  am 
here  to  serve  you.'  How  re- 
freshing! Again  thanks  for  a 
lovely  trip." 


commendation  corner 


Chester  Filipek  (Forest  Glen  garage)  retired  at  the 
end  of  1979,  but  he  will  not  be  forgotten  by  Sharon 
Pirzyk,  of  Elmwood  Park,  who  was  a  regular  rider  on 
his  #80  Irving  Park  bus.  "He  is  cheerful,  informative, 
and  thoughtful  of  the  needs  of  the  public.  I  never  once 
encountered  a  driver  who  took  such  an  interest  in  his 
passengers.  Many  students  and  adults  alike  he  knows 
by  their  first  names.  He  taught  student  drivers  to 
'Be  nice  to  these  people.  They're  my  preferred  cus- 
tomers.' Most  importantly,  in  five  years  his  bus  has 
not  varied  my  time  of  arrival  at  work  by  more  than 
five  minutes,  even  in  the  worst  weather  and  despite 
construction  problems  on  the  street." 
#### 

Mary  Schmidtke  (North  Park  garage)  "was  ex- 
tremely courteous,  conscientious,  and  considerate," 
according  to  Robert  Breitzer,  of  Belmont  avenue,  a 
rider  on  her  #151  Sheridan  bus.  "She  annoimced  stops, 
asked  those  standing  on  the  steps  to  move  up  or  out, 
and  checks  for  passengers  between  the  doors  before 
pulling  away.  She  allowed  a  man  with  a  crutch  ample 
time  to  get  off  the  bus.  This  operator  starts  up, 
turns,  and  stops  so  smoothly  that  the  bus  feels  like  an 
interurban  vehicle.  She  probably  saves  fuel,  tooo" 
#### 

Rudolph  Roberts  (52nd  Street  garage)  is  the  driver 
of  a  #1  Drexel/Hyde  Park  bus  that  Carrie  Young,  of 
South  Lake  Shore  drive,  has  been  "privileged  to  ride 
with  on  frequent  occasions.  He  is  soft-spoken,  re- 
spectful, considerate  and  dependable.  This  driver  is 
never  in  too  much  of  a  hurry  to  wait  for  people  rushing 
to  catch  the  bus.  He  shows  particular  consideration 
to  the  older  and  handicapped  people.  It  is  refreshing 
to  see  someone  who  genuinely  cares  about  people  who 
need  to  be  cared  about." 

#### 

Otto  Houston  (North  Park  garage)  was  congratulated 
for  doing  a  good  job  by  Midge  Ramsey,  of  Hartford, 
Connecticut.  "As  a  first-time  visitor  to  Chicago,  I 
had  the  opportunity  to  ride  with  this  driver  on  a  #11 


Lincoln  bus.  He  was  helpful,  witty,  informative, 
pleasant,  and  probably  one  of  the  best  public  relations 
representatives  your  company  could  have.  Certainly 
he  represents  you  well  with  strangers  in  the  city, 
making  a  bus  trip  memorable — definitely  a  positive 
experience.  I  was  Impressed  by  his  polish  and  con- 
cern for  those  of  us  in  his  care." 
#### 

Leon  Washington  (77th  Street  garage)  was  admired 
by  Helen  Lange,  of  South  Elizabeth  street,  who  was  a 
rider  on  his  79th  Street  bus.  "He  greeted  each  per- 
son witli  a  cheerful  'Good  morning!'  He  told  each 
alighting  passenger  to  watch  his  or  her  step,  and 
wished  each  a  good  day.  This  driver  also  called  out 
all  stops,  even  the  larger  companies  along  the  way. 
He  seemed  to  enjoy  his  job,  and  the  good  feeling  was 
contagious.  It  made  a  bright  spot  in  the  day  for  this 
rider." 

#### 

Nathaniel  Lee  Jr.  (South  Section),  conductor  on  a 
Lake/Dan  Ryan  train,  was  complimented  by  Maiy 
Gillespie,  of  Oak  Park.  "In  the  evening,  after  a  hard 
day  of  work,  it  is  very  imexpected  to  hear  someone  so 
nice.  At  some  stops,  he  tells  us  the  time  and  tem- 
perature. At  others  he  wishes  all  a  good  evening.  If 
It  is  raining,  he  reminds  people  to  take  their  umbrel- 
las. In  this  day  when  most  people  are  not  even  polite. 
It  is  refreshing  to  hear  someone  so  courteous." 
#### 

Willie  James  (North  Park  garage)  was  appreciated 
by  Mabel  Nannen,  of  Schiller  Park,  for  his  handling  of 
a  #151  Sheridan  bus.  "Not  being  familiar  with  tlie 
route,  I  asked  if  he  went  down  Michigan  avenue.  He 
said,  'Yes,  ma'am,  I  certainly  do.  Watch  your  step 
and  come  aboard.'  Throughout  my  ride  from  Addison 
to  Superior  streets,  this  great  driver  called  every  stop 
and  cautioned  every  rider  to  be  careful  getting  on  or 
off  the  bus.  He  answered  everyone's  questions  with 
complete  and  polite  answers,  pulled  up  to  the  curbs 
at  each  stop,  and  never  once  slammed  on  the  brakes." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Among  other  operating  em- 
ployes receiving  commendations 
recently  were: 

Earl  Alleyne,  Ashland  Termi- 
nal, 

Sandra  Bailey  and  James  Ball, 
both  of  69th  Street;  Pedro  Bal- 
deras  and  Jimmy  Boyd,  both  of 
North  Park;  Steve  Bell,  Archer; 
Danny  Bishop  and  Jackie  Brecken- 
ridge,  both  of  77th  Street;  Everett 
Brown,  Forest  Glen;  and  John 
Brugess,  Limits. 

Sam  Caccitolo,  Philip  Campa- 
nella,  and  Edith  Carr,  all  of  For- 
est Glen;  Jean  Cage,  North  Park; 
John  Cameron,  Ashland  Terminal; 
Nathaniel  Campbell  Jr.,  North 
Avenue;  Juan  Cintron,  Felicia 
Clower,  and  Gregory  Groom,  all  of 
Limits;  and  Raul  Cisneros  and 
Stephen  Conway,  both  of  Archer. 

Roosevelt  Davis,  Lawndale; 
Bruno  Diaz,  Limits;  Allen  Dixon, 
North  Avenue;  and  Robert  Dluger, 
North  Park. 

Michael  Fant,  North  Avenue; 
Benjamin  Farfan,  Hugo  Fernandez, 
and  Angel  Flores,  all  of  Forest 
Glen;  and  James  Farr  and  Claude 
Punches,  both  of  69th  Street. 


Gabriele  Gerbasi  and  Odell 
Grai^er,  both  of  Forest  Glen;  and 
C.  Griffin,  77th  Street. 

John  Harris,  Archer;  John  Har- 
ris and  Charlie  Hill,  both  of  Lawn- 
dale;  Hyman  Harrison,  Forest 
Glen;  Sand  alio  Hechavarria  and 
James  Howland,  both  of  North 
Park;  Clamie  Herman,  77th  Street; 
and  Thomas  Houston,  69th  Street. 

John  Isaac,  Lawndale. 

Willie  James,  North  Park;  Mary 
Jerry,  77th  Street;  Henry  Johnson, 
69th  Street;  William  Johnson  and 
Woodrow  Johnson,  both  of  Limits; 
and  David  Jones,  North  Avenue„ 

James  Kolstad,  Beverly. 

James  Larry,  52nd  Street;  Jo- 
seph Lazzara,  Archer;  and  Jose 
Leiva,  Forest  Glen. 

Aurelio  Mariduena,  Kenneth 
Martin,  Sherman  Martin,  Na  Im 
Muhammad,  and  Anthony  MuUozzi, 
all  of  North  Avenue;  Daniel  Mar- 
tin, Jerry  Miller,  and  Seymour 
Motin,  all  of  Forest  Glen;  and 
Robert  Martinez  and  Frederick 
Moore,  both  of  North  Park. 

William  O'Brien,  Beverly. 

William  Pappas  and  Phillip 
Perricone,  both   of   Forest  Glen; 


Juan  Perez,  Limits;  and  Michael 
Powell,  Howard/Kimball  Termi- 
nal. 

Henry  Radom,  Forest  Glen; 
Vema  Reed  and  Oliver  Robertson, 
both  of  Limits;  John  Richardson, 
North  Avenue;  Robert  Richardson, 
North  Park;  Juan  Rodriguez,  Rail 
System;  and  John  Ross,  77th  Street. 

Joseph  Salvato,  Michael  Schley- 
er,  Joseph  Snead  Jr.,  and  Joe 
Spears,  all  of  Forest  Glen;  Manuel 
Samaniego,  Wilfred  Spotwell,  and 
Frank  Star  Jr.,  all  of  North  Park; 
Arthur  Springer,  Beverly;  and  Vy- 
tautas  Stukelis,  Archer. 

Michael  Tanasco,  Howard/ 
Kimball  Terminal ;  Robert  Thomas ; 
North  Park;  William  Thompson, 
Archer;  Johnny  Trice,  Limits;  and 
Alex  Tschlniak  and  Jerry  Turner, 
both  of  North  Avenue. 

Arturo  Valdez,  North  Park. 

eleven  Wardlow,  Limits;  Wil- 
liam White,  Forest  Glen;  Ethel 
Williams,  77th  Street;  and  Gary 
Williams,  North  Park. 

Jacques  Yezeguielian,  Forest 
Glen;  and  Charles  Yoimg,  Forest 
Park  Terminal, 


promotions 


Four  former  management/ 
professional  interns.  Transporta- 
tion, have  been  promoted  to  as- 
sistant superintendents  within  the 
same  department.  In  their  new 
positions,  Mario  McManus  and 
David  Schaefer  remain  assigned  to 
Near  North  Area,  Personnel; 
James  Zepp  stays  in  Rail  Service; 
and  Norman  Herron  moves  within 
Sv5)port  Services  to  the  Training 
Center. 

Also  in  Transportation,  Wil- 
liam Moore,  former  bus  instructor. 
Training  Center,  has  become  m/p 
intern.  Control  Center,  while  An- 
drew Borders,  former  bus  ser- 
vice supervisor,  District  C,  has 
been  selected  m/p  intern.  Far 
South  Area. 


Robert  Hasemann,  former  ga- 
rage foreman.  Limits,  has  been 
chosen  unit  supervisor.  Intern, 
Automotive  Vehicle    Maintenance. 

Mohammed  Khan,  former  plan- 
ning analyst,  Transportation-Sup- 
port Services,  is  now  system 
safety  engineer.  Safety.  James 
Kinahan,  former  bus  repairer. 
North  Park,  has  been  named  tech- 
nical research  analyst.  Human 
Resources  -Training/Development 
Programs,  Theodore  Manuel, 
former  traffic  checker.  Opera- 
tions Planning,  has  become  per- 
sonnel analyst.  Human  Resources- 
Job  Classification. 

In  Plant  Maintenance,  Johnnie 
Fuller  has  been  promoted  from 
janitor  to  janitor  foreman.  Ap- 
pointed escalator  servicemen  in 
the  same  section  are  George 
O'Neill  and  Walter  Brozek,  both 
former  electrical  workers,  and 
Robert    Wrobel,  former   electri- 


cian, all  from  within  Plant  Mainte- 
nance; and  Fred  Newman,  former 
electrical  worker.  South  Shops. 

New  in  Plant  Maintenance  as 
substation  attendants  are  former 
bus  servicers  Elliott  Norman  (77th 
Street)  and  Joseph  Marazzo  (North 
Park).  Now  serving  as  laborer. 
Plant  Maintenance,  is  Jimmie 
Mathis,  former  driver,  77th  Street. 

In  other  job  reassignments, 
Kevin  Reilly  has  moved  from  com- 
bination clerk  to  senior  combina- 
tion clerk.  Vehicle  Maintenance; 
Ruthie  Poole,  former  ticket  agent. 
North  Section,  has  become  payables 
utility  clerk,  Financial  Services; 
Ramon  Gonzalez,  former  driver. 
Forest  Glen,  has  been  selected 
clerk.  Transportation;  and  Joseph 
Ramirez,  former  conductor.  North 
Section, has  been  named  electrical 
worker  apprentice,  SkoMe  Shop. 


FEBRUARY,  1980 


Rescue  on 
the  third  rail 


Motonnan  Leonard  Stewart  and 
Conductor  Ambrus  Crumby  were 
on  their  final  southbound  trip  at 
about  10  p.m.,  Monday,  January 
28th,  when  Stewart  noticed  a  bun- 
dle of  clothes  lying  on  the  north- 
bound track,  just  west  of  the  Hal- 
sted  street  station.  As  Stewart 
pulled  into  the  station,  he  realized 
that  the  bimdle  was  actually  a 
person  lying  on  the  third  rail. 

Stewart  alerted  Crumby,  and 
they  jumped  off  the  train  and  ran 
over  to  the  victim.  His  arm  and 
leg  were  draped  over  the  third 
rail  and  burning.  Crumby  used  the  ncm-conductive 
wooden  handle  of  a  sleet  scraper  to  pry  the  victim's 
arm  off  the  rail  while  Stewart  grabbed  the  man's 
trouser  cuff  and  rubber  shoe  heel.  Together,  they 
lifted  the  man  clear  of  the  600  volt  rail. 

The  victim,  later  identified  as  Phillip  Warren,  was 
still  alive,  but  unconscious.  Stewart  returned  to  the 
train  and  called  the  Control  Center.  He  alerted  Rail 
Controller  Frenchie  Ellis  to  the  incident.  Crumby 
remained  with  the  victim  and  flagged  down  a  north- 
bound train. 

In  the  Control  Center,  Assistant  Superintendent 
Joe  Daquilante  coordinated  the  emergency  effort. 
Power    Controller  Donnie  Gardner  cut  power  to  the 


Leonard  Stewart 


Ambrus  Crumby 


area.  Rail  Controller  OUie  Winston  backed  up  Ellis. 
The  police  and  fire  departments  were  called,  and 
paramedics  quickly  arrived  at  the  scene. 

Nineteen  and  one-half  minutes  later,  Stewart  and 
Crumby  resumed  their  final  trip.  Neither  of  them 
realized  how  heroic  their  act  had  been  until  they  ar- 
rived back  at  the  95th  street  terminal  and  had  time  to 
think  about  it.  Both  had  risked  their  lives  to  save  a 
stranger.  Their  bravery  and  concern  was,  according 
to  Stewart,  "simply  doing  what  we  knew  we  should," 

Twenty-year  old  Phillip  Warren  is  alive  today  be- 
cause of  two  courageous  men  knowing  how  to  go  above 
and  beyond  the  call  of  duty. 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  met  with  minority  bankers  in  the 
Chicago  area  to  discuss  future  plans  for  CTA's  involvement  with  com- 
munity banks.  Seated  (left  to  right)  are:  Lonnie  Radcliffe,  assistant 
vice-president,  independence  Bank;  Paul  Kole,  manager,  CTA  General 
Finance;  Stanley  W.  Tate,  senior  vice-president.  Highland  Community 
Bank;  Barnes;  Fred  Cyr,  president,  Washington  National  Bank;  Ernest 
Collins,   chairman   of   the    board.   Seaway    National    Bank;  James   T. 


Hadley,  senior  vice-president.  Community  Bank  of  Lawndale,  and 
Samuel  Miller,  CTA  Comptroller.  Chicago  Transit  Authority  staff  in 
attendance,  standing  (left  to  right):  Robert  Kren,  administrative  assist- 
ant to  the  Chairman;  Raymond  Fleming,  superintendent.  Finance; 
Betty  B.  Edwards,  community  news  representative;  William  H.  Mansker, 
secretary,  CTA  Board,  and  Elda  Leal,  community  news  representative. 
(GTA  photo  by  Eric  Blakely) 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Flag  of  U.S.S.  Chicago 
presented  to  Mayor 
by  Donald  Ryan 

January  30  is  a  date  CTA  electrician  Donald  M. 
Ryan  will  never  forget — for  two  very  different  reasons. 

"I  was  a  sliip's  baker  aboard  the  old  U.S.S.  Chicago, 
one  of  the  heavy  cruisers  taking  part  in  the  Battle  of 
Guadalcanal  in  World  War  II  in  the  South  Pacific.  On 
January  30,  1943,  Japanese  torpedoes  slanamed  into 
the  Chicago,"  Ryan  recalled  as  if  it  were  only  yester- 
day, instead  of  37  years  ago. 

"I  shinnled  down  some  ropes  from  the  listing  deck 
of  the  sinking  ship  and  hit  the  water  along  with  1,100 
other  crew  members.  U.S.  ships  in  the  area  quickly 
picked  us  up  out  of  the  sea  as  the  Chicago  slid  to  its 
watery  grave."  The  sinking  took  the  lives  of  62  crew- 
men. 

On  January  30,  1980,  Ryan  took  part  in  a  ceremony 
in  Mayor  Byrne' s  City  Hall  office.  There  he  had  the 
honor  of  presenting  the  City  of  Chicago  flag  and  the 
ship's  emblem  of  another  U.S.S.  Chicago  to  the  mayor. 

The  flag  and  emblem  belonged  to  the  second  U.S.So 
Chicago  commissioned  in  1945  which  served  as  a 
guided  missile  cruiser. 

"When  the  navy  decided  to  decommission  the 
Chicago,  I  was  invited  to  ride  aboard  its  last  trip 
from  Hawaii  to  San  Diego,"  Ryan  said  of  his  trip  late 
last  year.  Ryan  has  served  six  years  in  the  navy  and 
23  years  in  the  naval  reserve.    He  is  a  30-year  em- 


Donald  M.  Ryan,  CTA  electrician  and  navy  veteran,  presents  Chicago 
city  flag  and  emblem  of  U.S.S.  Chicago  to  Mayor  Byrne  in  her  City 
Hall  office.  (Photo  courtesy  Mayor's  office) 

ploye  of  the  CTA  and  is  assigned  to  the  West  Shops. 

"On  that  last  trip,  Capt,  Harold  Lewis  gave  me  the 
flag  of  Chicago  and  the  ship's  emblem.  The  U.S.S. 
Chicago  is  to  be  decommissioned  in  San  Diego,"  said 
Ryan. 

When  he  presented  the  Chicago  flag  and  ship's  em- 
blem to  Mayor  Byrne,  Ryan  said  she  expressed  the 
hqjethat  Chicago's  flag  would  one  day  fly  atop  another 
ship  named  in  honor  of  the  city. 


Pioneer  Officers 

Recently  installed  as  officers  of  the 
CTA  Pioneers  Retirement  Organiza- 
tion are,  from  left:  Myles  Harring- 
ton, 2nd  vice  president;  George 
May,  1st  vice  president;  Maynard 
"Pinky"  Moran,  president;  Walter 
Steinbeiss,  secretary,  and  Melvin 
Horning,  treasurer.  Pioneers  have 
about  600  members.  For  more 
information  telephone  763-6379. 


FEBRUARY,  1980 


South  Section  R/T  terminals  celebrate  retirements 


More  than  200  persons  attended 
the  semi-annual  CTAers  South 
Side  Pensioners  party  January  13 
in  the  Harris  Y  W  C  A,  6200  S. 
Drexel  blvd.     They  honored    four 


recent  retirees  Marvin  Kissel  and 
Larry  Belin,  both  conductors,  61st; 
Walton  Bell,  motorman,  61st,  and 
John  Kaltsas,  conductor,  Engle- 
wood  terminal. 


Active  CTAers  joined  retirees 
in  honoring  the  four  new  pension- 
ers. 

(CTA  photos  by  Eric  Blakely) 


Retirees  (from  left)  Marvin  Kissel,  conductor,  61st;  John  Kaltsas,  conductor,  Ashland;  Larry  Belin, 
conductor,  61st,  and  Walton  Bell,  motorman,  61st. 


Ardis    Morris,    acting   superintendent.   South 
Section,  mas  master  of  ceremonies. 


From  left,  Robert  James,  motorman,  95th,  and  Local  308  board  mem- 
ber; Ardis  Morris;  Frank  Wsol,  far  south  area  superintendent;  David 
Martin,  acting  superintendent,  near  north  area;  James  McLane,  assistant 


superintendent,  61st  Street  terminal;  Robert  Desvignes,  area  superin- 
tendent. Training;  Wilbert  Spears,  president.  Local  308,  and  Clarence 
Knox,  vice-president.  Local  308. 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


From  left,  Mitchell  Thomas,  instructor,  rail,  South  Section;  Ed  Green, 
retired  clerk,  South  Section,  and  Leonard  Steward,  motorman,  95th. 


Albert  Rakestraw  (right),  clerk.  South  Section,  and  Pharaoh  (mother- 
in-law)  Cain,  retired  conductor,  61st. 


IVIr.  and  Mrs.  James  McLane  and  their  young  4-year-old  friend,  Corban 
Harriston. 


Ed  Freeman,  rail  janitor,  61st  Street,  and  Mrs.  Charles  Spears.   Freeman 
was  program  chairman  for  the  event. 


Charles  Spears  acted  as   disc-jockey,  spinning  all  the  latest  tunes  for 
their  dancing  pleasure. 


FEBRUARY,  1980 


eta  press  box 

Hope  springs  eternal 
for  Cubs  and  Sox 

by  W.  B.  Wolfan 

The  arrival  of  spring  is  normally  associated  with 
the  first  robin  and  the  swallows  returning  to  Capis- 
trano. 

But  for  the  dj'ed  in  the  wool  baseball  fans,  the 
opening  of  the  exhibition  season  is  the  leading  indi- 
cator that  regular  visits  to  Comiskey  Park  and  Wrig- 
ley  Field  are  not  very  far  off. 

.\nd  once  again  victory-hungry  Cub  and  White  Sox 
fans  will  be  cheering  loudly  for  their  favorites  with 
longing  in  their  hearts  for  the  pennant  that  somehow 
seems  to  elude  Chicago  year  after  year. 

The  last  time  a  flag  waved  from  the  center  field 
pole  in  a  Chicago  ball  park  was  in  1959  when  the  Go- 
Go  White  Sox  won  it  all.  It  was  a  time  when  exuberant 
city  officials  sounded  the  city's  air  raid  siren  during 
a  victory  celebration,  and  had  the  people  wondering 
whether  the  enemy  was  at  our  front  door. 

Those  Go-Go  White  Sox  of  "Little  Looie"  Aparicio 
and  Nelson  Fox,  Billy  Pierce  and  Early  Wynn  and 
Sherman  Lollar,  whose  blazing  speed  on  the  bases  was 
one  of  the  seven  wonders  of  the  American  league, 
thrilled  this  city  to  the  very  core.  They  were  a  good- 
field,  no- hit  club  which  won  games  by  one  run  on  a 
single,  a  walk,  an  infield  out  and  a  sacrifice  fly,  but 
they  were  the  darlings  of  all  Chicago  just  the  same. 

For  the  Cubs,  the  pennant  famine  has  lasted  much 
longer — 35  years  since  1945. 

But  hope  springs  eternal  at  Addison  and  Clark  and 
Ernie  Banks  says,  "Wait  until  we  get  'em  this  year." 
Thanks,  Ernie,  for  that  optimism. 

The  Cubs  fell  in  line  with  the  "get  rid  of  the  man- 
ager" philosophy  and  let  Herman  Franks  return  to  the 
comforts  of  Utah,  replacing  "Happy  Herman"  with  the 
veteran  baseball  manager  Preston  Gomez.  Many  Cub 
fans  preferred  Whitey  Herzog  of  the  Royals,  a  very 
talented  pilot  who  was  also  available,  but  Bob  Kennedy 
selected  Gomez  as  his  man. 

The  White  Sox  showed  distinct  improvement  under 
manager  Tony  LaRussa,  and  he  will  be  at  the  controls 
again  for  the  South  Siders. 

Bill  Veeck  says  things  will  be  better  on  the  South 
Side.  They  should  be,  because  Bill  never  sits  still. 
However,  there  will  be  no  more  disco  debacles  in 
1980  after  last  year's  wrecked  ball  park. 

The  Cubs  should  field  a  pretty  decent  ball  club,  with 
big  Dave  Kingman' s  bat  and  Bruce  Sutter' s  strong  re- 
lief arm. 

Many  people  may  have  overlooked  the  fact  the  Cubs 
did  play  in  the  strongest  division  of  the  majors  with 
the  World  Champion  Pittsburgh  Pirates  emerging 
from  it  as  the  champions  of  the  baseball  world.  That 
division  also  includes  Montreal,  Philadelphia,  and  the 
St.    Louis    Cardinals.     The  Expos  and   Phillies  were 


right  there  all  last  season,  and  there  are  some  experts 
who  believe  that  the  Phillies  and  Pete  Rose  could  have 
won  it  all  if  the  team  had  not  run  into  an  unfortunate 
series  of  crippling  injuries  last  season.  They  cer- 
tainly have  the  muscle. 

The  Expos  are  one  of  the  most  improved  teams  in 
baseball.    Look  for  them  to  cause  trouble  this  year. 

The  White  Sox  will  laimch  their  home  season  at 
Comiskey  Park  against  the  American  league  cham- 
pions, the  Baltimore  Orioles,  on  April  10. 

The  Cubs  will  battle  the  New  York  Mets  on  April 
17  at  Wrigley  Field  in  their  home  inaugural. 

The  White  Sox  spring  training  preparations  are  held 
in  Sarasota,  Florida,  and  the  Cubs  spring  camp  is  in 
Mesa,  Arizona,  a  shift  from  Scottsdale. 

The  Cubs  report  a  record  ticket  sale  for  the  opener 
and  they  have  been  selling  them  since  early  January. 

There  is  reason  for  optimism  on  Chicago's  South 
Side  this  season. 

The  Sox  did  pretty  well  under  La  Russa  after  he 
took  over  the  reins  from  Don  Kessinger  late  last  year. 
The  team  played  ,500  ball  under  him,  winning  27  and 
losir^  27  games. 

Sox  officials  are  high  on  pitcher  Bill  Atkinson,  a 
relief  hurler  who  is  expected  to  strengthen  the  mound 
staff  considerably.  Atkinson  won  seven  and  lost  seven 
for  the  Montreal  Expos  before  being  acquired  by  the 
White  Sox. 

There  have  been  two  coaching  changes.  Baseball 
great  Orlando  Cepeda  has  been  signed  as  an  organi- 
zation batting  instructor,  Cepeda  will  work  with  both 
the  parent  club  and  minor  leagues.  Art  Kusnyer,  a 
product  of  the  Sox  farm  system, will  assume  duties  as 
bullpen  coach  for  the  South  Siders, 

Arrival  of  the  Baltimore  Orioles  as  the  Sox's  first 
home  opponent  is  expected  to  generate  a  sellout  crowd. 
A  good  start  for  the  White  Sox  will  help  their  at- 
tendance immeasurably.  And  it  couldn't  happen  to  a 
nicer  guy  than  Bill  Veeck  and  his  many  stockholders. 


Young  Michael  Green,  the  son  of  Tommie  Green  II,  Maintenance,  is 
shown  practicing  on  the  punching  bag  under  the  watchful  eye  of  his 
boxing  coach,  Clarence  Griffin,  at  the  Windy  City  Gym.  Michael  had 
aspirations  of  participating  in  this  year's  Golden  Gloves  tournament, 
but,  at  age  12,  he  is  too  young  to  enter.  Michael,  an  exceptional 
academic  student  at  Sbarbaro  school,  doesn't  plan  to  make  boxing  his 
career.  His  main  goal  is  to  achieve  a  degree  in  political  science -and 
maybe  become  Mayor  of  Chicago. 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Retirements 


William  Worcester 

William  Worcester,  director  of 
schedules,  Operations  Planning, 
retired  Feb.  1.  He  celebrated  his 
retirement  on  Jan.  25  with  a  dinner 
at  Marina  Cily. 

Worcester's  co-workers  gave 
him  luggage  and  plenty  of  film  for 
all  of  the  traveling  he  plans  after 
38  years  of  service  with  the  CTA. 

He  began  working  in  1942  as  a 
traffic  checker  in  Operations 
Planning  and  worked  his  way  up 
through  that  department. 


William  Worcester  holds  up  luggage  that 
fellow  employes  gave  him  as  an  incentive 
to  travel  during  his  retirement.  At  left  is 
Walter  Thomas. 

(CTA  photos  by  Eric  Blakely) 


Worcester  is  joined  by  his  happy  family  at 
his  retirement  party  (left  to  right):  his  son 
and  daughter.  Bob  and  Gretchen  Worcester; 
William  Worcester  and  his  wife  LaVelle;  his 
daughter  and  son-in-law,  Barbara  and  Gary 
Kirkwood,  and  his  son.  Bill  Worcester,  Jr., 
who  works  in  CTA  Operations  Planning. 


Michael  Kristman 

Michael  A.  Kristman,  62, 
terminal  vehicle  repair  foreman 
of  the  Harlem  shops,  retired  on 
Jan.  1  after  38  years  service 
with  the  CTA  and  the  Chicago 
Rapid  Transit  Company,  a  prede- 
cessor company  to  the  CTA. 

On  Jan.  18  about  100  of  Krist- 
man's  fellow  workers,  friends, 
and  relatives  attended  a  retire- 
mentparty  in  his  honor  in  Michael' s 
restaurant,  6218  W.  Belmont  av. 

George  Krambles,  CTA  execu- 
tive director,  presented  Kristman 
with  a  bronze  plaque  given  by  his 
friends  in  the  rail  vehicle  section. 
Among  his  other  gifts  was  a  hand- 
some gold  pocket  watch. 

Kristman  and  his  wife,  Ruth, 
plan  to  do  some  traveling.  He  also 
plans  to  do  some  fishing  and  catch 
up  on  his  reading. 


Joining  Kristman  are  (from  left)  his  son  and 
daughter-in-law,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Michael  H. 
Kristman;  his  wife,  Ruth;  Kristman,  his 
daughter,  Anna  Maria,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Michael  Heil.  Heil  is  a  CTA  retiree.  Son 
Michael  is  a  duplicator  operator  in  Adminis- 
trative Services  Department.  Daughter 
Anna  Maria  is  a  clerk  in  the  Law  Department. 

(CTA  photos  by  Bert  Cadney) 


George  Krambles,  CTA  executive  director, 
presents  Kristman  with  bronze  plaque  from 
Kristman's  friends  in  the  rail  vehicle  section 
of  the  Maintenance  Department. 


FEBRUARY,  1980 


13 


Retirements 


Ralph  Vernon 

Sergeant  Ralph  Vernon  cele- 
brated his  retirement  after  32 
years  with  CTA  at  a  retirement 
party  held  at  Febo's  restaurant  on 
Jan.  25. 

After  the  eight-course  family 
style  meal,  Vernon  was  'mugged' 
by  the  Security  Department,  which 
presented  him  with  a  set  of  hand- 
made mugs  engraved  with  his 
security  badge  and  name.  Vernon 
also  received  a  commemorative 
baton,  his  retirement  star  with 
custom-made,  monogrammed 
leather  case,  and  two  plaques  hon- 
oring his  service  to  the  CTAo  The 
Fraternal  Order  of  Police,  Lodge 
89,  also  presented  him  with  gifts 
in  recognition  of  his  service. 

Vernon  began  as  a  bus  driver 
in  1948  and  joined  the  security 
force  as  a  patrolman  in  1959.  He 
was  promoted  to  detective  in  1966 
and  moved  up  to  sergeant  in  1975. 

He  will  spend  his  well-deserved 
free  time  hunting  and  fishing  at 
his  vacation  home  in  Michigan. 


Wishing  Sergeant  Vernon  a  happy  retirement 
were,  (left  to  right):  Sgt.  Al  Springle;  Patrol- 
man Gary  Presinak;  Vernon;  Sgt.  George 
Evans  and  Patrolman  Bill  Morose. 

(CTA  photos  by  Julius  Brazil) 


Director  of  Security  Edward  Mitchell  presents 
Sergeant  Ralph  Vernon  with  retirement 
baton.  Chief  of  Security  Billy  Butler  (right) 
kept  a  watchful  eye  on  the  proceeding. 


Eugene  Sullivan 

Friends  of  Eugene  Sullivan  at- 
tended a  Jan.  30  retirement  party 
in  his  honor,  marking  the  end  of 
his  14-year  career  at  the  CTA 
Feb. 1. 

Sullivan,  65,  was  principal  li- 
brary assistant  and  a  staff  member 
of  the  CTA' s  central  files  located 
in  Room  7-131.  Central  files 
keeps  materials  used  by  more  than 
one  CTA  department. 

Joining  Sullivan  in  the  Engineer- 
ing Department's  conference  room 
were  his  wife,  Emesta,  his  son, 
James,  and  his  daughter,  Florence. 

Thomas  Wolgemuth,  manager, 
Maintenance  Department,  repre- 
senting CTA  management,  termed 
Sullivan  a  "true  gentleman  and  a 
true  gentle  man"  and  thanked  him 
for  his  years  of  service. 

Friends  of  Sullivan  gave  him  a 
leather  flight  bag  for  use  on  some 
of  the  trips  he  and  his  family  have 
planned. 


Sharing  in  Eugene  Sullivan's  retirement 
celebration  are  (left  to  right)  his  wife  Ernesta, 
son  James,  and  daughter  Florence. 

(CTA  photos  by  Juhus  Brazil) 


Sullivan  receives  best  wishes  and  congratula- 
tions from  Joseph  Benson,  director.  Library 
Services. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


HARRY  ANDREWS,  Foreman, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  9-19-46 
THEODORE  CATTONI,  Paper  Cutter, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  8-14-47 
DAVID  KISSANE,  Operator, 

Lawndale,  Emp.  5-29-41 
NORA  KLEMCHUK,  Ticket  Agent, 

North  Section,  Emp.  1-15-66 
JOSEPH  LUBAWY,  Claims  Representative, 

Claims,  Emp.  11-25-40 
ROBERT  McDIARMID,  Operator, 

Beverly,  Emp.  10-25-54 
EDWIN  ORACKI,  Operator, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  1-11-46 
CHARLIE  POPE,  Motorman, 

Congress,  Emp.  1-5-53 
ALONZO  PRUITT,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  2-6-47 
THOMAS  SKROKO,  Carpenter, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  8-13-47 
WALTER  STASULAS,  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section,  Emp.  1-6-44 
EUGENE  SULLIVAN,  Library  Assistant, 

Management  Services,  Emp.  3-1-66 
EUGENE  TRONVIG,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  8-15-46 
RALPH  VERNON,  Security  Officer, 

Security,  Emp.  8-30-48 
ARTHUR  VOSS,  Operator, 

Limits,  Emp.  1-14-48 
WILLIAM  WORCESTER,  Director, 

Schedules,  Emp.  4-6-42 
DAVID  YOUNG,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  7-12-45 
JOHN  ZDUNEK,  Electrical  Worker, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  3-31-50 

DISABILITY  PENSION 

JOHN  J.  REDMOND,  Shopman  I, 
Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  6-27-46 

Jan.  1, 1980  Pensioners 

ROBERT  McCarthy,  conductor. 

Forest  Park,  Emp.  9-18-46 
FRED  RIGGINS,  Supervisor, 

District  C,  Emp.  3-22-48 
JAMES  ROBERTS,  Superintendent, 

Near  North,  Emp.  2-17-49 

Oct  1, 1979  Pensioner 

PAUL  WHITEMON,  Operator, 
77th  Street,  Emp.  2-18-60 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  33 


Number  2 


Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA. 
Editorial  and  graphics  by  the  Public  Affairs 
Department:  Bill  Baxa,  Acting  Manager;  Staff,  Mel 
Alexander,  Christine  Borcic,  Kathy  Byrne,  Jack 
Sowchin,  Jeff  Stern,  Produced  by  the  Adminis- 
trative Services  Unit  under  the  direction  of  Charles 
T.  Zanin, 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  $2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


ROSCOE  BABBITT,  75,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  10-6-27,  Died  12-24-79 
EDWARD  BARTKUS,  60,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  6-4-47,  Died  12-23-79 
ADAM  BEDNARZ,  83,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  7-22-29,  Died  12-30-79 
JAY  BOBERG,  84,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  5-19-21,  Died  12-25-79 
HERBERT  BOYD,  36,  Stores, 

Emp.  12-20-65,  Died  1-4-80 
EDWARD  BRECHEL,  83,  Electrical, 

Emp.  12-23-13,  Died  12-7-79 
ROBERT  BUCKLEY,  81,  Stores, 

Emp.  6-21-16,  Died  12-15-79 
MICHAEL  CANNON,  78,  North  Section, 

Emp.  1-24-28,  Died  12-14-79 
DOMENICO  CAPONIGRI,  92,  Shops  &  Equip. 

Emp.  5-11-21,  Died  12-22-79 
EDDIE  DAVIS,  70,  Stores, 

Emp.  10-19-43,  Died  12-27-79 
JOSEPH  DECKER,  72,  Skokie  Shop, 

Emp.  7-17-29,  Died  12-31-79 
MARY  DUNN,  89,  South  Section, 

Emp.  5-13-25,  Died  12-24-79 
RAYMOND  ESSIG,  77,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  12-3-28,  Died  12-2-79 
EMIL  ESTVANK,  77,  Engineering, 

Emp.  7-6-20,  Died  11-20-79 
ELMER  FREITAG,  75,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  2-27-36,  Died  12-29-79 
LEWIS  GEISHEIMER,  67,  Limits, 

Emp«  1-12-37,  Died  12-13-79 
DANIEL  GRIFFIN,  83,  Electrical, 

Emp.  10-23-34,  Died  12-11-79 
LOUIS  JOHNSON,  38,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  16-4-65,  Died  1-17-80 


ANTONIO  LIBERTO,  80,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  6-30-43,  Died  12-28-79 
JOSEPH  LUKSO,  64,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  3-29-54,  Died  12-1-79 
RAYMOND  LUSTRO,  67,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  6-23-43,  Died  12-24-79 
CHARLES  LYTHCKE,  61,  Limits, 

Emp.  11-21-46,  Died  12-30-79 
FRANK  MARTIN,  94,  Armltage, 

Emp.  3-31-21,  Died  12-9-79 
HELEN  McMAHON,  77,  West  Section, 

Emp.  2-15-36,  Died  12-4-79 
THOMAS  McPARTLAN,  60,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  5-18-50,  Died  12-31-79 
JOHN  MICHNICK,  80,  Electrical, 

Emp.  2-6-31,  Died  12-14-79 
JACOB  MROZ,  94,  Armitage, 

Emp.  2-6-12,  Died  12-12-79 
FRED  NAPRAVNK,  81,  West  Section, 

Emp.  7-6-23,  Died  12-15-79 
FELK  O'HARE,  78,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  7-3-29,  Died  12-23-79 
.ROSE  O'SULLIVAN,  88,  West  Section, 

Emp.  10-25-40,  Died  5-1-79 
WALTER  POLLARD,  31,  Jefferson  Park, 

Emp.  11-20-70,  Died  1-17-80 
KARL  RAAB,  83,  Shops  &  Equipment, 

Emp.  10-5-20,  Died  12-16-79 
EDWARD  SCHNEIDER,  74,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  5-5-42,  Died  12-11-79 
WILLIE  SMITH,  40,  Limits, 

Emp.  8-22-66,  Died  12-8-79 
WILLIAM  STRATTON,  70,  South  Section, 

Emp,  10-12-44,  Died  12-7-79 
LEO  TREFF,  73,  Claim, 

Emp.  5-24-34,  Died  12-13-79 
FERDINAND  WASCHECK,  88,  West  Sect., 

Emp.  6-24-16,  Died  12-13-79 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  February 


40 
years 


R.  M.  Paolicchi 

Maintenance 


35  years 


S.  Pszczola,  South  Shops 


25  years 


J.  C.  Bell,  Lawndale 

W.  J.  Coyle,  Maintenance 

R.  G.  Daugherty,  Materials  Mgmt. 

I.  Farmer,  South  Shops 

F.  J.  Halper,  Electrical 

C.  W.  Jagel,  Skokie  Shop 

F.  J.  Kostrzewa  Jr.,  Forest  Glen 

D.  F.  Lochirco,  Archer 
B.  Longinott,  Utility 


30  years 

M 

Coyle,  Skokie  Shop 

R 

W.  Gavrys,  Electrical 

D 

J.  Hartford,  Archer 

J.  Hartig,  Archer 

H.  Haynie,  South  Shops 

Hruby,  Lawndale 

C.  Kohler,  Utility 

S.  Laily,  Racine  Shop 

R 

J.  Madison,  52nd  Street 

M 

W.  Murphy,  Rail  South 

M 

Roche,  South  Shops 

R 

G.  Rogers,  District  A 

J. 

R.  Smith,  69th  Street 

T 

J.  Stepp  Jr.,  Maintenance 

R 

J.  Wiercioch,  Howard/Kimball 

FEBRUARY,  1980 


75 


Ride  CTA  to  No.  1 

You  can  ride  the  CTA  to  the  doorstep  of  Cubs  and  White  Sox 
Parks,  or  to  the  Stadium  to  see  the  Bulls  or  Black  Hawks,  or  to 
Soldier  Field  to  see  the  Bears.  But  how  often  can  you  ride  the 
CTA  to  see  a  No.  1  HOME  team? 

The  De  Paul  University  Blue  Demon  Basketball  team  is  ranked 
No.  1  in  the  nation.  That's  a  brand  new  experience  for  most 
Chicagoans.  The  undefeated  Blue  Demons,  led  by  veteran  coach 
Ray  Meyer,  are  easily  expected  to  make  it  to  the  NCAA  tourna- 
ment in  March.  The  tourney  will  take  place  in  Indianapolis. 
What  really  makes  the  Blue  Demons  special  is  that  many  of  the 
players  are  native  Chicagoans  who  turned  down  offers  from 
schools  like  UCLA  and  LSU  to  stay  at  home  and  play  in  cold 


Chicago.  Mark  Agguire,  De  Paul's  leading  scorer  is  a  prime 
example  of  a  player  who  could  have  gone  anywhere  in  the 
country,  but  chose  De  Paul. 

Many  CTA  employes  have  attended  classes  at  either  of  the  two 
De  Paul  campuses.  The  main  campus,  where  the  Alumni  Gym- 
nasium is  located,  is  on  the  North  side  at  Belden  and  Sheffield. 
The  downtown  campus,  home  of  the  schools  of  Law  and  Com- 
merce, is  located  at  Jackson  and  Wabash. 

To  get  to  a  Blue  Demon  game,  take  either  the  Howard  or  Ravens- 
wood  "L"  to  Fullerton.  Follow  the  crowd  two  blocks  south 
to  Belden  and  celebrate  Chicago's  winners! 

(CTA  photo  by  Julius  Brazil) 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago.  Illinois  60654 

Address  Cotrection  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   No.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.    LIDR;iRY 
KORTHWEST:i]RN  UNIVEi'iSITY 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EVANS TON,    IL  '      60201 


George  Krambles 


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Above:  Executive  Director  Krambles 
gives  his  monthly  update  at  CTA 
Board  meeting. 


Left:  In  1936  as  an  apprentice  on  his 
first  job  with  the  Indiana  Railroad,  he 
qualified  as  a  motorman  of  electric 
interurban  trains. 


Below:  In  1976  as  CTA  General  Man- 
ager, he  was  at  the  controls  to  test 
Chicago's  newest  rapid  transit  cars. 


George  Krambles,  the  CTA  Executive  Director  who 
retires  April  1,  has  become  a  legend  in  his  own  time 
as  a  renaissance  man  in  transit,  so  proficient  has  he 
been  in  so  many  different  things. 

By  academic  training,  he  is  a  professional  engineer 
with  a  degree  in  railway  electrical  engineering — a 
degree  which,  unfortunately  for  the  transit  industry, 
is  no  longer  offered  at  the  University  of  Illinois  where 
he  was  graduated  with  honors  in  1936. 

His  years  of  high  performance  have  brought  out 
many  talents  and  have  cast  him  in  a  variety  of  mean- 
ingful roles. ..as  an  administrator,  researcher  and 
planner,  innovator,  writer,  lecturer,  expert  in  graphic 
arts,  consultant  and  trouble  shooter,  project  manager, 
world  traveler,  and  specialist  in  operations  and  ser- 
vice. 

Those  who  have  worked  closely  with  him  also  know 
him  as  an  unwavering  perfectionist  who,  although  very 
demanding,  was  always  fair  and  never  asked  anjd;hing 
of  others  he  couldn't  do  himself.  He  always  sought 
the  very  best  for  the  CTA  and  its  riders. 

(Continued  Page  2) 


jia^raTfa 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

MARCH,  1980 


Above:  Krambles,  shown  here  emerging  from  a 
subway  emergency  exit  at  State  street  and  Wacker 
drive,  "could  be  expected  to  show  up  at  any  time 
and  any  place  on  the  system." 

Right:  "What  in  the  world  is  this?"  he  asl<s  Mary 
Boski,  his  administrative  secretary. 


Krambles  admits  to  having  several  idiosyncrasies, 
all  for  good  reason  and  purpose. 

As  an  administrator,  he  insisted  upon  processing 
every  matter  as  quickly  as  possible  and  then  attaching 
"a  string  to  it  to  make  sure  it  got  done," 

With  equal  fervor,  he  made  a  precise  written  rec- 
ord of  every  step  taken  in  solving  a  problem  and  then 
made  certain  that  such  documentation  was  properly 
filed  so  that  it  could  be  retrieved  at  a  moment's 
notice. 

With  the  able  assistance  of  his  administrative 
secretary,  Mary  Boski,  his  office  was  so  efficient 
that  on  more  than  one  occasion  it  served  as  a  proving 
ground  for  other  CTA  secretaries  seeking  higher 
training. 

His  office  clock  was  really  only  used  to  make  cer- 
tain that  appointments  were  kept  on  time.  The  rest  of 
the  CTA's  general  office  in  the  Merchandise  Mart 
closed  at  a  customary  4:30  p.m.  Krambles  was  al- 
ways at  his  desk  imtil  6  p.m.,  or  later,  often  on  Satur- 
days as  well  as  weekdays. 

Staff  sessions  in  his  office  often  went  far  beyond 
the  normal  quitting  time,  in  which  case  Krambles 
usually  assuaged  any  weariness  by  inviting  partici- 
pants to  join  him  for  Greek  chicken  at  a  nearby  spa 
where  he  always  picked  up  the  check. 

Shortly  after  Krambles  was  appointed,  on  Feb.  5, 
1976,  as  general  manager  (a  title  later  changed  to 
executive  director),  one  of  the  first  to  learn  about  his 
Saturday  working  hours  was  Roy  Colcord,  a  short, 
wiry  electrician  assigned  by  an  outside  contractor  to 
the  CTA  floors. 

Liking  to  work  Saturdays  when  he  wouldn't  bother 


anyone,  Roy  was  busy  on  a  special  job  of  wiring  the 
CTA  Board  room  for  a  public  address  system  with 
speakers  in  the  ceiling.  He  had  wiggled  into  a  small 
space  between  the  drop-ceiling  and  the  regular  ceiling 
when  he  heard  a  rustling  below. 

Suspecting  an  office  prowler,  Roy  yelled  through  a 
hole  in  the  ceiling,  "Who  in  the  hell  are  you?" 

"The  general  manager!"  came  back  the  reply. 
"Who  and  where  in  the  hell  are  you?" 

Like  so  many  others  at  the  CTA,  Roy  learned  that 
Krambles  could  be  expected  to  show  up  at  any  time 
and  any  place  on  the  system. 

In  recent  years,  he  was  apt  to  make  his  presence 
known  electronically — by  his  car  radio  or  walkie- 
talkie.  His  apartment  in  Oak  Park  overlooks  the  end 
of  the  Lake  street  "L"  line,  and  there  have  been  times 
he  helped  to  clear  up  an  operating  problem  simply  by 
looking  out  his  window  and  using  his  walkie-talkie. 

While  he  has  also  been  expert  in  surface  opera- 
tions, his  true  love  has  been  electric  railways,  the 
elevated  and  subway  system.  Because  of  this,  he  has 
traveled  widely,  in  this  and  other  countries,  to  in- 
spect the  systems,  to  serve  as  a  consultant,  and  to 
learn  about  new  technology.  It  has  also  been  his  hobby, 
and  he  holds  the  No,  1  membership  card  in  the  Central 
Electric  Railfans'  Association,  of  which  he  was  a  co- 
founder  41  years  ago. 

Why  and  when  he  became  obsessed  with  electric 
railways  is  uncertain.  Others  in  his  family  had  no 
such  interest.  He  has  always  ridden  the  "L,"  and  he 
thinks  his  first  rides  probably  were  when  his  parents 
took  him  on  the  south-side  line  which  was  near  their 
home  at  29th  street  and  Caliunet  avenue  where  he  was 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


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bom  on  March  11,  1915. 

After  a  brief  move  to  "Greek  town"  in  the  Ravens- 
wood  community,  the  family  moved  farther  north  to 
Rogers  Park,  near  Rogers  avenue  and  Sheridan  road, 
close  to  the  Howard  elevated  line,  which  then  was 
also  used  by  the  North  Shore  interurban  trains. 
Krambles  remembers  distinctly  seeing,  at  the  age  of 
seven,  the  city's  first  all-steel  elevated  cars,  con- 
spicuous by  their  green  and  orange  paint. 

Half  way  through  high  school  he  decided  to  make 
electric  railways  his  career.  After  two  years  at  Crane 
Junior  College,  he  had  a  choice  between  the  Univer- 
sity of  Illinois  at  Urbana  and  Rensselaer  Polytechnic 
Institute  at  Troy,  N.Y.,  the  only  schools  offering  an 
engineering  specialty  in  electric  railways. 

It  was  an  easy  decision.  The  U.  of  I.  was  closer 
to  home,  less  expensive  as  a  state  university,  and  was 
well  known  as  a  recruiting  groimd  for  engineering 
graduates  by  the  Chicago  Surface  Lines  and  the  Chi- 
cago Rapid  Transit  Company,  the  two  private  com- 
panies that  later  were  to  be  acquired  for  the  creation 
of  the  Chicago  Transit  Authority  as  a  public  agency. 

Upon  graduation  from  the  U.  of  I.  in  Jime  of  1936, 
which  was  still  in  the  depths  of  the  depression, 
Krambles  was  unable  to  get  a  job  in  Chicago,  but  he 
was  hired  as  an  apprentice  at  $70  a  month  by  the 
Indiana  Railroad,  operator  of  an  electric  interurban 
system  serving  county  seats  almost  from  one  end  of 
the  Hoosier  state  to  the  other. 

From  June  to  December  of  that  year,  working  first 
in  Indianapolis  and  then  in  Anderson,  Krambles  did  a 
little  bit  of  everything.  He  toted  packages  in  the 
frei^t  house,   became    a  vinion  member  (on  Oct.  1, 


Krambles,  who  always  took  time  out  to 
greet  visitors,  shows  the  new  Control 
Center  to  Samuel  Insull,  Jr..  retired  elec- 
tric railway  executive  whose  father  was 
prominent  in  the  development  of  the 
electric  utility  industry.  With  Insull  in 
their  Jan.,  1978,  visit  to  CTA  were 
William  D.  Middleton  (left  rear),  a  rail- 
road historian,  and  Norman  Carlson  (right 
rear)  vice  president  and  treasurer  of  the 
Central  Electric  Railfans' Association. 


1936)  of  the  Amalgamated  Association  of  Street, 
Electric  Railway  and  Motor  Coach  Employes  of 
America,  worked  as  an  electrical  repairman  on  cars, 
and  qualified  to  drive  trains. 

So  keen,  however,  was  his  desire  to  get  back  to 
Chicago  that  he  turned  down  a  raise  of  $30  a  month, 
quit  his  job  in  Indiana,  and  sent  a  letter  to  Bemaird  J. 
Fallon,  the  top  official  of  the  North  Shore  interurban 
line. 

Fallon's  response,  dated  Feb,  1,  1937,  seems  par- 
ticularly significant  because  it  shows  how  much  in- 
terest transit  executives  of  that  era  took  in  recruiting 
promising  professional  employes. 

That  letter  from  Fallon  read  in  part: 

"I  am  sorry  to  advise  you  that  we  have  no  opening 
on  the  interurban  line  at  the  present  time,  but  I  have 
talked  about  you  with  Mr.  H.  A.  Johnson,  General 
Manager  of  the  Chicago  Rapid  Transit  Company,  over 
whose  lines  the  interurbans  operate,  and  I  think  if  you 
will  call  on  htm  he  may  be  able  to  find  something  that 
would  be  of  interest  to  you  in  connection  with  this  line." 

Krambles  obviously  wasted  no  time  in  following  up, 
for  two  days  after  Fallon  had  sent  the  letter — on  Feb. 
3,  1937 — Krambles,  at  age  of  not  quite  22,  began  his 
Chicago  transit  career — as  a  "temporary  employe" 
classified  as  a  student  engineer„ 

Actually,  Krambles  was  hired  by  the  Chicago  Rapid 
Transit  Company  because  of  a  crisis.  Prophetically, 
it  was  not  to  be  the  only  time  Krambles  was  to  help 
solve  a  crisis-oriented  problem. 

There  had  been  a  serious  accident  with  fatalities 
at  the  Granville  station  on  the  north  elevated  route. 
A  heavy  North  Shore  interurban  train  had  rammed  a 


MARCH,  1980 


In  the  power  supervisor's  office  of  the  Chicago  Rapid  Transit  Company   in  the  Edison  Building,  72  W.  Adams  St.,  in  1941. 


standing  elevated  train  of  wooden  cars.    The  rear  "L" 
car  was  sheared  in  half,  part  falling  off  the  embank- 
ment right-of-way. 

The  regulatory  Illinois  Commerce  Commission  is- 
sued an  order  for  improving  cars  as  a  safely  measure. 
Skokie  Shop,  which  had  been  closed  because  of  hard 
times,  was  reopened;  and  Krambles  was  among  those 
assigned  to  design  improvements. 

As  the  years  have  shown,  that  initial  assignment 
was  to  set,  in  large  measure,  the  pattern  of  Krambles' 
career.  While  he  has  carried  out  a  great  variety  of 
assignments,  much  of  his  work  has  been  related  to 
improvements,  in  equipment,  operations  and  service. 

In  1938,  the  city  began  construction  of  the  State 
street  subway;  and  engineers  of  the  Rapid  Transit 
Company  were  given  important  assignments  for  this 
first-of-its-kind  project  in  Chicago.  Among  other 
things,  Krambles  helped  with  plans  for  the  third-rail 
power  distribution  system. 

You  can  imagine  his  elation  on  Oct.  17,  1943,  when 
he  had  the  honor  of  turning  on  the  power  for  the  of- 
ficial start  of  State  street  subway  operations.  In- 
cidentally, Krambles  was  given  the  signal  for  the 
power  by  George  DeMent,  who  then  was  with  the  city's 
Department  of  Subways  and  Superhighways  and  who 
later  was  to  serve  as  CTA  Chairman. 

Part  of  Krambles'  work  on  the  subway  involved  the 
preparation  of  technical  documents,  one  of  which  dealt 
with  "How  To  Splice  Lead-Covered  Cable  and  Rubber- 
Insulated  Cable."  Besides  his  ability  to  handle  highly 
technical  subjects,  this  document  also  pointed  up 
Krambles'  artistic  flair  that  went  well  beyond  the  en- 
gineering requisite  of  being  a  draftsman.    Illustrated 


with  drawings,  the  text  consisted  of  2,000  words  in 
hand  lettering.  Many  times  later,  at  the  CTA, 
Krambles'  talent  in  graphic  arts  was  reflected  in 
station  signs,  posters  and  other  illustrated  material. 

During  his  early  years  with  the  Rapid  Transit  Com- 
pany, one  of  his  bosses  was  an  especially  hard  task- 
master, Harrison  D.  Wilson,  distribution  engineer  in 
the  electrical  department,  whose  exacting  demands 
were  to  stand  Krambles  in  good  stead  for  almost 
everything  that  came  afterwards. 

For  budget  purposes,  costs  of  electrical  work  had 
to  be  analyzed  and  accurately  computed  in  such  terms 
as  so  much  money  per  foot.  Completing  his  first  as- 
signment, Krambles  submitted  a  brief  memorandum 
that  consisted  of  little  more  than  the  cost  figure. 

"No!"  exclaimed  his  boss,  Wilson,  tossing  the 
memo  back  at  Krambles,  apparently  in  disbelief. 

"Why?"  stammered  Krambles. 

"You  find  out,"  shot  back  Wilson. 

The  next  day,  Krambles  returned,  and  again  laid 
the  short  memo  with  the  cost  figure  on  Wilson's  desk. 

"No!"  shouted  Wilsono 

"Yes !"  retorted  Krambles,  who  then  laid  down  a 
second  lengthy  memorandum  showing  exactly  how  he 
had  arrived  at  the  answer. 

Tliat  experience  probably  explains  why  Krambles 
has  always  been  so  careful  to  docvmient  everything.  It 
might  well  be  a  clue  also  to  another  Krambles  idio- 
syncrasy. An  iimer-office  memorandum,  he  feels, 
should  be  short  and  to  the  point.  If  there  is  more 
to  be  explained,  that  can  just  as  well  be  done  in  an 
attachment. 

In   keeping  with   this  preference  for  conciseness, 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Right:  In  the  staff  engineer's  office  on  Dec.  11,  1953, 
Krambles,  operations  planning  engineer,  and  Frank  Misek, 
engineering  assistant,  examine  an  engineering  drawing. 


Krambles  has  reduced,  for  biographical  reference, his 
many  years  of  varied  experience,  professional  af- 
filiations and  other  activities  to  a  single  page. 

In  reference  to  his  degree  from  the  University  of 
Illinois,  it  is  also  noted  that  his  baccalaureate  thesis 
was  entitled  the  "Development  of  the  Interurban  Car" 
and  that  he  obtained  additional  credits  in  railway  civil 
and  railway  mechanical  engineering. 

His  43  years  of  experience  in  transit  in  Chicago 
are  summed  up  as  follows: 

— One  year  equipment  engineering. 

— One  year  engineering  cost  accounting  and  analysis. 

— Six  years  power  distribution,  electrical  control, 
station  lighting,  and  drainage  and  ventilation  system 
engineering. 

— One  year  power  system  dispatching. 

— Thirteen  years  operations  planning,  rapid  transit 
service  control,  system  design,  construction,  im- 
plementation and  training,  the  integration  of  bus, 
streetcar  and  rapid  transit  systems,  streetcar-to-bus 
conversion,  equipment  assignment  planning,  commu- 
nity relations,  and  commission  and  management 
hearings. 

— Four  years  transportation  operations  and  real- 
time administration  of  bus  and  rapid  transit  service 
over  150  routes « 

— Two  years  federal  demonstration  project  con- 
struction, operation,  administration  and  preparation 
of  reports  (the  Skokie  Swift  project). 

— Seven  years  ui  charge  of  system  planning  and 
research  as  related  to  service. 

— Two  years  in  charge  of  transportation  and  ve- 
hicle maintenance  departments. 


— Two  years  General  Operations  Manager. 

— Four  years  General  Manager  and  Executive 
Director. 

During  all  those  years,  there  was  hardly  anything 
of  significance — particularly  in  the  way  of  improve- 
ments— that  didn't  have  the  Krambles  imprint. 

In  the  early  1950s,  he  was  deeply  involved  in  the 
revamping  of  the  rapid  transit  system  for  greater  ef- 
ficiency and  for  eliminating  imnecessaiy  duplication 
of  service  with  surface  operations. 

With  no  adverse  effect  on  overall  riding,  the  num- 
ber of  stations  was  reduced  from  240  to  the  present 
140  stations  through  the  elimination  of  little-used  lines 
such  as  Kenwood,  Normal  Park,  Humboldt  Park, 
Stockyards  and  Westchester  and  the  outer  end  of  the 
Douglas.  The  skip-stop  pattern  of  A  and  B  stations 
was  instituted. 

As  a  result,  the  average  speed  of  trains  was  in- 
creased considerably;  and  the  reqmrement  of  rolling 
stock  was  reduced  from  1,600  cars  to  the  present  fleet 
of  1,100. 

Another  major  CTA  development  was  that  of  the 
all-electric  rapid  transit  car  with  electrical  braking, 
as  an  application  of  the  former  P.C.C.  (Green  Hornet) 
streetcar  concept.  Because  of  the  electrical  braking 
and  no  need  to  pump  up  air  for  brakes,  the  CTA  has 
the  only  system  for  which  cars  can  be  started  and 
pulled  immediately  out  of  the  yards. 

Krambles  also  liad  a  hand  In  the  CTA's  big  change 
of  conveiilng  surface  operations  from  streetcars  to 
motor  buses,  which  took  place  over  a  10-year  period 
ending  in  1958.  In  this  change,  100  off-street  bus 
terminals  were  created,  with  the  CTA  paying  for  the 


MARCH,  1980 


Above:    ".  .  .  and  if  I  had  had  a  broom,  I  would  have  swept  up  the  place,  too,"  he  once 
told  the  CTA  Board.  Photo  taken  at  Dempster  terminal  of  Skokie  Swift,  1964. 

Left:    With  new  walkie-talkie,  Krambles  gives  emergency  orders  from  Control  Center  dur- 
ing winter  crisis  in  January  of  1979.  At  his  side  is  James  Blaa,  manager.  Transportation. 


land  and  other  costs.  This  switch  to  all-bus  operation 
also  was  accompanied  by  the  construction  of  three 
new  garages  and  other  similar  improvements. 

Over  many  years,  Krambles  has  had  a  significant 
part  in  the  development  of  a  modem  Operations  Con- 
trol Center  for  both  buses  and  trains.  In  the  last 
several  years,  his  zest  for  this  project,  involving 
mostly  the  creation  of  radio  commmiications,  was  not 
unlike  that  of  a  boy  over  joyed  with  a  new  toy. 

If  Krambles  were  to  be  asked  to  pinpoint  the  hap- 
piest moment  of  his  career,  the  chances  are  he  would 
recall  the  time  when  Walter  J.  McCarter,  the  long- 
time CTA  General  Manager,  assigned  him  as  project 
manager  to  create  the  Skokie  Swift,  the  non-stop 
suburban  shuttle  service  that  was  the  nation's  first 
federally  funded  demonstration  (experimental)  project 
in  the  rapid  transit  field. 

On  April  18,  1964,  Krambles  was  almost  beside 
himself  when  he  annoimced,  "We're  off  on  the  world's 
fastest  rapid  transit  ride,"  as  a  three-car  train  left 
the  Howard  terminal  for  the  inaugural  run  over  a  five- 
mile  stretch  of  former  North  Shore  interurban  right- 
of-way  which  the  CTA  had  acquired  for  the  new  ser- 
vice to  Dempster  street,  Skokie. 

With  26-year-old  Bruce  Anderson  as  the  motorman, 
that  inaugural  train  reached  a  speed  of  70  miles  an 
hour,  completing  the  five  miles  in  exactly  6  minutes, 
a  half  minute  less  than  the  running  time  scheduled  for 
regular  service  which  began  two  days  later.  (Earlier 
Ed  Mitchell  had  driven  the  first  test  train.) 

So  successful  was  Skokie  Swift  that  two  years  later 
the  federal  government  sxiggested  that  the  CTA  refimd 
some  .$200,000  of  a  federal  grant  of  ,$349,217  that  had 


been  contributed  to  the  demonstration  project,  although 
the  "feds"  did  not  press  the  claim. 

Now,  in  these  times  of  inflation  and  deflated  dol- 
lars, it  is  hard  to  believe  how  little  the  Skokie  Swift 
project  cost.  The  federal  grant  of  $349,217  represent- 
ed two-thirds  of  a  net  project  cost  of  $523,825.  The 
remainiQg  $174,608  of  the  net  cost  was  split,  with  the 
CTA  paying  $137,415  (26.2  percent)  and  the  Village  of 
Skokie  $37,193  (7.1  per  cent).  Federal  funds  then 
could  not  be  used  for  right-of-way  acquisition,  so  the 
CTA,  which  had  also  needed  half  of  the  right-of-way 
for  access  to  Skokie  ShqD,  paid  all  of  a  $1.7  million 
cost  for  the  five  miles  of  the  abandoned  North  Shore 
routCo 

The  main  objective  of  Skokie  Swift,  as  a  two-year 
demonstration  project,  was  to  determine  if  good,  fast 
rapid  transit  trains  could  induce  suburbanites  to 
abandon  their  automobiles  in  favor  of  mass  transpor- 
tation. Skokie  Swift  has  been  doing  that  very  suc- 
cessfully ever  since,  carrying  more  than  7,000  riders 
a  day. 

The  success  of  Skokie  Swift  brought  Krambles 
to  the  attention  of  editors  and  reporters  who  came  to 
know  him  as  an  excellent  and  ready  source  of  informa- 
tion on  almost  every  phase  of  transito  His  answers  to 
questions  could  also  be  very  imaginative  and  at  the 
same  time  very  pragmatic. 

For  instance,  in  a  Chicago  Tribune  article  dated 
June  17,  1970,  he  gave  an  especially  graphic  answer 
to  a  question  of  whether  Chicago's  Loop  could  exist 
without  the  CTA  and  the  oilier  public  transportation 
carriers,  all  of  which  carry  nearly  85  per  cent  of  the 
people  in  and  out  of  this  downtown  area. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


"We're  off  on  the  world's  fastest  rapid 
transit  ride,"  announces  Krambles  at  the 
start  of  the  inaugural  run,  April  18, 
1964,  of  Skokie  Swift. 


After  the  inaugural  run  of  Skokie  Swift.  Front  row,  in  uniform:  Louis 
Mueller,  John  Bork,  Patrick  O'Malley,  Merrill  Anthony,  Larry  Jelinek, 
Edward  Mitchell,  Charles  Banser,  Bill  Limanowski.  Standing  (left  to 
right):     James  Lahey,  Harold  Eichaker,  Thomas  Stiglic,  George  Riley, 

"It  would  be  an  impossible  situation,"  said 
Krambles,  "unless  you  had  billions  of  dollars  and 
could  tear  down  the  Loop  and  start  building  again," 

Noting  that  automobiles  on  expressways  carried  an 
average  of  only  1.4  persons  per  trip,  he  explained 
that  it  would  take  204,928  autos  to  carry  the  nearly 
287,000  Loop-bound  persons  then  using  the  CTA. 

"To  get  those  additional  204,928  autos  downtown, 
you  would  first  have  to  build  136  additional  in-bound 
lanes  of  expressway,  as  compared  with  a  present  30 
in-bound  lanes  of  expressways,"  he  said. 

"Then,  to  park  those  204,928  autos  there  would  have 
to  be  61  million  square  feet  of  new  parking  space. 
That  space  is  roughly  equivalent  to  four  times  the 
ground  area  of  the  presently  defined  Loop,  as  boimded 
on  the  north  and  west  by  the  river  and  on  the  south  by 
Roosevelt  road. 

"In  other  words,  you  would  have  to  tear  down  all  of 
the  buildings  in  this  Loop  area,  create  four  levels  of 
parking  over  the  whole  area,  and  then  build  new  build- 
ings on  top  of  this  mass  of  four-level  parking. 

"But  even  if  you  were  to  do  all  that,  it  still  wouldn't 
work,"  he  concluded.  "No  one  probably  would  be  able 
to  live  because  of  the  pollution." 

Krambles'  knack  for  distinct  expression  has  been 
shaipened  by  years  of  experience,  both  as  a  writer 
and  lecturer.  His  biographical  listing  names  10 
vmiversities  where  he  has  participated  in  seminar 
lectures,  but  he  has  spoken  also  to  many  other  audi- 
ences, both  here  and  abroad. 

For  illustrating  talks  and  technical  papers,  he  can 
draw  upon  his  o\vn  personal  collections  of  thousands 
of  slides  and  photographs.    His  Oak  Park  apartment 


Elmer  Milz,  John  Zupko,  Thomas  Boyle,  Marty  Shannon,  Leonard 
Wiksten,  Edward  Heatter,  Glen  Anderson,  John  Brucker,  Thomas  Lyons, 
Bruce  Anderson,  Les  Reichard,  Heinz  Doering,  Terry  McGovern,  Robert 
Benny,  C.  J.  (Bud)  Buck,  George  Krambles,  Robert  Winther. 

is  crowded  with  file  cabinets  of  reference  material. 
At  the  end  of  every  year  he  has  his  accumulation  of 
subscription  journals  and  periodicals  bound  in  hard 
covers  by  a  professional  bookbinder. 

Secretaries  in  his  office  have  had  little  use  for 
their  shorthand  skills,  for,  instead  of  dictating,  he 
has  always  written  everything  by  hand,  in  a  style 
similar  to  that  of  an  old-fashioned  school  teacher. 

He  has  been  a  prolific  writer  since  his  early  years 
in  the  staff  engineer's  office.  Technical  documents 
and  reports  on  studies  for  in-house  use  have  account- 
ed for  much  of  his  writing.  Because  of  this  ability,  he 
also  was  given  an  extra  job  of  editing  reports  and 
papers  written  by  other  staff  members. 

For  many  years,  he  wrote  with  regular  lead  pencils. 
In  editing,  however,  he  formed  a  habit  of  using  a  red 
pencil  for  contrast. 

His  editing  with  a  red  pencil  could  be  so  profuse 
that  it  would  virtually  obliterate  the  original  text.  A 
staff  assistant  who  had  just  gotten  back  some  heavily 
edited  copy  from  Krambles  was  once  heard  mutter- 
ing to  himself,  "Holy  cow,  what  a  bloody  mess  this  is!" 

About  10  years  ago,  his  secretary,  Mary  BosM, 
who  liked  to  remember  such  occasions  with  a  small 
gift,  gave  Krambles  a  pen  with  red  ink  for  his  birth- 
day. From  then  on,  red  ink  became  an  exclusive 
Krambles  trademark.  He  used  the  red  pen  for  every- 
thing, including  his  succinct  notations  and  instructions 
on  memos  returned  to  his  staff. 

Other  CTA  executives  took  up  the  practice  by  using 
colors  such  as  green  and  brown,  but  Mary  was  the 
only  other  person  to  use  red  ink.  She  explained  that 
she    "got  to  be  pretty  good  at  imitating"   Krambles' 


MARCH,  1980 


Left:  The  CTA's  historic  rapid  transit  train 
(cars  4271  and  4272)  was  restored  under 
Krambles'  direction  in  1974.  The  train  is  often 
used  for  chartered  trips. 

Below:  Krambles  (center)  and  Paul  KadowakI 
(right)  superintendent.  Bus  Instruction,  visit 
Keifuku  station  in  Kyoto,  Japan,  in  1975. 

Bottom:  Two  international  visitors,  Andr^ 
Jacobs  (second  from  left).  Secretary  General, 
Union  Internationale  des  Transports  Publics, 
and  Roger  Belin  (third  from  left).  Chairman 
of  the  Board,  Regie  Autonome  des  Transports 
Parisiens,  are  shown  the  Jefferson  Park  transit 
center  by  Krambles  on  Sept.  9,  1976.  At 
left  is  Harold  Geissenheimer,  CTA  General 
Operations  Manager. 


hand  and  that  by  using  red  on  notes  to  other  offices 
she  "never  failed  to  get  a  quick  response." 

It  was  a  bit  of  irony  that  just  as  Krambles  would 
get  accustomed  to  a  certain  red-ink  pen  the  manu- 
facturer would  discontinue  the  model.  After  having 
been  frustrated  by  three  such  experiences  of  dis- 
continued models,  he  ended  up  by  simply  using  red- 
ink  refills  with  felt  tips  as  pens. 

By  no  means  will  retirement  from  the  CTA  mean 
inactivity  for  Krambles.  He  is  a  member  of  many 
professional  organizations,  and  he  is  certain  to  re- 
main active  with  such  organizations  as  the  American 
Public  Transit  Association  and  the  Union  Ihtema- 
tionale  des  Transports  Publics. 

Off  and  on  over  the  years,  he  has  carried  out  con- 
sulting and  troubleshooting  assignments  for  other 
transit  and  governmental  agencies,  in  this  and  other 
countries.  He  is  especially  proud,  for  instance,  of 
the  help  he  once  gave  the  Ministry  of  Transport  of 
Israel  in  the  planning  of  a  rail  system  for  Tel  Aviv. 

He  has  now  planned  a  busy  schedule  for  himself 
as  a  freelance  consultant.  On  his  retirement  date  of 
April  1,  he  will  be  on  his  way  in  this  endeavor — by 
plane  to  Buenos  Aires. 

At  the  CTA,  Krambles  will  leave  behind  many  re- 
membrances. SkoMe  Swift  will  be  remembered  as 
Krambles'  project.  Among  many  other  things,  he 
should  not  be  forgotten  for  the  fine  example  he  set  in 
dedication  and  loyalty  to  Chicago's  transit  system  and 
its  employes  and  riders. 

And  he  certainly  will  be  remembered  for  his  high 
performance,  for  his  demonstration  of  how  important 
professionalism  is  to  a  well-managed  public  trans- 
portation system.  The  Krambles  hallmark  of  pro- 
fessionalism is  there  for  all  to  follow. 

By  Tom  Buck 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Ernie  Banks 
elected  to 
Chicago  Sports 
Hall  of  Fame 


CTA  Board  member  Ernie  Banks  has  been  elected 
to  Chicago's  first  sports  Hall  of  Fame. 

Banks,  who  was  elected  to  major  league  baseball's 
Hall  of  Fame  at  Cooperstown,  N.Y.,  on  the  very  first 
ballot,  attracted  the  largest  number  of  votes  cast  by 
more  than  55,000  Chicagoans  who  participated  in  the 
voting. 

Banks  received  36,503  votes  to  lead  Dick  Butkus 
of  the  Chicago  Bears  with  33,679  in  the  voting  for 
those  in  pro  sports. 

Other  individuals  honored  were  Gale  Sayers,  Lou 
Boudreau,  Phil  Cavarretta,  George  Halas,  Bobby  Hull, 
Red  Grange,  Abe  Saperstein  and  Charles  A.  Comiskey. 

The  amateurs  honored  were  William  "Iron  Man" 
Mclnnis,  Ralph  Metcalfe,  Chick  Evans,  John  Kinsella 
and  VVillye  White. 


Sam  Miller  (2d  from  right)  manager,  financial  services,  was  feted  at  a 
farewell  party  celebrating  his  retirement.  Among  the  65  persons 
attending  the  Feb.  7  party  in  the  Holiday  Inn  Mart  Plaza  were  Miller's 
wife,  Fran,  and  his  daughter  and  son  in  law,  Marilyn  and  Bob  Bizar. 
Miller's  friends  and  co-workers  gave  him  a  Nikon  camera  as  a  farewell 
gift.  Paul  Kole,  manager.  General  Finance,  was  master  of  ceremonies 
for  the  party. 


Chairman  Eugene  Barnes  presented  Tom  and  Mona  Healy  with  an  award 
in  recognition  of  their  three  years  of  volunteer  service  in  employe 
counseling  programs.  Healy  is  a  clerk  at  North  Park.  His  wife,  Mona,  is 
an  alcoholism  counselor  with  the  Catholic  Charities  Organization. 


George  Krambles  Scholarship  Fund 


Executive  Director  George  Krambles  is  retiring  at 
the  end  of  March  after  contributing  43  years  of  ser- 
vice to  Chicago's  public  transportation  and  the  entire 
ransit  industry.  A  scholarship  fund  is  being  estab- 
ished  in  his  honor  to  help  deserving  college  students 


prepare  for  a  career  in  public  transportation.  Anyone 
wishing  to  donate  to  the  scholarship  fund  may  com- 
plete the  form  below  and  return  it  to  the  CTA.  Do- 
nations are  taxdeductible  and  receipts  will  be  provided. 


GEORGE  KRAMBLES  SCHOLARSHIP  FUND 


I  would  like  to  donate  $ . 
Mail  receipt  to: 
Name: 


Address:. 


to  the  George  Krambles  scholarship  fund.* 

Make  checks  payable  to: 

Paul  Kole,  G.K.  Scholarship  Fund 

Chicago  Transit  Authority 

P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  I L  60654 

*  Donations  are  tax  deductible. 
Receipts  will  be  provided. 


MARCH,  1980 


Ice  fantasy 
by  Aiello 

Guiseppe  Aiello,  the  son  of 
Salvatore  Aiello,  Maintenance, 
West  Shops,  recently  displayed  26 
hand-carved  ice  sculptures  at  the 
Daley  Center  Plaza.  The  display 
was  part  of  Winterfest. 

Aiello  became  interested  in  ice 
sculpture  after  working  in  a  res- 
taurant. He  perfected  his  technique 
at  The  Culinary  Institute  in  Hyde 
Park,  New  York. 

He  is  an  executive  chef,  con- 
centrating in  international  cuisine 
and  classical  baking.  His  sculpting 
is  not  limited  to  ice;  he  also  makes 
carved  butter  sculpture  and  ban- 
quet displays  with  all  types  of 
food.  Aiello  has  entered  six  ban- 
quet display  contests  and  walked 
away  with  first  prize  three  times. 

Aiello  begins  his  sculpting  with 
a  large  block  of  rectangular  ice, 
and  then  uses  a  chisel  and  knife  to 
create  the  statuary.  His  favorite 
subjects  are  animals.  A  large 
figure  can  take  up  to  two  hours  to 
create,  while  a  small  sculpture 
takes  20  minutes. 

Perhaps  part  of  Aiello' s  talent 
is  hereditary.  His  father,  Sal- 
vatore (Sam),  practices  woodcarv- 
ing  as  a  hobby.  A  native  of  Paler- 
mo,   Italy,    the   senior  Aiello  has 


(Photo  courtesy  Mayor 's  office) 


Salvatore  Aiello  admires  his  son's  sculpture 
at  the  Daley  Plaza  display.  The  father  and 
son  sometimes  woodcarve  together. 

Guiseppe  Aiello  uses  ice  pick  to  carve  detail 
into  sculpture. 

(Photo  courtesy  Mayor's  office) 

been  with  the  CTA  for  12  of  the  13 
years  he  has  been  in  the  United 
States. 

When  they  get  together,  the 
Aiellos  sometimes  carve  together. 
Salvatore  creates  dollhouses  and 
ecology  boxes.  They  also  do  auto 
repair  work.  Guiseppe  is  interest- 
ed in  all  aspects  of  the  food  in- 
dustry, and  is  currently  Manager 
of  Catering  for  the  Chicago  Arch- 
diocese Food  Service. 


at   W 

*                           *< 

^ 

"^■r 

1 

10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Left:  James  Blaa  (right),  manager,  Transporta- 
tion, welcomes  (left  to  right)  rail  supervisor 
Bernard  Townsend,  bus  operator  Edith  Carr,  and 
motorman  Eugene  Palmer  to  'A  Day  in  CTA.' 

Left  below:  Observing  bus  controller  Edward 
Reaux,  as  bus  controller  Derrick  Robinson 
(standing)  guides  them  during  their  tour  of 
CTA's  Control  Center. 

Center:  Observing  rail  controllers  Thomas 
Hughes  (left)  and  James  Hightower. 

Right:  Learning  about  power  distribution 
from  power  supervisor  William  Rappold. 


(CTA  photos  by  Mike  Hoffert) 


Spending  'A  Day  in  CTA' 


Employes  and  management  share  views  to  make  CTA  better  for  riders 


Two  hundred  employes  of  the  Transportation  and 
Maintenance  departments  have  had  an  overview  of  the 
CTA  that  few  employes  of  any  organization  or  company 
ever  get.  And  they  told  their  bosses  what  they  thought 
of  the  CTA. 

They  were  members  of  the  program  "A  Day  in 
CTA"  and  every  CTA  employe  is  eligible  to  partici- 
pate. Some  of  the  200  chosen  employes  were  selected 
by  their  superintendents  because  they  had  outstanding 
work  records  or  had  performed  heroic  deeds.  Three 
employes  are  chosen  each  month. 

James  Blaa,  manager.  Transportation,  developed 
the  idea  of  "A  Day  in  CTA"  in  1976.  At  first  the  pro- 
gram was  open  to  Transportation  department  per- 
sonnel. Later,  Maintenance  Department  personnel 
were  made  eligible  for  the  day-long  program  held  in 
the  CTA's  Merchandise  Mart  headquarters. 

Blaa  ejq)lalned  his  idea  for  "A  Day  in  CTA"  this 


way — "The  CTA  is  a  people-oriented  organization  and 
the  Transportation  department,  by  its  active  role  of 
daily  contact  with  the  public,  is  directly  connected  to 
the  metropolitan  area  we  serve. 

"This  program  gives  Transportation  department 
directors  and  me  the  opportunity  to  talk  with  our 
supervisor-instructors,  bus  operators,  motormen, 
conductors,  and  collectors  on  an  individual  basis.  In 
discussing  their  day  to  day  operations,  we  hear  and 
can  act  upon  their  concerns  and  suggestions.  Because 
of  the  large  number  of  operating  employes,  one-to-one 
contact  is  seldom  possible. 

"The  program  provides  the  participants  with  a 
better  understanding  of  the  various  sections  of  their 
departments  and  how  their  functions  interrelate.  The 
participants  become  familiar  with  other  CTA  depart- 
ments and  see  how  management  responds  to  the  poli- 
cies as  set  by  the  CTA  Board." 


MARCH,  1980 


Left,  above:  Receiving  welcome  from  CTA  Chairman  Eugen 
Barnes  at  board  meeting. 

Left:  Sharing  work  experiences  with  Harold  Geissenheime 
(right),  manager.  General  Operations. 

Top:  John  Schwartz,  acting  superintendent,  RTA  Travc 
Information  Center,  explains  the  work  of  Linda  McElgir 
travel  information  representative. 

Above:   Meeting  Thomas  Boyle,  manager.  Safety. 


Participants  for  "A  Day  in  CTA"  arrive  at  CTA 
headquarters  at  0800  hours  on  the  first  Wednesday  of 
each  month — the  day  when  the  CTA  Board  holds  its 
regular  monthly  meeting.  They  are  met  by  one  of 
Blaa's  special  assistants  and  given  an  orientation  of 
their  schedule  for  the  day  which  will  stretch  up  to  1500 
hours  before  all  is  said  and  done. 

After  orientation,  the  three  participants  meet  with 
Blaa  in  his  office.  Blaa  chats  with  the  three  partici- 
pants about  their  jobs  and  exchanges  ideas  on  various 
topics  of  interest. 

The  three  visitors  then  are  given  a  tour  of  the 
Control  Center  where  they  are  introduced  to  the  con- 
trollers in  the  Center's  three  major  areas — rail, 
electric  power,  and  bus  operations.  They  are  en- 
couraged to  ask  questions,  make  suggestions,  and  get 
a  thorou^  imderstanding  of  this  "bird's-eye  view"  of 
the  CTA's  largest  department — Transportation — the 
people  who  are  directing  the  people  moving  people. 

Following  their  stay  in  the  Control  Center,  they  are 


invited  to  attend  the  CTA  Board  meeting.  Harold 
Geissenheimer,  manager.  General  Operations  Division, 
introduces  the  three  visitors  to  CTA  Chairman  Eugene 
Barnes  and  members  of  the  CTA  Board  as  the  out- 
standing employes  who  are  spending  "A  Day  in  CTA." 
The  three  visiting  employes  remain  for  the  Board 
meeting  to  learn  how  the  CTA's  staff  and  the  Board 
work  together  for  the  benefit  of  the  CTA's  1  million 
daily  riders. 

Following  the  Board  meeting,  the  visitors  join 
Blaa,  Edward  Mitchell, director.  Support  Services,  who 
aided  Blaa  in  creating  "A  Day  in  CTA,"  and  the  special 
assistant  for  lunch  and  more  exchanges  of  ideas. 

Following  lunch,  the  group  is  introduced  to  the 
inner  workings  of  the  RTA  Travel  Information  Center. 
There  they  learn  about  the  latest  electronic  aids  used 
by  the  Center's  staff  to  help  give  travel  directions  for 
persons  using  public  transit  In  the  six  northeast  Illi- 
nois counties  that  make  up  the  RTA  service  area. 

At  1400  hours  the  groiqj  visits  the  CTA's  Executive 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Top:     Edward  Mitchell  (right),  director.  Support  Services,  explains  his  group's 
role  in  the  Transportation  department. 

Above:    George  Krambles  (right),  executive  director,  explains  features  of  model 
of  truck  to  be  used  on  new  rapid  transit  cars. 


Offices  where  they  exchange  ideas  with  other  "top 
brass"  of  the  Authority. 

After  this,  they  return  to  the  Transportation  de- 
partment to  meet  with  directors  Edward  Mitchell  of 
Support  Services,  Michael  LaVelle  of  Service,  Harry 
Reddrick  of  Personnel,  and  a  representative  of  the 
Maintenance  department.  Each  of  the  visitors  meets 
with  a  director  in  the  visitor's  field  of  operation  for 
an  in-depth  briefing  and  more  exchanges  of  ideas, 
comments,  and  suggestions.  When  this  give-and-take 
session  is  completed  to  the  visitor's  satisfaction,  their 
tour  is  completed  unless  they  wish  to  visit  another 
section  of  the  CTA  for  expanding  their  knowledge  of 
the  Authority's  operations. 

"Thanks  to  'A  Day  In  CTA,'  I  think  we  have  helped 
broaden  imderstanding,  resolved  some  problems,  and 
improved  the  relationship  between  the  operating  and 
maintenance  members  and  the  management-level 
members  of  the  CTAo  Everyone — especially  our 
riders — benefits,"  Blaa  concluded. 


Three  operating  employes  who  were  selected  to 
spend  'A  Day  in  CTA'  on  March  5  shared  their 
opinions  with  Transit  News  at  the  end  of  the  day. 


Edith  Carr,  bus  operator. 
Forest  Glen,  was  selected 
for  her  outstanding  driv- 
ing ability  and  safety 
record. 


"I  think  everybody  should  be  able  to  be  in  this  pro- 
gram. I  never  realized  how  much  work  was  going 
on  here  (in  the  Mart  headquarters). 
"Of  everyone  I  saw  and  everyone  I  spoke  with,  I 
like  the  Control  Center  best.  It's  wonderful  how 
the  controllers  have  everything  -  well  -  under  control. 
They  know  how  to  handle  a  critical  situation  when 
it  happens,  and  they  know  how  to  correct  it." 


Bernard  Townsend,  rail 
supervisor.  South  section, 
was  selected  for  his  alert 
action  in  reporting  a 
potentially  dangerous 
condition  on  Feb.  21, 
after  a  derailed  Chicago 
and  North  Western  rail- 
way freight  car  damaged 
a  bridge  support  on  the 
Douglas  route. 


"I  liked  the  CTA  Board  meeting.    They  are  an  active 

board  -  they  seem  to  want  to  know  about  everything 

that's  going  on. 

"I  got  the  feeling  that  there  was  a  lot  of  interest  by 

board  members  in  the  programs  and  proposals  made 

by  the  staff. 

"I   liked  the  interplay  of  ideas  between  the  board 

and  staff." 


Eugene  Palmer,  motor- 
man.  South  section,  was 
selected  because  he  aided 
police  in  the  apprehen- 
sion of  a  pickpocket. 


"I  liked  the  Board  meeting  the  best  -  they  dealt  with 
a  lot  of  things  I  thought  the  board  members  never 
really  got  into. 

"I  liked  the  tour  of  the  Control  Center,  and  I  like 
how  well  organized  the  CTA's  headquarters  is  -  it's 
a  lot  more  organized  than  I  thought." 


MARCH,  1980 


13 


James  Dolan  (North  Section)  was 
the  conductor  of  a  Howard/Jack- 
son Park  train  that  Mrs.  K.  Funa- 
mura,  of  Magnolia  avenue,  was 
riding  one  night  with  her  children. 
"A  man  got  on  who  was  very  loud 
and  belligerent  and  had  been 
drinking.  He  sat  in  back  of  me, 
put  his  arm  around  my  neck, 
and  made  advances.  At  this 
point  the  conductor  entered  the 
car.  Without  hesitation  he  came 
up  and  asked  what  the  problem 
was.  I  told  him  my  predicament, 
and  he  tactfully  asked  the  man  to 
leave  or  he  would  be  forced  to 
call  the  police.  The  conductor 
made  sure  he  got  off  at  the  next 
stop,  then  came  back  to  ask  if  I 
was  all  right.  Please  thank  him 
again  for  a  job  extremely  well 
done." 


Pedro  Balderas  (North  Park  garage) 
was  commended  by  John  Dres- 
sier, of  North  Damen  avenue,  for 
being  "a  most  pleasant,  courteous, 
and  efficient  driver.  From  the 
Loyola  'L'  to  Damen,  where  I 
got  off  his  #155  Devon  bus,  he 
called  out  every  street  stop,  and 
waited  just  an  extra  minute  for 
a  few  older  persons  to  get  on. 
He  greeted  everyone  in  a  polite 
manner  and  was  a  careful  driver 
in  traffic.  I  have  ridden  with 
him  once  before  on  this  route, 
and  he  was  the  same  way  then, 
too.  Riding  with  this  driver 
makes  the  trip  satisfying." 


commendation  corner 


James  Bush  (69th  Street  garage)  was  appreciated 
by  Wanda  Parker,  of  Calumet  avenue,  for  his  courtesy 
on  a  #55  Garfield  bus.  "There  were  several  elderly 
people  getting  on  the  bus,  and  he  would  assist  them  up 
the  steps.  He  also  made  sure  they  heard  him  so  they 
would  not  miss  their  stops.  Overall  and  most  im- 
portant, he  had  a  pleasant  attitude  that  spread  to  the 
others  on  his  bus,  I  hope  to  see  other  drivers  who 
enjoy  their  jobs  as  much  as  he  does  because  he  was 
able  to  change  an  otherwise  dull  day  into  a  much 
happier  one  for  a  lot  of  people." 

#«# 
Edgar  MoUinedo  (North  Park  garage)  was  praised 
by  Ethel  Deno,  of  Sheffield  avenue,  for  the  way  he 
handled  his  #11  Lincoln  bus.  "As  the  bus  started 
north,  I  noticed  that  the  driver  called  out  each  street, 
and  as  we  approached  Belmont,  he  said  very  clearly 
and  distinctly,  'Belmont,  3200  North;  Ashland,  1600 
West.'  I  got  off  at  4200  Lincoln  and  happened  to  get 
on  the  same  bus  later  going  south,  and  he  was  still 
calling  the  streets  the  same  way.  He  was  very  pleas- 
ant and  always  stopped  close  to  the  curb  so  the  pas- 
sengers could  get  off  or  on  without  any  trouble.  It  was 
a  pleasure  riding  with  him." 

#### 
Charles  Yoimg  (West  Section)  was  the  conductor  of 
a  Douglas  train  that  Valerie  Stelman,  of  Berwyn,  rode 
one  evening  from  the  Loop  to  the  terminal  at  54th 
avenue.  "He  made  the  ride  seem  like  a  vacation.  He 
called  out  every  stop  and  announced  transfer  points. 
I  have  not  been  taking  the  Douglas  train  very  long,  and 
I  am  very  grateful  the  CTA  has  a  person  so  courteous, 
kind,  instructive,  patient,  and  understanding  working 
in  his  position.  He  does  an  excellent  job,  and  is  a 
credit  to  the  CTA.  Many  riders  would  like  to  see  him 
on  every  train  they  take," 

#### 


Wanda  Navarro  (North  Section),  conductor  of  a 
Howard  train,  was  commended  for  "doing  a  fine  job" 
by  Louis  Epstein,  of  Rosemont  avenue.  "I  marveled 
at  her  ability  to  do  the  job,  her  promptness  at  reach- 
ing the  various  positions  she  had  to  move  to,  and  her 
knowledge,  not  only  of  the  stops,  but  of  other  routes 
and  information.  What  really  impressed  me  was  her 
voice.  Her  voice  over  the  intercom  was  clear,  con- 
cise, the  perfect  pitch,  and  her  pronunciation  was 
beautiful.  As  an  amateur  radio  operator,  I  know  my 
intercoms  and  radios.  So,  out  of  curiosity,  I  went  to 
other  cars  on  the  train  and  foimd  her  voice  to  be  the 
same  throughout.  Good  luck  to  her," 
#### 

Alejandro  Cepeda  (Archer  garage)  was  the  driver 
of  a  #99  Stevenson  Express  bus  that  Mrs.  B.  J.  Den- 
ham  rode  one  afternoon  rush  period  on  her  way  home 
to  suburban  Justice.  "I  foimd  the  driver  to  be  a  pro- 
fessional at  his  job.  He  very  efficiently  and  smoothly 
drove  through  rush  hour  traffic  on  the  Stevenson 
Expressway,  Cicero,  and  Archer  avenues.  Being  a 
constant  rider  on  that  route,  I  must  comment  on  how 
well  he  handled  the  bus  under  rush  hour  conditions." 
#### 

James  Howland  (North  Park  garage)  and  William 
Johnson  (Limits  garage)  were  thanked  by  Beverly  Con- 
roy,  of  North  State  street,  "for  recovery  of  my  be- 
longings and  also  for  restoring  my  sense  of  pride  and 
feeling  of  well  being  with  my  fellow  Chicagoans. 
Driver  #5481  (Howland)  was  observant  and  noticed 
something  amiss  when  the  young  man  who  boarded  his 
(#153  Wilson/Michigan)  bus  ahead  of  me  turned  and 
got  off.  He  insisted  I  check  the  flight  bag  I  was  car- 
rying, and  it  was  then  that  I  became  aware  of  my  loss. 
After  I  began  to  chase  the  thief,  the  second  driver 
(Johnson)  jumped  off  and  tackled  him.  Within  minutes 
they  had  police  there, ..and  all  ended  happily  for  me," 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Among  other  operating  em- 
ployes receiving  commendations 
recently  were: 

Hasan  Abdelqader,  Archer; 
Juan  Alameda  and  Katie  Avery, 
both  of  North  Avenue;  and  Rosa 
Alfaro,  Forest  Glen. 

Vernon  Barney,  Limits;  James 
Batups,  52nd  Street;  William 
Bradshaw,  69th  Street;  James 
Brooks,  77th  Street;  Edward 
Brown,  North  Park;  and  Willie 
Burton,  Archer. 

Jean  Cage,  North  Park;  John 
Cameron,  Ashland  Terminal; 
Philip  Campanella,  Forest  Glen; 
Carlos  Castillo,  Douglas/Con- 
gress; and  Pedro  Coronado,  North 
Avenue. 

Victor  Davila  and  Armentha 
Dawldns,  both  of  North  Park;  Wil- 
lie Davis,  Rail  System;  Burnett 
Devers,  69th  Street;  and  Joseph 
DiMartino,  Forest  Glen. 

James  Estes,  Forest  Glen. 

Samuel  Favre,  North  Park; 
James  Ferguson  and  Henry  Fos- 
ter, both  of  Forest  Glen;  and  Ro- 
land Fortier,  Archer. 

Josef  a  Garcia,  Limits;  David 
Gaston  and  Mary  Guerrero,  both 
of  69th  Street;  Edward  Geddes  Sr., 
77th  Street;  Corine  Glaspie,  West 
Section;  and  Wallacene  Good  and 
Odell  Granger,  both  of  Forest  Glen. 


Clifton  Hall,  77th  Street;  Mary 
Hall,  69th  Street;  Joseph  Harris, 
Archer;  John  Harris  and  Charlie 
Hill,  both  of  Lawndale;  Lawrence 
Hart,  North  Avenue;  Leon  Hegwood, 
Howard/Kimball;  and  Joe  Hodge, 
North  Park. 

Joseph  Jackson  Jr.  and  Willie 
James,  both  of  North  Park;  Elvin 
James,  77th  Street;  and  Ducloux 
Johnson,  52nd  Street, 

Assunta  Kaya,  Forest  Glen;  Jo- 
seph Kelso,  69th  Street;  Hugh  King, 
North  Avenue;  and  Robert  Kremer, 
North  Park. 

Marco  Lara,  Forest  Glen; 
James  Lariy,  52nd  Street;  Fred 
Lorenz,  North  Avenue;  and  Rob- 
ert Lucas,  Lawndale. 

Verne  Mahr,  77th  Street;  Rob- 
ert Martinez  and  Edgar  Mollinedo, 
both  of  North  Park;  Alfredo  Mas- 
corro.  North  Avenue;  Jeanette 
Milltnes  and  Faye  Murry,  both  of 
Lawndale;  Hermilo  Montes,  Lim- 
its; and  John  Moutrey,  Forest  Glen. 

Joe  Nash,  North  Park;  Brenda 
Neely,  Lawndale;  and  Steve  Nel- 
son and  Hector  Nieves,  both  of 
Forest  Glen. 

Everett  Odle,  Forest  Glen;  and 
Frederick  Owens,  52nd  Street. 

Thomas  Parker  and  Leonard 
Peterson,  both  of  North  Park;  and 
Jerome  Perdue,  Limits. 


Henry  Radom  and  Porfirio  Ro- 
sales,  both  of  Forest  Glen;  Oscar 
Repelin  and  Rafael  Rivera,  both  of 
North  Park;  Anthony  Reynolds, 
Archer;  and  Charles  Rutledge, 
Limits. 

Joseph  Salvato  and  Jung  Song, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  Mary  Schmidt- 
ke,  Kenneth  Simpson,  Howard 
Sneed,  Frank  Star  Jr.,  and  Carl 
Suddeth,  all  of  North  Park;  Tues- 
day Simpson  and  Clydie  Stuart, 
both  of  Limits;  and  Robert  Sos- 
nowsM,  52nd  Street. 

Wendell  Talbert,  North  Park; 
Renee  Thomas,  52nd  Street;  Al 
Towns,  77th  Street;  and  Geraldine 
Tufano,  West  Section. 

Edward  UrbansM,  Archer. 

Luis  Velasquez,  Archer;  Man- 
uel Viruet,  North  Park;  and  John 
Vogt,  Beverly. 

Jimmie  Walker,  North  Avenue; 
Mary  Wallace,  Reginald  Williams, 
and  Arlis  Wilson,  all  of  North 
Park;  Cleveland  White  Jr.,  Lawn- 
dale; and  Mae  Woodard,  West 
Section. 

Jaques 
Glen;  and 
Avenue. 

Marvin  Zabel  and  Joseph  Zuker- 
man,  both  of  North  Park. 


Yezeguielian,     Forest 
Thelma   Yoimg,    North 


Left:  James  Michael  Person  just  might  be  a 
future  bus  driver.  The  three  year  old  son  of 
Darold  J.  Person,  bus  serviceman.  Forest 
Glen,  and  his  wife  Susan,  and  grandson  of 
retired  bus  operator  Carl  W.  Person  and  his 
wife  Violet,  loves  to  put  on  the  coat  and 
hat  and  pretend  that  he  is  driving  a  bus. 


Right:  Ten  year  old  Deathra  Prince  recently 
signed  a  contract  to  do  television  commer- 
cials, and  possibly  movies.  Her  talent  was 
spotted  by  her  father,  Afldale  Prince,  ticket 
agent,  51st,  as  they  were  watching  television. 
"Deathra  would  Imitate  the  kids  on  t.v.,  and 
one  day  she  said  'Dad,  I  could  do  that.' 
Being  a  proud  father,  I  believed  she  could." 
Deathra  was  selected  from  a  group  of  500 
children  auditioning  for  the  job,  which 
Includes  a  three  year  contract.  Her  talents, 
which  Include  singing,  dancing  and  acting, 
come  naturally.  Both  of  her  parents  sing, 
and  her  mother,  Dorothy  Prince,  has  recorded 
professionally. 


1 

i 

E, 

-:,  ,J^  4. 

MARCH,  1980 


15 


CTA  engineers  save  oil 
clean  up  environment 

If  SAVAGALLONAGASAWEEK  is  a  good  idea,  then 
saving  four  thousand  gallons  of  oil  a  year  is  an  even 
better  idea^  The  CTA  has  implemented  this  'better 
idea'  in  the  form  of  two  oil/water  separators  at  the 
North  Park  bus  garage. 

In  addition  to  saving  spilling  and  leaking  diesel  and 
motor  oil  from  going  to  waste,  the  new  separators  now 
make  the  CTA  meet  the  most  stringent  anti-pollution 
guidelines. 

The  Municipal  Sanitary  District  began  complaining 
about  oil  run-off  into  their  canal  in  the  mid-1970'So 
The  oil  was  coming  from  the  bus  service  and  parking 
areas  at  the  North  Park  garage.  Many  solutions  were 
attempted,  such  as  small  holding  tanks  and  installa- 
tion of  oil  absorbant  materials  in  the  drainage  system, 
but  nothing  seemed  to  work.  These  methods  could  not 
meet  the  Sanitary  District's  maximum  allowable 
pollutant  level  of  1 5  parts  per  million. 

A  real  solution  had  to  be  found  after  the  Sanitary 
District  threatened  to  sue.  Representatives  from  the 
Engineering,  Maintenance  and  Law  Departments  met 
with  the  Sanitary  District  in  1977  to  determine  exactly 
what  type  of  device  was  needed. 

The  Mechanical  Engineering  Division  designed  the 
project,  which  works  by  gravity.  Involved  in  the  de- 
sign were  George  Millonas,  manager.  Engineering; 
Chris  Kalogeras,  director.  Plant  Engineering;  Ronald 
Mazierka,  superintendent.  Mechanical  Engineering; 
George  Gustafson,  mechanical  draftsman,  and   F.  H, 


F.  H.  Petzold,  CTA  project  manager  (right),  and  Daniel  Collins,  general 
manager,  Enquip,  supervise  the  delivery  of  oil/water  separators  from 
Tulsa,  Oklahoma. 

Petzold,  who  was  the  project  manager. 

Additional  work  was  performed  by  the  Building- 
Wirmg  Design  group  and  the  Structural  Engineering 
section,  and  field  construction  of  the  separators  was 
directed  by  the  Contract  Construction  section. 

Oil  and  water  from  the  bus  service  and  parking 
areas  are  carried  through  underground  drains  into 
two  collecting  basins.  The  flow  then  enters  two  40- 
foot  longcompartmentalized  separators, where  gravity 
acts  to  pull  the  heavier  water  to  the  bottom  as  the 
lighter  oil  rises  to  the  top. 

The  oil  goes  into  one  of  two  2,000  gallon  storage 
tanks,  while  the  water  flows  into  the  sewer  system, 
through  the  Sanitary  District  treatment  facility,  and 
then  re-enters  the  river  as  clean  water. 

This  system  requires  no  moving  parts,  and  the 
only  maintenance  required  is  the  pumping-out  of  the 
oil-storage  tanks  twice  a  year.  A  yearly  inspection 
for  sludge  build-up  and  corrosion  is  also  recom- 
mended. 

There  are  remote  level  gauges  in  the  garage  fore- 
man's office  to  let  personnel  know  when  the  storage 
tanks  are  getting  full.  When  the  tanks  are  filled,  the 
oil  is  sold  to  a  scavenger,  who  then  recycles  it. 

Although  the  design  for  the  facility  was  completed 
by  the  end  of  1978,  work  was  delayed  because  the  CTA 
had  to  seek  permission  of  the  Army  to  excavate  10 
feet  of  their  adjoining  property. 

At  the  same  time.  Engineering  was  searching  for 
manufacturers  able  to  build  the  separators  to  their 


16 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Left  above:  The  excavation  took  three 
months.  In  addition  to  installing  tanks, 
ns  and  drainage  lines,  the  contractor 
re-opened  old  drains,  installed  oil  level  guages 
and  performed  some  electrical  work. 


Above:  The  new  six  foot  deep  city  sewer  is 
connected  to  the  separator.  The  wooden 
forms  around  the  pipes  are  in  preparation 
for  the  concrete  implacements. 


Left:  The  finished  project  is  completely 
underground.  Access  covers  provide  easy 
entrance  for  maintenance  inspectors,  and 
concrete  curbing  is  the  only  clue  to  the  fact 
that  the  tanks  and  basins  are  there. 


specification.  Enquip  Corporatirai  of  Tulsa,  Oklahoma, 
was  selected  for  the  task.  The  Nu-Way  Contracting 
Corporation  of  Chicago  handled  the  excavation  and  in- 
stallation. 

The  system,  which  had  a  final  cost  of  $335,000,  is 
completely  underground  and  cathodically  protected  to 
prevent  corrosion.  It  will  last  at  least  imtil  the  year 
2005,  and  probably  longer. 

The  separators  can  handle  rainstorm  accumulation 


up  to  three-eighths  of  an  inch  per  hour.  Once  the 
Sanitary  District's  deep  tunnel  project  is  completed 
there  will  be  no  overflow  to  the  river  at  all. 

With  energy  efficiency  and  pollution  control  be- 
coming more  important  than  ever,  a  pollution  control 
device  of  this  type  is  part  of  a  comprehensive  system 
being  installed  at  the  new  Kedzie  garage.  Other 
garages  may  also  have  oil/water  separators  installed 
at  a  later  date. 


MARCH,  1980 


17 


Public  safety 

Once  you  win  a  Public  Safety  Award  after  a  long 
period  without  one,  it's  hard  to  give  it  up,  so  for  the 
second  quarter  in  a  row,  77th  Street  took  top  honors 
for  public  safety  in  garage  competition„ 

For  the  fourth  quarter  of  1979,  77th  registered  a 
21  per  cent  decrease  in  traffic  accidents  compared  to 
its  average  during  the  same  period  over  the  previous 
three  years.    Similarly,  the  garage's  passenger  ac- 


cident frequency  rate  was  40  percent  below  its  average 
for  the  earlier  quarters. 

The  last  quarter  of  1979  also  saw  Congress  termi- 
nal winning  its  first  Public  Safety  Award  of  the  year, 
or  its  18th  prize  since  the  inception  of  the  program 
in  1961.  In  maintaining  its  average  of  at  least  one 
victory  a  year  in  competition  among  terminals.  Con- 
gress showed  a  79  per  cent  reduction  in  its  combined 
traffic  and  accident  frequency  rate  compared  to  the 
record  of  previous  fourth  quarters. 


It  was  a  repeat  performance  at  77th  Street,  where  drivers  were  joined  in  celebrating  their 
previous  award  by  Tom  Boyle,  manager.  Safety  (wearing  white  shirt  with  tie)  and  Frank 
Wsol,  area  superintendent.  Far  South  (holding  plaque). 


James  Blaa,  manager.  Transportation  (center),  was  on 
hand  to  congratulate  Public  Safety  Award  winners  at 
77th  Street,  including  drivers  Henry  Martin  (left)  and 
Charles  Walker,  who  were  given  special  recognition 
certificates  for  being  outstanding  employes% 


The  warm  glow  of  victory  at  Congress  terminal  is  reflected  in  the  smiles 
of  (left  to  right):  James  Blaa,  manager.  Transportation;  Harold  Geissen 
heimer.  General  Operations  Manager;  Alex  Wilson,  assistant  superinten 
dent.  Congress;  Bennie  Davis,  motorman  (holding  plaque);Jim  Morphew 
legislative  analyst,  Illinois  House  of  Representatives;  Elliot  Linne 
assistant  superintendent,  Congress/Douglas;  Mike  Veltri,  superintendent 
Congress/Douglas;  and  John  Bright,  conductor.  During  the  ceremony 
Davis  and  Bright  received  certificates  of  special  recognition. 


Maintenance  people  who  joined  operating  employes  In  celebrating 
another  safety  award  win  at  Congress  included  (left  to  right):  car 
repairers  Jim  Malloy  and  Ovidio  Alaniz;  John  Cannella,  terminal  day 
foreman;  car  repairers  Sheldon  Rita,  Joseph  Martinek,  Veno  Cox,  and 
Mike  0'Sullivan;car  servicers  Maude  Lambert  and  Neftall  Torres  Jr.; 
and  car  repairer  Ed  Jackson. 


18 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


WILLIAM  BURNS,  Box  Puller, 

52nd  Street,  Emp.  10-31-43 
JOSEPH  CITRO,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  2-28-52 
CASIMIR  DANEK,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  2-3-58 
GENNARO  FICO,  Bus  Servicer, 

Beverly,  Emp.  1-30-52 
JAMES  FULLER,  Instructor, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  4-27-46 
PETER  GAZA,  Car  Repairman  A, 

Kimball,  Emp.  2-17-49 
CHARLES  GERHOS,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  2-25-46 
JOHN  GRIFFIN,  Bus  Repairer, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  11-3-50 
ZITA  GYURICZA,  Bill  Clerk  E, 

Financial  Services,  Emp.  8-8-56 
JOSEPH  KAREL,  Statistician, 

Schedules,  Emp.  5-4-42 
ROOSEVELT  KELLY,  Janitor, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  10-15-51 
JOHN  KEPHART,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  12-22-75 
JAMES  LAHEY,  Assistant  Superintendent, 

North  Park,  Emp.  3-4-46 
IRVING  LEWIN,  Operator, 

Limits,  Emp.  4-26-48 
NELLO  LORENZI,  Lineman  Helper, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  12-28-45 
JAMES  MADDEN,  Special  Investigator, 

Blue  Island,  Emp.  11-21-59 
WALTER  MODJESKI,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  5-18-59 
JOHN  PUGH,  Janitor, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  7-5-72 
MELVIN  TURNER,  Operator, 

Beverly,  Emp.  3-2-45 
RICHARD  WELTER,  Switchman, 

Kimball,  Emp.  1-26-50 
RICHARD  WIERCIOCH,  Switchman, 

Howard,  Emp.  2-17-50 

DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

WALTER  ANDERSON,  Carpenter, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  10-18-62 
ISHAM  HANDLEY,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  6-11-59 
NESBIT  MURDEN,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  2-24-48 
HYBERT  RICHARDSON,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  2-6-67 
WALTER  YOUNG,  Collector, 

Limits,  Emp.  7-24-67 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  33 


Number  3 


Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA, 
Editorial  and  graphics  by  the  Public  Affairs 
Department:  Bill  Baxa,  Acting  Manager:  Staff,  Mel 
Alexander,  Christine  Borcic,  Kathy  Byrne,  Jack 
Sowchin,  Jeff  Stern,  Produced  by  the  Adminis- 
trative Sen/ices  Unit  under  the  direction  of  Charles 
T,  Zanin. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  $2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P,0.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


FRANK  ALDONIS,  86,  Archer, 

Emp.  2-13-17,  Died  1-19-80 
JOHN  ANDERSON,  85,  Limits, 

Emp.  4-28-21,  Died  1-10-80 
RUDOLPH  ANDERSON,  86,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  1-21-21,  Died  1-25-80 
ESTHER  BAUER,  74,  Schedule, 

Emp.  6-18-23,  Died  12-21-79 
SCOTT  BROWNLOW,  73,  Archer, 

Emp.  11-11-26,  Died  1-13-80 
ANN  DUNLEAVY,  70,  West  Section, 

Emp.  7-30-46,  Died  1-2-80 
AMOS  FAIRFIELD,  82,  Desplaines, 

Emp.  5-21-17,  Died  12-2-79 
THOMAS  FAY,  80,  Congress, 

Emp.  8-4-43,  Died  1-21-80 
ANDREW  FITZSIMONS,  75,  Acootmting, 

Emp.  2-2-42,  Died  12-31-79 
THOMAS  GALVIN,  90,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  2-11-13,  Died  1-2-80 
GEORGE  GARWOOD,  87,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  8-29-16,  Died  1-21-80 
ARTHUR  HALFORD,  80,  Lawndale, 

Emp„  6-17-26,  Died  1-17-80 
ROBERT  HALLEY,  52,  Archer, 

Emp.  9-16-57,  Died  2-5-80 
HARRY  J.  HANSEN,  84,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  3-2-23,  Died  1-12-80 
JOHN  HARTMAN,  65,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  2-2-53,  Died  1-10-80 
WALTER  HAUTOP,  82,  Keeler, 

Emp.  6-6-25,  Died  1-2-80 
AGNES  HOGAN,  82,  North  Section, 

Emp.  2-27-23,  Died  1-17-80 


LOUIS  HOY,  76,  North  SectiOT, 

Emp.  11-1-33,  Died  1-1-80 
RITA  HURLEY,  49,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  9-23-69,  Died  2-9-80 
SAMUEL  JONES,  57,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  8-22-47,  Died  1-28-80 
JOSEPH  KOUDELKA,  85,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  8-18-36,  Died  1-6-80 
FRANK  KRAWITZ,  88,  Building, 

Emp.  3-19-18,  Died  1-17-80 
ELIZABETH  McELENEY,  95,  West  Sect., 

Emp.  6-18-18,  Died  1-18-80 
ISABEL  McGINNIS,  80,  General  Office, 

Emp.  6-24-18,  Died  1-17-80 
ERNEST  PASCHKE,  79,  Limits, 

Emp.  2-1-26,  Died  1-27-80 
JAMES  PAVONE,  86,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  10-3-18,  Died  1-4-80 
FRANK  PIASECKI,  58,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  2-19-47,  Died  1-29-80 
MARTIN  PIERSON,  78,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  8-4-58,  Died  1-3-80 
HARRY  RICHARDS,  56,  Skokie  Shop, 

Emp.  3-10-69,  Died  1-26-80 

LEO  ROSE,  64,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  3-2-59,  Died  1-5-80 
MICHAEL  RUSS,  84,  Wilson, 

Emp.  2-11-24,  Died 

LEE  SCHULTZ,  82,  Douglas, 

Emp.  3-13-14,  Died  1-17-80 

FRANK  SOMMER,  71,  77ih  Street, 

Emp.  5-28-48,  Died  1-13-80 

LORENZO  SPARACINO,  79,  Wilson, 

Emp.  8-27-29,  Died  1-7-80 

CHARLES  TECHTMAN,  90,  West  Sect., 

Emp.  2-18-42,  Died  1-5-80 


March  service 
anniversaries 


40 
years 


35  years 


E,  Banks,  Beverly 


J.  F.  Sanhamel 

North  Park 


30  years 

A 

T.  Anthony,  Skokie  Shop 

J. 

H.Austin,  TABEC 

J. 

R.  Barber,  District  D 

M 

L.  Coari,  Payroll 

A 

R.  Deering,  South  Shops 

G 

E.  Drey,  South  Shops 

A 

K.  Haas,  South  Shops 

J. 

Hennelly,  Kimball 

A 

Hodowanic,  Skokie  Shop 

A 

J.  Joe,  69th  Street 

H 

J.  Kohler,  Instruction 

J. 

W.  Matthews,  Ash  land -6 1st 

C 

A.  Myers,  Campaign  Rail 

A 

N.  Rakestraw,  Ash!and-61st 

L 

B,  Ross,  Instruction 

P. 

J.  Sabadosa,  54th  Shop 

P. 

J.  Shackley,  Howard/Kimball 

M 

Walker,  Materials  Payable 

J. 

J.  Wirth,  Maintenance 

H 

L.Woods,  Utility 

G 

Wright,  Accts.  Receivable 

We're  sorry. . . 

In  the  December,  1979,  issue  of  Trans- 
it News,  we  inadvertently  misspelled  the 
following  Death  Notice: 

BERNARD  McBRIDE,  56,  69th  St., 
Emp.  5-7-50,  Died  10-21-79 


25  years 


C.  Gray  Jr.,  69th  Street 
H.  A,  Means,  69th  Street 
C.  A.  Ortman,  Forest  Glen 
C.  E.  Pollard,  Engineering 
B.  E.  Small,  North  Park 


MARCH,  1980 


19 


YMCA  offers  pre-retirement  planning  workshops 


"A  successful  and  happy  retirement  doesn't  just 
happen.  It  requires  planning,"  said  Craig  Heatter, 
superintendent  of  Pensions.  "Good  planning  takes 
time.  Give  some  thought  to  it  now — whatever  youi: 
age." 

To  help  CTA  employes,  and  others,  plan  for  their 
retirement,  the  Central  YMCA  Community  College  is 
offering  Pre-Retirement  Planning  Workshops  at  three 
locations  starting  in  April.  The  college  holds  the 
workshops  six  times  a  year. 

The  workshops  meet  one  day  a  week  for  six  weeks 
and  cover  vital  questions  about  home,  financial  plan- 
ning, aging,  legal  affairs,  keeping  healthy  and  whether 
to  stay  or  move  from  Chicago. 

Dr.  Ruth  Gallinot,  director,  Adult/Continuing  Edu- 
cation for  the  college,  said  the  cost  for  the  entire 
program  is  only  $20.  For  persons  over  60,  the  fee  is 
$10.  This  includes  registration  and  a  kit  of  materials. 

The  workshops  will  be  held  in  the  following  loca- 


tions—Central YMCA  Community  College,  211  W. 
Wacker  dr.,  5:30  to  7:30  p.m.  on  Mondays  starting 
April  7;  West  Suburban  YMCA,  LaGrange,  to  be  held 
from  7  to  9  p.md  on  Wednesdays  starting  April  9;  and 
at  202  S.  State  st.,  6th  floor,  from  noon  to  2  p.m.  on 
Thursdays  starting  April  10. 

"The  Pre-Retirement  Workshops  sponsored  by  the 
Central  YMCA  Commimity  College  can  help  our  em- 
ployes plan  an  important  part  of  their  lives — their 
futures,"  Heatter  said.  "Retirement  from  the  job 
doesn't  mean  retirement  from  life. 

'We  think  that  attending  the  Pre-Retirement  Plan- 
ning Workshops  can  be  an  important  first  step  to  a 
happy  retirement." 

For  more  information  about  the  workshops  and  when 
they  are  scheduled  to  be  held  later  this  year,  tele- 
phone the  Central  YMCA  Community  College  at 
984-8393. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   NO.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION   CTR.    LIBRARY 
NORTHWESTERN   UNIVEVtSITY 
1810  HINMAN   AVENUE 
EVAIISTON,    IL  60201 


TN 


New  substations 
increase  efficiency 

Most  Chicagoans  have  been  warned  since  childhood 
not  to  go  near  the  "hot"  third  rail  at  CTA  tracks. 
Hardly  anyone  can  tell  you  how  the  third  rail  gets  "hot" 
in  the  first  place. 

Six  hxmdred  volts  of  power  are  thrust  onto  the  third 
rail  from  34  electrical  substations  throughout  the 
rapid  transit  system.  But  the  electrical  charge  must 
go  through  many  changes  before  it's  ready  to  be  used 
for  the  third  rail.  The  substations  perform  this 
function. 

A  project  to  replace  the  13  oldest  substations  be- 
gan in  1975.  They  were  divided  into  two  groups.  The 
first  group  of  seven  were  in  service  by  1978. 

The  brand  new  Kolmar  substation  is  one  of  the 
group  of  six  remaining  substations  that  are  either  in 
service  or  under  construction.  Kolmar,  which  went 
on-line  in  February,  replaces  the  old  and  outdated 
station  housed  next  door  in  an  old  building  owned  by 
Commonwealth  Edison,  The  new  station  is  sleek  and 
modem,  with  the  latest  in  electrical  equipment.  All 
of  the  new  CTA  substations  are  designed  with  economy 
a  priority.  They  need  no  personnel  except  for  a 
maintenance  check  once  a  week. 

At  the  substations,  12,000  volts  of  AC  current  from 
the  electric  company  are  channeled  into  two  giant 
transformers  which  reduce  the  voltage  to  600.  The 
transformers  are  in  an  open-air  courtyard.  Since 
they  get  very  hot,  they  must  be  chemically  cooled  in 
the  summertime.  The  cooling  system  is  included  in 
the  transformer  itself. 

Once  the  voltage  is  reduced,  the  current  must  be 
converted  from  AC  type  to  DC  type.  This  work  is  done 
by  machines  in  the  main  room  of  the  substation  called 
rectifiers.  This  conversion  is  done  because  the  third 
rail  only  accepts  DC  type  electricity,  (cont.,  page  2) 


The  sleek  lines  of  the  new  Kolmar  substation  are  a  great  improvement 
over  those  of  the  old  building  that  It  replaces. 

The  switch-gear  box  provides  control  of  the  substation  by  the  Control 
Center  in  the  Merchandise  Mart. 


Enm^Siuiiiz&i 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

APRIL,  1980 


Left:  The  Ridgeland  substation  has  the  same 
sleek  lines  as  Kolmar. 

Below:  Project  manager  Alfred  Menanteaux 
points  out  spare  auxiliary  rectifier. 

Middle:  Grounding  cables  and  reactors  are 
located  in  the  basement  of  the  substation. 

Bottom:  Transformers  in  their  outdoor  court 
yard  are  shielded  from  public  access  by  brick 
walls. 

(CTA  photos  by  Bert  Cadney) 


In  the  case  of  a  power  failure,  Commonwealth 
Edison  has  provided  an  emergency  power  supply  that 
switches  into  service  automatically  and  lasts  vintil  the 
normal  power  supply  is  restored. 

With  all  of  this  power  going  in  and  out  of  the  sta- 
tion, Kolmar  has  plenty  of  circuit  breakers  and  trips 
to  prevent  overheating  of  the  cables.  Even  the  circuit 
breakers  have  circuit  breakers — called  reactors.  The 
reactors  are  located  in  the  basement  of  the  substa- 
tion. Loud  crashing  sounds  heard  periodically  are  the 
restilt  of  the  reactors  absorbing  gear  switches  that 
would  be  too  much  for  the  more  delicate  circuit 
breakers  to  handle. 

Also  in  the  basement  is  the  grounding  system  for 
the  transformers.  All  of  the  cables  carrying  the 
12,000  volts  of  power  to  the  substation  are  encased 
in  concrete  for  safety  purposes  and  in  compliance 
with  the  electrical  codco 

The  delicacy  and  precision  of  the  equipment  in  the 
Kolmar  substation  requires  clean,  pure  air„  To  ac- 
complish this,  large  air  filters  have  been  installed. 
The  filters  attract  and  capture  dust  and  dirt  particles 
in  the  substation. 

Every  switch  at  the  substation  is  remotely  moni- 
tored and  controlled  from  the  Control  Center  down- 
town in  the  Merchandise  Mart.  For  example,  emer- 
gencies or  irregularities  on  the  tracks  requiring  iso- 
lated power  shut-offs  are  handled  through  the  sub- 
station by  the  power  supervisor  at  the  Control  Center. 
No  one  has  to  run  to  the  substation  to  pull  switches  or 
push  buttons. 

Preparations  for  landscaping  on  the  outside  of  the 
Kolmar  substation  have  begun.  Trees,  grass,  and 
shrubs  will  soon  be  growing  upon  land  that  was  a 
garbage  dump  not  too  long  ago. 

Kolmar  and  the  other  five  substations,  Des  Plaines, 
Douglas,  Kedzie,  Ridgeland,  and  54th  avenue  were  all 
designed  by  CTA's  Electrical  Engineering  Depart- 
ment under  the  direction  of  Manager  George  Millonas. 
Engineers  James  Stewart,  Joseph  Siegal,  and  Mike 
Kelly  were  involved  in  the  design.  Alfred  Menanteaux 
was  the  project  manager. 

Construction  on  all  of  the  stations  was  performed 
by  the  Maron  Construction  Company.  Funds  for  the 
multi-million  dollar  project  were  provided  by  local, 
state,  and  federal  governments. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Busy  volunteer  squeezes  in  job 

Article  by  Michael  Anderson.    Photo  by  Carmen  Reporto.    Reprinted 
with  permission  from  The  Chicago  Sun-Times,  March  10,  1980. 

James  Thomas  finds  just  enough  time  to  squeeze  in 
a  job  among  his  volvmteer  activities. 

He  is  coordinator  for  the  Chicago  Hearing  Society's 
weekly  recreational  club  for  deaf  teen-agers.  He  is  a 
"big  brother"  to  a  deaf  youth 
and  sees  him  several  times  a 
month.  As  a  Juvenile  Court 
volimteer,  he  works  with  first- 
time  offenders  who  have  been 
placed  on  probation.  And 
Thomas  sits  on  the  advisory 
board  of  the  Roseland  Mental 
Health  Center. 

Yes,  he  really  does  work 
full-time.  Thomas  is  in  his  14th  year  with  the  CTA  as 
a  rapid-transit  motorman.  He  said  his  unusual  work 
schedule  allows  him  time  for  his  assorted  public 
service. 

"My  day  with  the  CTA  ends  at  1:30  p.m.,"  Thomas 
said.    "I  have  the  rest  of  the  day  to  myselfc" 

Thomas  is  one  of  11  imsimg  heroes  chosen  for  the 
Sun-Times  Thomas  Jefferson  Awards  for  community 
service  from  among  hundreds  of  "good  people"  whose 
names  were  submitted  by  the  public. 

The  36-year-old  Thomas  said  his  active  life  as  a 
volunteer  grew  out  of  an  experience  with  his  own 
children,  now  ages  11  and  5. 

He  said  that  while  working  in  one  of  his  children's 
cooperative  nurseiy  school,  he  took  special  interest 
in  a  child  who  appeared  withdrawn  and  imable  to  so- 
cialize with  the  other  children.  The  school's  psychol- 
ogist noted  Thomas's  instinctive  skill.  "She  said  I 
had  good  gut  reactions,"  he  said. 

Thomas  then  took  courses  at  Kennedy-King  College 
in  child  development.  He  studied  sign  language  at  the 
Hearing  Society.   And  a  volimteer  was  bom, 

"I  was  just  trying  tobroaden  my  own  perspectives," 
Thomas  said.  "If  a  parent  had  an  exceptional  child 
and  wanted  help,  I  wanted  to  be  able  to  help  them." 

His  imique  combination  of  concern  and  skills  with 
sign  language  enabled  Thomas  to  become  the  city's 
first  volunteer  with  the  Hearing  Society  when  it  began 
its  Big  Brother/Big  Sister  program  four  years  ago. 

The  skill  has  been  of  service  on  the  job,  too. 
Thomas  has  been  called  to  interpret  conductors'  an- 
noxmcements  for  the  benefit  of  deaf  passengers. 

Into  an  already  busy  life,  Thomas  plans  to  inject 
new  areas  of  volimteerism.  He  wants  to  serve  the 
elderly  or  the  blind. 

Thomas  and  the  10  other  award  winners  will  be 
honored  by  the  Sun- Times  at  a  limcheon  March  21  with 
a  bronze  medallion  bearing  the  Great  Seal  of  the  United 
States.  And  he  and  the  others  will  be  considered  for 
one  of  five  $1,000  national  Jefferson  Awards  to  be  pre- 
sented in  Washington,  D.C.,  in  July  by  the  American 
Institute  of  Public   Service. 


Volunteer  James  Thomas,  36,  uses  sign  language  to  talk  to  Eric  Henton, 
a  student  at  the  Loop  YMCA. 

Tuition  aid  plan 
increased  and  simplified 

The  CTA's  tuition  aid  plan  for 
reimbursing  employes  for  their 
college  studies  has  been  increased 
and  simplified. 

"The  reimbursement  limit  has 
been  increased  from  $500  to 
$750  per  school  year  (August  1 
through  July  31),"  said  Norine 
Stratton,  training  coordinator  in 
the  Training/Development  pro- 
grams section  of  the  Human 
Resources  Department. 

"The  percentages  of  reimburse- 
ment have  been  simplified,"  Ms. 
Stratton  said.  "Under  the  new 
simpUfied  program,  the  CTA  will 
reimburse  employes  100  per  cent 
for  tuition  for  job  related  courses, 
75    per  cent   for  courses  leading 

to  a  bachelor's,  an  associate's,  or  master's  degree  in  fields 
related  to  work  at  the  CTA,  and  50  per  cent  for  courses  that 
are  CTA  career  related." 

To  be  reimbursed,  the  employe  must  submit  evidence 
of  earning  a  "C"  grade  or  better,  or  satisfactory  completion, 
along  with  a  tuition  receipt,  to  Training/Development  pro- 
grams. Room  752.  Merchandise  Mart. 

For  more  information,  contact  Ms.  Stratton  on  extension 
1283  in  the  Mart. 


APRIL,  1980 


Million  Mile  Club 

One  million  miles  is  a  long  way 
to  drive  without  a  Chargeable  or 
preventable  accident.  Operating  a 
bus  in  chaotic  city  traffic  makes 
the  accomplishment  even  more 
difficult. 

However,  155  CTA  bus  opera- 
tors accomplished  this  feat,  and 
11  of  them  have  driven  two  mil- 
lion miles!  All  155  have  been  ad- 
mitted to  the  National  Safety  Cottn- 
cil's  Million  Mile  Club. 


Each  operator  received  a  per- 
sonalized plaque  commemorating 
his  accomplishment  and  a  Million 
Mile  Club  membership  card.  The 
awards  were  given  during  cere- 
monies held  at  eveiy  garage.  The 
presentations  were  made  by 
Thomas  Boyle,  manager,  Safety. 

While  it  would  be  impossible 
for  a  driver  to  actually  drive  one 
million  miles,  a  special  formula 
has  been  designed  for  the  CTA. 
Twenty-flve  thousand  working 
hours,     or     12    regular    working 


years,  without  a  chargeable  or 
preventable  accident,  qualifies  an 
operator  for  membership. 

The  million  mile  membership 
awards  are  now  an  annual  event, 
which  should  be  good  news  for  the 
many  operators  only  a  few  years 
or  months  away  from  this  tre- 
mendous milestone. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  CTA's 
million  mile  drivers.  (Two  mil- 
lion mile  drivers  are  listed  in 
bold  type.) 


North  Avenue  garage  (left  to  right):  Curtis  Jackson,  Aioize  W.  Szymell,  Anthony  F.  French, 
Earlie  L.  Bryant,  Francis  Farrelly,  Charles  Treanor,  George  Thurman,  Eugene  R.  Church,  John 
Herron,  Anthony  Kemp,  Henry  Smith,  Louis  E.  Ford,  Herbert  W.  Peterson,  Adolphus  Walker, 
Alvin  Kiszka,  Bert  V,  Hukill,  Theautry  Snyder,  Charles  C.  Hicks,  Carl  Waggoner,  and  Harry 
Lindberg.  Not  shown:  Paul  Z.  Fox,  Michael  F.  McCarthy,  Fred  A.  Methiesen,  Hartwell  C. 
Onstott,  and  Robert  Shea. 


52nd  Street  garage  (left  to  right):  Leo  Porter,  Walter 
Falls,  Jr.,  James  Batups,  Lloyd  Ferdinand,  Theodore 
Love,  Jr.,  and  Samuel  E.  Willianis. 


Archer  garage  (left  to  right):  Joseph  Gorecki,  John  Grubusic,  John 
Hoyne,  Walter  Gibson,  Willie  Goldsby,  Austion  Woolfolk,  and  Roland 
Fortier.  Not  shown:  Raymond  Burkhardt,  James  Degnan,  John  Fietko, 
George  Hamper,  Jack  Martin,  John  Noga,  Denis  O'Donoghue,  Mickey 
Reeder,  Roy  Rodgers,  Richard  Rossborough,  James  Short,  Charles 
Smith,  Joseph  Smok,  and  George  Wallace. 


69th  Street  garage  (left  to  right):  Edward  J.  Young,  Laurance 
Weathersby,  William  Wittstock,  William  A.  Walter,  John  Singleton,  and 
Theodore  I.  Raymond,  Jr.  Not  shown:  Arthur  E.  Brown,  Dennis  W. 
Coleman,  Jr.,  Leonard  Dake,  George  R.  Ferguson,  Roy  F.  Horning, 
Joseph  Kovatz,  William  A.  Lawson,  Wendell  Slay,  Jr.,  Hansel  Smith, 
and  Earl  P.  Tinsey. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


North  Park  garage  (left  to  right):  Walter  Ostrowski, 
John  Eiselt,  Joseph  Kmiec,  and  Walter  Jentsch.  Not 
shown:  Patrick  Brown,  Magnus  Edgar,  James  Hall,  II, 
and  Robert  Johnson. 


Lawndale  garage  (left  to  right):  Raymond  Fay,  Edwin  Celovsky,  Robert  demons,  Harvey 
Bey,  James  Fitchpatrick,  James  Bell,  Robert  Fenrick,  Tomie  Phillips,  Willie  Jackson,  Willie 
Webb,  Roger  Thompson,  Walter  Jones,  Jonas  Barnett,  and  Charles  Lindsay. 


Forest  Glen  garage  (left  to  right):  Joseph  T.  Mollo,  Mitchell  J.  Szalwa,  Alex  S.  Plodzin, 
Thaddeus  J.  Zdeb,  Henry  F.  Wisinski,  Richard  A.  Wilson,  John  Tertz,  Jr.,  Steve  G.  Gorski, 
Howard  R.  Wilson,  Teddy  S.  Pyzyna,  Robert  W.  Adams,  and  Alvin  E.  Polowczyk.  Not  shown: 
Arnold  W.  Campbell,  Anthony  M.  DeMayo,Ted  J.  Galus,  Clifford  R.  Last,  Burgess  F.  Peterson, 
and  Adam  Wolowiec. 


Limits  garage  (left  to  right):  Carl  N.  Lewis,  Walter 
Lemons,  Jr.,  eleven  Wardlow,  and  Richard  Burrell. 
Not  shown:   George  J.  Gart  and  John  W.  Miller. 


77th  Street  garage  (kneeling,  left  to  right):  Simmons  S.  Gibson, 
Randolph  E.  Stewart,  Wellington  Henderson,  and  Daniel  W.  Montrel. 
(Standing,  left  to  right):  Randolph  Lewis,  James  Blaa  (manager.  Trans- 
portation), James  H.  Stewart,  Henry  Martin  (holding  CTA  Public 
Safety  Award  presented  earlier),  Willie  B.  Robinson,  Frank  Riley,  Jr., 
William  N.  Riley,  and  McClinton  Porter,  superintendent,  77th.  Not 
shown:  Robert  E.  Bean,  Walter  Campbell,  Burnell  Dixon,  William  E. 
Echols,  Arthur  S.  Green,  Wilburn  L.  Hester,  Thomas  Jackson,  John 
R.  Jefferson,  James  Johnson,  Luther  B.  Lee,  Eleson  E.  Murphy,  Percy 
L.  Riddick,  Charles  Rule,  Jr.,  Benjamin  Smith,  William  L.  Walker,  Jr., 
and  Richard  N.Walston. 


Beverly  garage  (left  to  right):  James  Baker,  Don  Buck  (manager.  Safety, 
RTA),  Herbert  Cobb,  John  W.  Pendelton,  Jewel  Roberson,  Lonnis 
Rupert,  Floyd  Grajek,  David  Semmes,  James  Blaa  (manager.  Trans- 
portation), and  Earl  Williams.  Not  shown:  Harold  Abrams,  William 
A.  Burbatt,  Booker  T.  Henry,  Ernest  Hunter,  Edward  Kisman, William 
O'Brien,  James  Sankey,  and  Herbert  Williams. 


APRIL,  1980 


Jean  Cage  (Limits  garage)  impres- 
sed Alice  Rybarczyk,  of  Ham- 
mond, Indiana,  who  recently  had 
"the  pleasurable  experience  of 
riding  with  her  on  a  #157  Street- 
erville  bus.  In  over  30  years  of 
using  various  commuting  services, 
I  have  never  seen  the  equal  of 
this  driver,  whose  skillful  and 
careful  driving  is  complemented 
by  extreme  courtesy,  concern  for 
the  safety  and  comfort  of  her 
passengers,  and  considerate  an- 
nouncements of  oncoming  stops. 
I,  for  one,  find  such  service  rare 
in  public  service  these  days,  and 
feel  it  should  be  called  to  your 
attention." 


Rochell  Benton  Jr.  (69th  Street 
garage)  was  appreciated  by  Helen 
Kucera,  of  South  Campbell  Ave- 
nue, for  his  consideration  while 
driving  a  #49  Western  bus. 
'This  driver  is  a  gentleman  -  one 
who  is  solicitous  of  his  passengers 
-  one  who  obviously  cares.  He  is 
friendly,  cheerful,  and  -  since  I 
am  fortunate  to  catch  his  bus  late 
in  the  evening  -  a  welcome  sight. 
He  has  the  courtesy  -  when  he 
notices  the  eastbound  Burlington 
train  at  18th  and  Western  un- 
loading passengers  -  to  wait  a  few 
seconds  to  permit  us  to  catch  his 
bus.  I  have  been  particularly 
grateful  of  this.  This  man  is  an 
asset  to  the  CTA." 


commendation  corner 


VICTOR  COLON  (North  Park  garage)  was  the 
driver  of  a  #49  Western  bus  ridden  by  K,  Begovich, 
of  Bloomington.  "There  was  an  elderly  lady  trying  to 
board  at  Chicago  avenue.  She  couldn't  get  up  the  steps, 
so  this  driver  got  up  and  helped  her.  The  lady  was 
very  thankful.  When  some  high  school  students  tried 
to  tear  up  a  seat,  the  driver  told  them  to  sit  correct- 
ly or  get  off,  and  all  complied^  I  can  say  he  really 
deserves  his  pay  because  he  takes  pride  in  his  job, 
and  that's  the  kind  of  people  there  are  too  few  of  in 
this  worlds" 

#### 

HERMAN  LLOYD  (52nd  Street  garage)  is  consid- 
ered "a  delight  to  ride  with"  by  Rosiland  Baldwin,  of 
Jeffery  boulevard,  who  was  a  passenger  on  his  #6 
Jeffery  Express  bus.  "He  was  extremely  pleasant  and 
courteous.  He  called  stops  and  said,  'Watch  your 
step'  and  'Have  a  pleasant  evening.'  This  driver  was 
not  only  pleasant  but  a  very  good  driver  as  well.  On 
one  occasion  some  young  people  were  playing  their 
radio.  He  was  even  courteous  to  them  when  he  re- 
quested that  they  'please'  turn  off  the  radio  and  con- 
cluded with  a  'Thank  you.'  " 
#### 

WILFRED  DUPREE  (North  Park  garage)  was 
praised  by  Marian  Martin,  of  North  Lake  Shore  drive, 
who  was  a  rider  on  his  #151  Sheridan  bus  from  Ad- 
dison to  Adams  and  State  streetSo  "I  sat  on  the  seat 
right  behind  him.  It  is  a  most  difficult  line.  Many 
visitors  to  Chicago  use  it,  etc.  He  received  many 
questions,  and  went  out  of  his  way  to  patiently  answer 
all  of  them  efficiently  and  courteously.  In  my  opinion 
he  was  outstanding.  I  would  like  to  see  more  drivers 
as  thoughtful  and  helpful  as  he  is." 


CLAUDETTE  PANFIL  (North  Park  garage)  was 
commended  by  Linda  Coody,  of  North  Troy  street,  who 
was  a  rider  on  her  #11  Lincoln  bus.  "I  have  ridden 
with  this  driver  for  over  six  months.  She  is  always 
courteous  and  has  a  cheerful  'Hello!'  She  also  calls 
out  all  the  stops  and  pulls  up  to  the  curb.  Today  she 
helped  an  elderly  lady  off  tiie  bus.  The  woman  was 
upset  that  she  was  putting  the  driver  out,  but  the  driver 
reassured  her  and  was  so  nice.  I  know  what  she  did 
was  common  courtesy,  but  it  is  so  refreshing  to  see 
a  smile  nowadays." 

#### 

TRAVIS  DKON  (77th  Street  garage)  drew  the  at- 
tention of  Henrietta  Seals,  of  South  Carpenter  street, 
for  the  way  he  operated  an  early  morning  #24  Went- 
worth  bus.  "This  driver  is  courteous,  he  has  a 
friendly  'Good  morning,'  he  tries  his  best,  weather 
permitting,  to  curb  his  bus,  and  he  tries  to  be  on  time 
and  get  his  riders  to  work  on  timco  It  is  refreshing  to 
ride  his  bus.  I  think  this  driver  should  be  commend- 
ed. He  is  a  good  representative  for  CTA." 
#### 

ODELL  GRANGER  (Forest  Glen  garage)  was  given 
credit  for  the  way  he  drove  his  #80  Irving  Park  bus  by 
David  Bohn,  of  Elaine  place.  "The  driver  was  cheer- 
ful and  helpful  to  his  passei^ers  when  faced  with 
slick  roads  and  snarled  traffic.  The  bus  was  very 
crowded,  the  windows  were  steamed,  and  it  was  dif- 
ficult to  see  the  streets  out  the  side  windows,  but  this 
driver  loudly  called  out  the  stops  so  the  passengers 
would  know  when  to  get  off.  He  also  told  them  to 
watch  their  step  when  getting  off  and  wished  those  de- 
parting to  have  a  nice  day,  which  indeed  brightened 
the  day." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Jesse  Owens, 
champion  of  champions 


This  was  a  man— Jesse  Owens,  Ameri- 
can. A  bright  symbol  of  hope  in  a  pre-war 
world  shortly  before  the  lights  went  out  all 
over  Europe  when  the  Nazis  invaded  Poland 
in  1939. 

Bom  James  Cleveland  Owens  (a  teacher 
tagged  him  permanently  with  the  Jesse  be- 
cause of  a  misunderstanding  involving  his 
initials  of  J.C.),  the  accomplishments  of 
Jesse  Owens  are  without  parallel  in  Olym- 
pic history. 

Berlin,  193 6,  and  Jesse  Owens  can  never 
be  forgotten  and  the  achievements  of  Owens 
remain  as  vividly  alive  today  as  they  were 
44  years  ago  in  the  1936  Olympiad. 

Approximately  one  year  earlier  on  May 
25,  1935,  at  Ann  Arbor,  Michigan,  the 
slender  bolt  of  lightning  clad  in  the  scarlet 
and  gray  of  Ohio  State  University,  burst 
onto  the  scene  with  what  was  probably  the 
greatest  individual  performance  in  the  his- 
tory of  all  sports. 

Yet  Jesse  Owens  was  a  modest,  un- 
assuming man  whose  philosophy  of  life  was 
to  help  others  along  the  way.  And  help 
others  he  did.   During  his  entire  lifetime. 

He  also  fought  and  conquered  obstacles 
that  do  not  exist  for  the  rich  sports  heroes 
of  today  and  overcame  those  barriers  with 
the  same  intestinal  fortitude  that  carried 
him  to  amazing  triumphs  in  Ann  Arbor  and 
Berlin  in  1935  and  1936. 

This  writer  was  covering  sports  in 
Grand  Rapids  when  word  flashed  over  the 
Associated  Press  wires  that  an  Ohio  State 
sophomore  named  Owens  had  shattered 
three  world  records  and  tied  another  in  the 
Big  Ten  track  and  field  meet  at  Ann  Arbor 
hosted  by  the  University  of  Michigan.  It 
all  happened  in  less  than  one  hour,  but  its 
impact  was  d3Tiamite  in  the  world  of 
athletic  competition. 


byW.B.Wolfan 

Coaches  Charles  Hoyt  of  Michigan  and 
Larry  Snyder  of  Ohio  State  expressed  ab- 
solute amazement  at  the  performance  of 
the  sophomore  from  Cleveland  that  after- 
noon. 

First  Owens  flew  to  victory  in  the  100- 
yard  dash  in  9.4  seconds,  tying  the  world 
record.  Bi  the  running  broad  jump,  he 
leaped  26  feet,  8  and  one  quaiier  inches, 
another  world  record. 

Then  in  the  220-yard  dash  on  a  straight- 
away course,  Owens  flashed  home  in  20,3 
seconds,  breaking  the  old  world  record  by 
three-tenths  of  a  second. 

Wrapping  up  his  sensational  day,  Owens 
scampered  over  the  220-yard  low  hurdles 
in  22.6  seconds,  another  world  record,  over 
the  straightaway  course  (this  event  is  no 
longer  contested).  His  time  in  the  hurdles 
was  two-fifths  of  a  second  faster  than  the 
previous  record. 

All  tliose  Big  Ten  records  still  stand. 
This  was  the  preview  of  what  the  world 
would  see  in  Berlin  the  following  year  as 
stunned  Nazi  leaders  and  125,000  spectators 
looked  on  in  the  huge  Olympic  Stadium. 

Jesse  Owens  captured  three  individual 
events— the  100-meter  dash  in  10.2  seconds, 
breaking  both  the  Olympic  and  world  rec- 
ord, but  it  was  disallowed  because  of  a 
wind  behind  his  back;  the  200  meters  in 
20.7  seconds,  a  world  record  around  a 
turn;  then  broad  jumping  over  26  feet  for 
the  first  time  in  Olympic  history — another 
record — and  was  the  lead-off  runner  for 
America's  winning  400-meter  relay  team, 
which  also  set  a  new  Olympic  and  world 
record. 

Jesse  Owens  took  home  four  gold  medals 
that  day  from  Berlin  and  that  performance 
livesonasif  it  had  happened  only  yesterday. 

For   a   great  part   of  his   life,    Owens 


called  Chicago  homco  In  1972,  he  moved 
to  Arizona  to  build  a  successful  public 
relations  business. 

He  had  done  almost  everything  in  the 
way  of  jobs— from  serving  as  a  road  rep- 
resentative of  the  Harlem  Globetrotters  to 
employment  as  a  radio  disc  jockey  and 
promoting  Black  baseball. 

Ernie  Banks,  the  man  they  call  Mr.  Cub, 
and  himself  a  product  of  the  Black  baseball 
leagues,  recalls  his  long-standing  friend- 
ship with  Owens : 

"Jesse  was  a  true  friend,  a  great  per- 
son. I  knew  him  for  a  long  time  and  I  am 
proud  to  have  been  a  lifelong  friend  of  a 
man  I  consider  to  be  the  greatest  athlete  I 
have  ever  known." 

A  fitting  tribute  indeed  from  Ernie 
Banks,  recently  enshrined  at  Cooperstown 
as  one  of  the  greatest  shortstops  in  the 
history  of  major  league  baseball. 

In  Columbus,  Ohio,  Governor  James 
Rhodes  praised  Owens  as  "the  greatest 
sports  figure  of  our  time."  It  was  from  a 
Cleveland  high  school  that  Owens  went  to 
Ohio  State. 

The  Olympic  mile  runner  from  Kansas, 
Glenn  Cunningham,  was  a  teammate  of 
Owens  on  the  1936  U.S.  Olympic  team. 
Cunningham's  words  of  tribute  to  Owens 
are  particularly  significant.   He  said: 

"Jesse  always  tried  to  help  others.  He 
was  a  down-to-earth  person,  genuine  in 
every  way." 

And  to  those  of  us  who  have  had  the 
privilege  of  knowir^  Jesse  Owens  and  all 
the  things  he  stood  for,  there  is  a  imani- 
mous  consensus  that  he  was  a  champion  of 
champions  in  every  sense  of  the  word,  not 
only  in  track  and  field  but  in  the  game  of 
life  as  well. 

He  was  a  man. 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Among  other  operating  employes  re- 
ceiving commendations  recently  were: 

Mohammed  Ajami,  Manuel  Alvarez,  and 
Willie  Arrington,  all  of  North  Park;  Ed- 
ward Anderson,  Howard/Kimball;  John  An- 
derson, West  Section;  and  Josephine  An- 
derson, North  Section. 

John  Banks  Jr.,  North  Avenue;  Guido 
Barrera,  North  Park;  Sadie  Brooks,  Ar- 
cher; and  Robbie  Brown,  Limits. 

John  Cameron,  Ashland  Terminal;  Ray 
Clark,  Lawndale;  and  Marcellus  Cortez, 
District  D. 

George  Davenport,  77th  Street;  Arthur 
DeLuna  and  Jose  Diaz  Jr.,  both  of  North 
Avenue;  and  Wilfred  Dupree,  North  Park. 

Helen  Edwards,  North  Section. 

James  Fitzgerald,  Limits;  and  Salvador 
Flores  and  Pauline  Fry,  both  of  North 
Avenue. 

Luis  Garcia  and  Wallacene  Good,  both 
of  Forest  Glen;  James  Gardner,  North 
Park;  Johney  Glnes  Jr.  and  Jerry  Green, 


both  of  North  Avenue;  and  George  Gray  and 
Terrence  Griffin,  both  of  Archer. 

John  Harris,  Lawndale;  Chester  Har- 
ris, Walter  Harris,  and  Carolyn  Hawthorn, 
all  of  North  Park;  and  Michael  Holtzclaw, 
77th  Street. 

Carolyn  Ivory,  North  Park. 

Davis  Jackson  and  Mary  Jerry,  both  of 
Limits;  Willie  James,  North  Park;  and 
Billie  Jones,  77th  Street. 

Edward  Kaminski,  Archer. 

William  Lemke,  Forest  Glen. 

Michael  Maddox,  Limits;  Marvin  Mar- 
shall, Forest  Park;  Adolph  Marth,  Edgar 
MoUinedo,  and  Leonard  Morris,  all  of 
North  Park;  Alfredo  Mascorro,  Carol 
Miles,  and  Lura  Mlnter,  all  of  North  Ave- 
nue; Paul  Michaels,  Archer;  Earl  Miles, 
Lawndale;  and  Howard  Monroe,  Beverly. 

Kevin  O' Flaherty,  Forest  Park. 

France  sea  Pancewiecz,  North  Section; 
and  Charles  Peterson,  77th  Street. 

William    Ramos,    Alice    Richman,   and 


Curtis  Rogers,  all  of  North  Park;  Willie 
Rochelle,  69th  Street;  and  John  Ross,  77th 
Street. 

Diego  Santos-Rios,  North  Avenue;  My- 
lon  Simpson,  69th  Street;  Tuesday  Simpson 
and  Comelio  Soto,  both  of  Limits;  Peter 
Smith,  77th  Street;  Willie  Smith  and  Mitch- 
ell Szalwa,  both  of  Forest  Glen;  James 
Starkman,  North  Park;  and  Nathaniel  Ste- 
vens Jr.,  52nd  Street. 

Eugene  Taylor,  Forest  Park;  and  Wil- 
bur Theise,  Robert  Thomas,  and  Donald 
Trenda,  all  of  North  Park. 

Efrain  Villarreal,  Howard/Kimball;  and 
Frank  Viola,  North  Park. 

Willie  Walker,  Archer;  eleven  Wardlow, 
Darold  Wardlow,  and  Leon  White,  all  of 
Limits;  and  William  Wittstock,  69th  Street. 

Jacques  Yezeguielian,  Forest  Glen; 
Charles  Yoimg,  Forest  Park;  and  Preston 
Young  Jr.,  69th  Street. 

Denice  Zillender,  69th  Street. 


APRIL,  1980 


Matthew  Coyle 


Frank  Venezia 


George  Haenisch 


Terrence  McGuigan 


Walter  Thomas 


promotions 


Four  major  reassignments  have  been 
made  in  Vehicle  Maintenance.  Matthew 
Coyle,  former  supervisor.  Rail  Vehicle 
Shops,  has  been  appointed  superintendent. 
Rail  Vehicle  Terminals.  Coyle,  a  30-year 
CTA  veteran,  began  his  career  in  Mainte- 
nance as  a  car  cleaner  and  repairer.  He 
was  selected  terminal  instructor  in  1964 
and  assistant  foreman,  Congress,  in  1966. 
In  1969  he  became  terminal  foreman,  Dan 
Ryan,  and,  in  1975,  imit  supervisor. 
Terminals.  Coyle  and  his  wife,  Mary 
Elizabeth,  have  t\vo  sons  and  a  daughter, 
and  live  in  the  Clearing  neighborhood  on 
the  Southwest  Side. 

George  Haenisch,  supervisor.  Bus  Shops, 
since  1977,  has  been  named  superintendent. 
Rail  Vehicle  Shops.  After  starting  with 
CTA  as  a  graduate  trainee  in  1970,  Hae- 
nisch was  chosen  technical  services  en- 
gineer in  1972  and  Methods/Standards 
technician  the  following  year.  In  1974  he 
was  promoted  to  superintendent.  Methods/ 
Standards.  Haenisch  and  his  wife,  Arline, 
make  their  home  in  Elmhurst  with  their 
daughter  and  son. 

Terrence  McGuigan,  Maintenance  Sys- 
tems coordinator  for  the  past  two  years, 
has  become  superintendent.  Bus  Garages. 
McGuigan  started  with  CTA  as  a  bus  clean- 
er at  Limits  in  1962.  A  year  later  he  was 
chosen  bus  repairer,  and.  In  1967,  garage 
instructor.  In  1969  he  served  as  p.m.  fore- 
man at  52nd  Street  and  at  North  Park  be- 
fore being  named  assistant  foreman  at  69th 
Street  the  following  year.  He  was  selected 
unit  supervisor.  Bus  Garages,  in  1975,  and 
unit  supervisor.  Vehicle  Maintenance  Shops, 
in  1977.  McGuigan,  his  wife,  Karen,  and 
their  daughter  live  in  the  Edison  Park 
neighborhood  on  the  Northwest  Side. 

Frank  Venezia,  who  worked  two  sum- 
mers as  an  engineer  trainee  before  joining 
CTA  permanently  as  a  student  engineer  in 
1967,  has  been  appointed  superintendent. 
Bus  Shops.  He  was  selected  development 
engineer  in  1968  and  technical  services 
engineer  in  1970  before  becoming  equip- 
ment engineer  in  1971,  He  had  been  su- 
perintendent. Vehicle  and  Industrial  De- 
sign,   since   1974.     Venezia  and  his  wife. 


Mary,  are  the  parents  of  twin  sons  and  a 
daughter,  and  make  their  home  in  Downers 
Grove. 

Walter  Thomas  has  been  appointed 
director  of  Schedules,  Operations  Plan- 
ning. Thomas,  currently  the  second  most 
senior  CTA  employe,  became  a  traffic 
checker  with  the  Chicago  Surface  Lines  in 
1935.  In  1951  he  was  named  assistant  to 
the  superintendent.  Schedules,  and.  In  1958, 
statistical  analyst.  He  was  selected 
schedule  maker  in  1963  and  assistant  su- 
perintendent. Schedule  Making,  in  1972, 
before  being  chosen  superintendent.  Sched- 
ules Preparation  in  1974.  Thomas  and  his 
wife,  Freda,  have  a  son  and  a  daughter  and 
live  in  Libertyville. 

Norman  Oswald,  supervisor.  Schedule 
Processing,  since  1976,  has  been  named 
superintendent.  Schedules  Preparation. 
Oswald  started  with  CTA  as  a  graduate 
trainee  in  1962  and  became  statistical  as- 
sistant. Schedules,  four  years  later.  Be- 
ginning in  1970  he  served  for  two  years  as 
a  traffic  analyst.  Research  and  Planning, 
before  returning  to  Schedules  as  a  schedule 
maker.  Oswald  and  his  wife,  Kathleen,  live 
in  Addison  with  a  son  and  two  daughters. 

David  Martin,  superintendent.  Rail 
South,  since  1978,  has  been  appointed  area 
superintendent.  Near  North,  Transporta- 
tion. Martin  started  with  CTA  as  an  extra 
guard  in  1960,  became  a  motorman  the 
following  year,  and  was  named  traffic  su- 
pervisor and  instructor  in  1969.  He  was 
selected  line  supervisor  in  1971,  relief 
station  superintendent  in  1973,  and  as- 
sistant superintendent  two  years  later. 
Martin,  his  wife,  Evelyn,  and  their  two 
sons  live  in  the  Brainerd  neighborhood  on 
the  South  Side. 

Ardis  Morris  is  the  new  superintendent, 
95tli  Street.  He  joined  CTA  as  an  extra 
guard  in  1952,  becoming  a  motorman  the 
next  year.  He  was  chosen  yard  foreman  in 
1959  and  traffic  supervisor  in  1968,  before 
being  named  an  instructor  the  following 
year.  He  was  promoted  to  assistant  sta- 
tion superintendent.  Forest  Park,  in  1974, 
and  was  reassigned  to  Ashland  in  1978. 
Morris  and  his  wife,  Eugenia,  make  their 
home  in  Avalon  Park,  on  the  South  Side, 
with  their  son  Phillip,  a  part-time  ticket 
agent.     South    Section,     and    a    daughter. 


Sylvia.  Another  son,  Ardis  m,  is  a  clerk. 
South  Section,  and  his  wife,  Betty,  is  an 
agent  instructor. 

Michael  Lacriola,  the  new  superintend- 
ent at  Limits,  joined  the  Surface  Lines  in 
1947  as  a  streetcar  conductor  at  Noble„ 
He  became  a  traffic  supervisor  in  1967, 
and  an  instructor  in  1971.  Lacriola  was 
promoted  to  assistant  superintendent, 
Kedzie,  in  1974,  and  was  reassigned  to 
North  Avenue  three  years  later.  He  and 
his  wife,  Jean,  live  in  the  Jefferson  Park 
area  on  the  Northwest  Side  with  their 
daughter,  Doreen,  a  typist  in  the  Public 
Affairs  Department. 

Victor  Johnson,  former  supervisor. 
Data  Processing  and  Inventory  Operations, 
is  now  superintendent.  Data  Processing/ 
Office  Administration,  Materials  Manage- 
ment. Johnson  joined  CTA  as  a  file  clerk. 
Job  Classification,  in  1962.  Two  years 
later  he  was  named  accoimting  records 
clerk,  and,  in  1966,  programmer.  Stores. 
He  became  a  systems  analyst  in  1971,  and 
unit  supervisor.  Stores,  in  1975.  Johnson 
and  his  wife,  Shirley,  make  their  home  in 
Mundelein  with  two  sons  and  a  daughter. 

Other  changes  in  Materials  Management 
include  the  promotion  of  Edward  Deles, 
former  instructor,  to  imit  supervisor. 
Records  &  Training,  and  the  addition  of 
responsibilities  for  James  Diasio  as  unit 
supervisor.  Computer  Systems  &  Pro- 
cedures, 

In  other  job  reassignments,  Patricia 
Mansker,  former  utility  clerk,  Law/Claims, 
has  been  selected  confidential  office  as- 
sistant. Labor  Relations.  Tessa  Gaines, 
former  assignment  agent.  Transportation, 
has  been  appointed  management/profes- 
sional intern  in  the  same  department.  Don- 
na Pasquesi,  former  balance  clerk,  Finan- 
cial Services,  has  been  named  systems 
analyst,  Datacenter. 

In  Transportation,  Isaac  Mathews,  for- 
mer switchman.  West  Section,  has  been 
chosen  yard  foreman  in  the  same  location. 
Four  former  bus  drivers  now  serving  as 
traffic  checkers.  Operations  Planning, 
include:  Artlmr  Joe,  69th  Street;  John 
Theus  Jr.,  77th  Street;  Jerald  Denham  and 
Paul  Daniels,  Archer. 

Selected  bus  and  truck  mechanics.  South 
Shops,   from   within    Velilcle    Maintenance 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


i.  ^ 


David  Martin 


Normal  Oswald 


Ardis  Morris 


Victor  Johnson 


Michael  Lacriola 


are:  Levell  Stewart,  former  bus  and  truck 
mechanic  helper  at  the  same  location; 
Thomas  Borsellino,  former  bus  repairer, 
Archer;  George  Hollendoner  Sr.,  former 
tire  repairer.  Archer;  and  William  Jacob, 
former  bus  repairer,  77th  Street. 

Also  at  South  Shops,  Edward  Pruitt  has 
moved  from  traveling  material  handler  to 
bus  and  truck  mechanic  helper,  William 
Sears  has  been  promoted  from  bus  handler 
to  shop  inspector,  and  William  Jennings, 
former  driver,  77th  Street,  has  become 
shop  tractor  operator.  Elsewhere  in 
Vehicle  Maintenance,  former  bus  repairer 
Dwayne  Bose  has  been  chosen  car  repairer. 


Various. 

In  Plant  Maintenance,  David  Wilson  has 
been  reassigned  from  communication  tech- 
nician to  testing  engineer,  while  Robert 
Boness  has  moved  from  laborer  to  building 
inspector.  In  new  positions  as  escalator 
servicemen.  Training  Program,  are  Ken- 
neth Bohn,  former  electrical  worker,  Sko- 
Ide  Shop,  and  Andre  Bukowski,  former  car 
repairer,  Harlem. 

Also  in  Plant  Maintenance,  Sidney  Ed- 
wards, former  service  truck  chauffeur, 
Transportation-Utility,  has  become  iron- 
worker helper;  Junious  Elder,  former 
South  Section  conductor,  has  been  selected 


boiler  maintenance  man;  and  Alton  Flowers, 
former  driver,  77th  Street,  has  been  chosen 
"B"  helper. 

Martha  Brister,  former  ticket  agent. 
West  Section,  is  now  clerk/dispatcher. 
Plant  Maintenance.  Donald  Thicklin,  for- 
mer piincipal  mail  clerk.  Management 
Services,  has  been  reassigned  money 
handler.  Treasury.  Simmons  Gibson,  for- 
mer driver,  77th  Street,  is  now  special 
mail  delivery  clerk.  Management  Services. 
Lita  Causey,  former  production  record 
clerk.  Vehicle  Maintenance- Production/ 
Supply  Control,  has  been  named  road  clerk. 
Transportation- Utility. 


TABEC  instructor  training  graduates 


Nine  trainees  have  successfully  com- 
pleted the  40  hour  TABEC  Instructor 
Training  Program.  They  will  soon  be  pre- 
senting new  maintenance  programs  to 
garage   and    terminal   personnel.    This  is 


the  first  Instructor  Training  course  to  be 
opened  to  all  CTA  employes. 

The  new  graduates  are:  Richard  Ca- 
cini,  station  clerk;  Michael  Dain,  bus  re- 
pairer;    James     Fiedler,     car    repairer; 


Willie  Fountain,  bus  repairer;  Eddie  Gil- 
lis,  switchman;  Murray  Johnson,  car  re- 
pairer; Eddie  Richards,  stock  clerk;  Jack 
Thompson,  bus  operator,  and  Timothy 
Wester,  car  repairer. 


Smiling  faces  at  the  TABEC  graduation  are:  (Back  row)  Charles  Town- 
send,  training  specialist;  Gillis;  Stu  Maginnis,  director.  Support  Services; 
Wester;  Fiedler;  Cacini;  Richard  Traversa,  training  coordinator;  Thompson 


and    George   Greco,   training   specialist.      (Front  row)      Dain;  Johnson; 
Richards  and  Gordon  Maly,  TABEC  unit  supervisor. 


APRIL,  1980 


safety  awards 


The  Maintenance  Department's  quarterly  safety 
award  in  Vehicle  Maintenance  competition  is  called 
ZAP,  for  Zero  Accident  Program,  and  never  before 
have  so  many  maintenance  employes  taken  the  theme 
so  literally  as  during  the  fourth  quarter  of  1979.  At 
four  rail  terminal  shops  and  one  garage  there  were 
zero  accidents  reported  during  the  entire  quarter — a 
record  for  first-place  ties. 

Winners  among  rail  shops  were  Harlem,  54th  Ave- 
nue, Howard/Linden,  and  61st/Racine.  The  accident- 
free  garage  was  52nd  Street.  North  Park  also  won  a 
ZAP  award  for  having  the  lowest  accident  frequency 
rate  among  garages  in  terms  of  the  number  of  man- 
hours  worked.  Second  place  awards  were  won  by 
Beverly  garage  and  98th  Street  shop. 


Surrounding  Unit  Overhaul  supervisor  Richard  Lorimer  (holding  plaque) 
at  Skokie  Shop  are  gift  certificate  winners  (left  to  right):  Muzio  Ficarella, 
Gary  Wilson,  Lorimer,  Ranchod  Patel,  Norman  Chylinski,  and  Paul  Pryor, 
Jr.,  all  electrical  workers;  Donald  Ruroede,  shopman;  and  Anello 
Digianfilippo,  final  assembler. 


Assistant  foreman  Johnnie  Henderson  shows  ZAP  award  won  by  Howard 
The  night  crew  at  52nd  Street  was  recognized  for  its  role  in  winning  ZAP  shop  crew  at  ceremony  attended  by  Robert  Flowers,  area  superintendent, 
award  held  by  Frank  Brown,  relief  foreman  (kneeling,  left).  At  far  right  Rail  Vehicle  Maintenance  (right  of  Henderson)  and  Larry  Monaghan, 
is  Wes  Morris,  unit  supervisor.  Garages.  supervisor.  Rail  Vehicle  Terminals,  South  (right  of  Flowers). 


Members  of  the  day  crew  at  52nd  Street  gathered  to  celebrate  their  ZAP  award  with  the  person  in 
charge  of  keeping  the  buses  running  -  -  Burnett  Henderson,  garage  superintendent  (in  tie  next  to  bus). 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Another  ZAP  victory  was  celebrated 
at  54th  Avenue  shop,  where  foreman 
John  Molloy  (holding  award)  and  his 
crew  were  congratulated  by  Robert 
Flowers,  area  superintendent.  Rail 
Vehicle    Maintenance    (in   dark    suit). 


Spread  out  alongside  a  "Big  Bend"  bus,  North  Park  maintenance  people     O'Connor,  foreman,  holds  In  front  of  Bill  Scott,  unit  supervisor.  Garages 
show   their    pleasure    over   winning  the  ZAP  safety  award,  which  Phil     (with  tie). 


Above:  A  few  moments  of  relaxation  and  reflec- 
tion are  enjoyed  by  members  of  the  Unit  Rebuild 
crew  who  won  the  quarterly  safety  award  in  com- 
petition with  other  units  at  South  Shops. 

Left,  above:  Foreman  Sheldon  Rita  displays 
ZAP  award  won  by  Harlem  shop  for  the  fourth 
quarter  of  1979  in  front  of  the  group  that  made 
it  possible. 

Left:  Foreman  Leon  Fields  (left,  holding  award) 
takes  part  in  award  ceremonies  at  61st  Street  shop 
with  a  group  that  includes  Matt  Coyle,  super- 
intendent. Rail  Vehicle  Terminals  (left  of  Fields), 
and  Henry  Dickerson,  unit  supervisor  (left  of 
Coyle).  Behind  Fields  is  Stu  Maginnis,  director. 
Support  Services,  Maintenance. 


APRIL,  1980 


Retirements 


Russell  Gunderson 

Russell  Gunderson,  chief  clerk  at  Forest  Glen 
garage  since  1974,  retired  April  1  after  more  than  44 
years  with  CTA  and  the  Chicago  Surface  Lines, 
Kedzie,  Lincoln,  Division,  and  Devon,  as  well  as  Lawn- 
dale,  Limits,  and  North  Avenue  were  among  the  sta- 
tions he  served  as  clerk  longer  than  any  current  CTA 
employe, 

Gunderson  joined  the  Surface  Lines  in  1935  after 
attending  Central  "Y"  and  Northwestern  University, 
where  he  received  a  bachelor  of  science  degree. 
"When  I  started,  we  were  working  seven  days  a  week, 
10  hours  a  day.  We  made  $125  a  month,  but  in  those 
days  you  were  glad  just  to  have  a  job,"  he  said, 

"Fvebeen  busy  all  my  life,  so  I'm  sure  I'll  be  doing 
something,"  Gunderson  said  about  his  future  plans  at 
his  retirement  party  March  31  at  Forest  Glen,  He  ex- 
pects to  do  some  wo]±  around  his  home  in  Norwood 
Park,  on  the  Northwest  Side,  and  at  hiswife's  family's 
home  in  Grayslake,  where  he  keeps  a  boat.  Later  on, 
there  will  be  some  traveling,  and  in  the  meantime,  the 
Shrine  Arab  Patrol  Marching  Unit  vrtll  keep  him  in  step. 

Gunderson  and  his  wife,  Orrel,  have  two  sons. 
Randy  and  Bruce,  and  a  granddaughter.  Holly, 

Right:  In  a  more  formal  setting  at  the  Mart,  Russell  Gunderson  holds 
the  retirement  packet  he  received  from  Harry  Reddrick  Jr.  (right), 
director,  Personnel,  Transportation,  while  Alex  Johnson  (left),  area 
superintendent.  Central,  and  Joseph  Vodvarka,  superintendent.  Ad- 
ministration, offer  their  best  wishes. 


Top:  Corned  beef  sandwiches,  pickles,  and  a  cake  with  his  ever-present 
cigar  baked  in  were  shared  at  Russell  Gunderson's  retirement  party  by 
(left  to  right):  Sam  Girard,  the  new  chief  clerk  at  Forest  Glen; 
Gunderson;  and  clerks  Bernard  Mazalewski  and  Larry  Miller. 


Jacob  Sumner 

Jacob  "Jake"  Sumner,  schedule 
maker,  Schedules  department, 
ended  his  43-year  career  in  public 
transit  on  March  31  at  a  retire- 
ment party  in  his  honor, 

Sumner  beganhis  career  in  1937 
as  a  mail  clerk  with  the  Chicago 
Surface  Lines,  a  predecessor  com- 
pany to  the  CTA. 

He  was  feted  by  about  50  friends 
and  co-workers  at  a  luncheon  in 
the  M&M  Club  in  the  Merchandise 
Mart. 

Taking  part  in  the  program  were 
Harold  Geissenheimer,  General 
Operations  Manager,  Harry 
Hirsch,  manager.  Operations 
Planning,  and  Walter  Thomas, 
director,  Schedules  department, 

Sumner's  friends  and  co- 
workers presented  him  with  a 
fishing  rod  and  reel  as  a  farewell 
gift.  He  plans  to  continue  residing 
in  Westchester  and  do  some 
traveling. 


Right:  Jacob  "Jake"  Sumner  (right)  accepts 
retirement  wallet  from  Walter  Thomas, 
director.  Schedules  Department.  Sumner 
ended  a  43-year  career  in  public  transit 
as  a  schedule  maker.  He  was  honored  at  a 
retirement  party  in  the  M&M  Club. 


Below:  Jacob  Sumner  (center)  is  flanked 
on  the  left  by  his  son,  Steven  and  Steven's 
wife,  Barbara,  and  Mrs.  Jan  Sumner.  On 
the  right  of  Sumner  are  his  sons  Brian 
and  Donald. 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Retirements 


Joseph  Karel 

Nearly  60  persons  helped 
Joseph  Karel  celebrate  his  re- 
tirement after  37  years  with  the 
CTA  and  the  Chicago  Surface 
Lines,  a  predecessor  company  to 
the  CTA.  Karel  was  a  statistician 
in  the  Schedules  section. . 

The  informal  party  was  held 
February  29  in  the  Schedules  sec- 
tion of  the  Operations  Planning 
department.  Friends  of  Karel 
gave  him  a  "green"  gift  of  money 
for  use  in  his  greenhouse  opera- 
tions. 

Walter  Thomas,  director. 
Schedules,  presented  Karel  with  a 
retirement  wallet. 

Karel  began  his  transit  career 
as  a  traffic  checker  with  the  CSL 
in  1942.  He  was  promoted  to 
traffic  clerk  in  1945,  schedules 
clerk  in  1950,  and  statistician  in 
1972. 

Karel  and  his  wife,  Alice,  have 
three  children.  They  live  in  West- 
mont  where  Karel  is  in  the  com- 
mercial greenhouse  business. 


Joseph  Karel  (right)  is  congratulated  on  his  retirement  by  Walter  Thomas,  director.  Schedules 
section.  Operations  Planning  department.  Karel  ended  a  37-year  transit  career  with  the  CTA 
and  the  Chicago  Surface  Lines. 


James  Madden 

James  Madden,  personnel  in- 
vestigator, Security  department, 
celebrated  his  retirement  after  11 
years  with  the  CTA  at  a  party  in 
his  honor  February  29  in  the  Se- 
curity department's  headquarters. 

Fifty-five  persons  attended  the 
informal  affair  where  Raleigh 
Mathis,  manager.  Security,  pre- 
sented Madden  with  a  retirement 
wallet. 

Friends  of  Madden  presented 
him  with  a  $100  U.S.  Savings  Bond 
as  a  farewell  gift. 

Madden' s  wife,  Joyce,  attended 
the  party.  Madden  said  he  plans 
to  stay  in  Chicago  for  awhile  be- 
fore doing  some  traveling.  The 
Maddens  live  in  the  Woodlawn 
community. 


in 

hm 

n^ 

'  J 

B^^L.' '  ^'^1 

bf  • 

tmM^^m 

^^^^^H     r 

■W.\ 

u 

It 

1 

|^^^^^a| 

jf^ 

m^M  ' 

James  Madden  (2nd  from  right)  accepts  retirement  wallet  from  Raleigh  Mathis,  manager.  Security, 
at  retirement  party  honoring  Madden.  At  left  is  Thomas  Biebel,  superintendent.  Investigations 
Inspection;  at  right  is  Earl  McGhee,  area  superintendent.  Security  Department. 


APRIL,  1980 


13 


Retirements 


Eileen  Neurauter 

Mrs.  Eileen  (Big  Murph)  Neurauter, 
customer  service  representative  in  the 
Public  Affairs  department,  retired  April  1 
ending  her  36-year  career  in  public  transit. 

'Tm  going  out  in  style,  honey,"  Murph 
shouted  over  the  din  of  the  250  persons  at- 
tending the  open  house  held  in  her  honor  on 
March  19  in  the  Public  Affairs  depart- 
ment's conference  room. 

George  Krambles,  executive  director, 
representing  Murph's  many  friends,  pre- 
sented the  towering  "Culture  Bus  Queen" 
with  a  cash  gift.  Muiph  also  received  a 
toy  Koala  bear  with  a  baby  Koala  bear  cub 
on  its  back  ("I've  always  had  a  fondness 
for  toy  bears,"  Murph  confessed)  and  a 
brick  from  Englewood  High  school,  Murph's 
alma  mater. 

Murph  began  her  public  transit  career 
in  1943  as  a  ticket  agent  with  the  Chicago 
Rapid  Transit  company.  A  year  later  she 
became  an  Accounting  department  clerk,  a 
job  she  held  until  1969  when  she  became  a 
customer  service  representative. 


We  don't  know  what  Eileen  (Murph)  Neurauter  (center)  said,  but  it  really  brought  a  hearty  laugh 
from  Executive  Director  George  Krambles  (left),  and  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  at  her  retirement 
party,  March  19. 


Murph,  whose  late  husband,  Rudy  Neu- 
rauter, was  a  CTA  bus  driver,  lives  in 
Harwood  Heights. 


"Don't  expect  to  find  meat  home, honey. 
I've  put  on  my  traveling  shoes  and  I'll  be 
on  the  move,"  Murph  annoimced. 


George  B.  Siler 


Friends  and  co-workers  attended  a  retirement  "open  house" 
for  Dr.  George  B.  Siler,  director.  Medical  depaitoient,  on  April 
1  in  the  Placement  department.  Dr.  Siler  retired  after  being  with 
the  CTA  for  eight  years. 

He  and  his  wife,  Lois,  plan  to  share  their  time  between  their 
home  in  Homewood  and  their  vacation  home  in  central  Wisconsin. 

SUer  and  his  wife  have  four  daughters.  Two  are  Beloit  (Wis.) 
college  students;  the  other  two  live  in  the  northwest  suburbs. 

He  joined  the  CTA  after  serving  21  years  as  plant  physician 
at  the  Standard  Oil  company  refinery  in  Whiting,  Ind, 

SUer  is  a  1944  graduate  of  the  Northwestern  University 
medical  school. 

Top:  On  hand  to  share  in  the  festivities  and  wish  Dr.  George  Siler  a 
happy  retirement  were,  left  to  right:  Mike  Stroden,  Eriinda  Lapid,  R.N., 
Dr.  Siler  and  his  wife,  Lois,  Brenda  Alston,  Kay  Smith,  Michele  Hawkins, 
Beverly  Jackson  and  Earl  Boyd. 

Bottom:  Executive  Director  George  Krambles  presents  Dr.  Siler  with 
his  retirement  portfolio. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


JOINING  THE  ranks  of  the  retired  on  April  1 
were  the  two  employes  pictured  below  who  had 
more  than  40  years  of  service  each  with  CTA 
and  its  predecessor  companies. 


. GUNDERSON 

44  Years 


JOHN  CHOLLY,  Operator, 

Beverly,  Emp.  8-11-47 
DENNIS  DRISIANE,  Stock  Clerk  I, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  5-5-47 
BASIL  DUKE,  Operator, 

Beverly,  Emp.  3-6-67 
PAUL  FIDANZE,  Supervisor, 

Security,  Emp.  12-30-42 
RUSSELL  GUNDERSON,  Chief  Clerk, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  7-10-35 
GEORGE  KRAMBLES,  Executive  Director, 

Executive,  Emp.  2-3-37 
JOSEPH  LUSCALZO,  Operator, 

Lawndale,  Emp.  10-21-42 
SAMXTEL  MILLER,  Manager, 

Financial  Services,  Emp.  11-18-74 
JOSEPH  MOLLO,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  1-11-43 
EILEEN  J.  NEURAUTER,  Cust.  Serv.  Rep., 

Public  Affairs,  Emp.  10-12-43 
JOHN  NEWMAN,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  5-28-46 
GEORGE  SILER,  Medical  Director, 

Medical,  Emp.  11-22-71 
EDWARD  STEFFAN,  Operator, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  12-6-45 
JACOB  SUMNER,  Schedule  Maker, 

Schedules,  Emp.  6-15-37 
WILLIAM  TIMMERMAN,  Line  Helper, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  10-10-45 
JOHN  ULANSKE,  Lineman, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  4-3-47 
JOSEPH  VASA,  Mobile  Bus  Repairman, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  3-21-49 


DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

MICHAEL  JULA,  Bus  Repairer, 
77th  Street,  Emp.  9-11-46 

GASPARE  STABILE,  Trackman, 
West  Shops,  Emp.  7-3-68 


PIETRO  ACCETTURA,  79,  Engineering, 

Emp.  5-12-43,  Died  2-7-80 

BENJAMIN  AMSTERDAM,  87,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  3-20-13,  Died  2-7-80 
JOHN  ANDERSON,  88,  Devon, 

Emp.  12-30-19,  Died  2-27-80 
JOHN  BERCK,  83,  West  Section, 

Emp.  12-2-20,  Died  2-25-80 
NORA  BROWN,  72,  North  Section, 

Emp.  10-17-53,  Died  2-4-80 
GEORGE  BURNS,  78,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  1-3-45,  Died  2-3-80 
HENRY  CARTER,  63,  61st  Street, 

Emp.  11-7-53,  Died  2-22-80 
SAMUEL  CASELMAN,  66,  Campaign  Area, 

Emp.  10-8-45,  Died  1-26-80 
RAYMOND  DAVIDSON,  65,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  4-28-42,  Died  2-15-80 
EDWARD  DEVTNE,  73,  Purchasing, 

Emp.  6-5-20,  Died  2-14-80 
FRANK  DISCH,  68,  Public  Affairs, 

Emp.  4-3-36,  Died  2-26-80 
PAUL  DRAFZ,  87,  Electrical, 

Emp.  4-12-09,  Died  2-26-80 
ALBERT  EVERS,  69,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  8-14-41,  Died  2-13-80 
PRYDE  FIELDS,  71,  South  Section, 

Emp.  3-13-47,  Died  2-17-80 
EDWARD  FISCHER,  77,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  10-1-28,  Died  2-14-80 
CARL  FROOM,  86,  Limits, 

Emp.  4-23-29,  Died  2-19-80 


ROBERT  HACKBARTH,  63,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  9-21-36,  Died  2-4-80 
RICHARD  HALLIGAN,  72,  North  Park, 

Emp.  4-22-29,  Died  2-15-80 
NEMESIO  HERNANDEZ,  39,  North  Ave., 

Emp.  9-21-72,  Died  3-20-80 
BARTOLOMEO  MIRABELLA,  77,  69th  St., 

Emp.  9-3-42,  Died  2-27-80 
JOHN  MORLEY,  87,  South  Section, 

Emp.  5-16-17,  Died  2-26-80 
FRANK  MUCYNSKI,  80,  Archer, 

Emp.  1-9-29,  Died  2-5-80 
NICHOLAS  MUENCHEN,  79,  North  Park, 

Emp.  5-21-26,  Died  2-5-80 
JOSEPH  MURPHY,  74,  North  Park, 

Emp.  12-7-28,  Died  2-26-80 
CORNELIUS  O'CONNOR,  65,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  2-16-43,  Died  2-25-80 
HERMAN  OLSON,  76,  West  Section, 

Emp.  2-6-43,  Died  2-23-80 
JESSE  PEAK,  47,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  11-26-73,  Died  3-23-80 
LEO  PORTER,  58,  52nd  Street, 

Emp.  3-19-53,  Died  3-7-80 
JOHN  REGAN,  92,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  3-2-11,  Died  2-27-80 
FLOYD  SCHRIEBER,  68,  South  Section, 

Emp.  8-6-66,  Died  2-25-80 
WILLIAM  SUSKE,  81,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  1-17-27,  Died  2-3-80 
OLLIE  THOMAS,  Sr.,  60,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  10-24-72,  Died  2-8-80 
PHILLIP  WINNICK,  66,  Skokie  Shop, 

Emp.  10-27-48,  Died  2-11-80 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  April 


35  years 


F.  W.  Koziol,  North  Park 


30  years 


D.  M.  Allen,  69th  Street 
M.  Cumberlander,  Utility 
M.  J.  Fabian,  SI<ol<ie  Shop 
C.  J.  Frassico,  Forest  Glen 
P.  J.O'Sullivan,  District  D 
M.  Porter,  77th  Street 
A.  Sonju,  Forest  Glen 
T.  M.  Szewc,  Electrical 
R.  E.Williams,  Electrical 


25  years 


J.  C.  Johnson,  Instruction 

H.  S.  Malczewski,  North  Avenue 

H.  A.  Piercy,  North  Park 

E.  Williams,  Beverly 

J.  W.  Woodson,  Instruction 


While  vacationing  recently  at  a  friend's  home  in 
Sun  City,  Arizona,  Russ  Warnstedt  (left).  Sug- 
gestion Plan  (75),  discovered  that  an  old  friend 
and  former  CTA  employe  now  retired,  George 
Benshish,  Internal  Auditing  (75),  lived  only 
three  blocks  away.  George  and  Russ  had  a 
grand  old  time  reminiscing  about  the  "good  old 
days."  George  said  he  had  been  visited  by  two 
other  CTA  retirees -John  Gritis,  Duplicating 
(78),  and  Garr  Francis,  Photographic  (73). 
George  says  he  would  enjoy  hearing  from  all 
his  CTA  friends. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Number  4 


Volume  33 

Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA. 
Editorial  and  graphics  by  the  Public  Affairs 
Department:  Bill  Baxa,  Acting  Manager;  Staff,  Mel 
Alexander,  Christine  Borcic,  Kathy  Byrne,  Jack 
Sowchin,  Jeff  Stern.  Produced  by  the  Adminis- 
trative Services  Unit  under  the  direction  of  Charles 
T.  Zanin. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  $2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NBNS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


APRIL,  1980 


15 


WANTED 


for  the  June  issue  of  TRANSIT  NEWS: 

Pictures  of  high  school  or  college  students 
graduating  in  1980  who  are  sons  or 
daughters  of  CTA  employees. 

All  pictures  must  be  taken  by  a  profes- 
sional photographer  and  MUST  be  wallet 
size.  On  the  back  of  the  picture,  please 
provide  the  student's  full  name  and  school 
as  well  as  the  employee's  name  and  work 
location.  Pictures  will  be  returned. 

Please  submit  pictures  to:  CTA  TRANSIT 
NEWS,     Merchandise     Mart,     Room     742, 
Chicago,  I L  60654. 
Deadline    for    Pictures    -    May    16,    1980 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   NO,   8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRARY 
NORTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY 
1r3lO  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EVAIISTON,  IL         60201 


TN 


TRANSPOT^TATION  imm 


Building  a 
playground 
under  the 'L 


There's  a  lot  of  concrete  at  the  Cabrini-Green 
housing  project  on  the  near  north  side.  There  are 
also  a  lot  of  children  who  need  more  than  concrete 
and  asphalt  to  play  vipon.  Living  in  this  highly  popu- 
lated area,  many  of  the  children  think  of  trees  and 
grass  as  things  that  only  grow  on  television. 

Yet,  tucked  tmdemeath  the  'L'  tracks  between 
Evergreen  and  Goethe  is  the  beginning  of  a  little 
oasis  of  green  that  some  children  are  developing  for 
themselves. 

The  CTA  is  playing  a  role  in  this  project  by  leasing 
the  property  underneath  the  right-of-way  to  the 
children,  ages  4  to  14,  A  "yard  and  garden"  permit 
has  been  issued,  so  now  the  area  that  the  children 
have  worked  so  hard  to  develop  will  legally  be  theirs 
for  the  duration  of  the  lease. 

This  area,  when  completed,  will  be  a  picnic  ground 
and  play  area  adjacent  to  a  tennis  court  that  the 
children  have  already  built. 

These  youngsters  are  all  members  of  the  Cabrini- 
Green  Community  Sandlot  Tennis  Club.  The  club 
spent  much  of  last  summer  and  fall  cleaning  out  the 
trash  from  imdemeath  the  'L'  structure.  They  re- 
moved old  tree  stumps,  branches,  garbage;  raked  and 
planted  grass  seeds.  In  all,  over  60  tons  of  trash  was 
removed  from  the  block  long  area. 

The  children  have  already  painted  the  fence  adja- 
cent to  their  new  picnic  area.  The  club's  president. 
Captain  Joseph  Owen,  in  whose  name  the  property  will 
be  leased,  says  the  children  are  eagerly  awaiting 
warm  weather  so  that  they  can  install  picnic  tables, 
touch  up  their  pauit  job,  and  cut  the  grass. 

(continued  on  page  2) 


Top:      As  a  Ravenswood  train  passes  overhead,  some  children  paint, 
others  play  tennis  on  a  court  they  built  last  year. 

Middle:   These  two  little  girls  seem  to  be  enjoying  their  work. 

Bottom:      Spring  Clean    Up?     Actually,  this  is  just  a  touch-up.     The 
children  cleared  away  60  tons  of  rubbish  last  Autumn. 

^  J,      ii^^iTicTiw^rj;^ 

W  I     ^^1    FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

\^  liWl  MAY,  1980 


Above:  Captain  Owen  and  Merrltt  Kotin,  director,  Keal 
Estate,  discuss  underthe-'L'-improvements. 

Right:  Just  before  they  got  to  work,  Captain  Owen  and 
members  of  the  Cabrini-Green  Community  Sandlot  Tennis 
Club  posed  for  a  picture. 

This  community  improvement  project  began  in  1973 
when  Captain  Owen's  newsboy  expressed  an  interest 
in  tennis,  but  had  nowhere  to  play.  Owen,  a  Director- 
Captain  in  the  U.S.  Public  Health  Service  and  a  re- 
tired Army  Lt.  Colonel,  not  only  gave  lessons  to  the 
newsboy  and  his  friends,  but  taught  them  how  to  build 
tennis  courts  from  donated  concrete  and  sando 

Children  gathered  around  Owen  and  his  little 
helpers,  more  out  of  curiosity  than  any  interest  in 
tennis,  but  soon  they  joined  the  project  and  the  club 
was  bom.  Today,  many  large  corporations,  more 
affluent  tennis  clubs,  and  individuals  donate  cash, 
paint,  and  tennis  supplies. 

Owen's  tennis  technique  concentrates  on  learning 
to  control  the  spin  of  the  ball,  and  he  designed  tiny 
rackets  for  the  smaller  children.  Rackets  are  given 
to  all  club  members^ 

"Dues"  for  membership  are  "cleaning  up;  painting 
up;  fixing  up;  and  passing  five  spin-the-ball  tests." 
While  the  club's  main  purpose  is  to  provide  good, 
clean,  constructive  fim,  it  also  keeps  the  children 
occupied  and  out  of  trouble,  while  instilling  a  sense 
of  pride  and  accomplishment.  Some  of  the  youngsters 
involved  have  gone  on  to  college,  often  joining  tennis 
teams  there. 

The  Cabrini  group  hopes  to  expand  their  imder  the 
'  L'  improvement  this  summer.  The  cliildren  are 
willing  to  put  in  the  effort  to  bviild  another  play  area. 
In  fact,  they  almost  seem  to  enjoy  building  the  sites 
more  than  playing  on  them ! 

Owen  received  the  Chicago  Sun-Times  Thomas 
Jefferson  Award  this  year,  and  the  Robert  F.  Kennedy 
Ripple  of  Hope  award  in  1978  for  his  tennis  program. 
He  has  also  organized  tennis,  art,  and  music  festivals 
in  all  of  the  Cabrini  area  schools.  Often  in  his  imi- 
form  (Public  Health  Service  Officers  wear  Navyimi- 
forms),  more  than  one  child  has  confused  him  with  the 
captain  of  the  Love  Boat. 


Middle:    With  one  big  reach,  youngster  puts  the  finishing  touch  on  his 
paint  job. 

Bottom:     Youngsters  brighten  the  'L'  structure  with  a  fresh  coat  of 
green  paint. 

The  success  of  the  program  is  attributed  to  the 
fact  that  the  children  do  everything  themselves,  and 
regard  the  results  as  their  own  property.  Since  the 
first  year  of  the  club,  there  has  been  very  little 
vandalism. 

This  summer,  as  the  Ravenswood  train  nunbles 
overhead,  the  yoimgsters  of  the  Cabrini-Green  public 
housing  property  will  have  a  tiny  piece  of  the  country 
to  picnic  and  play  upon,  just  a  little  green  space  that 
tiny  children  have  worked  hard  to  build  for  themselves. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Ms.  Joby  H.  Berman  was  appointed 
manager  of  the  External  Affairs  Division 
of  the  CTA,  effective  May  1,  by  Eugene  M. 
Barnes,  CTA  chairman.  Ms.  Berman  for- 
merly was  the  director  of  the  Division  of 
Public  Transportation  of  the  Illinois  De- 
partment of  Transportation. 

The  new  Division  of  External  Affairs  is 
being  created  to  focus  on  the  consumer 
perspective  and  highlight  the  CTA's  con- 
cerns for  its  users.  An  aggressive  mar- 
keting program  will  be  established  to 
match  consumer  needs  with  transit  ser- 
vices. 

"The  mission  of  the  External  Affairs 
Division  is  to  ensure  that  consumer  needs 
and  interests  are  adequately  addressed  and 
acted  upon,"  said  Barnes.  "One  of  my 
goals  since  coming  to  the  CTA  as  chair- 
man has  been  to  be  more  responsive  to  the 
needs  and  suggestions  of  our  riders. 

"We  are  placing  strong  emphasis  on 
consumer  affairs  and  elevating  its  activities 
to  the  department  level.  Ms.  Berman,  the 
division  manager,  will  report  directly  to 
me,"  added  Barnes. 

"Ms.  Berman  brings  to  the  CTA  ex- 
pertise in  the  public  transit  field.  We  are 
happy  that  she  is  joining  the  CTA  team," 
said  Barnes. 

As  part  of  the  organization  of  the  Ex- 
ternal Affairs  Division,  William  Baxa  was 
named  manager  of  the  Public  Affairs  De- 
partment. 

Under  the  External  Affairs  Division  are 
three  departments — Consumer  Affairs, 
Public  Affairs,  and  Marketing. 

Consumer  Affairs 

A  new  department  has  been  established 
dealing  with  community  and  customer  re- 
lations. This  department  will  promote  CTA 
In  the  neighborhoods  and  with  special  user 
markets  by  creating  advocacy  roles  with 
neighborhood  organizations,  students,  sen- 
ior citizens,  and  the  handicapped.  Activi- 
ties will  include  the  expansion  of  the  sales 


Ms.  Joby  H.  Berman 
appointed  manager  of 
External  Affairs  Division 

Bill  Baxa  named 
manager  of  Public  Affairs 

Joby  H.  Berman 


of  special  fare  passes  and  other  consumer 
revenue  promotions  and  broaden  and  im- 
prove transit  information  to  the  riding 
public. 

Public  Affairs 

This  department  will  coordinate  media 
relations  with  the  press,  radio  and  tele- 
vision on  all  matters  dealing  with  the  CTA. 
There  will  be  a  publications  section  to 
oversee  the  monthly  employe  newspaper, 
maps,  and  otlier  special  interest  informa- 
tion. 

Marketing 

A  new  department  has  been  created 
which  will  be  responsible  for  market  re- 
search, service  development,  advertising, 
and  promotion.  This  department  has  yet 
to  be  developed. 

Ms.  Berman  comes  to  the  CTA  after 
having  been  associated  with  the  Illinois 
Department  of  Transportation  as  director 
of  the  Division  of  Public  Transportation 
for  seven  years. 

In  that  capacity,  she  was  responsible 
for  planning,  developing,  coordinating,  and 
implementing  all  of  the  state's  transit 
programs. 

Major  accomplishments  included  in- 
volvement in  the  creation  of  the  Regional 
Transportation  Authority,  obtaining  operat- 
ing subsidies  for  all  Illinois  transit  car- 
riers, and  she  was  a  member  of  the  nego- 
tiating team  that  settled  the  five-year  dis- 
pute regarding  the  Chicago  Crosstown  Ex- 
pressway. 

From  1965  to  1971,  Ms.  Berman  was  a 
city  planner  with  the  Chicago  Committee 
for  Economic  and  Cultural  Development. 
In  that  capacity,  she  developed  and  managed 
the  first  federally-funded  public  transpor- 
tation demonstration  project  in  Chicago 
which  was  the  CTA's  O'Hare  Express  bus 
service  between  the  Jefferson  Park  rapid 
transit  terminal  and  the  airport. 


William  Baxa 

Ms.  Berman  has  a  degree  in  sociology 
from  the  University  of  Michigan  at  Ann 
Arbor,  and  also  has  studied  at  Stanford 
University,  and  Carnegie- Mellon  Univer- 
sity. 

Ms.  Berman  holds  memberships  in  the 
American  Association  of  State  Highway  and 
Transportation  Officials,  Transportation 
Research  Board,  American  Public  Transit 
Association,  American  Society  of  Planning 
Officials,  and  Who's  Who  in  Govemmento 

Ms.  Berman,  41,  is  married  and  the 
mother  of  three  children. 

William  Baxa,  who  has  been  in  the  de- 
partment for  22  years,  started  as  a  news- 
writer  and  has  held  various  positions 
throughout  his  career.  He  was  assistant 
director.  Public  Information;  director. 
Public  Information;  director.  Special 
Projects,  and  most  recently  was  acting 
manager,  Public  Affairs. 

Baxa,  53 ,  was  graduated  from  St.  Mary' s 
College,  Winona,  Minnesota,  and  has  studied 
at  Loyola  and  Northwestern  Universities. 

He  is  married  and  the  father  of  five 
children. 


MAY,  1980 


David  Hardin  honored  by  Chicago  Police 


Conductor  David  Hardin  (West 
Section)  received  tlie  Citizen's  Award 
of  the  Chicago  Pohce  Department  in 
ceremonies  held  in  pohce  headquarters 
April  16. 

Hardin  was  cited  for  his  part  in 
the  capture  and  subsequent  arrest  on 
January  7  of  a  purse  snatcher.  The 
susfiect  has  a  long  record  of  of- 
fenses, the  police  said. 

Deputy  Supt.  Ira  Harris,  Bureau 
of  Community  Services,  made  the 
presentation  in  the  crime  laboratory 
auditorium,  1121  S.  State  st. 

The  award  was  for  Hardin's  swift 
response  to  the  call  for  help  from 
the  victim  who  chased  the  purse 
snatcher  from  Hardin's  westbound  train 
stopped  at  the  Kedzie  station  on  the 
Lake  street  elevated  route. 

"It  happened  so  fast,  I  didn't  realize 
the  danger."  Hardin  said.  "I  heard 
this  woman's  call  for  help  and  saw  her 
chasing  a  man  from  the  train  as  he  held 
a  woman's  purse. 

'I  ran  after  the  tleeing  man,  spun 
him  around,  and  pushed  him  against 
the  side  of  the  train.  The  woman  was 
saying  that  the  man  had  stolen  her 
purse. 

■'Then  I  realized  I  didn't  know 
what  I  was  going  to  do  with  him, 
after  I  had  him." 

Just  then  Lawrence  Butler,  an 
off-duty  policeman,  stepped  up, 
showed  his  badge  to  Hardin  and  took 
custody  of  the  suspect. 

Hardin  summoned  additional  police 


Conductor  David  Hardin  (from  left).  Police  Deputy  Supt.  Ira  Harris,  and  Policeman  Lawrence 
Butler  at  Chicago  Police  Department  awards  ceremony.  Hardin  and  Butler  received  citations 
from  Harris  for  their  part  in  capturing  purse  snatcher. 


help  from  liis  motorman's  train  phone. 
Minutes  later  the  train  was  on  its  way. 

"This  young  man  put  his  Ufe  and 
safety  on  the  line  in  tliis  effort," 
Harris  told  the  audience  at  the 
ceremony.  "He  voluntarily  came  to 
the    aid    of   a    citizen   needing   help." 

The  citation  states. 

"This    award    is    an    expression    of 


appreciation  for  the  assistance  given 
the  Chicago  Police  Department  in 
apprehending  criminals. 

"This  act  is  gratefully  acknowledged 
on  behalf  of  the  Chicago  Police  De- 
partment and  citizens  of  greater 
Cliicago." 

The  citation  is  signed  by  Richard 
J.     Brzeczek.     police    superintendent. 


Muraski,  Venticinque  named  outstanding  apprentices 


Two  CTA  shop  employes  attending  Washbume  Trade 
School  of  the  Chicago  Board  of  Education  have  received 
Outstanding  Apprentice  Awards  for  1980. 

They  are  Martin  Muraski,  20,  sheet  metal  worker  in 
South  Shops,  and  Martin  Venticinque,  28,  machinist  in 
Skokie  Shop. 

Both  men  received  gold  wrist  watches  and  certificates  of 
achievement  citing  them  for  high  grades  and  craftsmanship, 
workmanship,  safety,  and  human  relations. 

They  were  among  37  Washbume  students  honored  at  the 
12th    Annual    Award    Dinner    sponsored    by    the    Building 


Trades  Council,  Buildmg  Construction  Employers'  Associ- 
ation, and  the  Chicago  Board  of  Education. 

The  awards  dinner  was  held  April  1 1  in  the  Conrad 
Hilton  hotel. 

Ralph  D.  Cusick,  Washburne's  director,  said  the  awards 
were  for  the  students'  abilities  to  recognize  the  aesthetic 
value  of  quality  work,  their  ability  to  do  quality  work  with 
skill  and  precision,  their  knowledge  of  safety  and  practices 
of  safe  work  habits,  and  their  abihty  to  work  well  for  and 
with  others. 


Martin  Muraski  (right)  receives  congratulations  in  South  Shops  from 
Frank  Hecht  (left)  sheet  metal  shop  union  steward  (now  deceased), 
and  Ray  Klaub,  sheet  metal  foreman.  Muraski  holds  plaque  made  for 
him  by  his  sheet  metal  shop  teacher,  Fred  Schumacher. 


Martin  Venticinque  (right)  receives  congratulations  from  Robert 
Flowers,  area  superintendent,  rail  vehilcle  maintenance,  who  heads 
Skokie  Shop. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


promotions 


Mary  Boski 

Mary  BosM,  superintendent  in 
the  Office  of  the  Executive  Direc- 
tor since  1977,  has  been  appointed 
director,  Forms/Records  Manage- 
ment, Management  Services. 
Boski  joined  CTA  as  a  typist  in 
the  Insurance  Department  in  1950. 
She  moved  to  the  office  of  the  As- 
sistant Secretary  in  1952  and  be- 
came administrative  clerk.  In- 
spections and  Security  two  years 


later,  serving  as  stenographer  to 
John  E.  Blare,  executive  assistant 
to  the  General  Manager.  In  1964 
Boski  was  assigned  as  adminis- 
trative clerk  to  George  Krambles 
while  he  was  Skokle  Swift  project 
manager,  moving  to  Research  & 
Planning  in  1966.  In  1972  she  was 
chosen  secretarial  assistant. 
Operations,  and,  in  1975,  executive 
secretary /supervisor.  General 
Operations. 

In  other  job  reassignments, 
Karen  Domino,  former  unit  su- 
pervisor, Central  Assignment, 
has  been  selected  assistant  super- 
intendent. Agents.  Walter  Alex- 
ander, former  station  clerk,  69th 
Street,  and  Joseph  Grady,  former 
driver.  Forest  Glen,  are  now 
management/professional  interns. 
Bus  Service.  Joseph  Fucarino, 
former  carpenter.  Plant  Mainte- 
nance, has  been  chosen  unit  su- 
pervisor, Buildings  &  Grounds,  in 
the  same  section. 

Gail  Halleran,  former  steno- 
grapher, Claims/Real  Estate/ 
Sales,  has  been  selected  confi- 
dential office  assistant.  Law. 
Michael  McGovem, former  transit 
professional  trainee.  Human 
Resources  -Training/Development 
Programs,  has  been  named  system 
safety  monitor/inspector.  Safety, 
and,    in    Materials    Management- 


Procurement,  Ilias  Khan  has 
moved  from  buyer  to  procurement 
engineero 

In  Transportation-West  Section, 
Charles  White  has  been  promoted 
from  conductor  to  yard  foreman. 
New  in  Transportation- Utility  as 
service  truck  chauffeurs  are  for- 
mer bus  drivers  David  Harris 
(Lawndale)  and  Eddie  Harris 
(Beverly). 

Former  bus  repairers  now 
serving  as  relief  foremen.  Vehicle 
Maintenance-North  Avenue,  in- 
clude James  Williams  (69th 
Street),  Daniel  Ahem  (Forest 
Glen),  and  Bruce  Norgard  (North 
Avenue).  William  Wilson,  former 
bus  repairer.  Campaign,  is  now 
relief  foreman,  69th  Street,  while 
James  Thompson,  another  former 
bus  repairer  from  the  same  lo- 
cation, has  been  selected  sub- 
station attendant.  Plant  Mainte- 
nance. 

In  Operations  Planning,  James 
Teriy  has  moved  from  traffic 
checker  to  traffic  clerk.  Marsha 
Gochenour,  former  utility  clerk. 
Insurance  &  Pensions,  has  been 
chosen  statistical  typist.  Manage- 
ment Services,  and.  In  Materials 
Management-Procurement,  Cath- 
erine Brady  has  been  reassigned 
from  reception  clerk  to  utility 
clerk. 


Left:  Miss  Tina  Poulos,  daughter  of  Motor- 
man  Antonio  Poulos,  Jefferson  Park,  and  his 
wife,  Coula,  was  awarded  a  Bachelor  of  Arts 
degree  in  communications  design  at  University 
of  Illinois  Chicago  Circle  Campus,  on  March  1 5. 


Right:  Congratulations  to  Operator  William 
Thompson,  Archer,  who  has  been  named  to 
the  National  Dean's  List  while  working 
toward  an  associate's  degree  in  Liberal  Arts 
at  Richard  J.  Daley  College.  In  1978,  Thomp- 
son earned  an  associate's  degree  in  Trans- 
portation from  Daley  College. 


MAY,  1980 


Efrain  Villareal  (North  section) 
received  praise  from  Esparanza 
De  Lara  of  Northwest  Highway, 
who  rode  on  his  Ravenswood 
train.  "I  climbed  aboard  the  "L" 
in  a  very  bad  mood  because  I 
was  late  for  work.  As  I  sat  on 
the  seat,  sleepy  and  tired,  I  heard 
a  dear,  crisp,  delightful  voice 
over  the  intercom  saying  the 
stops;  and  every  third  stop  he 
would  say  'Have  a  nice  day'. 
The  smiles  I  saw  around  me  were 
enough  to  put  my  bad  mood  out 
the  window  and  wear  a  smile 
myself,  all  due  to  one  man's 
effort!" 


Ellis  May  (Archer  garage)  won 
the  heartfelt  appreciation  of  the 
family  of  Nathaniel  Winters  of 
Keeler  avenue  for  his  quick 
action  when  Mr.  Winters  became 
ill  on  his  Archer  bus.  "Our 
father  suddenly  became  III  and 
passed  out  near  Western  avenue. 
The  prompt  action  of  the  driver 
in  summoning  the  paramedics 
resulted  in  his  being  released 
from  the  hospital  five  hours 
later.  We  are  indeed  grateful 
for  the  happy  ending." 


commendation  corner 


HERMAN  LLOYD  (52nd  Street  garage)  impressed 
Edgar  Prasse  of  Chicago,  a  rider  on  the  #5  Jeffeiy 
bus.  "From  the  time  people  get  on  the  bus  to  liie  time 
they  get  off,  he  is  a  model  of  complete  courtesy.  He 
is  patient  with  people  fumbling  for  money  as  they  get 
cm,  and  reminds  them  to  watch  their  step  on  alighting 
from  the  bus.  He  not  only  calls  all  the  streets  but  the 
downtown  hotels  and  theaters  as  well.  This  happens 
in  a  clear  and  distinct  voice,  and  driver  #4668  is  an 
example  of  the  CTA  at  its  best.  His  effectiveness  is 
exceeded  only  by  his  courteous  manner.  My  day  al- 
ways brightens  when  I  catch  him  as  my  driver." 
#### 

CONRAD  WEIL  (Forest  Glen  garage)  was  praised 
by  Helen  Pasier  of  West  Leland  for  his  operation  of 
the  #91  Austin  bus.  "Driver  #3959  always  has  a  big 
smile  and  kind  words  for  everyone,  young  or  old.  He 
is  jolly  and  everyone  on  the  bus  just  loves  this  man.  I 
ride  the  bus  with  several  others  every  morning,  and  he 
makes  the  day  for  all  of  us.  I  could  go  on  and  on 
about  this  terrific  man,  who  should  be  nominated  for 
driver  of  the  year ! " 

#### 

ELLIE  ELAM  (69th  Street  garage)  was  called  a 
"remarkably  exceptional  operator"  by  Jon  Osborne,  a 
passenger  on  her  #55  Garfield  bus.  "She  went  out  of 
her  way  to  be  courteous  to  everyone  who  boarded  the 
bus,  greeting  people  as  they  boarded  the  bus.  When 
one  passenger  refused  to  pay,  the  driver  was  stubborn, 
but  courteous,  and  the  passenger  eventually  deposited 
his  fare.  It  was  raining  that  day,  and  when  we  stopped 
at  a  red  light  at  Cottage  Grove,  a  southbound  bus  be- 
gan to  pass  by.  She  asked  quickly  if  anyone  wanted  to 
make  a  connection.  Some  passengers  did,  and  the 
driver  signaled  the  other  bus  to  wait.  Several  people 
made  their  transfer  without  having  to  stand  in  the 
rain.  Tve  seen  courteous  and  efficient  drivers  be- 
fore, but  #7871  was  outstanding." 
#### 


CARL  AIKENS  (Archer  garage)  received  favorable 
comments  from  passenger  Allen  Eckert  for  his  good 
driving  on  the  #15  Canal/Wacker  bus.  "Driver  #4502 
is  not  only  constantly  considerate  of  his  passengers, 
even  imder  the  most  trying  of  circimistaiices,  he  is 
quite  an  expert  driver  and  more  than  once  it  has  been 
through  his  efforts  alone  that  accidents  have  been 
avoided — accidents  inspired  by  careless  motorists, 
particularly  taxi  drivers.  Yet  I  have  never  seen  him 
become  incensed  or  even  mildly  irritated.  When  pas- 
sengers become  surly  or  belligerent,  his  comments 
are  always  respectful  and  courteous.  It  is  a  delight 
to  get  off  this  bus  and  have  his  sincere  'Have  a  good 
day'  as  a  warm  thought  to  carry  along." 
#### 

CHARLES  YOUNG  (Forest  Park)  was  commended 
by  Albert  Novak  of  West  Addison,  Chicago,  who  rode 
on  Yoimg's  Jefferson  Park  train.  "He  is  the  first 
conductor  I  have  ever  heard  announcing  the  next  stop 
as  the  train  pulled  away  from  a  station.  He  informs 
the  passengers  that  they  are  riding  on  a  "B"  train, 
tells  them  what  stops  they  will  make  and  which  ones 
they  will  skip.  If  a  passenger  needs  to  transfer,  he 
or  she  is  well  informed  ahead  of  time.  It  is  a  pleas- 
ure to  be  a  passenger  of  someone  who  is  truly  respect- 
ful of  his  job  and  responsibilities." 
#### 

WILLIAM  JOHNSON  (52nd  Street  garage)  received 
kind  words  from  Mrs.  R.  B.  Mitchell  of  East  33rd,  a 
passenger  on  his  #1  Drexel  route.  "#6219  is  a  very 
courteous  driver.  He  always  drives  to  the  curb  when 
he  picks  up  or  drops  off  passengers,  and  advises 
everyone  to  watch  their  step.  He  calls  all  bus  numbers 
and  destinations  at  transfer  points,  and  announces  all 
hospitals  and  other  important  buildings  on  the  route. 
A  visitor  to  the  city  would  never  get  lost  while  trav- 
eling on  this  bus.  He  answers  all  questions  with  a 
smile,  making  it  a  pleasure  to  travel  with  him.  I  hope 
there  will  be  more  drivers  like  him." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Among  other  operating  em- 
ployes receiving  commendations 
recently  were: 

Byron  Acker  and  Claudio  Al- 
varez, both  of  North  Park. 

Lerline  Ball,  77th  Street;  Lar- 
ry Bergquist  and  Nikola  Blago- 
jevic,  both  of  Limits;  Albert 
Brown,  52nd  Street;  Everett 
Brown,  Forest  Glen;  and  Willie 
Brown,  69th  Street. 

Naomi  Caldwell,  77th  Street; 
John  Cameron,  Ashland;  Sergio 
Candelaria,  Limits;  Leroy  Carr, 
NoiHi  Park;  and  Tyree  Cobb  Jr., 
Forest  Glen. 

Samuel  Davenport,  North  Park; 
Thomas  Dohoney,  Forest  Glen; 
and  Eugene  Embry,  Ashland. 

Lynette  Flowers  and  Verla 
Friend,  both  of  North  Avenue. 

Ted  Galus  and  Wallacene  Good, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  C.  Griffin  and 


James  Griffin  m,  both  of  77th 
Street;  Terrence  Griffin,  Archer; 
and  Luis  Gualdron,  North  Park. 

Eldred  Hall,  North  Park;  and 
George  Hartwig,  Forest  Glen. 

Henry  Jackson,  69th  Street; 
Boy  Jenkins  Jr.,  Lawndale;  Jo- 
seph Johnson,  Beverly;  Richard 
Jones,  77th  Street;  and  Michael 
Jordan,  North  Park. 

James  Kearney,  North  Park. 

George  Lantz,  Forest  Glen; 
Nathaniel  Lee  Jr.,  Ashland;  and 
Ruben  Lopez,  North  Park. 

Kevin  Majors  and  William  Man- 
deldove,  both  of  Forest  Glen;  Jes- 
se Marshall  Jr.,  North  Park;  Al- 
bert McCormick  and  Orville  Mur- 
ray, both  of  77th  Street;  Earl 
Miles,  Lawndale;  and  Albert  Mor- 
rison, North  Avenue. 

Michael  Nicholson,  Beverly. 

Daniel     Olvera,     Limits;     and 


Tommy  Owens,  North  Avenue. 

Claudette  Panfil,  North  Park; 
Emanuel  Paul  and  Walter  Poppe, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  Beverly  Phil- 
lips, 77th  Street;  Davis  Price, 
Howard/Kimball;  and  Bobbie  Pru- 
itt.  South  Section. 

Lorenzo  Ramos  Jr.  and  Mar- 
garet Robertson,  both  of  Forest 
Glen. 

Tuesday  Simpson,  Limits;  and 
Eddie  Smith,  North  Avenue o 

Romulo  Tamondong,  North 
Park. 

Johnny  Van  and  Richard  Vaughn, 
both  of  North  Park;  and  Efrain 
Villarreal,  Howard/Kimball. 

eleven  Wardlow  and  Laurence 
Whitney,  both  of  Limits;  Henderson 
Williams  and  Loyce  Wright,  both 
of  Forest  Glen;  and  Phillip  Wood, 
69th  Street. 

Jacques  Yezeguielian,  Forest 
Glen. 

Joseph  Zukerman,  North  Parkg 


Wedding 
mementos 

When  Dianne  Weier,  forms 
designer.  Forms  Control/ 
Records  Management,  was  a 
teenager,  her  aunt  had  re- 
ceived a  unique  bridal  shower 
gift  that  would  be  a  prized 
possession  for  many  years 
to  come. 

The  gift  was  Dianne's 
aunt's  wedding  invitation 
which  was  trimmed  in  lace, 
and  decorated  with  minia- 
ture flowers,  a  bible  and 
wedding  rings,  and  enclosed 
in  a  wooden  picture  frame. 

Dianne  was  so  thrilled  with  this  that  she  decided  to  make 
one  for  a  friend  who  was  getting  married.  This  was  the 
beginning  of  a  life-long,  sentiment-filled  hobby. 

Now,  as  soon  as  Dianne  receives  a  wedding  invitation,  she 
begins  planning  the  memento.  The  picture  frame  is  chosen 
according  to  the  decor  of  the  soon-to-be-newlywed's  home, 
the  rings  are  selected  by  the  silver  or  gold  of  the  bride's 
engagement  ring,  and  the  flowers  vary  according  to  the 
season. 

Dianne  sews  the  lace,  flowers  and  rings  onto  the  invitation. 
She  designed  the  bible  herself  out  of  cardboard  and  gold  ink. 
It  must  be  pasted  on  because  it  is  too  thick  to  be  stitched. 
The  completed  product  is  both  beautiful  and  sentimental. 

"Friends  who  have  received  them  just  love  them,"  said 
Dianne.  "It's  often  the  most  personal  wedding  gift  they 
receive." 

For  Dianne,  the  best  part  of  making  the  gift  is  seeing  the 
reaction  of  the  recipient.    Many  of  her  friends  at  CTA  have 


received  them,  and  some  of  them  have  asked  Dianne  to  make 
them  for  other  friends. 

Still,  the  mementos  are  so  personahzed  that  they  remain 
very  special  to  anyone  lucky  enough  to  receive  one.  Dianne 
has  had  offers  to  produce  them  commercially,  but  she 
refused,  .saying  that  without  the  personal  reaction  she  just 
didn't  feel  the  same  amount  of  satisfaction. 


MAY,  1980 


QflCAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHosnY 


Minority  businesses 
show  their  wares 

The  CTA  participated  in  the  13th  annual  Chicago 
Business  Opportunity  Fair  at  Expocenter/Chicago  in 
the  Apparel  Center  on  April  22nd  and  23rd.  The  pur- 
pose of  the  Fair  is  to  provide  opportunities  for  more 
than  300  minority  owned  businesses  to  meet  with  and 
explain  their  products  to  over  100  major  corporations. 

At  the  CTA  booth,  staff  from  Materials  Manage- 
ment and  Himian  Resources  departments  met  with 
representatives  of  small  businesses.  After  describ- 
ing their  product  or  service,  the  businessmen  or 
women  filled  out  an  "Application  for  Placement  on 
Bidders'  List"  form  for  Material  Management's  use. 
When  bids  for  particular  products  are  requested,  the 
firms  will  be  notified.  Other  CTA  staffers  visited 
sellers'  booths  for  demonstrations  of  products,  and 
encouraged  the  business  representatives  to  talk 
shop'  with  the  CTA. 

Chairman  Eugene  Barnes  visited  the  CTA  booth 
while  attending  the  Fair.  "The  CTA's  participation  at 
the  Fair  illustrates  our  responsibility  to  commimity 
businesses,"  Barnes  commented.  "The  interaction 
and  mutual  support  shown  here  is  vital  to  the  present 
and  future  of  both  minority  business  and  the  CTA." 

The  Fair  provides  both  minority  businesses  and 
large  corporations  with  lists  of  buyers  and  sellers, 
including  what  types  of  goods  and  services  the  cor- 
porations are  seeking.  The  CTA  was  listed  as  seek- 
ing vendors  in  25  categories  in  such  diverse  fields  as 
plumbing,  catering,  and  building  contractors. 


At  the  CTA  booth,  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  (center,  standing) 
discusses  the  fair  with  Marjorie  Holmes  (left)  supervisor.  Human  Rela- 
tions, and  Mario  Ochoa,  Minority  Business  Enterprises  Program  co- 
ordinator, both  of  the  Human  Resources  department.  Buyers  Edward 
Ahlbrand  and  Olivia  Bradley  (seated  behind  table)  interview  potential 
bidders.  (CTA  photos  by  Bert  Cadney) 


Joe  Cannon  (left)  general  manager,  and  Nelson  Carlo,  president,  of 
Abbott  Pipe  and  Supply  Company,  discuss  possible  business  with 
Mario  Ochoa. 

Sponsors  of  the  Fair  were  the  Chicago  Regional 
Purchasing  Council,  the  Chicago  Economic  Develop- 
ment Corporation,  the  Urban  League,  and  the  National 
Economic  Development  Association. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Evanston  phase  1:  replace  17,000  ties 


One  of  the  CTA's  oldest  stretches  of  "L"  tracks — 
the  72-year-old  Evanston  branch  between  Howard 
terminal  in  Chicago  and  Linden  terminal  in  Wilmette- 
-is  being  replaced. 

The  Sj-mile  long  right-of-way  containing  nearly 
seven  miles  of  tracks  and  more  than  17,000  ties  cur- 
rently is  luidergoing  a  $6.2  million  renewal  project 
scheduled  to  be  completed  in  1982. 

Roy  Smith,  sttperintendent,  civil  engineering,  said 
the  first  phase  of  theproject  is  imderway.  T.P.I.  Con- 
struction Services,  Inc.,  of  Atlanta,  Ga.,  is  now  re- 
placing 17,000  timber  ties  from  the  Chicago  avenue 
overpass  to  the  North  Shore  channel  bridge  in  Evanston 
at  a  cost  of  $1,5  million. 

Later  this  year.  Smith  said,  as  T.P.I,  completes 


its  work,  the  CTA's  maintenance  department  will 
renew  the  Evanston  branch's  grade  crossings  at  Isa- 
bella street  in  Evanston  and  Maple  avenue  in  Wilmette. 

In  1981,  the  CTA  will  replace  the  old  joined  rails 
with  about  33,000  feet  of  modem  continuous  welded 
rails.  This  will  give  passengers  a  smoother,  quieter 
ridCo  The  route's  third  rails  do  not  need  to  be  re- 
placed, Smith  said. 

In  1982,  the  CTA  will  replace  the  rails,  ties,  and 
ballast  on  the  right-of-way  north  from  the  North  Shore 
channel  bridge  to  the  entrance  to  the  Linden  terminal 
yard. 

Funds  for  the  entire  project  come  from  federal  and 
state  governments. 

(CTA  photo  by  Mike  Hoffert) 


On  April  8,  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  (second  from  left),  and 
CTA  General  Operations  Manager  Harold  Geissenheimer  (center), 
toured  the  Control  Center  with  visitors  from  the  Urban  Mass  Trans- 
portation Administration.  At  left  is  UMTA  Administrator  Theodore  C. 
Lutz,  holding  one  of  CTA's  new  radios  that  are  used  by  rapid  transit 
train  crew  members.  Second  from  right  is  UMTA  Regional  Director 
Theodore  G.  Weigle  Jr.,  and  far  right  is  Regional  Chief,  Transit  Assist- 
ance Division,  D.  J.  Mitchell. 


Joe  Daqullante  (left),  assistant  superintendent.  Control  Center,  answers 
questions  from  Alan  Coleman  (far  right)  and  George  Briggs  (second 
from  right),  visitors  from  the  Merseyside  Passenger  Transport  Execu- 
tive in  Liverpool,  England.  Also  shown  during  the  April  15  tour  are 
CTA  General  Operations  Manager  Harold  Geissenheimer,  CTA  Trans- 
portation Manager  James  Blaa,  and  bus  controller  Jack  O'Conner. 
Coleman  and  Briggs  were  studying  CTA's  computerized  Vehicle  Maint- 
enance System  while  planning  a  similar  system  for  use  at  Merseyside. 


MAY,  1980 


CTA  generates  interest  at  job  fairs 


Interest  in  the  CTA  has  never 
been  higher,  and  evidence  of  this 
is  the  overwhelming  response  to 
the  CTA' s  employment  information 
booth  at  two  job  fairs  held  at  the 
Expocenter/ Chicago  at  the  Apparel 
Center  in  April, 

More  than  800  people  expressed 
an  interest  in  working  for  the  CTA 
at  the  WVON  Radio  Job  Fair  and 
the  Women's  '80  Expo.  Applicants 
ranged  from  Tin  skilled  and  un- 
employed individuals  seeking 
entry  level  positions  to  engineers, 
financial  analysts  and  attorneys. 

Marjorie  Holmes,  supervisor, 
Himian  Resources,  coordinator  of 
the  program,  attributed  the  high 
level  of  interest  among  the  pro- 
fessional applicants  to  "CTA's 
reputation  as  a  company  with  good 
security,  stability,  and  benefits 
providing  equal  opportunity. 
These  qualities  attracted  a  lot  of 
professionals  seeking  a  better 
place  to  work." 

Job-seekers  filled  out  an  em- 
ployee profile  listing  their  edu- 
cational background,  previous 
work  experience  and  related 
skills.  College  students  were 
told    of   the    co-operative    trainee 


and  transit  professional  trainee 
programs. 

At  the  WVON  Radio  Job  Fair 
Chairman  Barnes  remarked  that, 
"By  actively  showing  our  interest 
and  need  for  qualified,  new  em- 
ployees, the  CTA  ensures  more 
public  input  and  broader  horizons 
for  itself,  as  well  as  better  pub- 
lic service," 

Lena  Phillips,  Larry  Murphy, 
Rudy  Mendez,  Holmes  and  several 


volimteers  from  the  Human  Re- 
sources Department  had  two  very 
busy  weekends  at  the  fairs,  and 
during  the  weeks  afterwards. 
While  the  staff  was  actively  seek- 
ii^  engineers  and  financial  ana- 
lysts, everyone  filling  out  an  em- 
ployee profile  is  being  considered 
for  employment,  and  the  staff 
must  now  categorize  each  profile. 
If  an  applicant  is  qualified,  and 
there  is  an  opening  available,  the 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


profile  is  forwarded  immediately 
to  placemento  If  the  applicant  is 
qualified,  but  there  is  no  opening 
available  in  his  or  her  field  right 
now,  the  profile  is  maintained  in 
the  Human  Relations  file  imtil  an 
opening  comes  up.  Entry-level 
bus  and  rail  applications  are  sent 
to  Personnel.  Each  applicant  will 
receive  a  postcard  informing  him 
or  her  of  exactly  what  is  being 
done  with  the  employment  profile. 


Opposite  page,  top:  large  crowds  fill  the 
Apparel  Center  lobby  before  the  WVON 
Fair  begins. 


Left:  Lena  Phillips  (left)  and  Marjorie 
Holmes  explain  what  types  of  CTA  careers 
are  available  to  a  large  group  of  women. 


Right:    Holmes  and  Phillips  accept  a  resume 
from  a  prospective  employee. 


The  great  success  of  CTA's 
involvement  at  these  two  job  fairs 
encourages  participation  in  future 
events  of  this  type.  Plans  are  now 
being  made  for  our  participation  in 
a  job  fair  sponsored  by  members 
of  the  Hispanic  commvinity,  mak- 
ing the  CTA's  talent  pool  even 
bigger  and  better. 


Above:  Chairman  Barnes  greets  a  friend  as 
his  daughter,  Eugina,  a  freshman  at  Whitney 
Young  High  School,  observes  the  Human 
Resources  staff:  Lena  Phillips,  Rudy  Mendez 
and  Felipe  Gonzalez. 


MAY,  1980 


With  the  melting  of  Chicago's  snow  at  winter's  end, 
the  fishing  season  starts  heating  up. 

All  anglers  worth  their  lines  and  sinkers  have  al- 
ready hooked  their  tackle  boxes  and  rods  from  tinder 
the  Christmas  decorations  in  attics,  garages,  or  crawl 
spaces  and  are  getting  ready  to  go  after  the  really 
big  ones. 

With  the  soaring  gasoline  prices  these  days,  many 
fishermen  who  once  travelled  hundreds  of  miles  to 
their  favorite  fishing  spots  are  counting  flieir  coins 
and  thinking  twice.  Mother  Nature  and  the  Chicago 
Park  District  have  combined  forces  to  help  anglers 
save  their  money  and  get  plenty  of  fishing,  because 
all  of  the  Park  District's  fishing  locations  can  be 
reached  by  CTA. 

In  addition  to  largemouth  and  smallmouth  bass, 
blueglU,  bullheads,  trout,  perch,  and  catfish,  there's 
the  fast-growing  popularity  of  salmon  fishing  in  Lake 
Michigan.  Thanks  to  the  introduction  of  coho  and 
Chinook  salmon  to  Lake  Michigan  a  couple  of  years 
ago,  Chicago  is  becoming  a  "hot  spot"  for  salmon 
fishing — once  limited  to  the  nation's  coastal  waters. 
These  beauties  can  weigh  from  9  up  to  20  pounds. 

The  Chicago  Park  District  has  fishing  piers  along 
the  lakefront.  There  are  fishing  piers  at  the  foot  of 
Farwell  avenue  in  Loyola  Park,  at  the  ends  of  North 
avenue  and  Montrose  avenue  in  Lincoln  Park,  the 
foot  of  31st  street  in  Bumham  Park,  and  at  the  ends 
of  59th  and  63rd  streets  in  Jackson  Park.  Fishing 
also  is  available  at  park  lagoons  in  Lincoln,  Hum- 
boldt, Garfield,  Columbus,  Douglas,  Washington, 
Jackson,  Marquette,  Sherman,  and  McKinley  Parks. 
For  more  information,  telephone  the  Chicago  Park 
District  at  294-2200. 

In  addition  to  Chicago  Park  District  fishing  lo- 
cations, the  Cook  Coxmty  Forest  Preserve  District 
has  30  locations  open  on  small  lakes,  sloughs,  ponds, 
quarries,  lagoons,  and  the  Des  Plaines  river.  For 
locations,   types    of   fish   available,    regulations,  and 


Fishing  pier  at  end  of  Montrose  avenue  in  Lincoln  parl<. 

(Chicago  Park  District  Photo) 

directions,   telephone  the    District's  headquarters  at 
261-8400  or  366-9420. 

State  law  requires  fishermen  between  the  ages  of 
15  and  65  to  have  a  valid  fishing  license.  The  basic 
license,  good  until  March  31,  1981,  costs  $5.50;  those 
doing  salmon  fishing  must  have  a  $2.50  stamp  affixed 
to  their  license.  The  licenses  and  stamps  can  be 
purchased  at  most  sporting  goods  stores,  from  city 
and  village  clerks,  or  the  Illinois  Department  of  Con- 
sei^fation,  Room  100,  State  of  Illinois  Building,  160 
N.  LaSalle  street,  from  9  a.m.  to  5  p.m.  Mondays 
through  Fridays.  Persons  over  65,  disabled,  or  blind 
are  not  required  to  have  licenses.  For  information 
about  fishing  licenses,  telephone  793-2070. 


Tlie  Omnibus  Society  of  America  chartered  a  CTA  "Big  Bend"  articu- 
lated bus  on  Sunday,  March  23,  for  a  tour  of  the  North  and  West  sides 
of  Chicago,  in  celebration  of  the  10th  birthday  of  Samantha  Lynn 
Kunz  and  the  approximate  first  anniversary  of  articulated  bus  service 
at  CTA.  Shown  in  photo,  left  to  right:  CTA  General  Operations 
Manager  Harold  Geissenheimer,  Samantha  Lynn  Kunz,  her  father, 
Richard  R.  Kunz,  who  is  a  founder  of  the  Omnibus  Society  of  America, 
and  bus  operator  Delia  Lee  (52nd  Street  garage)  who  is  holding  a 
birthday  cake  baked  in  the  shape  of  an  articulated  bus. 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


New  home  for 
historic  sculpture 

Evanston's  33-year-old  transit 
historical  marker  has  been  brou^t  out 
from  behind  the  wrought  iron  fence  at 
the  Davis  street  "L"  station  and  put 
into  the  limelight — where  it  belongs. 

The  four-ton  marker  highlights  the 
entrance  to  the  recently  completed  "L" 
station  where  many  passers-by  have 
paused  to  read  the  marker's  metal 
plaque. 

"Here  stood  from  1886  to  1909  the 
Davis  street  station  of  the  Chicago, 
Milwaukee  and  St.  Paul  Railway  com- 
pany," the  plaque  reads  in  part.  "The 
right-of-way  still  owned  by  its  succes- 
sor the  Chicago,  Milwaukee,  St.  Paul 
and  Pacific  Railroad  Company,  was 
leased  by  the  North  Western  Elevated 
Railroad  Company  in  1907  and  was  ele- 
vated in  1908."  The  CTA  later  bought 
the  right-of-way. 

Concluding  the  inscription,  the 
plaque  reads. .."This  marker  was 
erected  by  the  railroad  company  as  an 
historical  record  of  its  contribution  to 
earlier  transportation  here. 

"Approved  1947  by  the  Evanston  Historical  Society." 

A  spotlight  moimted  in  the  ceiling  of  the  new  sta- 
tion's  canopy  will  flood  the  marker  with  light  at  night. 

"Our  records  show  the  historical  marker,  with  its 
1880s  bas  relief  transit  scene,  was  created  by  sculp- 
tor Boris  Gilbertson  of  Cornucopia,  Wis.,  and  paid  for 
by  the  railroad,"  said  Mikell  Darling,  director  of  the 
Evanston  Historical  Society. 

The  marker  measures  about  5  feet  high,  5^  feet 
wide, and  is  a  foot  thick.  It  stood  on  10  square  feet  of 
the  embankment  about  200  feet  north  of  the  station's 
entrance.  The  marker  belongs  to  the  historical  so- 
ciety. 

"About   10  years  ago  the  iron  fence  from  North- 


western University  was  moved  to  the  Davis  street 
station  to  separate  the  embankment  from  the  side- 
walk," Darling  said. 

The  fence  had  to  be  cut  open  for  removal  of  the 
marker  and  then  soldered  closed. 

Cost  for  placing  the  marker  in  the  new  station's  en- 
trance was  part  of  the  $324,700  federal  grant  given 
for  the  modernization  project. 

The  funding  came  from  the  UoS,,  Department  of 
Commerce  under  a  program  of  the  Economic  Develop- 
ment Administration. 

The  grant  had  been  a  joint  application  by  the 
City  of  Evanston,  Cook  County  government,  and 
the  CTA. 


The  entrance  at  the  recently  modernized 
Davis  street  'L'  station  features  Evan- 
ston's 33-year-old  historical  marker 
(shown  above)  commemorating  the  sta- 
tion's origin  as  part  of  the  Chicago, 
Milwaukee,  and  St.  Paul  Railway 
company.   (CTA  photos  by  Bert  Cadney) 


MA^,  1980 


13 


General  Office  1979-80  basketball  champs 


The  1979-80  CTA  Basketball  League 
ended  its  season  on  Sunday,  April  27,  with 
the  General  Office  Jaguars  meeting  North 
Avenue  for  the  championship  at  Robichaux 
Park  Fieldhouse.  Approximately  175  fans 
turned  out  to  root  for  their  favorite  team. 

Culminating  a  very  exciting  season  in 
which  17  teams  participated,  the  league 
was  divided  into  two  divisions,  American 


and  National.  A  total  of  136  games  were 
played  at  the  Washington  Park  Fieldhouse. 
The  General  Office  team,  coached  by 
Arliss  Jones,  and  the  North  Avenue  team, 
coached  by  Wade  Simmons,  provided  the 
fans  with  an  exciting  championship  game. 
The  Jaguars  were  in  complete  control  and 
led  all  the  way,  beating  North  Avenue  by  a 
score  of  65-54. 


Scoring  leaders  for  General  Office 
were  John  Harvey  with  28  points,  and 
Reggie  Williams  with  17.  High  scorers 
for  North  Avenue  were  Allen  Gordon  with 
13  and  Alan  Willis  with  11. 

In  the  consolation  game,  it  was  nip  and 
tuck  all  the  way  with  Forest  Glen  edging 
77th  Street,  60-57. 

(CTA  photos  by  Julius  Brazil) 


Reggie  Williams,  G.O., 
points  as  Bob  Jenkins, 
if  needed. 


mps    high    for    two        Bob  Jenkins,  G.O.,  makes  a  clean  block  on  shot 
comes    in    to    help        by  Allen  Gordon,  N.  Ave.,  as  John  Harvey,  43, 
Reggie  Williams,  23,  and  Michael  Reynolds,  33, 
await  the  outcome. 


Michael  Reynolds,  N.  Ave.,  pulls  down  rebound 
despite  efforts  of  John  Harvey,  43,  as  Phillip 
Ross,  10,  and  Julius  Nelson,  23,  watch  the  play. 


Allen  Gordon,  N.  Ave.,  pulls  down  rebound 
from  the  outstretched  arms  of  Phillip  Ross, 
G.O.,  as  Maurice  Baker,  22,  and  Bob  Jenkins,  7, 
watch  the  action. 


^       ^ 


Michael  Reynolds,  N.  Ave.,  goes  high  for  an  easy  layup  as  Allen  Gordon,  32,  Ron  Tuck,  33,  and 
Reggie  Williams,  23,  look  on. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


77th  Street 
Operators  end 
bowling  season 

With  the  ending  of  the  77th 
Street  Operators  Bowling  League 
for  the  1979-80  season,  Friday's 
Trooible,  last  year's  champs,  tri- 
umphed again  as  the  winners. 

Finishing  in  second  place  were 
the  Close  Encounters  with  the 
Clippers  and  Archer  Bandits  third 
and  fourth,  respectively. 

Jeff  Moore,  a  member  of  the 
winning  Friday's  Trouble,  was 
named  the  most  valuable  bowler 
of  the  year.  He  also  led  the  league 
with  a  188  average. 

League  president,  Booker  By- 
ers,  expressed  his  thanks  to  all 
the  bowlers  for  an  excellent  season. 


THE  CHAMPS:  Displaying  their  first  place  trophies  are,  kneeling  (left  to  right):  John  Weather- 
spoon,  president  and  business  agent.  Local  241 ;  Bill  Thompson,  and  Calvin  McCants.  Standing 
(left  to  right):   Jeff  Moore;  Emery  Gipson;  J.  C.  White,  and  Levi  Wardell. 


Warren  Julian 


Ulysess  Buck 

Left:  Elected  officers  for  the  1979-80  season  were,  kneeling  (left  to 
right):  Earl  Cooke,  treasurer;  Luther  Lee,  sergeant  at  arms,  and  Horace 
Kemp,  vice-president.  Standing  (left  to  right):  Booker  Byers,  president, 
and  Jimmy  Beatty,  secretary. 


Local  241  golf  date  set 


Plans  have  been  completed  for  the  14th  annual 
Local  241  golf  tournament  and  banquet  at  the  Cog 
Hill  Country  Club,  Lemont,  IL.,  Saturday,  July  5. 

Tee-off  will  begin  at  1000  hours  and  end  at  1300 
hours. 

The  cost  of  the  tournament  this  year  will  be  $20 
for  golf  and  banquet;  $10  for  golf  or  banquet  only. 

All  retired  employees  who  wish  to  play  are  welcome. 

Contact  Charles  Hall  at  341-1733  for  reservations 
and  tee-off  times. 


MAY,  1980 


15 


CTA  Retirees 
Dinner-dance 

The  April  28  dinner  dance  of  the  CTA 
Senior  Citizens  Retirement  Organization 
attracted  267  persons  and  was  held  in 
Niko's  restaurant,  7600  S.  Harlem  av., 
BridgevieWo 

Highlighting  the  group's  monthly  meet- 
ing was  the  music  of  Franlde  Jay  and  his 
orchestra,  who  played  for  their  dancing 
pleasure  following  dinner. 

Joe  Nolan,  the  organization's  general 
manager,  said  that  membership  is  nearing 
1,500  retirees  from  the  CTA,  West  Towns, 
and  the  former  E\'anston  Bus  Company. 


Edward  Matthias  (Forest  Glen  '66)  and  his  wife,  Florence  (at  left);  right,  Henry  Kalata  (Beverly  76) 
and  his  wife,  Arlyne,  and  her  father,  Al  Gendreau  (center). 


Charles     Haynes     (69th     75)     and     his    wife 
Elizabeth. 


Stanford    Rogers   (69th  77)   and  his  wife,   Grace   (at  left),  Mrs.  Arthur  Porter   (center)   and  Mrs. 
Ernest  Nelson  (77th  78)  and  his  wife,  Evelyn.         Katherine  Ramsey. 


Joseph    Lacki    (Maintenance  76)   and  his  wife,       Anthony  Vidmont  (South  Shops  77)   and  his        Joseph    Partipilo    (Transportation    '67)  and  his 
Ann.  wife,  Helen.  wife,  Florence. 


16 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Robert  Stach  retires  after  40  years  service 


Robert  Stach,  assistant  to  the  superin- 
tendent of  administration,  Transportation 
department,  ended  his  40-year  career  in 
public  transit  April  24  when  more  than  150 
friends  and  co-workers  attended  an  open 
house  held  in  his  honor  in  the  Transporta- 
tion department's  main  office  in  the  Mer- 
chandise Mart. 

Stach  started  in  1940  as  a  clerk  for  the 
Chicago  Surface  Lines,  a  predecessor 
company  to  the  CTAo  In  1947  he  was  as- 
signed as  a  clerk  in  theCTA's  Transporta- 
tion department  where  he  coordinated  ac- 
tivities for  garage  clerks  until  his  retire- 
ment. 

Joining  Stach  at  the  party  was  his  wife, 
Jeanette.  Farewell  gifts  included  a  port- 
able radio  and  a  cash  gift. 

Stach  and  his  wife  have  moved  to  their 
new  home  in  New  Port  Richey,  Fla„  They 
have  two  married  dau^ters. 


Robert  Stach  (center)  receives  gifts  at  an  April  24  open  house  marking  the  end  of  his  40-year  career 
in  public  transit.  Stach  is  joined  by  his  wife,  Jeanette,  and  Joseph  Vodvarka,  superintendent  of 
administration.  The  open  house  was  held  in  the  Transportation  department's  iVIerchandise  Mart 
headquarters. 


Joseph  Vasa  (right)  retired 
April  1  ending  his  33-year 
career  in  public  transit.  Vasa 
was  a  mobile  bus  repairer 
headquartered  at  Limits  garage. 
Pictured  with  Vasa  is  his 
longtime  co-worker  Keith 
"Butch"  Klein. 


Library  book  sale  offers  bargains 


Looking  for  a  bargain  ?  The  Friend  s  of 
the  Chicago  Public  Library  and  the  City  of 
Chicago  have  over  200,000  of  them  in  their 
Book  Sale  in  the  Park  on  Jimel9, 20  and  21, 
Mayor  Jane  M.  Byrne  is  honorary  chairman 
of  the  sale  which  will  be  held  Thursday 
through  Saturday  from  9:00  a.m.  to  7:00 
pjn.  under  two  huge  circus  tents  in  Grant 
Park  at  Randolph  across  from  the  CPL 
Cultural  Center.  There  will  be  continuous 
entertainment,  prizes  and  visits  from  well- 
known  authors. 

The  books  are  being  donated  to  the  sale 
from  the  Library  shelves,  the  public,  pri- 
vate libraries  and  major  publishers.  They 
range  from  current  affairs,  fiction,  juve- 
nile, humanities,  social  sciences,  science 
and  technology  and  the  classics  to  mys- 
teries and  love  stories.  All  books  are  in 
good  condition  and  will  cost  50f  for  adult 


books, and  25^  for  children's  books.  There 
is  no  admission  charge  and  the  sale  is  open 
to  the  public. 

To  make  these  bargains  available  to  the 
public,  the  Library  needs  more  books.  If 
you  have  some  to  donate,  take  them  to  the 
nearest  branch  library  or  the  circulation 
desks  at  either  the  Cultural  Center,  78 
East  Washington,  or  the  Central  Library, 
at  425  North  Michigan.  Deliveries  can  also 
be  made  to  the  South  Shed  of  Navy  Pier, 
where  the  books  will  be  housed  before  the 
sale,  on  Tuesdays,  Thursdays  and  Satur- 
days from  10:00  a.m.  to  5:00  p.m.  and  Sun- 
days from  12:00  Noon  to  5:00  p.m. 

Book  pick-ups  can  be  arranged  for  50 
or  more  hardcover  books  in  good  condition 
by  calling  269-2922  or  269-2809. 

And,  just  as  importantly,  the  Library 
needs  your  time  and  skills  to  type,  answer 


phone  calls,  pass  out  flyers  and  posters, 
write  letters,  sort  books,  set  up  and  sell 
books  at  the  sale  itself.  To  volunteer  call 
269-2922  or  269-2809. 

"The  fourth  Library  book  sale  is  ex- 
pected to  earn  $50,000  to  $100,000  for 
special  projects  sponsored  by  the  Friends 
of  the  Chicago  Public  Library,"  estimated 
co-chairman  Norma  (Mrs.  Alan)  Harris 
and  Patty  (Mrs.  Patrick)  Crowley.  The  last 
sale  provided  $25,000  in  seed  money  to  in- 
stall the  acoustical  systems  in  the  Audi- 
torium and  Preston  Bradley  Hall  of  the 
CPL  Cultural  Center. 

Bargain  hunters  should  arrive  early  at 
the  sale  since  long  lines  quickly  form. 

Parking  is  available  in  the  Grant  Park 
undergrovmd  garages. 


MAY,  1980 


17 


Retirement,  a  family  celebration 


Herman  Smith  and  John  Wirtli, 
CTA  employes  for  more  than  30 
years,  are  more  than  brothers-in- 
law — they're  friends. 

The  men  have  taken  their  fam- 
ilies on  vacations  together,  cele- 
brated holidays  together  with  their 
families,  regularly  play  golf  to- 
gether, and  they  retired  on  the 
same  day — May  1 — but  not  to- 
gether. 

Smitli  was  an  engineering  as- 
sistant in  the  Engineering  Depart- 
ment in  the  Merchandise  Mart. 
He  has  completed  33  years  of  ser- 
vice with  the  CTA.  His  career 
highlights  include  his  work  on  de- 
veloping the  CTA's  rapid  transit 
routes  in  the  Dan  Ryan,  Eisen- 
hower, and  Kennedy  expressways. 

Wirth  finished  30  years  with 
the  CTA  as  a  carpenter  in  West 
Shops.  Some  of  his  finest  projects 
are  radiator  covers  and  book 
cases  for  the  office  used  by  CTA 
chairmen,  book  cases  for  the 
Anthon  Memorial  Library,  and 
cabinets  for  bus  controllers  in  the 
Control  Center. 


Ir 


Herman  Smith  (left)  and  John  Wirth  anticipating 

'We  have  had  a  lot  of  great 
times  together — away  from  our 
jobs,"  Smith  said.  "And  we  are 
going  to  continue  having  great 
times  together,"  Wirth  chimed  in. 

Both  men  have  three  grown 
children.    Wirth,  who  is  a  widow- 


a  happy  retirement.  (CTA  photo  hy  Bert  Cadiiey) 

er,  plans  to  join  Smith  and  his 
wife,  Elizabeth,  on  vacation  trips, 
holiday  get-togethers,  and  family 
celebrations. 

"We're  a  close  family,"  Wirth 
said,  with  justification,  because 
Smith's  wife  is  Wirth' s  sister. 


Keeping  in  touch 

To     the    Chicago    Transit     Authority 
Board  and  Employes: 

I  want  to  express  to  you  my  deep 
gratitude  for  the  good  things  I've 
enjoyed  for  20  years,  since  my  retire- 
ment. 

I  have  received  an  escalating  monthly 
pension,  without  any  interruption.  I 
am  enjoying  a  "pass"  that  permits  me 
to  ride  comfortably  and  freely  about 
Evanston  and  Chicago. 

Your  spirit  of  sharing  and  the  con- 
tinuous effort  of  everyone  in  all  depart- 
ments to  improve  and  expand  transpor- 
tation efficiently  and  safely  to  all 
people  in  Chicago  and  its  environs; 
that  has  made  this  possible,  I  know. 

The  CTA  Transit  News  with  its  excel- 
lent pictures,  accounts  of  people  in 
various  departments  and  their  work, 
news  of  cultural  events  and  plans  for 
the  future  keep  me  well  posted.  The 
January-February  edition  "Battling  the 
Winter  of  '79"  is  an  heirloom  item. 
Wonderful! 

Again,  a  thank  you!  With  my  unin- 
terrupted interest  and  good  wishes 
to  you  all- 

IVlarie  Louise  Pulliani 


Gentlemen: 

Paul  G.  Burandt,  88  years  old.  He 
retired  24  years  ago  at  age  65.  He  had 
44  years  and  9  months  of  service  as  a 
conductor  on  the  streetcars.  Thirty- 
seven  years  at  Archer  Terminal  and  the 
balance  at  69th  and  77th  Street  Ter- 
minals. 

He  has  lived  on  the  southwest  side  at 
the  same  address  for  nearly  80  years. 

He  has  two  daughters.  Annetta 
Rueter  and  Elda  Eichhorn. 

He  has  four  grandchildren  and  eight 
great  grandchildren. 

His  wife  Anna  died  8  years  ago. 

This  picture  was  taken  on  Christmas 
Day,  December  25,  1979,  at  his  grand- 
daughter's home  in  Downers  Grove, 
Illinois. 

He  is  a  member  of  St.  Andrew 
Lutheran  Church,  Wisconsin  Synod, 
located  at  37th  and  South  Honore 
Street,  Chicago,  Illinois. 

He  enjoys  reading  the  Chicago  Transit 
News  and  anxiously  waits  for  the 
next  issue. 

He  is  thankful  to  the  Good  Lord  for 
all  the  blessings  He  has  bestowed 
on  him. 

Yours  truly, 

IVIrs.  Elda  Eichhorn 


Paul  G.  Burandt 


Dear  Friend: 

I  started  to  work  for  the  B&O  Rail- 
road in  1915.  I  got  transferred  to  CTA 
about  1920  and  worked  as  a  gateman 
12  hours  a  day,  seven  days  a  week. 

After  that  I  got  to  be  a  conductor 
until  I  was  65. 

I  am  going  to  be  87  August  9.  I  lost 
my  wife  last  July.  On  July  8th  of  this 
year  we  would  have  been  married 
58  years. 

1  enjoyed  working  for  the  CTA, 
Thank  you. 

Oscar  Prietz 


18 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


i3sr  ]vcE]nvnoi^i.A.i^ 


BRUNO  J.  BILEK,  Carpenter  A, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  4-23-47 
EDWARD  P.  BLICHARZ ,  Supply  Control  . 

Coord.,  Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  1-27-55 
WILLIAM  P.  CASEY,  Rail  Janitor, 

Maintenance,  Emp,  9-13-65 
CHARLES  CIESUNSKI,  Collector, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  5-20-57 
JOHN  R.  CIRILLO,  Sheet  Metel  Worker, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  5-25-45 
MARTIN  CUNNANE,  Conductor, 

Ashland,  Emp.  8-23-48 
VINCENT  LOVE  LADY,  Supervisor, 

District  A,  Emp.  12-1-50 
RALPH  PELUSO,  Chauffeur, 

Utility,  Emp.  7-23-45 
HERMAN  E.  SMITH,  Engr.  Asst.  IH, 

Engineering,  Emp.  9-20-46 
ROBERT  STACK,  Clerk  V, 

Transportation,  Emp.  5-10-40 
LAWRENCE  STROUD,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  8-4-45 
JOSEPH  STWORA,  Bus  Repairer,  ** 

Archer,  Emp.  10-1-68 
JOHN  TRUNCALE,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  11-25-57 
FRANCIS  VAN  GEENEN,  Chauffeur, 

Utility,  Empo  4-17-41 
ANTHONY  VIRGILIO,  Car  Serviceman, 

Kimball  Shop,  Emp.  2-26-60 
JOHN  J.  WIRTH,  Carpenter, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  3-3-50 


DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

HARRY  BORIS,  Bus  Serviceman, 

North  Park,  Emp.  3-11-63 
LEWIS  COMBS,  Travel  Information  Cntr., 

Management  Services,  Emp.  2-3-66 
STEPHEN  J.  CUNNINGHAM,  Unit  Supvr., 

Maintenance,  Emp.  1-1-62 
MICHAEL  F.  HACK,  Operator,  * 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  8-5-54 
DEWEY  HILL,  Motorman, 

61st  Street,  Emp.  4-10-52 
JOSEPH  MOORE,  Operator, 

Lawndale,  Emp.  9-17-62 
PETER  NICOPOULOS,  Operator,  ** 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  3-4-65 

*  Retired  effective  3-1-80 
**Retired  effective  4-1-80 


EDWIN  ANDERSON,  71,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  11-2-33,  Died  3-26-80 
WILLIAM  W.  BALL,  85,  Way  &  Struct., 

Emp.  5-5-36,  Died  3-14-80 
GEORGE  BILLINGS,  96,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  2-5-07,  Died  3-14-80 
BEN  E.  BRUHNKE,  68,  Archer, 

Emp.  10-15-41,  Died  2-9-80 
MICHAEL  BUCARO,  84,  Way  &  Struct., 

Emp.  7-10-36,  Died  3-20-80 
EDGAR  L.  CRAIG,  93,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  10-1-19,  Died  3-1-80 
VERA  B.  CRIDER,  82,  Comptroller, 

Emp.  10-1-25,  Died  1-21-80 
THOMAS  J.  DANIELS,  66,  Beverly, 

Emp.  3-4-42,  Died  3-2-80 
AMANDA  DePERE,  80,  Lake  Street, 

Emp.  2-1-43,  Died  12-19-79 
JOHN  GIOVENCO,  90,  Track, 

Emp.  3-21-20,  Died  3-4-80 
HARRY  HASLAM,  87,  West  Section, 

Emp.  3-13-22,  Died  3-27-80 


MICHAEL  J.  HICKEY,  89,  District  A, 

Emp.  8-12-13,  Died  3-1-80 
VELMA  JACKSON,  36,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  8-1-74,  Died  3-31-80 
JULIUS  JOHNSON,  53,  West  Section, 

Emp.  10-15-53,  Died  4-15-80 
GEORGE  W.  KABON,  85,  South  Section, 

Emp.  5-31-23,  Died  3-9-80 
EDWARD  R.  KARVANEK,  90,  West  Sect., 

Emp.  2-13-11,  Died  3-29-80 
NICHOLAS  KRIER,  80,  Logan, 

Emp.  12-28-18,  Died  2-22-80 
ANTHONY  MAZIARZ,  97,  Devon, 

Emp.  10-12-29,  Died  3-5-80 
PATRICK  O'SHEA,  68,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  10-24-47,  Died  3-10-80 
JESSE  PEAK,  47,  North  Park, 

Emp.  11-26-73,  Died  3-23-80 
WILLIAM  THOMPSON,  87,  Track, 

Emp.  9-17-30,  Died  3-14-80 
WALLACE  C.  WEBER,  72,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  2-20-36,  Died  3-3-80 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  l\/lay 


40 
years 


R.  A.  Hodgetts 

Engineering 


30  years 


G.  M.  Andersen,  Equipment  Design 

J.  N.  Baker,  Beverly 

L.  R.  Both,  North  Park 

J.  Jackson  Jr.,  Archer 

W.  J.  Kanady,  69th  Street 

J.  J.  Labellarte,  Despiaines 

J.  F.  Lipka,  Methods/Standards 

T,  McPartlan,  Methods/Standards 

W.  L.  Rakauskis,  Utility 

D.  M.  Ryan,  Maintenance 

N.  P.  Triffon,  District  B 


35  years 


D.  V.  Andriacchi,  Archer 

F.  J.  Gibasiewicz,  Forest  Glen 


25  years 

R 

C.  Dillard,  Lawndale 

W 

J.  Harris,  Beverly 

B 

T.  Henry,  Beverly 

J. 

T.  Lazzara,  Grant  Program 

W 

Lewis  Jr.,  South  Shops 

J. 

W.  Moore,  Maintenance 

M 

Powe,  Maintenance 

T. 

A.  Randolph,  52nd  Street 

R 

M.  Stuart,  77th  Street 

S. 

R.  Tillman,  Maintenance 

*:CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  33 


Number  5 


Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA, 
by  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 
Manager.  Editorial  and  graphics  by  the  Public 
Affairs  Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager.  Transit 
News  Staff:  Mel  Alexander,  Christine  Borcjc, 
Kathy  Byrne,  Jack  Sowchin,  Jeff  Stern,  Produced 
by  the  Administrative  Services  Unit  under  the 
direction  of  Charles  T.  Zanin. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others.  $2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS.  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


MOVING? 


Please  notify  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS  by  entering  your  new  address  below; 
Badge/Payroll/Pension  No.    


(Street  and  Number) 


Clip  out  and  mail  to:  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS.  P.  O.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 


MAY,  1980 


19 


Culture  Bus  begins  4th  season 

Warmer  temperatures,  blossoming  flowers,  and  returning  mi- 
grant birds  remind  us  it's  time  for  CTA's  own  harbinger  of  spring- 
-the  Culture  Bus.  The  fourth  season  of  Culture  Bus  operations 
will  begin  May  18  with  Sunday  and  holiday  service  from  the  Art 
Institute  to  two  dozen  other  cultural  attractions  on  the  South,  North, 
and  West  Sides,  Scheduled  to  continue  through  the  19th  of  October, 
Culture  Bus  tours  include  stops  at  such  famous  museums  as  the 
Field  Museimi  of  Natural  History  in  Bumham  Park. 

The  largest  and  most  comprehensive  display  of  Colombian  gold 
artifacts  ever  seen  in  the  United  States  is  on  exhibit  at  the  Field 
Museum  through  July  6.  The  exhibit,  called  "Gold  of  El  Dorado: 
The  Heritage  of  Colombia,"  includes  more  tlian  500  gold  objects, 
some  as  much  as  1,000  years  old,  tliat  were  fashioned  by  Colombian 
Indians. 

Most  of  the  objects  came  from  graves  that  were  overlooked  by 
Spanish  Conquistadors  and  others  who  looted  the  Colombian  coun- 
tryside of  much  of  its  gold,  beginning  in  the  16th  Century.  Colom- 
bian gold  work  is  considered  among  the  finest  and  most  technically 
advanced  in  the  worlds  Indians  from  the  region  had  mastered  al- 
most all  the  techniques  known  to  the  modem  goldsmith.  Most  of 
the  artifacts  are  from  collections  of  the  Museo  del  Oro  in  the 
Colombian  capital,  Bogota, 


Two  of  more  than  500  golden  treasures  in  the 
major  exhibit,  "Gold  of  El  Dorado:  The  Heri- 
tage of  Colombia,"  on  display  at  the  Field 
Museum  of  Natural  History  through  July  6. 

Above:  Pendant,  male  figure  with  headdress. 
Cast  gold.  Height  4-9/16  inches.  Museo 
del  Oro. 

Right:  Lizard  or  alligator.  Cast  tumbaga  (an 
alloy  made  from  gold  and  copper).  Length 
5-3/8  inches.   Museo  del  Oro. 


(Photos   by   Lee  Boltin.     Courtesy,  American 
Museum  of  Natural  History.) 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.   POSTAGE 

PERMIT   No.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION   CTH.    LIBRARY 

northvje^Tilhn  univeul;ity 
1810  hinmam  avenue 
evaijston,  il  60201 


TN 


FRANSPORTATiON  LIBRARY 

AUG     4  1980 
URTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY 


CTA    Chairman    Eugene    M.    Barnes    (right)    amnounces    new    transit 
security   pilot  training  program  and  acl<nowledges  the  contributions 


of   Raleigh  Mathis   (left),  CTA  manager.  Security,  and   Robert  Kren 
(center),  special  assistant  to  the  chairman. 


Chairman  Barnes  announces 
transit  security  pilot  training  program 


Chicago  Transit  Authority  Chairman  Eugene 
M.  Barnes  recently  announced  a  new  transit  secu- 
rity pilot  training  program  for  rapid  transit  ticket 
agents. 

The  program,  to  begin  aroimd  July  1,  is  in  com- 
pliance with  a  law  developed  and  sponsored  by  Barnes 
in  the  General  Assembly  last  year.  Barnes  was  chair- 
man of  a  legislative  subcommittee  on  crime  on  public 
transportation. 

The  bill,  signed  into  law  by  Governor  Thompson 
last  fall,  requires  all  mass  transit  employes  dealing 
with  the  public  to  receive  anti-crime  training  for 
personal  safety.  The  law  also  established  a  State 
Review  Board  to  oversee  and  approve  the  security 
programs. 

"With  the  implementation  of  this  pilot  program  the 
CTA  is  taking  the  lead  in  employe  security  training," 
said  Barnes.  "As  legislative  sponsor  of  this  bill,  I 
am  especially  proud  to  be  Chairman  of  the  CTA  as  we 
implement  the  security  training  program." 

The  pilot  program  will  involve  about  10  per  cent 
of  the  ticket  agents.  The  format  includes  videotapes 
using  real  ticket  agents  and  police  in  re-creations  of 
actual  incidents  of  crime.    The  program  also  includes 


pass-out  materials,  trainee  discussions  and  some 
security  training  exercises. 

The  project  was  developed  by  an  eight-member 
CTA  committee.  Members  of  the  committee  are 
Ronald  Bartkowicz,  first  general  assistant  attorney; 
Harold  Geissenheimer,  manager.  Operations;  Fred 
King,  manager.  Human  Resources;  Robert  Kren, 
special  assistant  to  the  chairman  and  chairman  of 
the  committee;  Raleigh  Mathis,  manager.  Security, 
and  CTA's  representative  on  the  State  Review  Board; 
Edward  Mitchell,  director.  Support  Services,  Trans- 
portation; Bill  Sholdice,  supervisor.  Transportation 
Training,  Training/Development  programs,  and  Leon 
Wool,  manager.  Labor  RelationSo 

After  evaluation  of  the  pilot  program  by  both  the 
CTA  committee  and  the  State  Review  Board,  the 
security  training  program  will  expand  to  include  the 
rest  of  the  ticket  agents,  as  well  as  bus  operators, 
conductors,  and  motormen. 


6ta 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

JUNE,  1980 


Transit  Security  System 
begins  pilot  program 

A  unique  transit  security  system  was  put  into 
preliminary  operation  on  May  8th  at  Police  Head- 
quarters. The  Chicago  Transit  Security  System  is  an 
electronic  surveillance  network  designed  to  reduce 
crime  on  rapid  transit.  The  pilot  program  involves 
four  stations:  35ih  Street,  40th  and  Indiana,  43rd 
Street,  and  55th  Street.  All  are  on  the  Englewood/ 
Jackson  Park  route. 

Each  station  has  nine  closed-circuit  television 
cameras,  which  monitor  the  platforms,  the  stairwells, 
and  the  ticket  agent  booth.  These  are  supplemented 
by  push  button  alarms  and  emergency  telephones. 
Loudspeakers  and  microphones  will  provide  on-site 
two-way  voice  contact. 

The  entire  system  is  centered  at  a  nine  screen 
control  console  at  the  police  communications  center 
at  11th  and  State.  The  system  monitor  will  scan  each 
station  for  11  seconds  in  continual  succession.  Emer- 
gency alarms  or  calls  automatically  switch  the  console 
monitors  to  the  origin  of  the  distress  call. 

"The  transit  security  program  is  a  major  step 
toward  combatting  violent  crime  on  the  CTA,"  said 
Mayor  Jane  Mo  Byrne.  "Our  goal  is  to  expand  the 
pilot  program  and  ensure  the  safety  of  every  Chlcagoan 
who  depends  on  public  transportation." 

CTA  Chairman  Eugene  Barnes  described  the  new 
security  system  as  "..further  evidence  of  CTA's 
commitment  to  passenger  safety  and  security." 

Police  Superintendent  Richard  Brzeczek  called  the 
system  ".o.the  first  step  in  the  increased  use  of  tech- 
nology necessary  for  a  police  department  in  the  80' s." 
He  promised  the  continued  investigation  and  implemen- 
tation of  technology  to  stem  criminal  attack. 

The  Chicago  Department  of  Public  Works  guided 
development  funding  of  the  program.  Public  Works 
Commissioner  Jerome  Butler  praised  the  cooperative 


Inspecting  the  new  CTA  Security.Sys- 
tem  at  Police  Headquarters  were 
Mayor  Jane  M.  Byrne,  Superintendent 
of  Police  Richard  J.  Brzeczek  (right) 
and  Assistant  Deputy  Superintendent 
Bill  Miller.  Miller  (center)  showed 
the  Mayor  how  the  new  pilot  system 
will  make  the  CTA  safer,  by  providing 
increased  security  on  the  'L'  and  sub- 
way platforms  through  the  use  of 
TV  monitors  and  emergency  phones. 

(Photo  courtesy  of  Mayor 's  Office  j 


Pilot  stations  each  equipped  with  nine 
TV  cameras ,  push  button  alarms,  and 
emergency  telephones 


spirit  of  the  program.  "The  enthusiasm  and  coopera- 
tion of  the  inter  and  intragovemmental  consultants, 
and  private  sector  participants,  made  this  complex 
system  a  reality."  Butler  added,  "It's  good  news  for 
all  Chlcagoans,  especially  those  who  regularly  use 
public  transportation." 

The  project's  total  cost  is  $1.7  million— funded 
primarily  through  an  80  per  cent  federal  grant  from 
the  Urban  Mass  Transportation  Administration.  The 
Illinois  Department  of  Transportation  provided  13 
per  cent  of  the  cost  with  matching  funds. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Betty  Edwards 
named  director  of 
Community  Relations 


Mrs.  Betty  B.  Edwards  was  appointed  Director  of 
Community  Relations  for  the  Chicago  Transit  Author- 
ity, effective  June  2,  by  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M. 
Barnes. 

As  part  of  the  reorganization  of  CTA,  a  new  Divi- 
sion of  External  Affairs  was  created  under  the  man- 
agement of  Ms.  JobyBerman,  to  encompass  Consimier 
Affairs,  Public  Affairs  and  Marketing. 

Barnes  noted  that  his  new  division  was  created  to 
focus  on  the  consumer  perspective  and  highlight  the 
CTA's  concern  for  its  users.  "Its  mission  is  to  en- 
sure that  consumer  needs  and  interests  are  adequately 
addressed  and  acted  upon,"  Barnes  said. 

"Ctae  of  my  goals  since  coming  to  the  CTA  as 
chairman  has  been  to  be  more  responsive  to  the  needs 
and  suggestions  of  our  riders,"  Barnes  added. 

The  Community  Relations  area  will  be  the  CTA's 
investment  in  establishing  better  commimications  with 
the  community.  The  Community  Relations  repre- 
sentatives will  promote  the  CTA  in  the  neighborhoods 
and  with  special  user  markets  by  creating  advocacy 
roles  with  neighborhood  organizations,  students,  sen- 
ior citizens,  and  the  handicapped. 

Mrs.  Edwards  joined  the  CTA  in  June  1974  as  a 
Community  News  Representative  in  the  Public  Affairs 
Department.  She  brought  with  her  years  of  experience 
and  involvement  in  community  activities  from  the 
Chicago  Urban  League  where  she  had  been  employed 
for  eight  years  as  a  special  events  coordinator. 

Mrs.  Edwards  currently  represents  the  CTA  on 
such  boards  as  the  Cosmopolitan  Chamber  of  Com- 
merce, the  Chicago  Urban  Affairs  Council,  the  Dun- 
bar Vocational  High  School  Advisoiy  Council  and  the 
University  of  Illinois  Circle  Campus  Business  Ad- 
visory CouncU.  She  is  also  a  member  of  the  Chicago 
Association  of  Media  Women,  Inc. 

A  former  hi^  school  teacher,  Mrs.  Edwards  at- 
tended St.  Mary's  of  Notre  Dame  in  South  Bend,  Indi- 
ana, and  Indiana  University  at  Bloomington.    She  is  a 


Armando  Almazan 
appointed  director  of 
l\/ledical  Administration 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  Mo  Barnes  annoimced  the 
appointment  of  Armando  Almazan  to  be  Director  of 
Medical  Administration. 

Almazan,  a  CTA  trial  lawyer  whose  appointment 
becomes  effective  June  2,  will  head  a  medical  staff 
of  three  physicians,  two  registered  nurses,  three 
medical  technicians,  a  two-member  employe  counsel- 
ing service  staff,  and  two  office  staff  members. 

Almazan,  29,  now  is  a  member  of  the  CTA's  Law 
Department. 

"Mr.  Almazan  was  selected  as  the  best  qualified 
candidate  to  head  the  CTA's  Medical  Department," 
Barnes  said. 

"We  selected  him  on  the  basis  that  the  CTA  now  re- 
quires a  medical  administrator  with  a  legal  back- 
ground. He  fills  the  vacancy  created  by  the  retirement 
of  Dr.  George  Siler. 

"Mr.  Almazan  will  be  able  to  deal  directly  with 
both  the  medical  and  legal  aspects  of  the  CTA's 
12,500  employes,"  Barnes  said. 

Almazan,  who  is  single  and  lives  in  Brixton  Park, 
joined  the  CTA's  Law  Department  on  August  8,  1979. 
He  earned  his  law  degree  from  DePaul  University  in 
1976. 

From  1976  to  1979,  Almazan  was  a  staff  attorney 
with  the  Legal  Assistance  Foimdation's  Pilsen  neigh- 
borhood office,  1661  S.  Blue  Island  ave. 

From  1974  to  1976,  he  worked  as  a  law  intern  with 
the  foundation,  headquartered  at  343  S.  Dearborn  st. 

Almazan  was  graduated  from  Harrison  High  School 
in  1969  and  attended  Loop  City  College  from  1969  to 
1971.  He  earned  a  bachelor's  degree  in  sociology 
from  the  University  of  Iowa  in  1973. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Mexican-American  Lawyers 
Association,  Chicago  Bar  Association,  and  the  Illinois 
State  Bar  Association. 


native  of  Gary,  Lidiana,  and  has  been  a  resident  of  the 
Chatham  area  in  Chicago  for  the  past  22  years. 


JUNE,  1980 


At  7:30  a.m.,  a  class  full  of  summer  operators  is  wide  awake  and  ready  to  learn. 


College  students  train  for  summer  jobs 


After  studying  haixJ  all  year  the  average  college 
student  is  ready  for  a  relaxing,  carefree  summer, 
full  of  mom's  home  cooldng,  visits  with  friends,  and 
a  summer  job.  Probably  the  last  thing  he  or  she  wants 
is  more  hard  work,  irregular  hours,  and  spending 
Saturdays  on  the  job,  right? 

Wrong.  One  of  the  most  highly  sought  after  jobs 
each  summer  is  that  of  CTA  temporary  operator,  a 
job  involving  irregular  hours,  substantial  skill,  and 
sometimes  weekend  work.  This  summer  is  no  excep- 
tion, and  about  800  students  will  be  working  as  full- 
time  temporaries  by  July  1st.  These  800  are  only  a 
fraction  of  the  number  applying  for  the  job. 

While  the  job  is  a  highly  paid  summer  occupation, 
it  is  also  very  demanding.  According  to  Roger  Tor- 
bik,  personnel  administrator  at  the  Limits  Training 
Center,  most  of  the  students  rely  upon  the  job  to 
finance  their  education.  The  program  is  not  limited 
to  college  students;  many  law  and  medical  students 
are  paying  their  tuition  by  working  at  CTA  each 
summer.  Some  teachers  are  also  hired.  This  reason 
for  applying  was  echoed  by  many  of  the  students. 

In  April,  applications  and  eligibility  requirements 
were  sent  to  45  schools  all  over  the  state.  Students 
at  out  of  state  colleges  were  sent  information  if  they 
requested  it.  Among  the  requirements  for  first- time 
temps  are  two  years  minimimi  driving  experience 
(automobile);  full  time  college  attendance,  with  at 
least  two  years  remaining  in  the  degree  program; 
willingness  to  work  a  variety  of  days  and  hours;  and 
no  traffic  convictions  while  under  the  influence  of 
drugs  or  alcohol. 

Many  of  the  temporary  operators  are  returning 
for  their  second  or  third  summer.    Since  they  already 


have  field  experience  and  need  much  less  training, 
they  are  given  preference  when  they  apply. 

For  novice  temporaries,  a  full  15  day  training 
program  begins  at  7:30  a.m.  with  classroom  instruc- 
tion at  the  Limits  Training  Center.  The  students  are 
given  hats  and  badge  numbers,  a  brief  orientation  and 
then  lectured  all  day.  Subjects  this  flrst  day  include 
general  responsibilities,  fare  structure,  transfers, 
courtesy,  defensive  driving  and  schedules. 

If  all  of  this  seems  like  a  lot  for  the  first  day,  even 
more  amazing  is  the  fact  that  they  are  tested  on  this 
material  on  the  third  day  of  the  course. 

Instructor  William  Claiborne  used  slides  and 
stories  to  get  the  highlights  across  to  his  students. 
The  slides  illustrated  the  different  rates  of  fare, 
while  the  stories  gave  the  students  methods  of  handling 


Instructor  William    Claiborne    emphasizes  a  point  as  he  explains  fare 
box  operation.   (CTA  photos  by  Julius  Brazil) 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


A  young  driver  checks  rear  view  mirror  as  line  instructor  watches 
where  the  bus  is  going. 

commonplace  problems  such  as  old  looking  11  year 
olds.  (Solution:  Ask  the  child  his  year  of  birth — then 
advise  him  to  get  a  reduced  fare  riding  card  so  he 
won't  have  any  more  problems.) 

The  rookie  operators  have  many  questions,  mostly 
based  upon  problems  they  have  seen  as  passengers. 
One  student  asked  about  riders  sneaking  through  the 
back  door  and  refusing  to  pay  at  heavy  transfer  points. 
Claiborne  explained  that  after  politely  asking  them  to 
come  forward  and  pay,  the  most  effective  solution  was 
to  say,  "This  bus  doesn't  move  until  everyone  pays 
their  way."  The  peer  pressure  of  other  riders  eager 
to  get  home  or  to  work  usually  sends  the  troublemakers 
to  the  farebox. 

On  the  second  day  of  training,  students  get  behind 
the  wheel  of  a  bus  for  the  first  time.  They  learn  to 
maneuver  the  bus  around  a  pylon  course,  practice  de- 
fensive driving  skills,  sldd  prevention,  and  generally 
get  used  to  the  feeling  of  driving  something  three 
times  as  large  as  anything  they've  ever  driven  be- 
fore. The  practice  driving  session  takes  place  at 
either  the  North  Avenue  or  77th  Street  garage. 

The  third  day  of  instruction  involves  a  test  on  the 
information   learned    the    two   previous   days.     More 


Left:  Summer  operator 
Curtis  IVIacMullen  atten- 
tively listens  to  the  early 
morning  lecture. 


Will  he  or  won't  he?  Summer  operators  learn  how  to  control  skids 
at  North  Avenue  Garage. 

lectures  on  defensive  driving;  use  of  the  fire  ex- 
tinguisher; route  maps;  clerical  work  and  a  general 
review  comprise  the  rest  of  the  day. 

On  the  4th  and  5th  days  the  temporaries  are  sent 
to  their  home  garages.  After  a  brief  orientation  and 
tour,  they  are  set  loose  on  the  streets  of  Chicago. 
The  bus  is  not  in  service,  and  a  line  instructor  who 
is  exceptionally  qualified  in  bus  operation  rides  along, 
but  the  experience  is  both  thrilling  and  a  little  un- 
nerving. 

For  the  next  five  days  the  novices  get  to  practice 
everything  they've  learned,  both  in  the  classroom  and 
in  the  field,  imder  the  very  close  supervision  of  a  line 
instructor.  The  summe  r  temporaries  drive  in-service, 
on  regular  routes  from  their  home  garage.  After  suc- 
cessfully completing  this  task,  it's  back  to  the  class- 
room for  discussion  of  any  problems  they  may  have 
encountered,  a  few  more  lectures,  and  final  exams. 

While  their  exams  are  being  graded,  the  new  opera- 
tors go  back  in  service,  again  with  a  line  instructor. 
On  the  15th  day,  if  everything  has  gone  well,  the  stu- 
dents line  up  for  uniform  and  license  inspection  by 
their  garage  supervisor,  take  a  final  quiz,  and  become 
full  fledged  student  temporary  bus  operators. 


Right:  Three  soon-to-be 
operators  gather  around 
the  wheel  as  line  instruc- 
tor explains  operation  of 
the  bus. 


JUNE,  1980 


Barbara  Wilkerson,  77th  Street, 
impressed  Irmgard  Speer  of  King 
Drive,  a  passenger  on  her  4 
Cottage  Grove  bus.  "I  am  semi- 
invalid,  and  have  to  take  my 
time  In  stepping  onto  the  bus. 
The  driver  was  extremely  cour- 
teous and  understanding,  which 
pleased  me.  I  observed  that 
every  passenger  received  the  same 
kind  and  friendly  treatment.  It 
was  pleasant  to  see  the  reaction 
of  the  people.  As  we  approached 
Harrison  street,  a  station  wagon 
cut  in  front  of  the  bus.  After 
this  dangerous  automobile  driver 
cut  so  close,  I  thought  she  would 
lose  her  pleasant  attitude,  but 
she  was  just  as  calm  and  nice  as 
before.  This  lady  deserves  the 
greatest  compliment,  please 
convey  It  to  her." 


Operator  Juan  Mercado,  North 
Park,  was  commended  by  Edwin 
Alvarez  of  Chicago  for  his  quick 
thinking  and  bravery.  Alvarez 
was  being  assaulted  by  two  men 
on  a  street  corner  when  Mercado's 
Kimball-Homan  bus  approached. 
The  operator  jumped  off  the  bus 
and  came  to  the  rescue  of 
Alvarez.  The  assailants  immed- 
iately fled,  and  Alvarez  credits 
Mercado  with  perhaps  saving 
his  life. 


commendation  corner 


Lachester  Drain,  Limits,  was  praised  by  Richard 
Hochman,  a  passenger  on  the  149  Stateliner  route.  "I 
want  you  to  know  that  driver  #7981  was  without  doubt 
the  most  knowledgeable,  articulate,  polite,  friendliest 
and  helpful  CTA  bus  driver  I  can  ever  recall  in  many 
years  of  riding  the  CTA.  I  was  really  impressed  with 
his  ability  to  give  route  and  transfer  information  to 
passengers  along  the  way,  and  his  manner  in  so  doing. 
I  commended  him  personally  as  I  departed,  but  would 
like  his  personnel  file  to  reflect  this  accolade." 
#### 

Carl  Lambert,  North  Park,  was  called  "a  most  ex- 
cellent bus  operator"  by  Eilleen  Witty  of  West  School 
street.  Ms.  Witty  also  said,  "This  man  has  been  sim- 
shineand  blue  sMes  for  all  who  ride  his  Damen  avenue 
bus.  What  a  joy  it  is  to  catch  his  bus  early  in  the 
morning!  His  'good  morning', 'how  are  you',  and 'have 
a  good  day',  are  only  a  small  part  of  his  warm  hospi- 
tality. He  has  special  words  for  regular  riders,  and 
always  has  a  smile.  I  wish  we  had  more  like  him." 
#### 

Operator  Georgia  Harris,  North  Park,  was  com- 
plimented by  Frances  Maunter  of  West  Birchwood,  a 
passenger  on  her  147  Sheridan  bus.  "Operator  #9172 
is  a  brave  heroine.  She  rescued  a  little  boy  about 
three  years  of  age  as  he  attempted  to  cross  busy  Sher- 
idan Roado  He  was  lost,  and  the  driver  called  the  pol- 
ice. She  also  comforted  this  hysterical  little  boy  tlntil 
the  police  arrived.  I  really  believe  she  saved  his  life." 
#### 

Conductor  John  Cameron,  South  Section,  received 
credit  from  Fred  Gauley,  a  rider  on  his  North-South 
train.  "This  young  conductor  was  friendly,  efficient 
and  courteous  in  announcing  stops  and  transfers.  He 
made  me  feel  that  my  welfare  and  safety  was  of  con- 
cern to  him  and  the  CTA.    As  passengers  departed  he 


advised  them  to  'watch  your  step',  and  thanked  them 
for  riding  the  CTA.  John  Cameron  is  an  excellent 
flesh  and  blood  representative  of  the  CTA,  his  attitude, 
manifested  in  this  form  as  a  job  well  done." 

#### 
Willie  Borders,  North  Avenue,  received  thanks 
from  Kathleen  Luttrell,  a  rider  on  his  131  Washington 
route.  "I  inadvertantly  left  my  purse  on  the  bus.  Need- 
less to  say,  I  was  sure  that  I  would  never  see  it  again. 
However,  thanks  to  Mr.  Borders,  my  purse  was  re- 
turned intact  to  the  lost  and  found  department.  He 
has  helped  me  restore  my  faith  in  himian  nature.  It 
is  nice  to  see  the  CTA  has  men  of  such  high  integrity 
and  honesty." 

#### 
Carlos  Monroy,  North  Park,  attracted  the  attention 
of  Loretta  Donnelly  of  North  Wayne,  a  passenger  on 
his  151  Sheridan  bus.  "I  would  like  you  to  know  how 
patient  he  was  with  all  of  the  senior  citizens,  es- 
pecially one  old  lady  with  a  walker.  He  got  off  the  bus 
and  put  her  walker  on,  and  then  he  helped  her  up.  She 
was  only  riding  a  few  blocks  to  the  grocery  store, 
where  he  helped  her  off.  Operator  #9632  is  a  real 
gentleman.  These  days  a  little  kindness  goes  a  long 
way.  I'm  getting  old,  too,  and  he  really  renewed  my 
faith  in  human  nature." 

#### 
Victoria  Nesbitt,  North  Park,  was  commended  by 
Edith  Lapidus  of  Devon  ave.,  a  rider  on  her  155  Devon 
bus.  "When  I  got  on  the  bus  she  met  me  with  a  smile. 
She  was  courteous  and  patient  with  all  of  the  questions 
asked  of  her.  Some  newly  arrived  Russians  got  on  the 
bus.  They  were  having  a  difficult  time  with  their 
English,  and  the  driver  took  the  time  to  listen  to  them, 
and  answered  them  as  best  she  could.  I  have  ridden 
on  her  bus  before,  and  she  is  always  nice  to  everyone." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Among  other  operating  employes 
receiving  commendations  recently 
were: 

HipoUto  Abreu,  North  Avenue; 
Armando  Alvarez,  North  Park,  and 
Robert  Anderson,  Beverly. 

Pedro  Balderas,  North  Park; 
Everett  Brown  and  Deloyd  Brown, 
both  of  Forest  Glen. 

Jean  Cage  and  Gregory  Croom, 
both  of  Limits;  Naomi  Caldwell, 
77th  Street;  Curtis  Cheung,  Forest 
Glen;  John  Cooper,  District  D;  and 
JacqueHne  Cousin,  Archer. 

Hillard  Derengowski  and  Gerald 
Doherty,  both  of  North  Park;  and 
Herman  Duffin  and  Emanuel  Dupree, 
both  of  Forest  Glen. 

Constantino  Estrada,  Forest  Glen. 

Eddie  Figeuroa,  North  Park. 

John  Gibson,  North  Avenue;  Corine 
Glaspie,      West      Section;     Domingo 


Gonzales,  Archer;  Odell  Granger, 
Forest  Glen;  and  B.  T.  Gregory,  North 
Park. 

Eldred  Hall,  North  Park.  Hyman 
Harrison,  Forest  Glen,  Patricia 
Hegwood,  North  Section;  and  Ric- 
ardo  Herrera,  Archer. 

Clyde  Jackson  Jr.,  Archer;  Mary 
Jerry,  Woodrow  Johnson  and  Betty 
Jones,  all  of  Limits;  William  Johnson 
Jr.  and  Ronald  Jones,  both  of  52nd 
Street. 

Edward  Kaminski,  Archer;  and 
Assunta  Kaya,  Forest  Glen. 

John  Lemond  and  Ruben  Lopez, 
both  of  North  Park;  and  Madeleine 
Lyons,  Archer. 

John  Mack,  Lawndale;  WilUam 
Marsh,  Archer;  Michael  Matas  and 
Alvin  McDowell,  both  of  Forest  Glen; 
Carol  Miles  and  Na  Im  Muhammad, 
both     of     North     Avenue;     Sylvester 


Morgan,  69th  Street;  and  Alice  Mosely, 
Limits. 

Hector  Nieves,  Forest  Glen. 

Hartwell    Onstott,    North   Avenue. 

Vema  Reed,  Limits;  and  Jose 
Roman,  North  Park. 

Frank  Serrano,  North  Avenue; 
and  Michael  Schleyer  and  Joe  Spears, 
both  of  Forest  Glen. 

Earl  Terry,  Forest  Glen;  Samuel 
Thornton,  77th  Street;  and  Wilfredo 
Torres,  North  Park. 

Arturo  Valdez,  Johnny  Van  and 
Jose  Vega,  all  of  North  Park;  and 
Mario  Vargas,  Forest  Glen. 

William  Walter  and  Ernest  WilUams, 
both  of  69th  Street;  Wayne  Wardlow 
and  Lowell  Wilson,  both  of  North 
Avenue;  Cleven  Wardlow,  Limits; 
Charles  Whitman  Jr.,  Lawndale;  and 
ArUs  Wilson,  North  Park. 

Jacques  Yezeguiehan,  Forest  Glen. 


promotions 


Ward  Chamberlain,  superintendent 
of  North  Avenue  garage  since  1974, 
has  been  appointed  area  superintend- 
ent, Near  South.  Chamberlain  began 
his  transit  career  as  a  conductor  at 
Lincoln  in  1946.  He  became  a  bus 
driver  in  1951,  and  supervisor  and  in- 
structor in  1957.  In  1966  he  was 
named  rehef  station  superintendent, 
and,  in  1970,  assistant  superintendent, 
Lawndale.  Chamberlain  was  selected 
superintendent,  Kedzie,  in  1973.  He 
and  his  wife.  Marge,  Uve  in  the  Lake- 
view  neighborhood  and  have  a  son  and 
a    daughter    and    four    grandchildren. 

Raymond  Colello,  who  joined  CTA 
as  a  streetcar  conductor  at  Lawndale 
in  1947,  is  now  back  at  Lawndale  as 
superintendent.  He  became  a  bus 
driver  in  1955,  and  a  supervisor  four 
years  later.  In  1969  Colello  was 
chosen  instructor,  and,  in  1974,  assist- 
ant superintendent,  77th  Street.  Since 
1978  he  had  been  assistant  superintend- 
ent, Kedzie  and  Lawndale.  Colello 
and  his  wife,  EUzabeth,  have  four 
daughters,  a  son,  and  two  grandchil- 
dren, and  make  their  home  in  Hinsdale, 

Also  in  Transportation,  five  former 
management/professional  interns  have 
been  appointed  assistant  superintend- 
ents. The  new  appointees  and  their 
assigned  areas  are;  Benjamin  McCruel 
and  Paul  Singer,  both  Near  North; 
George  Weathers  and  Alton  Wilhams, 
both  Near  South;  and  Lloyd  St.  James 
Far  South.  New  as  an  m/p  intern  is 
William  Jaycox,  former  driver.  Forest 
Glen. 

In  Operations  Planning,  Wilham 
Stanley  has  been  promoted  from 
schedule  maker  to  supervisor,  Schedule 
Processing   &    Development,    while   in 


Ward  Chamberlain 

Vehicle  Maintenance,  David  Kowalski 
has  moved  from  unit  supervisor. 
Intern,   to   unit  supervisor.  Terminals. 

New  as  station  clerks  in  Trans- 
portation are  David  Alexander,  former 
money  handler.  Treasury;  Vivian 
Robinson,  former  payroll  clerk,  Finan- 
cial Services;  Joe  Lucas,  former  ticket 
agent.  West  Section,  and  Guy  Stut- 
tley,  former  travel  information  rep- 
resentative. Management  Services.  Now 
serving  as  service  truck  chauffeurs. 
Transportation  -  Utility,  are  Karl 
Duncan,  former  driver,  Beverly,  and 
Steven  Kriss,  former  engine  washer. 
Forest  Glen. 

Marron    Robinson,    former    driver. 


Raymond  Colello 

69th  Street,  has  been  selected  traffic 
checker.  Operations  Planning.  In 
Management  Services,  John  Dilworth 
has  moved  from  mail  clerk  to  prin- 
cipal mail  clerk,  while  Carmen  Parker, 
former  typist.  Insurance  &  Pensions, 
has  become  utUity  clerk.  Materials 
Management. 

Wilham  Unwin,  former  electrical 
worker  apprentice.  South  Shops,  has 
been  chosen  steamfitter  apprentice, 
Plant  Maintenance.  New  in  Plant 
Maintenance  as  substation  attendant  is 
Robert  Wilson,  former  conductor, 
North  Section.  At  Skokie  Shop, 
Leroy  Hamilton  has  moved  from  unit 
exchange     clerk    to    shipping    clerk. 


JUNE,  1980 


y  ^^ 


High  flying  hobby 


"Old  boys  have  their  playthings  as  well  as  young  ones. 
The  difference  is  only  in  the  price. " 

Ben  Franklin 

Joe  Kasper  and  Casimer  (Casey)  Strzynski,  both  of  South 
Shops,  argree  with  Ben's  old  wise  saying. 

Both  built  model  airplanes  powered  by  wound-up  rubber 
bands  when  they  were  teenagers,  and  now,  as  mature  adults, 
they  have  returned  to  their  teenage  fascination  with  flight. 

Instead  of  rubber  bands  in  dollar  airplane  kits,  both  men 
now  build  fuel  powered,  radio  controlled  model  airplanes 
having   five-foot   wingspans   and    costing  about   $500  each. 

"This  is  a  thrilling  hobby,  although  it's  expensive,"  ob- 
served Strzynski,  a  machinist.  "There's  a  challenge  in 
building  these  big  models  -  -  there's  excitement  in  seeing 
them  soaring  high  into  the  sky  under  my  radio  control  -  - 
there's  the  pleasure  of  getting  out  into  the  fresh  air  and 
sunshine.   It's  a  great  substitute  for  the  TV  blahs." 

Joe  Kasper,  a  mechanic,  has  been  building  model 
planes  for  several  years,  and  he  has  earned  an  excellent 
reputation  in  this  exacting  hobby.  He  said  he  built  a  model 
plane  for  the  son  of  Dick  Butkus,  TV  personality  and  former 
member  of  the  Chicago  Bears  football  team. 

Kasper  figured  it  takes  from  75  to  100  hours  to  build  a 
radio  controlled  model  airplane  and  have  it  ready  for  flight. 

"The  most  difficult  part  of  building  a  model  is  putting 
the  plastic  covering  on  the  wings,  tail  assembly,  and  fuse- 
lage (body)  of  the  model,"  Kasper  said. 


A  completed  model  weighs  about  eight  pounds  and  con- 
tains a  tiny  one  cylinder  engine  to  drive  the  propeller,  a  fuel 
tank  with  a  capacity  of  up  to  12  ounces  (usually  a  blend  of 
castor  oil,  nitro,  and  methanol),  a  dry  cell  battery,  and  a 
radio  receiver  to  take  signals  from  the  ground-based  radio 
control  unit. 

"In  order  to  fly  radio  controlled  planes,  a  person  must 
have  a  radio  license  from  the  Federal  Communications 
Commission  and  hold  a  membership  in  the  Academy  of 
Model  Aeronautics,"  Kasper  said. 

Kasper  belongs  to  the  50-member  Radio  Control  Club 
of  Chicago  with  its  flying  field  in  the  Kickapoo  Woods 
forest  preserve  at  145  th  and  Halsted  streets  near  Riverdale. 

Strzynski  belongs  to  the  Palos  Flying  Club  of  Palos  Hills 
which  has  255  members  and  meets  at  its  fiying  field  in 
Morrill  Meadow  in  the  Palos  Division  forest  preserve  at  107th 
street  and  Mannheim  road  near  Palos  Park. 

"Our  planes  have  horizontal  distance  radio  control  of  up 
to  400  feet  and  can  soar  up  to  a  mile  high.  Some  models 
have  speeds  up  to  1 20  miles  an  hour,"  Kasper  said. 

"In  addition  to  the  joy  of  flying  our  own  hand-built 
planes,  we  have  an  extra  thrill  -  -  aerial  combat  com- 
petitions." In  aerial  combat,  planes  are  equipped  with  paper 
streamers  on  long  strings  attached  to  the  combatants'  tail 
assemblies.  Points  (or  "hits")  are  scored  on  the  number  of 
inches  of  streamer  cut  off  by  propellers  of  the  remote  con- 
trolled dog  fighters  in  the  sky.  When  an  entire  streamer  is 
destroyed,  this  is  scored  as  a  "kill"  and  the  streamerless 
plane    is   withdrawn    from   competition,   Kasper  explained. 

In  addition  to  combat  competitions,  clubs  hold  shows 
where  entrant's  models  are  judged,  pattern  flying  contests 
are  held,  and  trophies  are  awarded. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Top:  Radio  controlled  aerial  combatants 
soar  high  into  the  sky  in  a  dog  fight 
controlled  by  radio  signals  from  the 
ground.  Cutting  pieces  off  paper  stream- 
ers constitutes  a  "hit."  When  the  entire 
streamer  is  destroyed  by  the  victor's 
propeller,  that  is  a  "kill"  and  streamer- 
less  plane  is  withdrawn  from  combat 
competition. 

Opposite  page:  Joe  Kasper  (far  left) 
shows  off  his  "Flying  Leatherneck." 
Casey  Strzynski  (left)  proudly  displays 
his  "Quick  Fly  III"  (foreground)  and  a 
training  plane.  The  "Quick  Fly  III"  won 
a  third  place  trophy  for  pattern  flying 
at  the  Orland  Expo  No.  1. 

Above,  right:  Kasper,  with  radio  control 
transmitter  in  hand,  directs  flight  of  his 
model  plane. 

Above:  Radio  controlled  planes  take  on 
an  aura  of  excitement  in  flight.  This 
handsome  biplane  model  is  owned  by 
John  Carney,  past  president  of  Radio 
Control  Club  of  Chicago. 

Right:  Some  members  of  the  Radio 
Control  Club  of  Chicago  and  admirers 
with  club  members'  planes.  Joe  Kasper 
(fifth  from  left)  is  a  long-time  member 
of  the  25  year  old  club. 


JUNE,  1980 


ANDRE  E.  BARBER 

MARSHA  BECKETT 

PETER  BLAZEVICH 

SHERYL  A.  BOND 

PEDRO  BORRERO  JR. 

RICHARD  E.  BOYD 

Harlan  H.  S. 

Lindblom  H.  S. 

Hubbard  H.S. 

Austin  H.S. 

Juarez  H.S. 

Julian  H.  S. 

Minnie  Turner 

Anthony  Blazevich 

Melvin  Bond 

Pedro  Borrero  Sr. 

Marshall  Boyd 

Archer 

North  Section 

Archer 

Utility 

Law 

52nd  Street 

jAi 


w^^**- 


Gallery  of  June 

Graduates 
In  CTA  Families 

Here  are  the  proudest  pictures 
of  the  year  identified  by  name, 
school,  parents  and  parent's 
CTA  work  location. 


DERRICK  M.  BUTLER 

Howe  Military  Acad. 

George  M.  Butler 


BARBARA  CAMPBELL 

Elmhurst  College 

Govan  Campbell 

Lawndale 


RUSSELL  CECALA 

Holy  Cross  H.  S. 

Joe  J.  Cecala 

Internal  Audit. 


WILLIAM  S.  CHAMERLIK 

Elk  Grove  H.S. 

William  C.  Chamerlik 

West  Shops 


RIAN  M.  CLIFFORD 

SANDRA  H.  CONNORS 

PATRICIA  COPELAND 

SHERRILYNN  COUSIN 

BRICK  CRUSOE 

DELLA  DAUGHERTY 

Bradley  Univ. 

Young  H.  S. 

Notre  Dame  H,  S. 

Harper  H.  S. 

Crane  H.  S. 

Evanston  T.H.  S. 

Patrick  J.  Clifford 

Joseph  L.  Connors 

David  Copeland 

Jacqueline  Cousin 

Lenora  Crusoe 

Rod  Daugherty 

Grant  Property 

Security 

Lawndale 

Archer 

Lawndale 

Materials  Mgt. 

KEITH  DAUGHERTY 

LEONARD  DAVENPORT 

KAREN  DAVIS 

DANIELLE  DAYAN 

TYNEITA  DERANSBURG 

MACK  DE  YOUNG 

Evanston  T.  H.  S. 

Andrew  H.  S. 

Mother  McAuley 

Crown  Academy 

Seton  H.  S. 

Eisenhower  H.  S. 

Rod  Daugherty 

Leonard  Davenport 

Ozie  Davis 

Albert  Dayan 

Lyie  Deransburg 

George  De  Young 

Materials  Mgt. 

Skokie  Shops 

69th  Street 

Limits 

Rail  South 

South  Section 

10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


,r^ 

^    -V         T.^ 

Vf 

^|v,.' 

MICHAEL  P.  DOYLE 
Bremen  H.  S. 
John  P.  Doyle 
West  Shops 


DONNA  ELLIS 
St.  Xavier  Col. 
Frenchie  Ellis 
Control  Center 


PEDRO  EXPOSITO  JR. 

Gordon  Tech  H.  S. 

Pedro  Exposito  Sr. 

Forest  Glen 


KATHLEEN  M.  FAHEY 

Loyola  Univ. 

James  M.  Fahey 

Rail  North 


STEPHANIE  FARRELL 

Westinghouse  H.  S 

Robert  H.  Farrell 

North  Avenue 


KATHLEEN  FERGUSON 

Mt.  Assissi  Acad. 

Roger  Ferguson 

Beverly 


^■Kjp'',fc 

\ 

'i\ , 

THERESE  FLAHERTY 
Eisenhower  H.  S. 
Edward  P.  Flaherty 
Plant  Maintenance 


CHERISE  M.  FREEMAN 

Tinlev  Park  H.  S. 

Howard  Freeman 

District  B. 


ANDREW  GALUS 

Quigley  North 

Ted  J.  Galus 

Forest  Glen 


DWAYNE  GASPARAITIS 
Schaumburg  H.  S. 
Vincent  Gasparaitis 

Signal 


ROCHELLE  GATHINGS 

Jones  Commercial 

Maerine  Gathings 

61st  Street 


MARKC.GIERHAHN 

Andrew  H.  S. 

Don  Gierhahn 

Electrical 


^  w 

W: 

MARIA  GONZALES 
Young  H.  S. 


CHRISTINE  GRAF 

Steinmetz  H.  S 

Peter  J.  Graf 

Electro-Bay 


LE  DONNA  D.  GRAY 

Chicago  Voc.  H.  S. 

Marsha  Spires 

Charter 


DIANA  GREATHOUSE 

Hyde  Pk.  Acad. 

Leroy  Greathouse 

52nd  Street 


ANGELA  GUDGER 

South  Shore  H.  S 

Anna  M.  Stewart 

77th  Street 


ANGELA  HAMB 

First  Lutheran  H.  S. 

Raymond  N.  Hamb 

Archer 


TIMOTHY  P.  HART 

Gordon  Tech.  H.  S. 

Raymond  L.  Hart 

Engineering 


TRACY  C.  HAYMON 

Fenger  H.  S- 

Peggy  Haymon 

Agent  Supervisor 


KEVIN  HEFFERNAN 
Holy  Cross  H.  S. 
Rod  Heffernan 
Revenue  Acct. 


DANIEL  HIRSCH 
Evanston  T.  H.  S. 

Harold  Hirsch 
Operations  Plan. 


KIMBERLY  HUBBARD 

Tilden  H.  S. 

Arthur  C.  Hubbard 

Instruction 


JUNE,  1980 


More 

June 

Graduates 


DIANE  E,  IRWIN 
St.  Xavier  Coll. 


GERALD  A.  IRWIN 

Young  H.  S. 

James  H.  Irwin 

Lawn  dale 


MONTRECAI  ISAAC 


Otha  Isaac 
North  Park 


ANGELAS.  JACKSON 

Harlan  H.  S. 

Andrew  Jackson 

Beverly 


RANDY  J.  JACKSON 

Harlan  H.  S. 

Andrew  Jackson 

Beverly 


YVETTE JACKSON 

DuSable  H.  S. 

Arthur  Jackson 

63rd  Street  Yard 


JILL  A.  JANKUS 

Thornridge  H.  S. 

John  G.  Jankus 

South  Shops 


GREG  JERACKI 

St.  Rita  H.  S. 

Gerald  Jeracki 

Archer 


GEORGE  JOHNSON 

So.  Shore  H.  S. 

Gersham  Johnson 

North  Park 


GERSHAM  JOHNSON 

So.  Shore  H.  S. 

Gersham  Johnson 

North  Park 


GRACE  A.  JOHNSON 

So.  Shore  H.  S. 

Gersham  Johnson 

North  Park 


THEODORE  JOHNSON 
Texas  Luther  Col. 

Joan  Johnson 
Analysis  Systems 


AMAURY  JUAREZ 

Jones  Commercial 

Felipe  J.  Bernal 

69th  Street 


MARTHA  JUAREZ 

Von  Steuben  H.  S. 

Adilia  Rosado 

North  Park 


MARY  KAHLFELDT 

Downers  Grove  H.  S. 

George  Kahlfeldt 


SHAWN  KIRBY 

Mt.  Carmel  H.  S. 

George  Kirby 

Contract  Const. 


GREGORY  E.  KLEICH 

Maine  West  H.  S. 

Kenneth  Kleich 

Electro-Bay 


JAMES  P.  KMAN 

Reavis  H.  S. 

Thomas  Kman 

South  Shops 


STEVEN  M.  KROB 
Andrew  H.  S. 
Henry  J.  Krob 
South  Shops 


KEVIN  KUCHAN 

Hubbard  H.  S. 

Max  R.  Kuchan 

South  Shops 


ELLEN  B.  KURATNIK 

Evergreen  Pk.  H.  S. 

Donald  M.  Kuratnik 

Archer 


MARK  D.  KURATNIK 

Brother  Rice  H.  S. 

Donald  M.  Kuratnik 

Archer 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


MAUREEN  LALLY 

ROLANDO  LAPID 

JOYCE  LAZZARA 

DEBRALELAND 

DONNA  LEWIS 

SUSAN  LUEBECK 

Bogan  H.  S. 

Mather  H.  S. 

Maine  So.  H.  S. 

Simeon  H.  S. 

DePaul  Univ. 

Proviso  West  H.S. 

Thomas  S.  Lally 

Eriinda  Lapid 

Joseph  Lazzara 

James  Leiand 

Clinton  Lewis 

Hank  Luebeck 

61st/Racine 

Medical 

Grant  Program 

Jefferson  Park 

69th  Street 

Capital  Dvlpt. 

PETER  MARSICO 

WILLIAM  E.  MAY 

TARITA  MC  CLURE 

LETITIAMC  CLURE 

REGLA  MELGAREJO 

JACQUELINE  MENSON 

Taft  H.  S. 

Thornton  H.  S. 

Lmdblom  H.  S. 

Immaculate  Heart 

St.  Francis  H.  S. 

Chicago  Vocational 

Salvatore  Marsico 

Lawrence  E.  May 

Johnnie  M.  McClure 

James  L.  Mc  Curtis 

Miriam  Melgarejo 

Thomas  Menson 

Forest  Glen 

95th  Dan  Ryan 

Central  Assignment 

Forest  Park 

North  Section 

Beverly 

BEVERLY  MICHALSKI 

FELICIA  C.  MILLER 

DEBORAH  MOORE 

MICHAEL  MOORE  JR. 

KIMBERLY  MURPHY 

PAMELA  MURPHY 

A.  A.  Stagg  H.  S. 

Corliss  H.  S. 

So.  Shore  H.  S. 

So.  Shore  H.  S. 

Madonna  H.  S. 

Dunbar  H.  A. 

Bernard  Michalski 

Adrian  C.  Miller 

Michael  J.  Moore 

Michael  J.  Moore 

Barbara  Murphy 

Hattie  Murphy 

West  Shops 

West  Section 

Archer 

Archer 

North  Avenue 

Central 

SALVATORE  MUSCARELLO 

St.  Benedict  H.  S. 

Salvatore  Muscarello 

North  Park 


HUMAMUSHTAQ 

Roosevelt  H.  S. 

Mushtaq  Ahmad 

Forest  Glen 


MICHAEL  NELSON 
Calumet  H.  S. 
Howard  Hill 
69th  Street 


RICHARD  NELSON  JR. 

Lane  Tech.  H.  S. 

Richard  Nelson  Sr. 

Maintenance 


DONNA  NICOSIA 

Bogan  H.  S. 

Dominic  Nicosia 

98th  Shop  R.  V.  M, 


TINA  M.  NIEMAN 

Tinley  Pk.  H.  S. 

Stanley  Nieman 

South  Shops 


JUNE,  1980 


13 


More 

June 

Graduates 


LAVERNE  NORMAN 

WILLIAM  OLIVER 

MALCOLM  PASCHAL 

LORI  PEPPERS 

Dunbar  H.  S. 

Chicago  Vocational 

Cregier  H.  S. 

Lindblom  H.  S. 

John  C.  Norman 

William  Oliver 

Viola  Paschal 

Frank  Peppers 

South  Shops 

District  A 

Lawndale 

Training  Center 

LOURDES  M.  PEREZ 

WESJ.  PINCHOT 

DAVID  PLOMIN 

MONICA  F.  PORTER 

THOMAS  C.PORTER 

PANDY  L.  PURDIE 

Immaculata  H.  S. 

Case  Western  U. 

Lane  Tech.  H,  S. 

Lindblom  H.S. 

Corliss  H.  S. 

St.Willibrord 

Rafael  A.  Perez 

Wesley  Pinchot 

James  Plomin 

Albert  Porter 

Thomas  E.  Porter 

Phillip  Purdie 

District  C 

Engineering 

Kimball  Shop 

Claim 

South  Shops 

Archer 

MARC  E.  REAUX 

CHERYL  A.  REMELE 

TARAY  RILEY 

STEPHEN  E.  RISOt  F 

DIANE  M.  ROSS 

JOSEPH  A.  RUGGIERO 

St.Willibrord 

Foreman  H.  S. 

Hyde  Park  Acad. 

NilesWest  H   S. 

Tuskegee  Inst 

Evergreen  Park  H.  S. 

Edward  Reaux 

Joseph  J.  Remele 

Frank  Riley  Jr. 

William  H.  Risoff 

Glenn  A.  Ross 

Nick  Ruggiero 

Control  Center 

Forest  Glen 

77th  Street 

West  Shops 

P.  S    Control 

CTA  Board 

GWENDOLYN  SATTERFIELD  KIM  M.  SCHAAF 

Grinnelt  College  Nazareth  Acad. 

Willie  Satterfield  Cornelius  Schaaf 

Lawndale  54th  Street  Shop 


DARRELL  K.SIMS 

Southern  Univ. 

Joyce  M.  Calhoun 

77th  Street 


HAZEL  C.  SMITH 
Gage  Park  H.  S. 

Dave  Smith 
Stores  ■  South 


JAMES  A   SMITH 

Young  H.  S. 

James  A   Smith 

Schedules 


MARK  D.  SMITH 
De  LaSalle 
LeoW.  Smith 
South  Shops 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NORMAN  SMITH 

Evanston  T.  H.  S. 

Oswald  Smith 

North  Park 


RUSSELL  E.SMITH 

Lindblom  H.  S. 

John  Smith 


YVETTE  STEWART 

Lindblom  H.  S. 

James  H.  Stewart 

77th  Street 


DEBORAH  SULLIVAN 

Bloom  Trail  H.  S. 

Edward  Sullivan 

Beverly 


DEBRINA  THOMPSON 

Unity  H.  S. 

Donaldson  Thompson 

Storeroom  48 


CECILY  L.  THUROW 
Eisenhower  H.  S. 
John  M.  Thurow 
Central  Counting 


ANN  M.  TRITTHARDT 

Fenton  H.  S. 

Alvin  Tritthardt 

Forest  Glen 


ROB  VALERIOUS 

Homewood-Flossmoor 

Robert  Valerious 

77th  Street 


DENG  VERGES 

St.  Patrick  H.  S. 

Spelio  P.  Verges 

West  Shops 


SYLVIA  L.WESTBROOK 

Lindblom  H.  S. 

Claudette  West  brook 

South  Section 


GREGORY  R.WHITE 
Lindblom  H.  S. 
Willie  White 
Control  Center 


ANTHONY  E.WILLIAMS 
Dunbar  H.  S. 

Earl  Williams 


DARRYL  L.WILLIAMS 

LORENEWILSON 

PAULLETTE  WINDHAM 

CHERYL  D.WOODS 

Simeon  Vocational 

Acad.  Of  Our  Lady 

South  Shore  H.  S. 

III.  State  Univ. 

Russel  J.  Williams 

Lorraine  Chandler 

AndrewW.  Windham 

John  L.Woods 

77th  Street 

South  Section 

77th  Street 

Agent  Supervisor 

KAJARIA  A.  YARBROUGH 


Textbook  Exchange  to  be  offered 
by  Tuition  Aid  Plan 

A  textbook  exchange  program  is  being  sponsored  by  the  Tuition  Aid 
Plan. 

Any  employe  interested  in  selling  college  or  university  textbooks  used 
in  the  past  year  should  send  the  following  inforination  to  the  Tuition 
Aid  Plan/Textbook  Exchange,  room  752.  Mart,  by  July  25th,  1980: 
Employe's  name  and  badge  number 
Home  telephone  number 
College  or  University 
Textbooks/Course  Titles  and  number 
This  inforination   will  be   used  to  prepare  a  hst  of  available  books. 
Employes  wisliing  a  copy  of  the  list  should  send  their  name,  badge  num- 
ber, department  and  work  location  to  the  Tuition  Aid  Plan/Textbook 
Exchange.     Names  for  the  mailing  list  must  be  received  by  August  6th, 
1980. 

NO  INFORMATION  WILL  BE  TAKEN  BY  TELEPHONE  FOR 
EITHER  LIST 

The  textbook  list  will  be  inailed  on  August  11th,  1980.  Employes  are 
responsible  for  all  transactions,  and  are  strongly  reminded  to  check  with 
their  college  for  any  textbook  changes  that  might  have  occurred. 


Ronald  J,  Mazlarka  superintendent. 
Mechanical  Engineering,  received  a 
Master's  Degree  In  Business  Admin- 
istration from  Rosary  College  on 
May  10.  He  Is  a  Registered  Pro- 
fessional Engineer  and  holds  two 
bachelor's  degrees  In  Electrical 
Engineering  (1962)  and  Mechanical 
Engineering  (1960)  from  Chicago 
Technical  College. 


JUNE,  1980 


15 


Public  Service 
Awards 

Bus  driver  Roland  Fortier 
(Archer  garage)  received  the 
coveted  Superior  Public  Service 
Award  for  1980  as  the  Outstanding 
General  Service  Employe  in 
metropolitan  Chicago, 

Fortier  received  a  plaque 
during  the  May  8  awards  luncheon 
program  in  the  Palmer  House. 
Six  other  CTA  employes  received 
certificates  for  being  finalists  in 
the  12th  annual  competitiono 

They  are  Chris  Kalogeras, 
director,  Plant  Engineering,  in  the 
Outstanding  Executive  Employe 
Category;  Donald  Lemm,  director. 
Insurance,  in  the  Outstanding  Su- 
pervisory Employe  Category; 
James  Dudley,  safety  supervisor. 
Maintenance,  Frederick  Mead, 
imit  supervisor,  safety  inspector/ 
investigations.  Safety,  and  Claude 
Stevens,  principal  safety  analyst. 
Transportation,  in  the  Outstanding 
Public  Safety  Employe  Categoiy, 
and  Bemice  Smith,  executive 
secretary.  Maintenance,  in  the 
Outstanding  Clerical  Employe 
Category. 


Showing  their  Superior  Public  Service  awards  are  (from  left):  Chris  Kalogeras,  director.  Plant 
Engineering;  Donald  Lemm,  director.  Insurance  Claude  Stevens,  principal  safety  analyst. 
Transportation;  Roland  Fortier,  bus  driver.  Archer,  Frederick  Mead,  unit  supervisor,  safety 
inspector/investigations.  Safety;  James  Dudley,  safety  supervisor.  Maintenance,  and  Bernlce 
Smith,  executive  secretary.  Maintenance. 


Fortier  was  nominated  for  the 
award  because  of  his  record  of 
having  driven  more  than  two  mil- 
lion miles  without  a  chargeable 
accident  and  he  has  proven  to  be  a 
model  driver  in  every  respect 
during  his  career  at  the  CTA.  He 
plans  to  retire  later  this  year  after 
39  years  in  public  transit. 

Charles  Marshall,  president  of 


niuiois  Bell  Telephone  company, 
was  moC,  at  the  awards  luncheon. 
The  Superior  Public  Service 
Awards  program  is  sponsored  by 
the  City  of  Chicago,  Chicago  Board 
of  Education,  City  Colleges  of 
Chicago,  Chicago  Housing  Author- 
ity, Metropolitan  Sanitary  District 
of  Greater  Chicago,  Chicago  Park 
District,  and  the  CTA. 


Youth  l\/lotivation  participants  honored 


Nine  CTA  employes  were  honored 
at  a  luncheon  May  16th  for  their 
participation  in  the  14th  annual  Em- 
ployment Youth  Motivation  Program 
sponsored  by  the  Chicago  Association 
of  Commerce  and  Industry. 

The  employes  functioned  as  speak- 
ers at  high  schools  ail  over  the  city, 
giving  motivational  talks  to  minority 
students. 

Harriett  Murphy,  special  projects 
coordinator,  Human  Resources,  was 
CTA's  personnel  advisor  for  the  pro- 
gram. She  selected  employes  who  are 
young  enough  for  high  school  students 
to  emulate  and  from  similar  socio- 
economic backgrounds.  In  this  way, 
the  students  perceived  the  CTA  speak- 
ers as  role  models. 

Dan  Kane,  education  coordinator, 
Sales/Risk  Management,  was  the  CTA 
chairperson  for  the  event.  His  role 
was  to  coordinate  a  year-long  program 
with  Oak  Park  -  River  Forest  High 
School,  organizing  speakers  from  a 
wide  variety  of  companies. 


\M 

^tj 

a     *^'    ft. 

u 

Dan  Kane 

The  usual  program  includes  18 
speakers  divided  into  classroom  groups. 
The  speakers  discuss  where  they  work, 
how   they  got  their  job,  and  stressed 


the  importance  of  staying  in  school 
and  developing  job  skills.  Much  of 
the  program  is  open  to  question  and 
answer  sessions. 

All  speakers  attended  orientation 
sessions  deaUng  with  public  speaking 
and  typical  student  reactions  to  the 
program.  The  speaker  participants 
were  also  given  CTA  and  Employment 
Youth  Motivation  Program  fact  sheets. 

Each  participant  received  a  cer- 
tificate of  merit  from  the  Association 
of  Commerce  and  Industry  at  the 
luncheon  held  in  their  honor. 

In  addition  to  Kane  and  Murphy, 
the  employes  honored  were:  Karen 
Domino,  agent  supervisor.  Transpor- 
tation; Juanita  Fields,  office  services 
clerk.  Support  Services;  Howard 
Garrison,  architectural  designer,  En- 
gineering, Ervin  Harris,  artist.  Human 
Resources;  Rudy  Mendez,  human  rela- 
tions speciahst.  Human  Resources; 
Ronald  Tuck,  personnel  analyst.  Hu- 
man Resources,  and  Mike  Wisbrod, 
civil  engineer.  Engineering. 


76 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Retirees  honored 


George  Krambles,  retired  CTA  executive  director,  is  congratulated  by 
IVIayor  Jane  IVI.  Byrne  on  the  occasion  of  his  induction  into  the  Chicago 
Senior  Citizens  Hall  of  Fame,  on  the  evening  of  IVIay  27  at  Preston 
Bradley  Hall  in  The  Chicago  Public  Library  Cultural  Center.  The  award 
was  presented  in  recognition  of  his  achievements  and  contributions 
to  the  City  of  Chicago  during  his  43  year  career,  devoted  to  improving 
Chicago's  public  transportation. 


Jack  H.  Smith,  nationally  syndi- 
cated columnist  and  former  direc- 
tor of  publications  and  editor  of 
the  CTA  Quarterly  (right),  has 
received  a  national  distinguished 
service  award  called  the  Evergreen, 
from  the  National  Association  of 
Mature  People  (NAMP). 

Smith's  column,  "Time  of  Your 
Life,"  is  distributed  nationwide 
by  United  Feature  Syndicate,  and 
he  was  recognized  by  NAMP  for 
"the  best  example  of  regular  fea- 
ture writing  on  the  subject  of 
mature  living  with  special  emphasis 
on  the  realties  of  retirement,  con- 
tinued contribution  to  society  and 
personal  guidance." 

"My  honor  in  receiving  this 
Evergreen  Award  is  deepened  by 
the  gratitude  I  feel  toward  NAMP 
for  recognizing  that  mature  people 
are  and  can  continue  to  be  con- 
structive, well-adjusted  forces  in  neighborhood,  community  and  nation- 
al life,  and  not  objects  of  pity  or  disuse,"  Smith  said  in  his  acceptance 
speech. 

"The  Evergreen  Award  was  created  to  honor  individuals  in  various 
fields  of  endeavor  for  their  contributions  to  the  American  way  of  live, 
and  especially  to  recognize  either  outstanding  achievements  of  older 
Americans  or  contributions  to  the  betterment  and  understanding  of 
mature  living,"  said  Richard  E.  Shepherd,  executive  secretary  of  the 
national  non-profit,  educational  organization. 

Smith  became  editor  and  director  of  publications  for  the  CTA 
Quarterly  in  1974  and  served  until  1977,  when  he  retired  and  moved 
to  a  retirement  home  in  El  Paso,  Texas.  He  is  67. 

Others  receiving  the  award  were  comedian-actor  George  Burns  and 
Nelson  Cruikshank,  President  Carter's  counselor  on  aging. 


Yvonne  Howze 

completes 

apprenticeship 

It  took  Yvonne  Howze  of  South  Shops  four 
years,  but  she  has  finally  nailed  down  her 
joumeyperson's  papers. 

Mrs.  Howze  will  end  her  four-year  ap- 
prenticeship program  in  June  and  become  a 
joumeyperson  in  Local  1922,  Chicago 
District  Council,  United  Brotherhood  of 
Carpenters  and  Joiners  of  America. 

"She  becomes  about  the  10th  woman  in 
our  district  council  which  munbers  about 
30,000  carpenters,"  said  Charles  Svec,  mill 
representative  of  the  union.  Svec  repre- 
sents union  members  in  shops. 


William  Miller,  acting  carpenter  shop  foreman. 
South  Shops,  congratulates  Mrs.  Yvonne  Howze 
for  completing  her  four-year  carpenter's  ap- 
prenticeship. 


Jorge  Bolanos 


In  this  special 
letter  we  wish  to 
acknowledge  the 
benevolence  of  one 
of  your  employes, 
Jorge  Bolanos,  our 
brother.  We  want 
to  publicly  recog- 
nize and  thank  htm 
for  all  the  econom- 
ic and  moral  sup- 
port he  has  pro- 
vided us  in  our 
personal  develop- 
ment as  productive  and  useful  citizens. 

A  social  worker,  an  architect,  and  a 
medical  doctor  are  the  result  of  his 
many  years  of  hard  work  and  sacrifice. 

Jorge's  entire  salary  was  used  to 
help  us.  His  good  humor  and  day  to 
day  words  of  comfort  provided  the 
necessary  moral  support. 

He  sacrificed  his  own  studies  be- 
cause someone  had  to  earn  the  daily 
bread. 

We  are  certain  that  the  character- 
istics which  make  Jorge  a  great  son, 
brother  and  family  member  also  make 
him  an  outstanding  CTA  employe. 

We  have  run  out  of  words  to  express 
our  gratitude.  We  dedicate  our  ac- 
complishments to  our  brother,  for  it  is 
because  of  Jorge  Bolanos  that  we  have 
been  able  to  reach  our  goals. 

Luis  Armando  Bolanos 

Ruben  Dario  Bolanos 

Celmira  Bolanos 


Group  Travel 
offers  events 
and  discounts 

Two     Group    Travel    Program    events 
which  proved  to  be  very  popular  last  year 
will  be  held  again  this  summer. 
Illinois  Railway  Museum 

On  August  23,  you  can  once  again  ride 
the  i-ails  of  yesteryear  at  the  Illinois  Rail- 
way Museum  in  Union,  111.  Last  year's 
visit  featured  movies,  rides  on  historic 
equipment,  and  a  handcar  race.  (See 
Transit  News,  September,  1979,  page  8.) 
Santa's  Village 

A  Family  Picnic  at  Santa's  VUlage  in- 
cluding rides,  games,  prizes,  and  re- 
freshments will  take  place  on  Sunday, 
September  14.  (See  Transit  News,  July, 
1979,  page  4.) 
Recreation  Discounts 

The  Group  Travel  Program  is  also  of- 
fering discount  programs  for  recreational 
activities  in  the  Chicago  area.  These  in- 
clude half-price  tickets  for  Plitt  and  Rose 
movie  theatres,  tickets  for  the  Great 
America  amusement  park  discounted  to 
$8  from  the  normal  price  of  $11,  and  "2  for 
1"  coupons  for  free  rounds  of  golf  at  many 
courses  in  the  Chicago  area,  Indiana,  and 
Wisconsin. 

For  information  about  the  above  events 
contact  Ms.  Harriett  Murphy,  special 
projects  coordinator.  Human  Resources, 
Room  7-170,  Mart,  Ext.  751. 


JUNE,  1980 


17 


safety  awards 


Two  long  time  "also  rans"  for  the  CTA's  Public  Safety 
Award  finished  first  for  the  first  quarter  of  1980.  The 
winners  are  Forest  Glen  garage  and  the  Kimball  terminal 
of  the  Ravenswood  'L'  route. 

Determination  often  leads  to  success  -  -  that's  the  formula 
used  by  the  600  drivers  of  the  Forest  Glen  garage. 

"The  drivers  of  our  20  routes  were  trying  extra  hard 
to  top  the  other  nine  garages,  and  they  did,"  said  Hugh 
Masterson,  Forest  Glen's  superintendent. 

Here  are  the  winning  statistics:  A  traffic  accident  rate  of 
3.73  per  100,000  miles  of  driving  and  a  passenger  accident 
rate  of  0.59  per  1 00,000  miles  of  driving. 

Another  reason  for  their  determination  -  -  not  reflected 
in  the  statistics  -  -  Forest  Glen  hadn't  won  the  Public  Safety 
Award  since  the  second  quarter  of  1977. 

Over  the  rail  side,  it  was  the  120  operating  members  of 
the  Kimball  terminal  who  made  a  team  effort  to  come  in 
with  the  winning  average  of  the  combined  traffic  and  passen- 
ger accident  frequency  of  0.25  for  each  100,000  miles  of 
operation  in  the  first  quarter  of  1980. 

The  award  was  a  long  time  coming.  Kimball  hadn't  won 
the  award  since  the  first  quarter  of  1973. 

"Now  that  we  won  the  award,  we're  going  to  work  hard 
to  keep  it  -  -  for  a  long  time,"  vowed  Bill  Rooney,  assistant 
superintendent  at  Kimball. 

Rooney  presented  Outstanding  Employe  of  the  Year 
Awards  to  two  Kimball  operating  employes,  Lucretius  Bell, 
motorman,  and  Rodrigo  Gonzalez,  conductor. 


Tom  Boyle  (left)  manager.  Safety  Department,  presents  travelling 
Public  Safety  Award  plaque  to  Hugh  Masterson,  superintendent. 
Forest  Glen  garage  in  informal  ceremony  May  7  at  Forest  Glen. 


Herman  Duffin  (second  from  left)  and  Thaddeus  Zbed  (second  from 
right)  display  their  special  recognition  certificates  for  being  outstanding 
employes.  They  are  flanked  by  Henderson  Williams  (far  left)  and 
Martin  Delconte  (far  right)  Local  241  union  representatives. 


Sense  of  satisfaction  is  seen  on  faces  of  Forest  Glen  drivers  witnessing  awards  ceremony  in  their  garage's  train  room. 


Bill  Rooney,  (second  from  right)  assistant  superintendent,  Kimball 
terminal,  accepts  Safety  Award  plaque  from  Ed  Henry,  supervisor, 
safety  performance  analysis.  Safety,  in  Kimball  terminal  train  room. 
Joining  the  informal  ceremony  are  (from  left)  James  Blaa,  manager. 
Transportation;  Patrick  O'Malley,  assistant  superintendent,  Howard 
terminal,  and  at  far  right,  William  Limanowski,  superintendent  of 
Howard  and  Kimball  terminals. 


Employes   show   their  interest  and  pleasure  during  award  ceremony 
in  Kimball's  train  room. 


18 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Angela  Menson 
runs  like  the  wind 

byW.B.Wolfan 

Remember  the  name 
Angela  Menson— a  young 
lady  destined  for  an  out- 
stajiding  career  in  wo- 
men's track  and  field  and 
perhaps  an  Olympic  berth 
when  the  U.S.  resumes 
competition  in  1984. 

The  16-year-old  An- 
gela,daughter  of  CTAbus 
driver  Thomas  Menson  of 
Beverly  garage,  runs  like 
the  proverbial  wind  for 
Chicago  Vocational  High 
School,  She  excels  in  the 
individual  dashes,  the  100 
and  220  and  the  relay 
events  and  she  has  a 
stack  of  medals  to  show 
for  her  performances. 

Angela's  proudest  possession  is  a  gold  medal  in 
recognition  of  noteworthy  achievement  in  winning  the 
220-yard  national  jvmior  title  last  August  at  UCLA  in 
the  ARCO  (Atlantic  Richfield)  Jesse  Owens  games, 
competing  against  a  field  of  entrants  representing  14 
states. 

Angela  says  the  "biggest  thrill  of  her  life"  was  the 
day  Jesse  Owens  awarded  her  the  gold  medal  and  auto- 
graphed the  case  containing  it. 

Her  father,  who  was  an  athlete  himself  in  his 
younger  days,  says  that  there  isn't  enough  room  on 
the  mantle  for  Angela's  medals  earned  in  the  various 


track  meets  sponsored  by  the  Chicago  Jvmior  Chamber 
of  Commerce  and  the  AAU  Jvinior  Olympics. 

His  daughter  also  competes  during  the  simimer 
months  as  a  member  of  a  church-sponsored  track 
club.  She  has  competed  in  as  many  as  four  events  in 
a  single  day,  a  gruelling  schedule  for  a  youngster. 

Her  principal  events  include  the  100  and  220  yard 
dashes,  the  440  yard  run,  and  the  880  yard  relay. 

In  this  year's  state  prep  track  meet,  Angela  was 
hampered  by  a  pulled  leg  muscle,  but  still  managed  to 
place  in  the  220  yard  dash. 

An  excellent  student,  Angela  is  planning  on  attend- 
ing college  and,  with  the  growing  emphasis  on  women's 
sports  competition  at  the  collegiate  level,  she  un- 
doubtedly will  be  a  much  sought  after  prospect  for 
women's  track  and  field. 

Track  is  not  the  only  sport  for  Miss  Menson,  She 
is  an  avid  bowling  devotee  and  knocks  down  the  pins  at 
a  highly  creditable  142  average, 

Angela,  says  her  mother,  Mrs.  Mae  Menson,  is  so 
busy  that  the  family  usually  sees  her  only  at  meal- 
times. In  addition  to  track,  she  is  a  prep  squad  cheer- 
leader at  her  school, 

"My  daughter's  energy  is  seemingly  boundless," 
says  Mrs.  Menson,  "She  never  stops.  Angela  has 
loved  competing  in  sports  ever  since  she  was  a  little 
girl." 

It  is  a  safe  prediction  that  Angela  will  emerge  as  a 
top  competitor  in  women's  collegiate  sports  if  she 
keeps  going  as  she  has  to  date. 

And  the  late  Jesse  Owens  woidd  be  very  proud  of  the 
young  girl  he  awarded  that  gold  medal  at  UCLA  in  the 
summer  of  1979. 

Owens  has  inspired  many  young  people  and  Angela 
Menson  is  a  prime  example  of  everything  Jesse  stood 
for— the  building  of  character  through  good  sportsman- 
ship, competition,  and  fellowship. 


Ball  field  named 
in  honor  of  Banks 

A  baseball  diamond  in  Rockford,  Illinois,  has  been 
named  Ernie  Banks  Field  in  honor  of  the  Chicago 
Cubs'  Hall  of  Fame  stat  who  is  a  member  of  the 
Chicago  Transit  Authority's  Board, 

Several  thousand  persons  attended  the  event  at 
Roy  Gale  Park  on  May  17  for  the  dedication  cere- 
monies honoring  Banks,  who  retired  in  1971  but  still 
retains  the  glamour  of  his  heyday  as  a  Cub. 

Banks  was  named  to  the  Hall  of  Fame  at  Coopers- 
town,  N.Y.,  on  the  veiy  first  ballot  by  the  Baseball 
Writers  Association  of  America,  an  honor  distinctive 
In  itself. 

For  19  seasons  he  was  a  magnificent  competitor 
for  the  Cubs — a  two-time  winner  of  the  National 
League's  most  valuable  player  award  in  consecutive 
seasons,  1958  and  1959, 

Banks  hit  512  career  home  runs  to  tie  for  ninth 
place  with  Eddie  Mathews  among  the  all  time  home 


run  leaders.  He  was  a  member  of  13  National  League 
all-star  teams  and  twice  led  the  league  in  the  runs 
batted  in  column.  In  1959  Banks  made  only  12  errors 
as  shortstop  in  155  games. 

The  versatile  Banks  switched  to  first  base  in  1961, 
and  also  made  brief  appearances  at  third  and  in  the 
outfield  during  his  lengthy  Cub  career. 

Jim  Brydon  of  Rockford' s  Barber-Coleman  Cor- 
poration, one  of  the  committee  members  in  charge  of 
the  program,  said : 

"We  decided  to  name  one  of  Roy  Gale  Park's  base- 
ball fields  in  honor  of  Ernie  because  of  all  he  has  done 
for  youngsters.  Ernie  Banks  Field  is  used  mostly  by 
the  small  fry  .for  their  baseball  games,  and  from  now 
on  will  carry  his  name  as  a  permanent  tribute  to  him," 

Immediately  after  the  dedication.  Banks  partici- 
pated in  a  special  clinic  for  the  Little  Leaguers. 

Ernie,  wearing  his  familiar  Cub  uniform  with 
No,  14  on  his  back,  then  signed  hundreds  of  autographs. 

It  was  an  amazing  tribute  to  the  never-ending 
popularily  of  a  former  athlete  who  hasn't  played  in  a 
ball  game  In  nine  years. 


JUNE,  1980 


19 


It's  Softball 
time  again 

The  CTA  Sports  Program  opened  its 
1980  Softball  season  on  Saturday,  May  10, 
and  will  continue  through  July. 

This  year  the  league  will  have  lY  teams, 
di\'ided  Into  three  divisions.  East,  West, 
and  Central.  The  teams  participating  are 
(East):  System  Wide,  Forest  Glen,  South 
Shops,  308  Regulars,  General  Office,  and 
Renegades;  (West):  77th  Street,  North 
Avenue,  Westside  'L',  Limits,  North  Ave- 
nue Repair,  and  North  Park  Breezers; 
(Central):  Archer,  Beverly,  69th  Street, 
52nd  Street,  and  Lawndale. 

The  games  are  played  each  Saturday 
afternoon  in  Grant  Park  beginning  at  4  p.m. 
and  5:15  p.m. 

The  league  this  year  is  under  the  guid- 
ance of  Fred  King,  manager,  Human  Re- 
sources, and  John  Smylie,  coordinator  of 
the  Softball  league. 

Here  are  some  exciting  action  shots  of 
the  games  played  on  Saturday,  May  24. 

(CTA  photos  by  Julius  Brazil) 


20 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Retirements 


Bill  Parrillo 


Fifty-five  persons  attended  a  May 
23  retirement  dinner  honoring  William 
Parrillo  in  the  M  &  M  club  in  the 
Merchandise  Mart.  Parrillo,  director 
of  Budget/Planning,  Financial  Services 
department,  ended  his  38-year  career 
in  public  transit. 

Jay  DeFranco,  comptroller,  was 
M.  C.  at  the  dinner.  He  presented 
Parrillo  with  a  cash  gift  from  Parrillo's 
friends  and  co-workers. 

Parrillo  also  received  an  unusual 
gift  -  -  his  very  old,  outmoded,  mechan- 
ical adding  machine.  To  add  luster 
to  his  memories,  the  faithful  machine 
was  bronzed  -  -  another  gift  from  his 
friends  and  co-workers. 

Parrillo  began  his  career  in  1942 
as  a  junior  clerk  with  the  Chicago 
Rapid  Transit  company,  a  predecessor 
company  to  the  CTA. 

Parrillo  and  his  wife,  Teresa,  have 
four  grown  children. 

The  Parrillos  live  on  the  northwest 
side,  and  plan  to  do  some  traveling. 
Parrillo  said  he  plans  to  continue  his 
stamp  collecting  hobby. 


William  Parrillo,  director  of  Budget/Planning,  Financial  Services  department,  admires  his  faithful 
old  adding  machine  the  CTA  retired  along  with  Parrillo.  Friends  had  the  machine  bronzed  as  a 
gift  to  him.  Standing  is  Jay  DeFranco,  CTA  comptroller. 


Lenny  Lohn 


Leonard  (Lenny)  Lohn  ended  his 
37-year  pubUc  transit  career  at  an 
open  house  farewell  party  May  22 
in  the  Training/Development  programs 
section  in  the  Merchandise  Mart. 

Lohn  retired  as  the  section's 
training  services  clerk. 

More  than  100  friends  and  co- 
workers attended  the  party.  Frank 
Johnson,  director,  Training/Develop- 
ment programs  section,  was  M.  C.  at 
the  informal  affair.  Johnson  presented 
Lohn  with  a  gold  wrist  watch  and  cash 
gifts  from  Lohn's  friends.  Lohn's 
wife,  Julia,  attended  the  open  house. 

Lohn  began  his  public  transit 
career  in  1943  as  a  motorman  with 
the  Chicago  Surface  Lines,  a  prede- 
cessor company  to  the  CTA. 

Lohn  and  his  wife  have  three 
grown  children  and  will  make  their 
new  home  in  Tampa,  Fla. 


Leonard  (Lenny)  Lohn,  with  perennial  pipe  in  his  mouth,  accepts  his  retirement  papers  from 
Frank  Johnson,  director,  Training/Development  programs  section,  as  Lohn's  wife,  Julia,  looks  on. 
Presentation  was  made  at  May  22  open  house  honoring  Lohn. 


JUNE,  1980 


21 


CTA  Pioneers 
Mother's-Day  dance 

More  than  400  persons  attended  the 
May  13  Mother's  Day  luncheon  dance  party 
of  the  CTA  Koneers  retirement  organiza- 
tion in  the  Golden  Flame  restaurant,  Hig- 
gins  road  and  Nagle  avenue. 

Maynard  "Pinky"  Moran  ('73  Control 
Center),  the  Picmeers'  president,  said  the 
Mother's  Day  program  had  one  of  the  larg- 
est attendance  in  the  organization's  five- 
year  history.  The  Pioneers  have  about  600 
members. 

The  Pioneers  meet  for  lunch  at  12:30 
pjn.  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  each  month 
in  the  Golden  Flame. 

Moran  said  two  more  Ladies'  day  meet- 
ings are  scheduled  by  the  Pioneers — Sep- 
tember 9  and  a  Christmas  party  on  De- 
cember 9.  fCTA  photos  by  Mike  Hoffert) 


Oscar  Peterson  (Transportation  '77)  and  his  wife, 
77)  and  his  wife,  Nellie. 


Frances,  at  left,  and  Rene  Biard  (Forest  Glen 


Joseph    Brzoski    (Skokie    Shop    '74)    and    his 
wife,  Lillian. 


Charles    DeCook 
wife,  Florence. 


(North    Park    '75)    and    his        Stanley  Turek   (Limits  75)  at  left,  and  his  friend,  Mrs.  Marge  Koschaike,  and  Whitey  Laatsch 
(General  Office  '75). 


Robert  Ciesza  (North  Park  72)  and  his  wife.        Patrick    Smith    (North    Avenue    '68)    and    his       Charles  "Moe"  Pearson  (Forest  Glen  77)  and 
Emelia.  wife,  Ellen.  his  wife,  Blanche. 


22 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


irr  :M:E]i^oi^i.A.nvn 


PETER  BARRETT,  Laborer, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  2-7-56 
JOHN  BEHOF,  Assembler, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  1-20-67 
DANIEL  BRODIE,  Car  Repairman  A, 

Wilson  Shop,  Emp.  3-5-47 
TONY  CALABRESE,  Truck  Chauffeur, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  4-18-41 
OZANE  FARMER,  Carpenter, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  2-18-74 
WILLIE  S.  HARVEY,  Collector, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  4-19-48 
MOSES  JOHNSON,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  1-25-54 
WILLIAM  LAMAR,  Operator, 

Lawndale,  Emp.  5-17-54 
WILLIAM  LANE,  Rail  Janitor, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  8-1-57 
LEONARD  LOHN,  Training  Service  Clerk, 

Human  Resources,  Emp,  8-22-42 
WILLIAM  MARSH ,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  4-28-47 
LEROY  MARSHALL,  Janitor, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  9-5-57 
STANLEY  MAZUREK,  Upholsterer, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  11-9-45 
JAMES  O'SHAUGHNESSY,  Shopman  I, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  12-20-50 
WILLIAM  PARRILLO,  Director, 

Financial  Services,  Emp.  10-6-41 
ROBERT  PENDLETON,  Operator, 

Limits,  Emp.  2-11-57 
GEORGE  VAN  NEVEL,  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  5-9-46 


DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

WALTER  R.  HABAS,  Collector, 

Limits,  Empo  2-16-59 
ROBERT  E.  HODGES,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  2-6-67 


THOMAS  J.  AMES,  87,  South  Section, 

Emp.  4-25-19,  Died  3-23-80 
HARRY  ANDERSON,  58,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  6-10-46,  Died  4-16-80 
GEORGE  E.  CARLSON,  68,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  3-27-29,  Died  4-2-80 
WILSON  V.  COLEMAN,  64,  Security, 

Emp.  1-8-45,  Died  4-7-80 
JOHN  COLLINS,  54,  Vehicle  Maintenance, 

Emp.  4-27-53,  Died  4-11-80 
STEPHEN  COLLINS,  72,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  1-19-41,  Died  4-16-80 
ANITA  DOUGLAS,  31,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  12-21-78,  Died  5-5-80 
RUDOLPH  DRZK,  69,  Investigations, 

Emp.  3-1-27,  Died  4-13-80 
THOMAS  DWYER,  69,  52nd  Street, 

Emp.  8-8-42,  Died  4-6-80 
TOMMIE  EDWARDS,  62,  Central  Assign., 

Emp.  8-15-52,  Died  4-16-80 
DOROTHY  HARRIS,  49,  North  Section, 

Emp.  10-22-69,  Died  5-13-80 
WESLEY  HAYNES,  47,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  6-26-58,  Died  4-1-80 
FRANCIS  J.  HECHT,  46,  South  Shops, 

Emp,  4-28-69,  Died  4-23-80 
ARTHUR  KALVELAGE,  84,  Wilson, 

Emp.  6-19-30,  Died  4-6-80 
BENJAMIN  E.  KAMKA,  70,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  10-25-33,  Died  4-12-80 
JOSEPH  KINAHAN,  66,  Human  Resources, 

Emp.  10-15-48,  Died  4-7-80 
HARRY  J.  LAWRENCE,  78,  Claim, 

Emp,  2-2-42,  Died  4-25-80 
LEE  LANGHAM,  34,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  6-17-68,  Died  5-7-80 
FRANK  J.  LOESER,  91,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  9-8-25,  Died  4-20-80 
JAMES  MALONEY,  80,  North  Park, 

Emp.  10-28-24,  Died  4-27-80 
MICHAEL  McCORMACK,  81,  Kimball, 

Emp.  4-29-29,  Died  2-25-80 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  June 


40  years 


35  years 


R.  H.  Daren,  Medical 


30  years 


f^  ji 


^ 


T.  Love  Jr.,  52nd  Street 

J.  P  Marshall,  52nd  Street 

W.  Onysio,  Skokie  Shop 

H.  Reddrick  Jr.,  Transportation 

E.  L.  Springer,  North  Park 

E.W.White  Jr.,  District  C 


25  years 


E.  J.  McSweeney 

Security 


W.  F.  Fox 

Forest  Glen 


0.  W.  BIgnchard,  District  A 
L.  Brown,  Lawndale 

J.  D.  Hill,  69th  Street 
H.  S.  Jackson,  69th  Street 
M.  Keating,  Methods/Standards 
E.  G.  Reid,  Maintenance 

1.  J.  Williams,  District  A 


JOHN  MEYERS,  87,  North  Park, 

Emp.  3-19-43,  Died  4-30-80 
VICTOR  MICETIC,  66,  North  Park, 

Emp.  5-2-36,  Died  4-25-80 
WILLIAM  MORAN,  77,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  8-23-23,  Died  3-26-80 
JOSEPH  MULREE,  83,  Construction, 

Emp.  5-18-14,  Died  4-29-80 
ARTHUR  SCHALK,  67,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  9-26-40,  Died  4-17-80 
RUDOLPH  SCHOENHERR,  81,  Lake, 

Emp.  6-29-44,  Died  3-28-80 
CHARLES  SCHUMAKER,  72,  Electrical, 

Emp.  11-24-30,  Died  4-16-80 
CHARLES  SHEEHY,  71,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  8-11-41,  Died  4-21-80 
SAMUEL  TRICHE,  66,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  7-6-44,  Died  4-29-80 
THOMAS  VINTAN,  78,  Wilson, 

Emp.  2-1-29,  Died  4-14-80 
LUKE  WHITE,  94,  77th  Street, 

Emp,  5-26-20,  Died  4-18-80 
WALTER  G.  WIEBE,  78,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  3-7-29,  Died  4-3-80 


Frank  Wsol  (left).  Far  South  area  superin- 
tendent, while  on  vacation  in  Oceanside,  Calif., 
visited  with  Tom  Screen,  former  superintendent 
69th  Street  Garage,  now  retired.  Tom  sends 
his  regards  to  all  his  CTA  friends. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  33 


Number  6 


Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA, 
bv  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 
Manager.  Editorial  and  graphics  by  the  Public 
Affairs  Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager.  Transit 
News  Staff:  Mel  Alexander,  Christine  Borcic, 
Kathy  Byrne,  Jack  Sowchin,  Jeff  Stern.  Produced 
by  the  Administrative  Services  Unit  under  the 
direction  of  Charles  T.  Zanin. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  $2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


JUNE,  1980 


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Culture  Bus  off 
to  a  good  season 

Sunday,  May  18,  was  cloudy  and  cool, 
but  it  was  also  International  Museum  Day, 
and  CTA  marked  the  occasion  by  inaugurating 
its  1980  CXilture  Bus  service  to  the  South, 
North  and  West  Sides,  serving  more  than 
two  dozen  cultural  attractions. 

Despite  a  bicycle  race  that  temporarily 
blocked  the  traditional  boarding  point  at  the 
Art  Institute,  loyal  Culture  Bus  riders  found 
their  way  to  the  buses  with  guidance  from 
CTA.s  beacon  of  Culture  Bus  enthusiasm  -  - 
Eileen  "Big  Murph"  Neurauter. 

Through  Memorial  Day  Weekend,  when 
sunny  skies  returned,  more  than  7,100  rides 
had  been  taken,  and  CTA's  fourth  Culture 
Bus  season  was  off  to  a  start  that  gave  the 
Art  Institute  Uons  something  to  roar  about. 


Culture  Bus  riders  boarding  at  the  Art  Institute  (top), 
being  welcomed  by  CTA  retiree  and  volunteer  hostess 
Eileen  "Murph"  Neurauter  (middle),  and  sightseeing 
through  the  large  window  of  a  "Big  Bend"  articulated 
bus,  while  enjoying  the  commentary  by  volunteer 
Ron  Weslow  (CTA  Training/Development  programs) 
on  the  Culture  Bus  South  route  driven  by  Ruby 
Bolden,  Archer  garage. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   NO.    802I 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION   CTR.    LIBRARY 
NOllTHWESTEUN   UNIVERSITY 
1810  HINMAN   AVENUE 
EVANS  TON,    IL  60201 


TN 


CTA  Monthly  Pass  commercial  makes  debut 


EVANS:   "When  I  wanna  move  real  fast,  I  fade  back  and  throw  a  pass.' 


JIGGETTS:    "When  I  ride  I  do  the  same,  no  fumble  for  change  with  a 
pass,  my  CTA  pass." 


"When  I  wanna  go  to  town,  the  CTA  takes  me  around. 
I  don't  need  change  to  ride  the  range,  'cause  I  head  'em 
off  with  a  pass,  my  CTA  pass." 

A  new  CTA  television  commercial  is  making  its  debut. 
Produced  by  Haddon  Advertising,  Inc.,  it  features 
Vince  Evans  and  Dan  Jiggetts  of  the  Chicago  Bears, 
an  actress  playing  the  part  of  a  ticket  agent,  and  an 
actor  portraying  an  urban  cowboy.  The  commercial 
is  designed  to  create  wider  awareness  of  the  Monthly 
Pass  program  and  demonstrate  the  convenience  of 
using  the  pass. 


rR/AAISPORIATiON  KSRAR? ^' p^"« '» '^'^ '°"9" 


S£P  3  0  ]9e0 


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TRANSIT  NEWS 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

AUGUST,  1980 


students  prepare  for  careers  in  transportation 


The  CTA  is  helping  college 
students  obtain  the  training  needed 
for  successful  careers  in  the 
transportation  industry. 

This  summer  11  students  from 
the  Illinois  Institute  of  Technology, 
University  of  Illinois  at  both  Chi- 
cago Circle  and  Urbana  campuses. 
University  of  Indiana,  and  New 
Mexico  State  University  are  closer 
to  their  academic  and  career 
goals  as  a  result  of  the  CTA's 
participation  in  the  Cooperative 
Education  program  which  is  ad- 
ministered by  the  Training/De- 
velopment Programs  section, 
Hiiman  Resources  department. 

Called  co-ops,  these  students 
of  engineering,  computer  science, 
and  transportation  alternate  12-16 
weeks  of  full-time  work  and  aca- 
demic study.  The  program  gives 
them  an  opportunity  to  apply  aca- 
demic theory  to  practical  job  slt- 
uaticms. 

At  West  Shops  21-year-old 
Kevin  Manley  of  the  University  of 
Illinois,  Urbana  is  helping  with 
structural  evaluations  of  rapid 
transit  stations  as  engineers  de- 
termine maintenance  require- 
ments. Manley,  a  civil  engineer- 
ing major,  is  supervised  by  civil 
engineer  Stan-Lee  Kaderbeck, 
Track/Structures,  an  IIT  alumnus 
and  former  co-op  who  joined  the 
CTA  as  a  career  employe  four 
years  ago. 

Superintendent  of  Power  and 
Way  Walter  Gaedtke  (Track/ 
Structures),  recalling  his  own  co- 
op experience  as  a  student  at  Pur- 
due University,  said  the  program 
is  an  excellent  method  of  intro- 
ducing students  to  their  chosen 
career  fields. 

"It  gives  the  student  a  chance 
to  get  a  good  look  at  every  aspect 
of  the  field  and  helps  him  to  make 
good  decisions  about  his  future," 
said  Gaedtke. 

Jamison  Rappeport,  a  senior  at 
IIT  majoring  in  mechanical  en- 
gineering, is  also  assigned  to  West 
Shops  xmder  the  supervision  of  Syed 
Hussalni,  a  mechanical  engineer. 

"Being  a  co-op  gives  me  good 
reason    to   enroll    in  many  of  the 


Kevin  Manley,  left,  a  civil  engineering  student  at  the  University  of  Illinois,  Urbana,  gets  on-the-job 
training  in  structural  evaluation.  His  mentor,  a  former  co-op,  is  Stan-Lee  Kaderbeck,  a  civil 
engineer  from  West  Shops  who  joined  CTA  after  graduating  from  the  program  at  Illinois  Institute 
of  Technology  four  years  ago. 


courses  I  have  had  because  it 
means  having  the  knowledge  to  do 
specific  jobs  which  I  am  assigned 
here,"  said  Rappeport. 

His  work  experience  at  CTA 
will  also  make  him  immediately 
eligible  to  take  the  professional 
engineers  examination  to  become 
a  registered  engineer  after  he  re- 
ceives his  bachelor  of  science 
degree. 

Rappeport  received  a  scholar- 
ship last  semester  for  a  paper  he 
had  written  on  transportation.  His 
plans  for  the  future  include  ob- 
taining a  masters  degree  before 
leaving  UT. 

Rappeport  and  21 -year-old 
Stanley  Kuramoto  have  been  par- 
ticipants in  the  co-op  program 
longer  than  most  of  the  students  in 
this  work  period.  Both  have  re- 
turned to  CTA  five  times  and  could 
return  yet  another  period. 

Kuramoto,  Richard  Chong,  and 
Jean  Khuon  are  among  the  com- 
puter science  students  at  IIT  who 
are  assigned  to  the  CTA  Data 
Center.  All  joined  the  co-op  pro- 
gram because  they  believe  the  CTA 
experience     will    put    them    well 


ahead  of  their  contemporaries. 

Said  Kuramoto,  "The  co-op 
program  has  helped  me  acquire 
academic  knowledge  much  faster 
and  made  things  a  lot  clearer  for 
me  in  the  classroom." 

Echoing  those  thoughts,  18- 
year-old  Richard  Chong,  said, 
"What  I've  learned  herein  my  first 
work  period  is  definitely  higher 
level  than  what  I've  encountered  so 
far  at  school."  Arlene  Jenny, 
Data  Center  superintendent,  calls 
her  co-op  students  "eager  bea- 
vers." "I  have  nothing  but  good  to 
say  about  these  yoimg  people.  They 
are  very  conscientious  and  we 
plan  to  get  more  of  them,"  said 
Jenny. 

Dennis  Early,  25,  a  junior  in 
industrial  engineering  at  IIT,  is 
busy  updating  storage  efficiency  in 
materials  management.  "My  work 
here  enables  me  to  apply  the 
methods  of  random  sampling  as 
well  as  motion  and  time  measure- 
ments. These  are  subjects  which 
were  stressed  in  the  classroom, 
but  now  I'm  putting  them  to  prac- 
tical use  for  the  first  time,"  said 
Early. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


The  1980  Outstanding  Employer  Award  was  presented  recently  to  the 
CTA  at  the  fourth  annual  Illinois  Institute  of  Technology  Cooperative 
Education-Student  Workshop  and  luncheon  held  on  the  I  IT  campus. 
Nomination  for  the  award  was  made  by  co-op  students  working  for  the 
CTA  during  their  full-time  work  periods.  A  letter  of  nomination  was 
written  by  Michael  Martys,  an  electrical  engineering  student  who 
returns  to  the  CTA  this  month  to  begin  his  second  work  period.    Ac- 


cepting the  award  for  the  CTA  is  Mrs.  Norine  Stratton,  training 
coordinator  and  liasion  for  co-op  students.  Presenting  Mrs.  Stratton 
(second  from  right)  with  the  plaque  is  Dr.  Thomas  L.  Martin  Jr.  (left), 
president,  NT.  Co-op  students  on  hand  to  offer  congratulations  were 
Mache  Readus,  Michael  Martys,  Stanley  Kuramoto,  Dennis  Early,  and 
Paul  Sheridan. 


In  the  Transportation  depart- 
ment, meanwhile,  20-year-old 
Richard  Degman,  a  senior  and 
transportation  major  at  Indiana 
University,  has  had  a  very  busy 
summer  in  his  first  work  period 
as  a  co-op.  His  experience  has 
included  work  as  a  ticket  agent  and 
a  conductor  with  a  final  assign- 
ment in  Methods  and  Standards. 

Terrence  Grant,  a  senior  at  the 
University  of  Illinois  Circle  cam- 
pus, is  completing  his  third  work 
period  with  an  assignment  in 
Routes  and  Systems.  The  28-year- 
old  Coast  Guard  veteran's  plans 
include  a  masters  degree  in  trans- 
portation engineering  or  urban 
planning. 

Mike  Navarro,  a  sophomore  at 
the  University  of  Illinois  Urbana 
campus  in  his  first  work  period 
with  Equipment  Design,  Engineer- 
ing department,  is  involved  in 
studies  related  to  problems  of  the 


handicapped. 

Classifying  bus  imderframe 
maintenance  jobs  is  the  special 
project  for  Marshall  Issen,  20- 
year-old  University  of  Illinois 
junior  assigned  to  South  Shops  in 
his  second  work  period.  He  ex- 
pects to  begin  his  third  work  period 
in  January. 

Traveling  from  the  great  south- 
west to  Chicago  and  the  CTA  as  a 
co-op  is  James  Cobum,  a  senior  at 
New  Mexico  State  University  in 
Las  Cruces.  The  25-year-old  Co- 
bum  is  assigned  to  SkoMe  Shops 
to  study  rail  maintenance  proce- 
dures and  functions,  and  to  pre- 
pare a  bulletin  on  rebuilt  motors 
and  time  sequence. 

Each  student  will  be  evaluated 
at  the  end  of  the  work  period  by 
their  supervisors,  and  copies  of  the 
evaluation  will  be  sent  to  their 
colleges.  In  turn,  the  schools  will 
also  send    the  CTA  copies  of  the 


students'  grades  for  the  semesters 
they  return  to  full-time  classroom 
work. 


Mrs.  Ruth  Lebron,  senior  financial 
analyst  in  the  Budget  department 
obtained  her  Master's  Degree  in  Busi- 
ness Administration,  majoring  in  Finance, 
from  DePaul  University,  during  a  gradua- 
tion ceremony  that  took  place  at  the 
Civic  Opera  House  on  June  15,  1980. 
Mrs.  Lebron  joined  the  CTA  in  Septem- 
ber, 1977,  as  a  financial  analyst.  Con- 
gratulations    on     her     accomplishment! 


AUGUST,  1980 


Barnes  nominated  for  APTA  office 


Eugene  M.  Barnes 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M. 
Barnes  was  unanimously  elected 
by  the  nominating  committee  to  be 
the  Vice  President  for  Govern- 
ment Affairs  of  the  American  Pub- 
lic Transit  Association  (APTA). 

APTA,  headquartered  in  Wash- 
ingtcn,  D.C.,  is  an  association 
representing  the  transit  industry 
with  more  than  300  systems  as 
members  in  the  United  States, 
Canada,  and  Mexico. 

Ratification  by  the  membership 
of  APTA  will  take  place  at  the  an- 
nual meeting  in  San  Diego,  Cali- 


fornia, in  October. 

As  Vice  President  for  Govern- 
ment Affairs,  Barnes  will  repre- 
sent the  transit  industry  on  all 
legislative  and  regulatory  matters. 
He  will  oversee  the  committees  of 
elderly  and  handicapped,  legis- 
lation, and  planning  and  policy.  In 
light  of  the  present  status  of  fed- 
eral transit  legislation  both  APTA 
and  Chicago  will  benefit  from 
Barnes'  selection. 

The  Vice  President  for  Govern- 
ment Affairs  is  a  member  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  APTA. 


Summertime  Cliicago  entertains  commuters 

Summertime  Chicago  returned 
to  entertain  CTA  riders  for  the 
second  time  around  beginning 
July  15.  The  performers  made 
their  first  appearance  last  year. 

Quartets  of  harmony,  finger- 
snapping  groups  and  one-man  or 
woman  acts,  all  apart  of  the  care- 
free entertainment,  greeted  com- 
muters at  rush  hour  on  'L'  plat- 
forms and  busy  bus  stops  in  the 
Loop  and  elsewhere. 

Fifty- five  youthful  street  artists 
were  staged  by  Mayor  Byrne's 
Office  of  Special  Events  to  help 
break  the  monotony  of  nash  hour 
travel.  Again  it  was  a  big  success 
as  riders  enthusiastically  ap- 
plauded performances. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Different  Stroke 

Gary  Coleman,  star  of  NBC-TV'j 
"Different  Strokes,"  appeared  on  a 
chartered  CTA  train  on  July  21, 
during  the  filming  of  a  20th  Cen- 
tury Fox  feature  film  "A  Guy 
Could  Get  Killed  Out  There." 


Panf ils  perform  in  Royal  Danish  Ballet 


The  mother  and  daughter  of  North  Park  Garage  bus 
operator  Claudette  Panfil  were  part  of  the  Royal 
Danish  Ballet  cast  appearing  recently  at  the  Chicago 
Civic  Opera  House. 

Ms.  Helen  Panfil,  formerly  a  dancer  with  a  New 
York  troiipe,  and  her  seven-year  old  granddaughter, 
Lisa  Helene,  a  student  at  the  Betsy  HerskLnd  School  in 
Chicago,  were  selected  from  more  than  400  people  who 
auditioned  for  parts  in  the  ballet. 


Ms.  Panfil,  one  of  four  women  appearing  in  the 
performance,  was  cast  in  the  role  of  a  peasant  woman 
tending  her  dying  son  in  the  production  of  the  legendary 
William  Tell's  "Folktale."  Lisa  Helene,  one  of  25 
children  in  the  ballet,  was  cast  as  a  troll. 

It  was  the  first  U.S.  appearance  of  the  Danish  Bal- 
let since  1920.  Accompanying  the  troupe  was  Prince 
Gorge  of  Denmark. 


Helen  Panfil,  right,  prepares  for  rehearsal  of  Royal  Danish 
Ballet  at  Chicago  Civic  Opera  House  while  other  per- 
formers leave  dressing  room. 


Lisa  Helene  who  played  a  troll  in  the  production  of  William  Tell's  "Folktale,"  gets 
special  attention  in  the  dressing  room  from  a  backstage  helper  in  foreground.  Her  grand- 
mother, left,  is  also  giving  her  assistance. 


AUGUST,  1980 


Eddie  Smith  (North  Avenue 
Garage)  was  the  subject  of  a 
letter  from  Georgia  Meezall,  of 
Carroll  Avenue,  that  was  signed 
by  26  other  riders  on  a  #16 
Lake  bus.  "This  is  to  let  you 
know  how  much  we  think  of 
driver  #6256.  He  is  polite, 
courteous  and  considerate.  He 
takes  the  blunt  end  of  every- 
thing people  complain  about, 
and  he  always  leaves  the  passen- 
gers laughing.  1  have  written 
before,  so  that  is  why  the  other 
passengers  asked  me  to  write 
again.  I  would  have  gotten  more 
signatures,  but  had  to  get  off 
at  my  stop.  With  more  drivers 
like  him,  it  would  always  be  a 
pleasure  to  ride  CTA." 


Robert  Spann  (North  Park 
Garage)  "tries  very  hard  to 
make  things  right,"  according 
to  Paula  Carney,  of  Marine 
Drive.  "Driver  #5289  is  pleas- 
ant, patient,  helpful,  and  un- 
failingly kind  to  everyone.  He 
is  also  very  knowledgeable  about 
the  routes  and  connections  to 
other  bus  lines.  I  frequently 
have  been  on  his  #151  Sheridan 
bus  on  my  way  to  work.  His 
cheerful  'Good  Morning'  and 
pleasant  attitude  make  the  day 
a  little  brighter  for  everyone 
he  encounters.  Not  long  ago 
I  was  on  the  bus  when  he  was 
training  a  new  driver.  He  had 
such  a  nice  way  of  explaining 
things  to  the  new  man.  What 
a  pleasure  to  have  such  a 
teacher." 


commendation  corner 


Ricardo  Leiva  (Forest  Glen  Garage)  was  admired  by  I.  W. 
Emmerich,  of  Hersiiey,  Pennsylvania,  for  the  way  he  treated 
riders  on  his  #64  Foster/Lawrence  bus.  "As  a  visitor,  I  had 
the  pleasure  of  riding  several  times  on  his  bus  between 
Jefferson  Park  and  Delphia  Street.  A  person  might  not  be 
in  a  happy  mood  when  they  board  the  bus,  but  after  the 
greeting  they  receive  from  his  driver,  they  all  have  a  big 
smile  on  their  faces.  When  I  compUmented  him  on  his 
actions,  he  said,  'I  just  treat  people  the  way  I  would  like 
them  to  treat  me.'  You  are  fortunate  indeed  to  have  this 
fine  person  as  one  of  your  drivers." 

Charla  Morgan  (North  Avenue  Garage)  was  regarded  as 
"just  fantastic"  by  Ruth  Schaeffer,  of  North  Lake  Shore 
Drive,  who  rode  her  #76  Diversey  bus  one  afternoon  rush 
period.  "Apparently  there  had  been  some  equipment 
trouble,  causing  the  CTA  to  shift  their  drivers.  I  must 
comphment  driver  #6647  for  her  cool  demeanor  in  spite 
of  pushing  crowds  and  people  who  just  wouldn't  cooperate 
by  moving  to  the  back  of  the  bus.  The  heat  didn't  help  the 
tempers  of  the  travelers,  either.  Through  it  all,  she  was 
absolutely  the  most  pleasant  driver,  and  maintained  a  sense 
of  humor." 

Daniel  Joseph  (North  Park  Garage)  was  noticed  by  Ruth 
Mank,  of  North  Sheridan  Road,  a  rider  on  his  #147  Outer 
Drive  Express  bus.  "The  driver  was  courteous  and  patient 
with  each  person  who  boarded  the  bus.  When  we  arrived 
at  Oak  Street,  riders  began  to  ask  him  questions  as  to  how 
to  get  to  certain  places  and  which  buses  to  take,  and  he 
answered  them  all  cheerfully  and  in  detail.  He  was  repeat- 
edly asked  the  same  questions,  and  each  time  he  answered 
with  patience  and  courtesy." 

Theodore  Cachampis  (North  Park  Garage)  won  the  approval 
of  V.  M.  Paxson,  of  North  Lake  Shore  Drive,  who  boarded 
his  #151  Sheridan  bus  one  afternoon  rush  period  at  Washing- 
ton and  State  Streets.  "I  was  sitting  on  the  first  seat  by  the 
door  and  was  able  to  observe  this  young  man's  smUe  of 
greeting,  his  helpful  answers  to  everyone's  questions,  and 
his  'Take  care'  or  'Be  careful'  as  each  one  left  the  bus.  He 
momentarily  entered  into  conviviality  with  some  conven- 
tioneers who  boarded  on  Michigan  Avenue  and  who  were 
most  appreciative  when  he  made  sure  they  got  off  at  their 
hotel.   He  certainly  was  a  cheerful,  helpful  driver." 


Wade  Montgomery  (69th  Street  Garage)  was  appreciated  by 
Marie  Hagamann,  of  South  Troy  Street,  for  his  courtesy 
while  driving  a  #63  63rd  Street  bus.  "During  the  ride  I 
noted  that  he  was  very  kind  and  considerate  to  every  person 
who  got  on  or  off,  telhng  people  to  take  their  time,  be  care- 
ful, and  have  a  good  day.  I  believe  that  this  man  should  be 
commended  for  his  excellent  service  to  the  pubUc.  I  wish 
there  were  more  like  him.  I  am  an  elderly  person  and  do 
appreciate  this  service." 

Keith  Rosche  (North  Avenue  Garage)  caught  the  attention 
of  Nina  Blasi,  of  Belmont  Avenue,  who  was  riding  his  #77 
Belmont  bus  with  her  small  son.  "I  don't  recall  ever  meet- 
ing a  more  conscientious  driver.  He  had  a  kind  word  for 
each  person  entering  the  bus.  There  were  many  senior 
citizens  getting  on  and  off,  and  he  greeted  each  one  and 
seemed  to  know  most  of  their  names.  You  could  see  their 
faces  Light  up  because  of  his  asking  how  they  were  feeling 
and  telling  them  he  was  glad  to  see  them.  Even  the  teen- 
agers he  kept  in  line  with  a  firm,  kind  word  so  they 
couldn't  help  but  want  to  behave.  The  CTA  can  truly  be 
proud  to  have  him  as  an  employe." 

Joseph  Stilwell  (Limits  Garage)  was  the  driver  of  a  #145 
Wilson/Michigan  Local  bus  that  Mrs.  Max  Volk  rode  home 
one  Sunday  evening  from  Ohio  and  Michigan  to  Belmont 
Avenue.  "Because  of  the  new  routes,  most  of  the  passengers 
seemed  confused  and  asked  the  driver  many  questions  about 
their  stops.  Although  he  was  asked  the  same  questions 
repeatedly,  he  answered  each  one  courteously,  pleasantly, 
and  with  great  concern,  as  though  he  was  hearing  it  for  the 
first  time.  Such  patience  is  a  virtue." 

Nathaniel  Stevens  Jr.  (52nd  Street  Garage)  was  compliment- 
ed by  Martha  Jenious,  of  Indiana  Avenue,  for  the  way  he 
handled  his  #38  Indiana  bus.  "Mr.  Stevens  is  a  kind  gentle- 
man, nice  to  everybody  on  the  route.  His  appearance  is 
always  neat.  What  makes  him  look  better  is  that  he's  so 
good  from  within.  I  feel  that  when  a  person  is  as  outstand- 
ing as  he  is,  he  should  be  told  while  he  can  still  enjoy  it. 
I  feel  you  should  hire  more  high-standard  type  of  people 
like  Mr.  Stevens.  The  people  of  South  Commons  and  resi- 
dents of  the  Near  South  Side  say  it  is  a  pleasure  to  board 
the  bus  on  days  when  he  is  driving." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Among  other  operating  employes  re- 
ceiving commendations  recently  were: 

Rosa  Alfaro  and  Drake  Atkins,  both  of 
Forest  Glen;  and  Claudio  Alvarez,  North 
Park. 

Milton  Bills,  North  Avenue;  JoeBrionez, 
Forest  Glen;  Herbert  Bryant,  77th  Street; 
and  Mary  Butler,  NortB  Park. 

Theodore  Cachampis,  Leroy  Carr,  and 
Luke  Costanza,  all  of  North  Park;  John 
Came rrai,  Ashland;  Denise  Cherry,  Limits; 
Ray  Clark,  Lawndale;  and  Donald  Cole, 
69th  Street. 

Butros  Daoud,  North  Park;  Jesus  Davi- 
la,  Robert  Dulaitis,  and  Emanuel  Dupree, 
all  of  Forest  Glen;  and  Edlow  Dunn,  How- 
ard/Kimball. 

Cecil  Eichelberger,  North  Park;  Albert 
Elgar,  North  Avenue;  and  James  Estes, 
Forest  Glen. 


James  Fitzgerald,  Limits. 

Georgia  Harris,  North  Park;  and  Mi- 
chael Holtzclaw,  77th  Street. 

Mary  Jerry,  Limits;  and  Rudolph  John- 
son, Beverly. 

Robert  Kremer,  North  Park. 

Nathaniel  Lee  Jr.,  Ashland;  John  Le- 
mond  and  Jesus  Limas,  both  of  North  Park; 
and  Melvin  Little  Jr.,  North  Avenue. 

Frank  Marshall,  Limits;  Angel  Marti- 
nez, North  Park;  Hue  Maxwell,  52nd  Street; 
Robert  McCarthy,  Forest  Park;  Charles 
McGee,  Archer;  Curtis  McMullan  II,  Bev- 
erly; and  Jerry  Miller,  Forest  Glen. 

James  Panoutsos  and  Charles  Preschel, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  Rafael  Pelayo,  Ar- 
cher; Curtis  Phillips,  Beverly;  Michael 
Poindexter,  77th  Street;  and  Effie  Porter, 
52nd  Street. 

Leonard  Quinlan,  North  Park. 


Billy  Ragsdale,  Kenneth  Richards,  and 
Alvin  Ross  Jr.,  all  of  52nd  Street;  David 
Rejmer,  North  Park;  Annie  Rice,  Limits; 
and  Dwight  Rogers,  77th  Street. 

Jaime  Sandoval  and  Cornell  Springs, 
both  of  Archer;  Adalino  Santiago,  Nora 
Scott,  and  Leslie  Stephenson,  all  of  North 
Avenue;  Jimmie  Smith  and  Robert  Smith, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  and  Willie  Mae  Sur- 
les,  77th  Street. 

Edward  Townsend,  69th  Street. 

Jimmie  Walker,  North  Avenue;  Mary 
Wallace,  Leroy  Ward,  and  Maurice  Willis, 
all  of  North  Park;  Vaddie  Weekly  and  Jes- 
sie Wilson,  both  of  52nd  Street;  Charles 
West,  Howard/Kimball;  Homer  Wilkerson, 
77th  Street;  and  William  Williamson  Jr., 
69th  Street. 


Florence  Salus 


Robert  Cassidy 


Michael  Yedinak 


promotions 


Florence  Salus  has  been  appointed  superinten- 
dent. Vehicle  Maintenance  Personnel.  She 
joined  CTA  in  1977  as  a  clerk/stenographer, 
Maintenance/Office  Procedures,  after  serving  for 
15  years  with  the  Railway  Express  Agency  at 
O'Hare  Airport.  In  1978  Salus  became  a  secre- 
tarial stenographer  and  then  executive  secretary/ 
supervisor,  General  Operations.  Later  in  1978 
she  was  selected  personnel  relations  administra- 
tor, Vehicle  Maintenance,  and,  the  following 
year,  supervisor,  Instruction/Personnel  in  the 
same  department.  Salus  has  two  sons  and  a 
daughter,  and  makes  her  home  in  Wheaton. 

Two  former  material  handling  specialists  in 
Materials  Management  -  Stores  have  been  named 
superintendents.  Storerooms.  Robert  Cassidy. 
now  superintendent.  Storerooms  North,  came 
to  CTA  in  1975  from  Atlanta,  where  he  had 
been  the  manager  of  a  shoe  distribution  center. 
Previously,  he  had  been  the  assistant  regional 
manager  of  a  nationwide  distribution  service, 
also  in  Atlanta.  Cassidy  and  his  wife,  Joan, 
Uve  in  Vernon  Hills,  and  are  the  parents  of  five 
daughters  and  four  sons. 

Michael  Yedinak,  the  new  superintendent  of 
Storerooms  South,  was  a  foreman  of  storerooms 
with  the  Stewart-Warner  Corp.  before  joining 
CTA  in  1978.  He  and  his  wife,  Dorothy,  have 
two  sons  and   two   daughters  and  live  in  the 


Logan  Square  neighborhood  on  the  Northwest 
Side. 

Three  former  management/professional  in- 
terns have  been  chosen  assistant  superintendents 
by  the  Transportation  Department.  Jerry 
Johnson  remains  in  the  Personnel  Section  as 
assistant  superintendent,  Near  South.  Robert 
Julun  moves  from  Personnel  to  Bus  Service, 
while  Michael  Marren  remains  in  Bus  Service 
assigned  to  District  B. 

Charles  O'Connor,  former  bus  service  supervi- 
sor, District  D,  has  been  named  m/p  intern. 
Near  North.  Now  serving  as  m/p  interns  in  the 
Control  Center  are  Daryl  Lampkins,  former 
transit  professional  trainee.  Human  Resources  - 
Training/Development  Programs, and  McRayfield 
Caldwell,  former  rail  service  supervisor,  Rail 
District  South. 

Also  in  Transportation,  WilUam  Demitro, 
former  conductor.  West  Section,  has  been 
chosen  yard  foreman  in  the  same  section,  and 
Hilteray  McGhee  Jr.,  former  driver.  Limits,  has 
been  reassigned  as  a  station  clerk,  Bus  System. 

Selected  senior  financial  analysts,  Financial 
Services,  are  Joan  Johnson,  former  financial 
analyst  in  the  same  section,  and  James  Rose, 
former  internal  auditor,  Internal  Auditing. 
Susan  Walker,  former  planner.  Operations 
Planning,  is  now  statistical  analyst.  Sales/ Risk 
Management.  Michael  Brennan,  former  pensions 
administration  coordinator,  has  been  chosen 
supervisor,  Pensions  Administration. 

Arthur  J.  Thomas  has  moved  from  blind  case 


clerk  to  claims  analyst,  Law/Claims.  Anna  M. 
Kristman,  former  utihty  clerk.  Law,  has  been 
named  confidential  office  assistant,  Real  Estate. 
In  Vehicle  Maintenance.  South  Shops,  Leonard 
Wiencek  has  been  reassigned  from  shop  clerk 
to  maintenance  system  coordinator,  and  Alfred 
Haas  has  been  promoted  from  carpenter  fore- 
man to  unit  supervisor.  Bus  Shops. 

Eleven  recently  selected  bus  and  truck 
mechanics  at  South  Shops  include  Elmer  Herron 
and  Willie  Allums,  both  former  bus  and  truck 
mechanic  helpers,  and  Gary  Machonga,  former 
bus  and  truck  mechanic  apprentice  at  the  same 
location;  William  Foley,  former  service  truck 
chauffeur.  Transportation  -  Utility;  and  Syed 
Qadri,  former  bus  servicer,  Lawndale. 

Others  are  former  bus  repairers  Charles 
Koch,  Jae  Kim,  and  PhilUp  Riesterer,  all  from 
Limits;  John  Gamer  Jr.,  Beverly;  Terrald  Dills, 
77th  Street;  and  James  Hedin,  Forest  Glen. 
New  as  a  carpenter  apprentice  at  South  Shops 
is  CharUe  Zigler,  former  bus  servicer,  77th 
Street.  Fred  Mussari,  sheet  metal  worker,  has 
moved  from  South  Shops  to  Plant  Maintenance. 

Now  serving  as  electrical  worker  apprentices, 
Skokie  Shop,  are  Antonio  Morales,  former  bus 
servicer,  Limits,  and  Phihp  Lamont,  former 
conductor.  North  Section.  Former  drivers 
Theodis  Bankston,  Archer,  and  Clarence 
Simmons,  Beverly,  have  been  named  service 
truck  chauffeurs.  Transportation  -  Utility. 
Donald  Wells,  former  bus  servicer,  77th  Street, 
is  now  a  "B"  helper,  Plant  Maintenance. 

Henry  Brown,  former  driver,  69th  Street, 
has  been  selected  payroll  clerk,  Financial  Ser- 
vices. James  Thomas  Jr.,  former  conductor, 
North  Section,  is  now  treasury  utility  clerk. 
Treasury.  Margaret  Whirity,  formerly  an  un- 
assigned  clerk/typist.  Human  Resources,  Em- 
ployment &  Placement,  has  been  chosen  utility 
clerk,  Law/Claims. 

In  a  new  job  as  utihty  clerk.  Law,  is  Jean 
Smith,  former  suggestion  records  clerk.  Human 
Resources  -  Job  Classification.  Her  position  has 
been  taken  by  Ellen  Kosinski,  former  clerk/ 
stenographer.  Insurance  &  Pensions.  Mary 
Garcia,  former  typist.  Transportation  -  Howard, 
is  now  utility  clerk.  Insurance  &  Pensions. 
Barbara  Burton,  former  typist.  Insurance  & 
Pensions,'  has  become  utility  clerk.  Materials 
Management.  Candace  Fitzgerald ,  former  clerk/ 
stenographer,  Financial  Services,  has  been 
selected  administrafive  safety  clerk,  Safety. 


AUGUST,  1980 


Massive  weekend  effort 
at  Desplaines  terminal 

CTA  management  continues  to  applaud  some  100 
employes  for  the  swiftness  In  which  the  new  transit 
center  at  Desplaines  terminal  in  Forest  Park  was 
converted  to  a  permanent  station. 

Project  Manager  Wesley  Pinchot  said  workmen  of 
the  Engineering  and  Maintenance  departments  de- 
voted approximately  2,000  man  hours  to  the  special 
track  changeover  process  which  began  at  10  p.m. 
Friday,  Jime  27  and  was  completed  by  2  a.m.  on  Mon- 
day, June  30. 

Track,  third  rail,  signal  and  communication  work- 
ers removed  approximately  300  feet  of  temporary 
track,  power  and  signals,  and  installed  another  300 
feet  to  make  the  permanent  track  connection  to  the 
new  terminal. 

In  addition  to  moving  track,  building  and  groimd 
crews  relocated  office  facilities  which  included  of- 
fices for  the  terminal  superintendent,  clerk  and  train 
room  as  well  as  the  ticket  agent's  work  area. 

Commenting  on  the  special  weekend  effort.  General 
Operations  Manager  Harold  Geissenheimer  said,  "Even 
though  workers  were  interrupted  early  Saturday  morn- 
ing by  a  heavy  storm  which  lasted  for  about  four  hours, 
they  worked  around  the  clock  to  get  the  job  done  over 
the  three-day  period;  therefore,  our  riders  on  the 
Congress  line  experienced  only  a  minimum  of  service 
disruption.    It  was  a  job  well  done." 

The  new  contemporary  designed  terminal  consists 
of  a  bi-level  station  and  a  terminal  building  con- 
structed of  concrete,  steel  and  glass. 

At  its  upper  level  is  a  425  foot  long  platform  which 
is  28  feet  wide,  and  it  is  covered  by  a  flat  canopy-type 
roof  which  is  432  feet  long  and  80  feet  wide.  The 
overhang  of  the  roof  covers  the  tracks  on  each  side. 


Bearing  a  striking  resemblance  to  McCormick  Place,  the  new  transit 
center  at  Desplaines  terminal  In  Forest  Park  consists  of  a  bi-level 
station  and  terminal  building  constructed  of  concrete,  steel  and  glass. 


The  roof  is  supported  by  columns  on  the  outside  of 
the  tracks  and  has  a  space  frame  design  similar  to 
that  used  for  the  roof  of  McCormick  Place. 

The  enclosed  lower  level  of  the  station  has  a  booth 
for  two  agents,  turnstiles  and  other  fare  controls,  two 
treadle-operated  escalators,  stairways  and  con- 
cession areas. 

The  upper  level  platform  includes  such  passenger 
comforts  as  Infrared  heating  lamps  and  three  16-foot 
long  windbreaks.  Another  passenger  convenience  is 
the    new  parking  lot  which  accommodates  330  auto- 


Spiking  a  tie  under  a  running  rail  in  the  Desplaines  yard  at  Forest 
Park  where  engineers  and  maintenance  department  crews  put  in  ap- 
proximately 2,000  man  hours  during  the  special  track  changeover. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Using  the  rail-mounted  crane,  workers  lay  track  and  ties  to  the  outer 
yard  lead  at  Desplaines  terminal  as  installation  of  permanent  track, 
power  and  signals  is  completed. 


mobiles,  and  a  kiss  'n'  ride  area  located  to  the  south 
of  the  building. 

The  south  entrance  will  also  serve  riders  trans- 
ferring to  and  from  RTA  West  Towns  suburban  buses, 
and  the  transit  center  will  have  a  Greyhoimd  ticket 
office. 

Yet  to  be  completed  is  the  terminal's  turnaround 
area  for  CTA  feeder  buses.  The  north  temporary 
platform  will  be  removed  and  track  and  structure  de- 
molished so  that  a  north  bus  turnaround  may  be  con- 
structed.   Pinchot  said  construction  of  the  turnaround 


is  expected  to  get  underway  in  approximately  six 
months. 

Cost  of  the  new  transit  center  is  in  excess  of 
$5  million.  It  is  jointly  funded  by  the  Urban  Mass 
Transportation  Administration  and  the  Illinois  De- 
partment of  Transportation. 

The  previous  station  at  Desplaines  had  been  a 
temporary  facility  since  the  Eisenhower  rapid  transit 
route  was  opened  in  1958  as  the  first  of  Chicago's 
pioneering  concept  of  incorporating  rail  transit  in  the 
median  strip  of  expressways. 


When  Alfredo  Barrios  Jr.  arrived  June  27, 
1980,  weighing  8  pounds,  10  ounces, 
his  welcoming  committee  included  five 
sisters.  Alfredo  Sr.,  a  driver  from  Archer 
garage,  and  his  wife,  Maria,  are  filled  with 
excitement  over  the  arrival  of  the  new 
little  one  who  was  born  at  McNeal 
Memorial  hospital  in  Berwyn. 


Connection  is  welded  to  the  Loop  track  as  changeover  process  gets  underway. 


AUGUST,  1980 


stained  glass  artistry 

Roberta  Bemadel  is  an  apprentice 
machinist  who  helps  repair  heavy  axles  of 
rapid  transit  cars  in  SkoMe  Shop. 

Roberta  Bemadel  is  an  artist  of  ex- 
qiiisite  talent  and  patience  who  fashions 
pieces  of  stained  glass  into  objects  and 
scenes  of  delicate  beauty  in  her  Evanston 
apartment. 

"When  you  think  of  it,"  Roberta  said  as 
she  labored  at  her  home  work  bench, 
"creating  in  stained  glass  and  repairing 
700-pound  'L'  car  axles  have  somethings 
in  common. 

"Both  serve  mankind — the  one  with 
beauty  to  satisfy  our  artistic  desires — and 
the  other  with  utility  to  help  tal<:e  us  from 
one  place  to  another — perhaps  to  serve  our 
need  to  make  a  living." 

Roberta  and  her  son,  Michael,  13,  share 
an  interest  in  art.  He  does  baby  sitting 
after  school  to  earn  money  for  art  and  de- 
sign classes  in  the  Evanston  Art  Center. 

"Michael  does  a  lot  of  my  design  work 
for  me,"  she  said.  "That  gives  me  more 
time  to  work  with  the  stained  glass,  copper 
wire,  and  soldering  gun.  We  make  a  great 
team,"  Roberta  beamed. 

"Most  of  our  work  is  done  at  cost  for 
our  friends  at  the  CTA  or  my  union,  the 
International  Association  of  Machinists 
and  Aerospace  Workers." 

Roberta  joined  the  CTA  in  1978  and 
hopes  to  receive  her  union  joumeyperson's 
papers  next  year. 

"I  love  my  work  in  Skolde  Shop,  I  love 
my  hobby  with  stained  glass.  Both  are 
satisfying  to  me." 

Top:      "Arizona  Sunrise"  in  yellows,  blues,  greens,  and 

purples,  12"  X  38". 

Middle:      Roberta   Bernadel   cutting  glass   in  her  home 

workshop  in  Evanston. 

Bottom:    30"  diameter  enlargement  of  Machinists  Union 

logo  requires  40  pieces  of  hand  cut  glass. 


10 


Clockwise  from  above: 

Tropical  parrot  in  red,  yellow,  green,  blues,  amber,  and  light  brown, 
12"  high  in  9"  circle. 

Victorian  transom  window  in  purples,  yellows,  greens,  and  whites, 
12"  X  36". 

Desert  scene  in  yellow,  gold,  red,  green,  and  tan,  12"  x  18". 

Crusaders'  quatrofoil  design  from  14th  century  in  yellow,  amber,  and 
brown,  20"  x  20". 

Handsome  stained  glass  lamp  shade  adds  charm  to  metal  lamp  base,  and 
"candlestick  telephone"  completes  nostalgic  scene  on  small  table  in 
corner  of  Roberta's  living  room. 


&t 

8^  1 

>^!^^MBi 

BlB^^^^A        i 

nw^^ 

/  JlMHli 

mWS^ 

V'^^\m 

safety  awards 


The  Maintenance  department's 
safety  group  recently  began  a  new 
semi-annual  safety  contest  for 
Plant  Maintenance  employes  to  en- 
courage their  efforts  to  reduce 
personal  injuries  on  the  job. 

This  latest  safety  contest,  con- 
ducted   by    Jeff    SapinsM,    safety 


specialist,  includes  two  areas. 
Power  and  Way  and  Buildings  and 
Grounds, 

In  Power  and  Way  are  Track  and 
Structure,  Power  Distribution,  and 
Signal- Radio/Telephone.  In  Build- 
ings and  Groimds  are  Electrical/ 
Mechanical  Maintenance,  Rail 
Janitors,  and  General  Maintenance. 

Sapinski  conducted  awards  pre- 
sentations Jime  17-20  at  the  Plant 


Maintenance  areas  at  West  Shops, 
Wilson  Avenue,  61st  and  Calumet, 
and  77th  Street. 

The  winner  in  the  Power  and 
Way  area  was  the  Track  and  Struc- 
ture area  supervised  by  Pat  Mc- 
Carthy. In  the  Buildings  and 
Grounds  area,  Electrical/Mech- 
anical Maintenance  area  super- 
vised by  Gordon  Brady  was  the 
winner. 


Len  Wiksten,  director.  Plant  Maintenance, 
presents  Zero  Accident  Program  plaque  to 
Robert  Stavinga,  representing  Pat  McCarthy, 
supervisor.  Track  and  Structure  section. 
Presentation  was  In  Wilson  Avenue  Plant 
Maintenance  area. 


Right:  Gordon  Brady  (left),  supervisor, 
Electrical/Mechanical  maintenance  section, 
receives  Zero  Accident  Program  plaque  from 
Director  Wiksten  at  77th  Street. 


Below:  South  side  Electrical/Mechanical 
maintenance  employes  display  their  awards 
with  obvious  pride.  Other  Maintenance 
Department  members  joined  the  winners  at 
77th  for  their  picture. 


72 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Members  of  North  side  Track  and  Structure  section  are  joined  by 
other  Maintenance  Department  members  for  "family  portrait"  at 
Wilson  Avenue. 


^ 

ERSDHHEL  L 

1^ 

Mm 

n 

I'm 

C5 

ft:  ^ 

VI 

^^^ 

d 

Glenn  Knerr  (kneeling),  and  (from  left)  John  Ray,  Arthur  Palmer, 
Darrel  Nelson  and  George  Burgess  at  61st  and  Calumet  Plant  Mainten- 
ance area  award  presentation. 


Maintenance  Manager  Tom  Wolgemuth  (second  from  left),  congrat- 
ulates Director  Wiksten  for  Plant  Maintenance  section  employes  win- 
ning safety  awards  from  Greater  Chicago  Safety  Council.  At  left  is 
Ted  Szewc,  supervisor,  and  at  right  is  Walter  Hallford,  superintendent, 
both  of  Plant  Maintenance.  This  special  award  was  made  in  West  Shops. 


North  side  Track  and  Structure  members  view  award  ceremony  with   obvious  pleasure. 


AUGUST,  1980 


13 


Posing  for  this  picture  prior  to  tee-off  time  of  Local  241  golf  tourna- 
ment at  Cog  Hill  are,  left  to  right:  Ken  Norton,  guest;  George  Hagen, 
guest;  Bill  Norton,  guest;  Jack  Thompson,  Beverly;  Derrell  Norton, 
North  Avenue;  Willie  Jett,  77th  Street;  Charles  Hall,  financial  secretary- 


treasurer.  Local  241;  Felix  Robinson,  Security;  Bob  Zeblick,  guest; 
John  Durnell,  Beverly;  Al  Strickland,  Local  241;  Bob  Legg,  retired, 
and  Homer  Reed,  North  Park. 


Jo  and  James  Walsh,  Labor  Relations,  and  Beverly  Jackson, 
Employe  Counseling,  consented  to  have  their  pictures 
taken  if  we  promised  not  to  tell  their  scores.  We  kept  our 
promise  as  it  was  too  high  to  count. 


Guest  of  John  Weatherspoon,  president.  Local  241,  from  Amalgamated  Bank  tees  off. 
At  the  tee  is  James  Kelley,  as  his  partners  Leonard  Block,  Larry  Thompson  and  Fran 
Hearn  check  his  form. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Checking  in  for  their  tee-off  time  are,  stand- 
ing, left  to  right:  Tom  Banks,  77th  Street; 
Willie  Jett,  77th  Street;  Al  Brubach,  retired; 
Bill  McCarthy,  Beverly;  Felix  Robinson, 
Security;  Eddie  O'Rourke,  Local  241,  and 
Ralph  Bellamy,  77th  Street.  Sitting,  left  to 
right:  Tim  O'Rourke,  Claims;  John  Moore, 
South  Shops,  and  Horace  Browning,  touma- 
ment  coordinator  from  North  Avenue. 


Pulling  the  first  number  in  the  drawing  for  the  television  set  is  Erica 
Edwards,  the  daughter  of  James  Edwards,  Local  241  board  member 
from  North  Avenue,  as  John  Weatherspoon,  left,  president  of  Local 
241,  her  sister, Pam,  and  Tim  O'Rourke  look  on. 


To  make  sure  he  wouldn't  miss  the  cup.  Rich  Guidice,  RTA,  and  Mike 
Stroden,  Employe  Counseling,  put  their  clubs  down  as  a  guideline  for 
Chuck  Andersen,  Insurance.  You  guessed  it  -  -  he  missed. 


Winner  of  this  year's  tournament  was  Walter 
Robertson  (second  from  left),  the  guest  of 
Charles  Bridges,  North  Avenue.  At  left  is 
Charles  Hall,  financial  secretary-treasurer. 
Local  241;  Tim  O'Mahony,  recording  secre- 
tary. Local  241,  and  John  Weatherspoon, 
president,  Local  241. 


AUGUST,  1980 


15 


DM 

m 

^^ 

MB. 

f^  . 

New  fueling 
facility  opens 
at  77th  Street 


Fueling  buses  qiiickly  and 
cleaning  them  of  refuse  left  by  the 
previous  day's  riders  are  impor- 
tant features  of  the  CTA's  bus 
operations. 

A  $1.4  million  bus  fueling, 
cleaning,  and  fuel  storage  complex 
recently  was  completed  at  the  77th 
Street  garage  to  help  speed  this 
important  part  of  service  to  CTA 
riders. 

This  modem  brick,  steel,  and 
glass  structure  can  handle  six 
buses  at  a  time  for  speedy  fueling 
and  quick  clearing  out  of  refuse. 

The  new  building  replaces  a 
four  bus  structure  that  was  about 
30  years  old,  imsightly,  and  in- 
efficient. 

"The  clearing  of  refuse  imder 
the  old  system  was  noisy,  and  of- 
ten swept-up  papers  and  refuse 
escaped  into  the  surrounding  area," 
explained  F.  H.  Petzold,  the  pro- 
ject's manager.  Petzold  is  an 
engineer  in  the  Plant  Engineering 
section  of  the  Engineering  depart- 
ment. 

"With  the  new  system,  sweepers 
using  brooms  sweep  the  refuse 
through  the  bus's  front  door  that 
opens  into  a  cleaning  cabinet.  The 
sweepers  close  the  cabinet  doors 
with  the  refuse  inside  and  suction 
equipment  draws  the  refuse  at  70 
miles-an-hour  into  a  refuse  com- 
pactor. 

"The  compactor  reduces  100 
cubic  yards  of  loose  refuse  into  20 
cubic  yards  of  condensed  material. 

"The  refuse  system  then  places 
the  condensed  material  into  closed. 


Above:  New  six  bay  fueling  and  cleaning  facility  that  protects  environment  and  has  soundproofing 
to  control  unnecessary  noise. 

Below:  Bus  is  positioned  by  cleaning  cabinet  that  takes  refuse  on  a  70-mile-an-hour  ride  to  a 
compactor  that  reduces  100-cubic  yards  of  trash  into  20-cubic  yard  portions  for  removal  in 
closed  containers. 


industrial  refuse  containers  for 
removal  to  the  city's  disposal 
site,"  Petzold  said. 

The  new  fueling  facility  also 
contains  a  water,  oil,  and  diesel 
fuel  separator  system  to  help 
eliminate  contaminants  in  the  cily'  s 
sewer  system. 

This  new  building  has  a  two- 
story-high  center  area  25  feet 
wide  and  60  feet  long  containing 
electrical  and  mechanical  equip- 
ment rooms.  These  rooms  are 
heavily  insulated  to  lessen  noise 
pollution. 

The  new  structure  has  an  over- 
all length  of  180  feet  and  is  80  feet 
deep.  It  is  part  of  a  complex  that 
has  an  above-ground  expanded  and 
modified  diesel  fuel  storage  tank 


system  capable  of  holding  84,000 
gallons. 

In  addition,  there  is  a  new  un- 
derground gasoline  storage  tank 
system  that  holds  up  to  20,000 
gallons.  Completing  the  storage 
facilities  is  an  18,000  gallai  new 
engine  oil  tank  system. 

Working  with  Petzold  indesign- 
ing  the  project  was  the  consulting 
firm  of  John  Dolio  &  Associates 
of  Chicago. 

Funding  came  from  federal  and 
state  governments. 


The  Alfred  Pauls  (he's  an  attorney 
in  our  Law  Department)  are  solicit- 
ing the  special  prayers  of  everyone 
for  the  beneift  of  their  11 -month 
old  son,  Daniel,  who  is  gravely  ill. 


16 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


South  Section 
honors  retirees 

The  Semi-Armual  Retirement 
party  sponsored  by  the  South  Sec- 
tion attracted  about  150 persons  to 
the  event  staged  in  Harris  YWCA, 
6200  S.  Drexel  blvd.,  July  6. 

The  party  honored  recent  South 
Section  retirees  Walter  Loftlin, 
conductor,  61st  Street,  and  Martin 
Cunnane,  conductor,  63rd/Ashland. 
James  Moss,  conductor,  63rd/ 
Ashland,  and  Dewey  Hill,  motor- 
man,  61st  Street,  other  honored 
retirees,  were  unable  to  attend. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Walter  Loftlin  (left)  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Martin  Cunnane. 


^^^^Hfir^i^j^^^^^Ki 

P^B  '            8 

^^^^^^^Mi 

m;-:-J^:fMl 

B/  ^     1 

Samuel  A.  Charles  (left),  motorman;  Walter  Loftlin,  and  David 
Curry,  assistant  superintendent,  Ashland  terminal,  enjoy  a  good 
laugh  together. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pharoah  Cain.     Cain,  who  retired  in  1970,  was  out  to 
enjoy  the  festivities. 


Assistant  Superintendent  Ardis  Morris,  South  Section,  is  flanked  by 
Martin  Cunnane  (left)  and  Walter  Loftlin,  who  display  watches  present- 
ed to  them. 


Edward  Freeman  (left),  rail  janitor,  61st  Street,  and  Mrs.  Sarah  Spears 
pose  happily  while  her  husband,  Charles,  mans  the  turntable  spinning 
records  for  the  party. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moses  F.  Ashley  Sr.  and  their  family. 


AUGUST,  1980 


17 


Seniors'  picnic 

About  250  adults  and  children 
frolicked  in  the  sun  at  the  4th  an- 
nual picnic  sponsored  by  the  CTA 
Senior  Citizens  Retirement  Or- 
ganization on  July  12. 

The  outdoor  event  was  held  in 
the  National  Grove  No.  2  Forest 
Preserve  in  North  Riverside. 

Members  of  the  picnic  com- 
mittee handed  out  more  than  100 
door  prizes  to  adults  and  80  prizes 
to  children,  and  passed  out  450 
rolls  of  candy,  300  key  chains,  and 
200  ball  point  pens.  Picnic  com- 
mittee members  were  Harold 
Burda,  Jack  Kalka,  Pete  Dowdall 
and  Clarence  Lind. 

Music  for  dancing  was  provided 
by  Frankie  Jay  and  his  orchestra 
with  accordion  accompaniment  by 
Mrs.  Lucille  Kocmoud. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lad  Jagos  (left)  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arthur  Satzke,  enjoy  a  relaxing  moment  at  the 
picnic.  Jagos  is  a  1976  retiree;  Satzke  retired  in  1968. 


Top  left:  Frankie  Jay  (accordionist)  and 
drummer  play  for  picnic  participants.  In  the 
background  is  Clarence  Lind,  picnic  com- 
mittee member. 


Bottom  left:  Couple  dances  to  the  music's 
rhythm  at  the  picnic's  pavillion.  Mrs.  Joe 
Nolan,  wife  of  the  organization's  general 
manager,  strums  her  ukulele  to  the  beat  of 
the  music. 


Above:  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harold  Burda  helped 
collect  many  of  the  prizes  given  at  the  picnic. 
Burda  was  a  member  of  the  picnic  committee. 


18 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Service  anniversaries  in  August 


35  years 

Stanley  F.  SadowskI,  North  Avenue 
Herman  J.  Semon,  Maintenance 

Michael  Clemente,  District  0 
Anthony  P.  DIbenedetto,  Utility 
Tanzel  R.  Govan,  52nd  Street 
Raymond  J.  Horoszko,  North  Avenue 

Aaron  J.  Swoope,  98th  Shop 
Mario  Tricoci,  Travel  Info.  Ctr. 
Edward  J.  Whiting,  Electrical 
Ed»/in  J.  Witek,  North  Avenue 
Joseph  P.  Zaiud,  Electrical 

NEW  PENSIONERS 


ROBERT  JASINSKI,  Supv.,  Bus  Service, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  1-23-58 
CHESTER  MICHALEC,  Operator, 

Lawndale,  Emp.  3-2-61 


30  years 

Chester  J.  Majerowlc,  Maintenance 
Joseph  J.  Mauro,  Maintenance 

Raymond  J.  Bieniasz,  Power 
Michael  P.  Connolly,  Skokie  Shop 

Raymond  MichalskI,  Maintenance 
Joseph  v.  Tunzi  Jr.,  Transportation 
John  L.  Williams,  Electrical 

25  years 


Robert  R.  Chambers,  Control  Center 
Bart  B.  Davis,  Forest  Glen 
Christopher  Gilbert  Jr.,  Forest  Glen 
David  D.  Hinman,  Near  North  Area 
Alex  Janito,  Limits 
Raymond  Jones,  Ashland/95th 


Jesse  L.  Jumper,  Stores/South 
Andrew  M.  Lee,  Forest  Glen 
Raymond  A.  Lugiai,  Bus  Service 
Octavia  Perrin,  South  Section 
Curiey  B.  Russell,  77th  Street 
Semial  L.  Siggers,  Racine  Shop 
John  P.  Smith,  Claims 
Thomas  J.  Staunton,  Maintenance 


Pensioners  note: 


New  riding  card 
pictures  being  taken 
for  1981 -82-83 


Retired  CTA  employees  wanting  to  receive  a  1981- 
82-83  Identification  Card  must  have  their  photo- 
graphs taken  at  the  locations  listed  below. 

The  CTA  photographer  will  be  taking  photos  fiom 
9:00  AM  to  4:00  PM  on  the  dates  shown. 

To  avoid  long  waiting  lines,  photos  are  scheduled  to 
be  taken  alphabetically  by  last  name.  Please  note 
the  dates  set  aside  for  you.  If  you  cannot  come  in 
on  your  scheduled  dale,  we  will  photograph  you  at 
any  of  the  other  scheduled  times. 

NORTH  AVE.  STATION  -  4801  W.  North  Ave. 

Last  Name 
beginning  with 

A  -  G  -  Tuesday,  September  30 
H  -  O  -  Wednesday,  October  1 
P  -  Z  Thursday,  October  2 

ARCHER  STATION  -  2600  W.  Pershing  Rd. 


A-G 
H-0 


Tuesday,  October  7 
Wednesday,  October  8 
Thursday,  October  9 


To  identify  yourself  you  must  bring  your  present 
I.D.  Card  if  you  have  one.  Those  who  are  unable  to 
come  at  the  above  specified  times  will  be  given 
another  opportunity  at  a  later  date  to  be  announced 
in  the  Transit  News. 

NO  PHOTOGRAPHS  WILL  BE  TAKEN  AT  THE 
MERCHANDISE  MART  AT  THIS  TIME 


Top  left:    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edward  Dappen  (Limits, 
1974). 


Bottom    left:       Mr.    and   Mrs.   Joe   McNamara 
(Archer,  1966). 


DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

WILLIE  DRAKE  JR.,  Ticket  Agent, 

Assignment  Office,  Emp.  11-11-66 
SHERMAN  MARTIN,  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  9-29-66 
DEBRL^  MYLES,  Ticket  Agent, 

Central  Assignment,  Emp.  10-29-69 
JOSEPH  SMOK,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  11-28-45 


I3Sr  I^^E3VEOR,IA.3S/a: 

STEPHEN  DALTON,  83,  West  Section, 

Emp.  9-30-26,  Died  6-18-80 
JOE  DWORTZ,  70,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  8-11-47,  Died  5-10-80 
JOHN  GUSHING,  84,  Property  Accoimting, 

Emp.  11-7-21,  Died  6-1-80 
HARRY  ESSINGTON,  90,  Electrical, 

Emp.  4-11-17,  Died  6-13-80 
HERMAN  HODO,  77,  North  Section, 

Emp.  1-14-44,  Died  6-22-80 
WILLIAM  HOOVER,  71,  Electrical, 

Emp.  1-20-36,  Died  6-2-80 
CHARLES  HURTIENNE,  72,  North  Sect., 

Emp.  12-27-46,  Died  6-1-80 
ARTHUR  MILLER,  61,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  8-15-47,  Died  5-31-80 
MELVIN  MORRIS,  86,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  10-28-26,  Died  6-25-80 
CHARLES  RAGAUSKI,  96,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  12-16-09,  Died  6-30-80 
JAMES  RICHARDSON,  66,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  11-9-36,  Died  6-8-80 
STANLEY  ROMANOSKY,  64,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  8-3-53,  Died  6-25-80 
EDWARD  STAMBORSKI,  67,  Harlem, 

Emp.  10-20-44,  Died  5-30-80 
BEN  VALENT,  56,  Skokie  Shop, 

Emp.  12-8-76,  Died  7-10-80 
REINHOLD  WENZEL,  67,  Limits, 

Emp.  4-14-43,  Died  6-4-80 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  33 


Numbers 


Published  for  employes  and  retirees  of  the  CTA, 
by  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 
Manager.  Editorial  and  graphics  by  the  Public 
Affairs  Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager.  Transit 
News  Staff:  Mel  Alexander,  Christine  Borcic, 
Jack  Sowchin,  Jeff  Stern,  Rick  Willis.  Produced 
by  the  Administrative  Services  Unit  under  the 
direaion  of  Charles  T.  Zanin. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employes.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  $2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


AUGUST,  1980 


19 


Junior  Museum  mural  decorates  'L'  platform 


A  mural  of  Grant  Park  and  the  Chicago  skyline,  painted  by  children 
working  in  the  Junior  Museum  of  the  Art  Institute  of  Chicago,  has 
been  installed  in  the  Adams/Wabash  Loop  elevated  station. 

A  CTA  general  maintenance  crew,  headed  by  Sam  DeVuono  of  the 
West  Shops  area,  installed  the  mural  to  identify  the  station  for  riders, 
particularly  out-of-towners,  as  the  Art  Institute  stop.  Coordinating 
the  project  for  the  CTA  were  Margaret  Maier  and  Robert  Aldworth  of 
the  Passenger  Controls/Graphics  section.  Operations  Planning. 

A  second  mural  similar  to  the  one  at  the  CTA  station  currently  is 


on  view  in  the  Junior  Museum. 

Painted  in  bright  colors,  the  mural  measures  6  feet  by  24  feet  and 
consists  of  three  panels.  The  young  artists,  who  range  in  age  from  7  to 
12  years  old,  spent  three  successive  Saturdays  in  May  working  on  the 
mural  in  the  Junior  Museum. 

Robert  G.  Edelman,  preparator  at  the  museum,  who  supervised  the 
activity,  said  approximately  75  children  of  members  of  the  Art  Insti- 
tute participated  in  the  project  which  was  sponsored  by  the  Junior 
Museum  Committee  of  the  Women's  Board  of  the  Art  Institute. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   NO.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRARY 
NORTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY, 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EV.iNSTON,  IL         60201 


TN 


129 


156 


151 


151 


126 


126 


Van  Buren 


OCT  2  7   IQQn         129  NW/Franklin 
^  I   llJdU         151  Sheridan 


verse  flow  routes 

diana 
126  Jackson 


38 
1261 
129 


Reverse  flow  bus  lanes 
improve  Loop  service 

Reverse-flow  bus  lanes  were  introduced  on  Adams  Street 
and  Jackson  Boulevard  August  31,  providing  east-  and 
westbound  riders  at  the  south  end  of  the  Loop  with  the  same 
improved  service  that  riders  on  State  Street  have  been  en- 
joying since  the  Transit  Mall  was  opened  almost  one  year  ago. 

The  reverse  lanes  were  created  by  the  City  of  Chicago  as  a 
means  of  improving  air  quality  in  the  downtown  area,  a 
change  that  was  mandated  by  the  U.S.  Environmental  Pro- 
tection Agency.  Giving  buses  their  own  exclusive  lane  elimi- 
nates parking  on  one  side  of  the  street  and  permits  aU  traffic 
to  move  faster,  resulting  in  less  vehicle  idling  and,  therefore, 
less  pollution. 

The  idea  of  having  exclusive  bus  lanes  originated  in  Harris- 
burg,  Pennsylvania,  some  30  years  ago,  and  has  since  been 
adopted  by  many  cities,  including  Chicago,  in  one  form  or 
another.  Besides  the  State  Street  Transit  Mall,  special  bus 
lanes  have  been  used  in  the  63rd  and  Halsted  shopping 
district;  on  Washington  Street  in  the  Loop;  along  Canal 
between  Harrison  and  Polk;  and  in  front  of  both  the  North 
Western  and  Union  railroad  stations. 

Under  the  new  system,  #38  Indiana,  #151  Sheridan,  and 
#129  NW/Franklin  rush  period  buses,  which  previously 
competed  with  other  westbound  traffic  on  Adams,  now 
operate  west  in  the  north  curb  lane  of  Jackson. 

They  have  been  joined  by  #126  Jackson  buses  which 
formerly  used  Van  Buren  west  from  Michigan.  The  #126's 
return  to  Van  Buren  from  Jackson  at  Franklin  in  order  to 
serve  the  U.S.  Post  Office.  Local  #156  LaSalle  buses  now 
also  use  Jackson  westbound  from  LaSalle. 

The  new  terminal  area  for  buses  using  the  reverse-flow 
lane  of  Jackson  is  on  Jefferson  Street  between  Jackson  and 
Adams.  These  buses  now  make  pickups  from  Union  Station 
along  the  south  curb  of  Adams  on  both  the  west  and  east 
sides  of  Canal  Street. 

The  reverse  lanes  on  both  Adams  and  Jackson  have  been 
set  off  from  other  traffic  lanes  by  double  yellow  lines, 
"Buses  Only"  and  diamond  symbols  that  warn  other  drivers 
to  stay  away.  Traffic  Ughts  have  been  adjusted  to  provide 
the  same  signals  for  buses  as  for  traffic  heading  in  the  op- 
posite direction.  And  pedestrian  crossings  in  the  curb  lanes 
used  by  buses  are  marked  "Look  Left  For  Buses." 


w*H^|sr£«N  mmm 


156  LaSalle 


CTA  buses  operating  eastbound  on  Adams  street  on  the  reverse  flow 
bus  lane  on  September  2.  The  auto  behind  the  second  bus  is  a  Chicago 
Police  squad  car  helping  to  establish  the  exclusive  use  by  buses  during 
the  first  business  day  of  operation. 


eta 


mm 


tSSi 


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FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 
SEPTEMBER,  1980 


Cited  for 

outstanding 

performance 

Most  CTA  bus  operators  and  other 
frontline  transportation  personnel  sel- 
dom have  an  opportunity  to  see  what 
activities  at  CTA  headquarters  in  the 
Merchandise  Mart  influence  their  lives 
as  well  as  street  operations. 

Employes  who  are  cited  for  out- 
standing performance,  however,  merit 

"A  Day  at  CTA" a  visit  to  the 

general  office  to  see  how  the  trans- 
portation system  works.  The  day 
includes  attending  a  board  meeting 
where  introductions  are  made,  a  visit 
to  the  control  center,  the  travel 
center,  and  various  other  departments 
within  the  CTA,  a  picture  taking 
session,  lunch  and  a  roundtable  dis- 
cussion, and  a  handsome  certificate 
to  commemorate  the  event. 

When  Nicholas  Triffon,  a  bus  super- 
visor for  District  B,  and  Amy  Grant,  a 
rapid  transit  ticket  agent  supervisor  in 
the  Central  Assignment  office  were 
commended  by  Transportation  Man- 
ager J.  R.  Blaa  last  month,  they  were 
selected  to  be  recipients  of  this  special 
honor  and  were  feted  recently  by 
Transportation  department  hosts. 

Triffon  was  cited  for  saving  the 
morning  for  commuters  on  July  21 
as  he  took  direct  action  after  severe 
thunderstorms  had  caused  flooding  of 
the  viaduct  at  Kenton  avenue  on  the 
Douglas  rapid  transit  route,  making  it 
impassable  for  rail  service. 

Earlier  the  Chicago  Fire  Depart- 
ment had  indicated  that  firemen 
would  provide  a  pumper  to  clear  the 
water,  but  the  location  of  the  viaduct 


Amy  Grant 

made  it  difficult  for  firemen  to  attack 
the  problem. 

It  was  5  a.m.  when  Triffon  and  a 
co-worker  discovered  the  viaduct 
which  he  said  was  flooded  all  over. 
"We  had  been  in  the  area  for  a  while 
checking  out  the  problem,"  said  the 
30-year  CTA  employe  who  joined 
B  District  12  years  ago. 

Donning  liis  hip  boots,  he  waded 
into  the  water  at  Cermak  and  Kenton 
where  he  pulled  two  covers,  and 
cleared  another  of  debris  allowing 
the  water  to  recede  below  the  level  of 
the  third  rail,  thus  service  was  restored 
prior  to  the  beginning  of  the  morning 
rush  hour. 

"We  work  together  in  our  district," 
said  Triffon.  "As  far  as  we  are  con- 
cerned there  is  no  difference  between 
bus  and  rail,  it's  all  the  same  com- 
pany," he  said. 

Amy  Grant,  a  24-year  employe,  was 


Nicholas  Triffon 

cited  after  she  rescued  a  70-year  old 
woman  from  the  rapid  transit  tracks 
at  Washington  and  Madison  streets 
in  the  State  street  subway. 

Ms.  Grant  said  after  she  was  alerted 
to  the  elderly  woman  on  the  tracks  by 
her  screams,  she  asked  another  pas- 
senger on  the  platform  to  talk  to  the 
woman  and  try  to  keep  her  from 
moving  toward  the  third  rail. 

Then  she  ran  up  the  stairs  where 
she  instructed  the  ticket  agent  to  call 
the  control  center  and  have  the  power 
on  the  northbound  tracks  cut  off  and 
have  assistance  sent  to  the  area. 

Next  she  descended  the  stairs  and 
jumped  onto  the  tracks  to  help  the 
woman  onto  the  platform. 

"It  was  quite  a  feat,"  said  John 
Zupko,  superintendent  of  agents. 
"Amy  disregarded  her  own  safety  to 
help  this  poor  woman,  and  we  are 
very  proud  of  her." 


CTA  employees  honored 
by  Heart  Association 

Paul  J.  Kole,  controller,  Chicago  Transit 
Authority  (left)  accepts  an  appreciation 
plaque  presented  to  the  CTA  employees  for 
participation  in  the  Combined  Appeal  Plan, 
from  Chicago  Heart  Association  Business 
Division  Heart  Fund  Chairman  John  A. 
Sivright.  The  CTA  employees  were  among 
businesses  and  volunteers  honored  during 
the  annual  awards  luncheon  of  the  Business 
Division  at  The  Harris  Trust  and  Savings 
Bank  July  31.  Kole  also  serves  as  CHA's 
treasurer. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  (left)  and  six  state  representatives 
view  work  of  bus  controller  Joseph  Stumpfel  as  described  to  them  by 
Michael  LaVelle,  director.  Service,  Transportation  Department,  in 
the  control  center.      Representatives  are  (from  Barnes'  left)  John  S. 


Matijevich,  North  Chicago;  Ted  E.  Leverenz,  Maywood;  Richard 
Mautino,  Spring  Valley;  Jim  McPike,  Alton;  E.  J.  "Zeke"  Giorgi,  Rock- 
ford,  and  Michael  McClain,  Quincy.  Harold  H.  Geissenheimer,  General 
Operations  manager,  is  in  background. 


State  representatives 
tour  CTA  facilities 

Six  state  representatives  from  suburban  and  down- 
state  communities  toured  CTA  facilities  on  August  25 
as  the  guests  of  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  and  ex- 
pressed their  admiration  for  the  CTA' s  operations  and 
employees. 

The  representatives  are  Ted  F,  Leverenz,  May- 
wood;  John  S.  Matijevich,  North  Chicago;  E.J.  "Zeke" 
Giorgi,  Rockford;  Richard  A.  Mautino,  Spring  Valley; 
Michael  F.  McClain,  Quincy,  and  Jim  McPIke,  Alton. 

Barnes  led  the  six  representatives  on  a  tour  of  the 
control  center,  a  ride  on  a  'Big  Bend'  bus,  an  'L'  ride 
from  the  Clark/Lake  station  to  79  station  on  the  Lake- 
Dan  Ryan  route,  and  a  motorized  tour  of  the  giant 
South  Shops  and  77th  street  bus  garage  complex. 

In  the  South  Shqjs,  the  representatives  expressed 
surprise  that  the  CTA  employees  do  so  much  of  the  re- 
pair work  on  our  buses.  Others  found  it  interesting 
that  many  employees  spend  over  30  years  at  the  CTA, 
and  that  some  families  have  a  tradition  of  two  or  three 
generations  working  in  Chicago  transit. 

After  the  tour,  Barnes,  a  former  state  representa- 
tive himself,  said  his  visitors  expressed  amazement 
at  the  vast  scope  of  the  CTA's  operations. 

"They  told  me  they  never  realized  how  big  an  area 
the  CTA  covers,  said  it  was  'mind  boggling'  the  way 
we  provide  2.3  million  rides  each  weekday  and  24-hour 


Representatives  ride  in  turntable  section  of  a  'Big  Bend'  bus.  The 
group  was  joined  by  Thomas  Wolgemuth,  manager.  Maintenance,  in 
background. 

service  to  our  riders. 

"Most  of  all,"  Barnes  said,  "the  representatives 
said  they  were  impressed  by  our  employees'  dedica- 
tion to  their  duties  and  their  obvious  pleasure  in  per- 
forming their  tasks. 

"Most  downstate  legislators  have  not  seen  the 
CTA's  operations  as  these  representatives  have  done." 

Barnes  said  he  plans  to  invite  other  legislators  to 
tour  the  CTA  so  they  too  could  learn  how  large  and 
diverse  the  CTA  is  and  why  it  requires  a  large  amount 
of  public  funding. 


SEPTEMBER,  1980 


N 


Jud  Lawrie 
appointed 
Budget 
manager 

Jud  Lawrie  was  recently  ap- 
pointed Manager  of  the  CTA's 
newly  reorganized  Budget  Depart- 
ment by  Chairman  Eugene  M, 
Barnes. 

Lawrie  will  be  responsible  for 
budget  development,  multi-year 
budget  planning  and  management, 
and  program  analysis. 

Lawrie  returns  to  the  CTA 
after  having  spent  four  years  as 
Manager  of  Operations  Planning  at 
the  Regional  Transportation  Au- 
thority (RTA).  In  1975  he  was 
Director  of  the  Office  of  Research 
for  the  CTA. 

He  previously  served  as  a 
transportation  consultant  to  the 
Illinois  General  Assembly,  As- 
sociate Director  of  the  RTA  Citi- 
zens Committee  for  Better  Trans- 
portation, and  Director  of  the  Mass 
Transportation  Office  at  the  Illi- 
nois Department  of  Transportation. 

Lawrie  has  a  Master  of  Busi- 
ness Administration  degree  from 
the  University  of  Chicago  and  a 
Bachelor  of  Business  Administra- 
tion degree  from  Baylor  Univer- 
sity, Waco,  Texas. 


Quick  response  proves  effective 
during  16th  street  emergency 


Like  the  well-drilled  crew  of  a 
Navy  ship  in  wartime,  CTA  personnel 
have  learned  to  respond  quickly  and 
effectively  to  the  rapid  transit  version 
of    the    call    to    "General    Quarters." 

The  alarm  was  sounded  at  10:20 
a.m.  Monday,  August  1 1 ,  for  an  emer- 
gency on  the  North-South  and  Dan 
Ryan  structure  near  16th  Street. 
There,  parts  of  a  derrick  being  carried 
on  a  freight  train  passing  below  struck 
and  protruded  up  through  the  struc- 
ture, disabling  a  Lake/Dan  Ryan  train 
traveling  above. 

Within  minutes  the  call  to  "battle 
stations"  was  sounded  through  the 
"internal  intercom  system"  that  aUows 
instant  communication  from  the 
Control  Center.  A  command  post 
was  set  up  in  the  Control  Center  to 
coordinate  the  activities  of  all  depart- 
ments that  would  be  involved  in 
evacuation  procedures  and  the  res- 
toration of  service. 

Harold  Geissenheimer,  General 
Operations  Manager,  said  of  the  re- 
sponse to  the  emergency,  "CTA  has 
become  an  expert  in  crisis  management. 
We  have  been  tested.  Over  the  past 
five  years  our  people  have  been  called 
upon  to  do  things  they  never  did 
before.  When  the  incident  at  16th 
Street  occurred,  we  implemented  our 
emergency  procedures  -  -  and  they 
worked!" 

Immediate  rescue  efforts  were  led 
by  W.  Edward  Nash,  assistant  district 
superintendent,  South  Rail  District, 
who  was  riding  in  the  first  car  of  the 
disabled  train.  After  calming  riders 
through  announcements  over  the  train's 
speaker  system,  Nash  helped  motor- 
man  Thomas  Blaney  and  conductor 
Scott  Givens  evacuate  them  onto  a 
Howard-bound  Mainline  train  that  was 
halted  on  the  adjacent  track. 

At  the  same  time,  other  employees 
and  firemen  helped  riders  from  other 
trains  that  were  stranded  when  power 
was  cut.  And  when  on-the-scene 
inspection  indicated  that  service  could 
not  be  restored  until  special  supports 


could  be  built  to  strengthen  the  struc- 
ture, trains  were  turned  back  at  35th 
and  Roosevelt  on  the  Mainline,  and  at 
35  th  and  Adams/Wabash  on  the  Lake/ 
Dan  Ryan. 

To  close  the  gap  in  service,  an 
emergency  bus  shuttle  was  organized. 
One  bus  route  was  set  up  to  carry 
Lake/Dan  Ryan  riders  between  35th 
and  Adams/Wabash,  where  trains  from 
Harlem  were  returning  west  using  the 
outer  Loop.  Another  shuttle  route  was 
estabhshed  to  carry  riders  south 
through  the  Loop  along  State  Street 
to  35th  on  the  Mainline.  From  an 
initial  27  buses,  this  service  was  ex- 
panded to  104  buses  by  the  afternoon 
rush  period. 

To  keep  the  public  informed  about 
service  developments,  the  Pubhc  Affairs 
department  maintained  frequent  con- 
tact with  the  news  media,  while  volun- 
teers from  the  General  Office,  under 
the  direction  of  Operations  Planning, 
notified  riders  directly  at  subway  and 
'L'  stations  and  other  strategic  points 
in  the  Loop. 

Meanwhile,  ironworkers  and  other 
maintenance  personnel  rushed  to  the 
scene  of  the  emergency  to  build  tem- 
porary supports  under  the  damaged 
structure  to  make  it  safe  for  rail  traffic. 
By  the  start  of  the  Tuesday  morning 
rush  period,  service  on  the  North- 
South  Mainline  had  already  been  re- 
stored. 

Service  had  to  be  cut  again  after 
the  Wednesday  evening  rush  period  in 
order  to  rebuild  the  temporary 
supports  in  such  a  way  that  one  of  the 
blocked  freight  line  tracks  could  be 
reopened.  This  work  was  completed  in 
time  for  the  Thursday  morning  rush 
period,  when  service  was  completely 
restored  on  both  the  North-South 
Mainline    and    the     Lake/Dan     Ryan. 

The  final  phase  of  the  emergency 
is  expected  to  come  in  November, 
when  a  specially  fabricated,  72-foot- 
long  girder  will  be  installed  to  replace 
the  one  that  was  damaged. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Board  approves  purchase 
of  125  articulated  buses 


A  CTA  articulated  bus  was  a  star  attraction  of  the  Englewood  Back  to 
School  Parade  on  August  30,  featuring  window  decorations  produced 
by  the  Community  Relations  staff  and  exterior  signs  by  the  Passenger 
Controls/Graphics  section.  Operations  Planning.  Chairman  Barnes 
was  among  city  dignitaries  who  attended  the  parade. 


At  its  regular  monthly  meeting  on  September  3,  the 
Chicago  Transit  Board  authorized  the  purchase  of  125 
articulated  buses  at  a  contract  price  of  $33,731,250 
($269,850  each). 

Similar  to  the  20  'Big  Bend'  articulated  buses  that 
have  been  in  operation  at  CTA  for  over  a  year  and  a 
half,  the  new  diesel  powered  buses  consist  of  two  sec- 
tions connected  by  bellows-like  panels  and  a  turntable 
which  coordinate  turning  movements.  The  buses  will 
have  65  seats,  with  a  maxtmimi  capacity,  including 
standees,  of  130  riders.  The  wide  two  way  front  door 
with  center  grab  rail,  as  on  current  'Big  Bends',  will 
provide  fast  boarding  and  exiting  of  passengers. 

Several  important  new  features  are  included  in  this 
purchase: 

— The  buses  will  have  a  wheel  chair  lift  built  into 
the  rear  door  where  the  steps  will  convert  into  a  lift 
platform.  Three  seats  near  the  rear  door  will  fold 
back  to  make  room  for  the  wheel  chair. 

— The  first  step  will  be  only  12  and  three-quarter 
inches  from  the  ground,  as  compared  with  14  and  one- 
half  inches  on  thepresent  articulated  buses  and  13  and 
one-half  inches  on  standard  CTA  buses. 

— A  back-up  ventilation  system  consisting  of  four 
power  vents  in  the  roof  will  supplement  the  air  con- 
ditioning. 

"The  CTA  has  been  operating  20  similar  articulated 


buses  since  February  of  1979.  As  part  of  our  test 
program,  the  buses  were  operated  on  various  heavily 
traveled  routes  throughout  the  city  and  proved  to  be 
fully  adaptable  and  cost  efficient,"  said  CTA  Chairman 
Eugene  M.  Barnes, 

The  contract  for  the  buses  is  to  be  let  to  M.A.N. 
Truck  and  Bus  Corporation,  the  only  bidder.  The 
buses  will  be  built  in  both  the  U.S.  and  Germany  (53 
per  cent  in  the  U.S.).  Currently,  there  are  no  manu- 
facturers of  articulated  buses  in  the  U.S. 

The  buses  will  be  purchased  with  an  Interstate 
Transfer  Grant  from  the  federal  government  (85 
per  cent)  and  an  Illinois  state  grant  (15  per  cent). 
Delivery  of  the  125  buses  is  scheduled  to  start  in 
April,  1982,  and  be  completed  in  January,  1983. 


Many  thanks . . . 

To  my  former  fellow  employees  at  the  Mart  and  the 
CTA  Pioneers  Retirement  Club:  many  thanks  for  your 
get-well  cards,  flowers  and  phone  calls.  I  am  now  home 
recovering  from  a  triple  by-pass  operation  on  my  heart. 
Your  well  wishes  helped  my  recovery,  which  was  a  slow 
process. 

Gratefully, 
Russ  Warnstedt 


SEPTEMBER,  1980 


Dora  Martin  (Forest  Glen  Garage) 
was  praised  by  Rosalie  Schultz, 
of  North  Kedzie  avenue,  "for  the 
fine  job  she  is  doing"  on  her  #152 
Addison  bus.  "This  driver  was 
very  courteous  and  helpful,  and 
she  had  a  lively,  generous  know- 
ledge of  her  route.  She  was  able 
to  help  passengers  find  not  only 
their  streets,  but  also  particular 
locations  along  those  streets  and 
the  best  ways  of  reaching  them. 
Best  of  all,  this  driver  had  a  sense 
of  humor  that  kept  things  in 
proportion.  She  was  obviously 
not  just  grinding  along  making  a 
living.  It  was  more  like  she  was 
adventuring  along  making  a  life. 
And  I  for  one  was  glad  to  be  on 
board  with  her." 


Ronald  Gray  Sr.  (Beverly  Garage) 
was  complimented  by  Henri  Dela- 
coeur,  of  East  95th  street,  for  his 
handling  of  a  #34  South  Michigan 
bus.  "While  riding  with  this  driver 
from  the  95th  street  terminal  to 
112th  street,  I  was  impressed 
with  his  smooth,  skillful  negotia- 
tion of  the  bus,  his  courtesy 
toward  riders  and  to  other  drivers, 
and  his  emphasis  on  safety.  After 
40  years  of  involvement  with 
several  phases  of  transportation,  I 
feel  I  am  qualified  to  make  this 
assessment.  Please  congratulate 
this  employee  and  let  him  know 
that  skill,  courtesy,  and  a  bit  of 
extra  effort  will  always  be  appre- 
ciated and  recognized." 


commendation  corner 


Lloyd  Winston  (North  Park  Garage)  was  the  driver  of  a 
#22  Clark  bus  that  Bruce  Priebe  rode  one  hot  summer 
evening  on  his  way  to  an  office  on  Diversey  Parkway.  "I 
have  never  met  any  employee  who  was  so  pleasant  and  took 
so  much  pride  in  his  job  pleasing  his  passengers.  Everyone 
was  greeted  with  a  pleasant  smile  and  'Good  evening,'  and 
when  a  blind  man  got  on  the  bus,  he  took  extra  care  in 
boarding  him  and  his  dog.  All  this  took  place  in  abnormal 
95-degree  weather  when  tempers  are  bound  to  flare  and 
people  tend  to  be  cross.  Please  compliment  this  man  on  a 
job  well  done.  He  surely  does  deserve  it." 

Edna  Lomax  (69th  Street  Garage)  won  the  approval  of 
Annette  Lemke,  of  North  Pulaski  road,  for  the  way  she 
handled  illegal  boarders  on  her  #9  Ashland  bus.  "At  Madi- 
son, she  asked  three  men  if  they  were  going  to  come  up 
front  and  pay  their  fares.  When  they  failed  to  respond  after 
she  asked  again,  she  stopped  the  bus,  picked  up  her  phone, 
and  alerted  CTA  downtown.  The  men  got  off.  Later,  two 
other  men  entered  througli  the  rear  door,  and  again  she 
asked  them  to  bring  their  fares  up  front.  They  did,  but  she 
was  ready  with  her  phone  just  in  case.  She  is  a  good  driver 
who  keeps  alert  and  doesn't  tolerate  freeloaders." 

Robert  Baker  (Forest  Glen  Garage)  "makes  the  whole 
CTA  shine,"  according  to  John  Kepler,  who  rode  his  #92 
Foster  bus  to  work  on  North  Francisco  avenue.  "This  morn- 
ing he  greeted  me  and  other  passengers  with  a  warm  'Good 
morning.'  He  called  street  names  clearly  before  each  stop. 
When  an  elderly  gentleman  boarded,  the  driver  was  very 
careful  starting  up  so  as  not  to  cause  the  man  to  lose  his 
balance.  When  two  passengers  getting  off  a  northbound 
I\ilaski  bus  obviously  could  not  make  it  across  the  street  in 
time  to  transfer  to  our  bus,  the  driver  stopped  after  crossing 
Pulaski  to  allow  them  to  board.  I  appreciate  this  man's 
attitude  toward  his  job." 

Vytautas  Stukelis  (Archer  Garage)  was  commended  by 
John  Cisarik,  of  South  Melvina  avenue,  for  his  courtesy  while 
driving  a  #62  Archer  bus  one  hot  Sunday  afternoon.  In  a 
letter  to  the  editor  that  appeared  in  the  Chicago  Tribune, 
Cisarik  said,  "The  bus  driver  was  one  of  the  most  pleasant 
I've  ever  encountered  on  the  CTA.    He  answered  questions 


about  the  Sunday  fares,  thanked  people  for  showing  him 
their  CTA  passes  of  super  transfers,  and  was  generally  courte- 
ous despite  the  heat  and  the  fact  that  he  was  driving  into  the 
glare  of  the  sun.  I'm  sure  no  one  has  struck  a  medal  for 
courtesy  yet,  but  this  driver  ought  to  be  in  line  for  an  award." 

Jesse  Bolian  (North  Park  Garage)  was  the  subject  of  a 
letter  from  Howard  Peschke,  of  Southgate,  Michigan,  who 
was  a  passenger  on  his  #151  Sheridan  bus  while  visiting 
Chicago.  "He  was  courteous  and  helpful  to  the  riders,  and 
he  handled  the  bus  so  well  that  the  ride  was  smooth  and 
comfortable.  This  included  starts  and  stops.  I  Uved  in 
Chicago  for  three  years  and  utilized  the  transit  system  every 
day,  and  this  is  the  first  time  I  have  been  so  impressed  with 
a  driver  that  I  wanted  to  sit  down  and  write  a  letter  about  it. 
As  long  as  the  CTA  has  drivers  like  this  one  they  can  be 
proud." 

John  Brugess  (Limits  Garage)  "made  bus  riding  a  pleasure," 
according  to  Ralph  Scheu,  an  attorney  with  offices  on  West 
Washington  street,  who  was  a  rider  on  his  #36  Broadway 
bus.  "He  greeted  each  passenger  with  a  'Good  morning,' 
started  smoothly,  and  drove  carefully  and  rapidly  without 
speeding.  He  stopped  without  jarring,  watched  for  potential 
riders  approaching  the  stops  so  they  would  not  miss  the  bus, 
and  called  out  the  street  names  loudly  and  distinctly.  He 
also  was  mindful  of  traffic,  stayed  in  the  bus  lane  where 
possible,  and  stopped  as  near  to  the  curb  as  possible.  He 
even  had  a  farewell  greeting,  such  as  'Have  a  nice  day,  now.' 
He  is  to  be  commended  highly." 

John  Aasen  (Forest  Glen  Garage)  was  appreciated  by  Mrs. 
James  Penney,  of  Tliorndale  avenue,  for  his  consideration 
whUe  rerouting  his  #84  Peterson  bus.  "Our  driver  was 
unable  to  turn  north  into  Kenmore  because  of  a  super-sized 
moving  van  that  was  blocking  the  street.  Aware  that  people 
were  waiting  to  board  the  bus  at  the  'L,'  he  flagged  down  a 
passing  squad  car  and  asked  them  to  notify  the  crowd  to 
meet  our  bus  at  Broadway.  He  also  alerted  an  eastbound 
driver  so  that  he,  too,  could  make  adjustments.  Some  riders 
were  quick  to  voice  their  anger  about  the  inconvenience, 
but  our  driver  remained  cool,  calm  and  friendly.  I  was 
impressed  by  his  excellent  attitude." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Among  other  operating  employes  re- 
ceiving commendations  recently  were: 

Thomas  Abel  Jr.  and  Jeff  Anderson, 
both  of  Limits;  Christopher  Adams  and 
Pedro  Alicea,  both  of  North  Avenue;  Rosa 
Alfaro,  Forest  Glen;  and  Curtis  Anderson 
and  David  Arreguln,  both  of  North  Park, 

William  Banks,  North  Avenue;  Johnny 
Banks  and  Dorothy  Bamer,  both  of  77th 
Street;  Evelyn  Betts,  West  Section;  Jesse 
Bolian,  Michael  Boyk,  and  Anthony  Borrelli, 
all  of  North  Park;  and  Emanuel  Bolarinwa, 
Robbie  Brown,  and  John  Brugess,  all  of 
Limits. 

Jean  Cage,  Jose  Canales,  and  Robert 
Cossom,  all  of  Limits;  Theodore  Cachamp- 
is,  Griz  Craig,  and  David  Curry,  all  of 
North  Park;  John  Cameron,  Ashland/95th; 
and  Maria  Clark,  77th  Street. 

Marie  Daniels  and  Lynn  Davis,  both  of 
Limits ;  Dwane  Davy  and  Frederick  Douglas, 
both  of  North  Park;  Edmimd  Daddezio, 
ElectraDeAlba,  and  Hector  De Jesus,  all  of 
North  Avenue;  and  Rogers  Dean,  Lawndale. 

Steve  Feller,  Albert  Fields,  and  Bryon 
Franklin,  all  of  North  Park;  and  Henry 
Fields,  North  Avenue. 

Joe  Gill,  Jeffrey  Gresser,  and  Terrence 


Griffin,  all  of  Archer;  Julio  Garcia,  Howard/ 
Kimball;  and  Matthew  Grayson,  69th  Street. 

R.  L.  Hampton,  Archer;  Leo  Hara,  North 
Park;  Larry  Harper  and  Lawrence  Hart, 
both  of  North  Avenue;  and  Marvin  Harris 
and  Frank  Hruby,  both  of  Lawndale. 

Michael  Jackson,  69th  Street;  Melvin 
Jefferies  and  William  Johnson  Jr.,  both  of 
52nd  Street;  and  Jennifer  Johnson,  North 
Section. 

Martin  Kane,  Howard/Kimball;  David 
Kelly,  North  Park;  and  James  Kolstad, 
Beverly. 

James  Larry,  52nd  Street;  Robert  Lay 
and  Leblanc  Ledree,  both  of  Limits;  Char- 
lie Lee,  North  Section;  Alpha  Lambert, 
77th  Street;  Charley  Lane,  Beverly;  Claud- 
ioLombardi,  Forest  Glen;  and  Tulio  Lopez, 
North  Park. 

Adolph  Marth,  Angel  Martinez,  Aubrey 
McGregor,  Michael  McGuill,  and  Edgar 
MoUinedo,  all  of  North  Park;  Ellis  May, 
Archer;  Abraham  McKeiver,  69th  Street; 
Elnora  McKenzie,  West  Section;  Francisco 
Medrano,  Forest  Park;  Gustavo  Meza  and 
Faye  Murry,  both  of  Limits;  Isaias  Molina 
and  Robert  Moyer.bothof  Forest  Glen;  and 
Johnny  Moore,  Lawndale. 


Dianna  Owens,  Noilh  Park. 

John  Palaggi  Jr.,  77th  Street;  Santiago 
Pantoja,  Campaign  Area;  Isaac  Price, 
Lawndale;  and  Rlcardo  Puerto,  Douglas/ 
Congress. 

Robert  Quattrocki,  Douglas/Congress. 

Mattie  Raines  and  Anthony  Reynolds, 
both  of  North  Avenue;  Leslie  Randall, 
Limits;  Richard  Roma,  North  Park;  and 
Joseph  Rossie,  Central  District. 

Santiago  Sanchez  and  Robert  Surita,  both 
of  77th  Street;  Kenneth  Simpson,  Joseph 
Smoot,  and  Leroy  Starr,  all  of  North  Park; 
James  Sloan,  52nd  Street;  Joseph  Stilwell, 
Limits;  and  Angelo  Sturino,  Howard/Kim- 
ball. 

Wendell  Talbert,  North  Park;  Henry 
Terry,  Lawndale;  and  Barbara  Thomas, 
West  Section. 

Francisco  Valle,  North  Avenue;  and 
Frank  Viola,  North  Park. 

Peter  Willemsen,  Maurice  Willis,  and 
Lloyd  Winston,  all  of  North  Park;  Abner 
Williams  Jr.  and  Barbara  Williams,  both 
of  Limits;  Edward  Williams  and  Oliver 
Wilson  Jr.,  both  of  North  Avenue;  Monroe 
Williams,  Beverly;  Theodore  Williams, 
77th  Street;  and  Royal  Woolfolk,  Archer. 


Raymond  Castrogiovanni 

Raymond  Castrogiovanni  has  been  ap- 
pointed superintendent.  Contract  Construc- 
tion, Engineering.  He  formerly  served  as 
supervisor.  Construction  Inspection,  in  the 
same  department.  Castrogiovanni  joined 
CTA  in  1974  as  a  construction  inspector. 
Previously  he  was  a  construction  super- 
intendent for  general  contractors.  He  and 
his  wife,  Evelyn,  have  five  sons  and  live  in 
the  Garfield  Ridge  neighborhood  on  the 
Southwest  Side. 

Two  new  assistant  superintendents  have 
been  named  by  the  Transportation  Depart- 


ment. John  Blum  is  assigned  to  the  Ser- 
vice section,  where  he  formerly  was  a 
management/professional  intern.  Isaac 
Clark,  former  m/p  intern,  Persoimel,  is 
now  assistant  superintendent.  Far  South. 

In  Vehicle  Maintenance,  Michael  Vas- 
quez,  former  xmit  supervisor.  Terminals, 
has  been  selected  supervisor.  Rail  Vehicle 
Terminals.  New  as  tmit  supervisors,  in- 
tern, are  Matthew  Mantia,  former  garage 
assistant  foreman,  77th  Street,  and  Emanu- 
el Porter,  former  garage  night  foreman, 
Kedzie/Lawndale. 

Anthony  Ambut,  former  training  co- 
ordinator. Human  Resources-Training/ 
Development  Programs,  is  now  communi- 
cations coordinator  in  the  same  section. 
In  Vehicle  Maintenance-Methods/Standards, 
George  Michaud  has  moved  from  materials 
coordinator  to  supply  control  coordinator. 

Four  new  travel  information  representa- 
tives are  now  working  in  the  Travel  Infor- 
mation Center:  Samuel  Highsmith,  former 
traffic  checker.  Operations  Planning;  Rob- 
ert Dennis  and  James  Nimn  Jr.,  both  for- 
mer drivers.  Archer;  and  Sterling  Tharp 
Jr.,  former  driver,  52nd  Street. 

In  new  positions  as  service  truck  chauf- 
feurs, Transportation-Utility,  are  George 
Rivera,  former  driver.  North  Park,  and 
Scott  Maginnis,  former  security  officer. 
Security. 

Now  serving  as  painter  apprentices. 
South  Shops,  are  Robert  Kuropas,  former 
carpenter  apprentice  at  the  same  location, 
and  Richard  Chacon,  former  bus  servicer. 
Archer.  Thurman  Collier,  former  stock 
clerk.  Materials  Management-Stores,  has 
become  a  painter  helper.  South  Shops,  while 
Booker  Taylor,  former  janitor.  Plant 
Maintenance,  has  been  selected  painter  "A". 


Also  in  Vehicle  Maintenance  at  South 
Shops  are  four  recently  chosen  laborers: 
Roberto  Pagan  and  Bruce  Johnson,  both 
former  drivers,  77th  Street;  Judy  Reno, 
former  janitor.  Plant  Maintenance;  and  Guy 
Hillock,  former  bus  servicer.  Archer. 

In  Plant  Maintenance,  Luigi  Lombardi 
and  Salvatore  Fontanetta,  both  former 
trackmen,  have  become  "B"  helpers.  Wil- 
lie Haskell,  former  blacksmith/welder, 
South  Shops,  has  moved  to  Plant  Mainte- 
nance as  an  electrical  and  acetylene  welder. 

James  Stephen,  former  payroll  clerk. 
Payroll,  and  Reimar  Pielstron,  former 
travel  information  representative.  Travel 
Information  Center,  have  been  selected 
field  audit  clerks,  Financial  Services- 
Internal  Auditing.  Within  Financial  Ser- 
vices, Alex  Fritzler  has  moved  from  pay- 
roll clerk  to  bill  clerk. 

Charles  Haynes  has  been  reassigned 
from  unit  exchange  clerk  to  production 
clerk  at  South  Shops,  while  David  Perez 
has  made  the  same  change  at  SkoMe  Shop. 
Ronald  Scott,  former  driver,  69th  Street, 
has  been  chosen  training  services  clerk, 
Hxunan  Resources-Training/Development 
Programs. 

Grace  Winfrey,  formerly  unassigned. 
Human  Resources-Employment/Placement, 
is  now  treasury  utility  clerk.  Treasury. 
Catherine  Brady  has  been  promoted  from 
utility  clerk  I,  Materials  Management,  to 
utility  clerk  n.  Law  File  Administration. 
Loretta  Adams,  former  typist,  Financial 
Services,  has  become  utility  clerk.  Insur- 
ance &  Pensions.  Patricia  Baker,  former 
stenographer  H,  Law,  and  Maria  Benitez, 
former  stenographer  I,  Engineering,  are 
now  both  stenographer  n's.  Engineering. 


SEPTEMBER,  1980 


New  rail 
supervisors 

Eight  new  rail  service  supervisors 
have  joined  the  supervisor  pool  after 
completing  an  extensive  training  pro- 
gram that  places  special  emphasis  on 
trouble-shooting  and  restoration  of 
service  techniques. 

The  training  included  14  formal 
sessions  and  40  hours  of  rail  supervisor 
experience  under  the  guidance  of 
other  supervisors.  There  were  also 
tours  to  familiarize  trainees  with  the 
entire  rail  system  and  instruction  in 
the  operation  of  various  types  of 
equipment. 

Ed  Mitchell,  director,  Support  Ser- 
vices, was  in  charge  of  the  training, 
which  was  also  taken  by  six  General 
Office  personnel  whose  knowledge  of 
rail  procedures  was  considered  helpful 
in  carrying  out  their  jobs. 

Wilbert  Matthews,  one  of  the  new 
supervisors,  said  of  the  training,  "I 
think  it  got  down  to  basics.  It  also 
helped  me  utilize  the  skills  I  had 
acquired  as  motorman,  conductor  and 
towerman."  He  added,  "I  liked  learn- 
ing about  how  and  why  things  are 
done  in  an  emergency,  as  well  as  how 
to  deal  with  other  personnel." 

Julio  Diaz  commented,  "It  has  been 
a  very  good  experience.  I  will  continue 
to  do  my  best  and  hope  to  have  other 
opportunities  to  move  ahead  in  my 
career  at  CTA." 

Ellis  Sansing  reported.  "I  think  the 
instruction  was  very  thorough,  and 
that  the  instructors  went  out  of  their 
way  to  make  sure  we  understood 
everything.    I  appreciated  the  emphasis 


Displaying  certificates  recognizing  their  completion  of  supervisor  training  are  (seated  left  to  right): 
Julio  Diaz,  EIree  Jones,  James  Colles,  and  John  McEnaney.  Standing  are  (left  to  right):  Ivory 
Davis,  Ellis  Sansing,  Corinthian  Brunt,  and  Wilbert  Matthews. 


on  dealing  with  employees  as  people 
instead  of  just  badges.  It's  a  serious 
job." 

According  to  John  McEnaney,  "Now 
I  have  a  better  understanding  of  how 
the  company  operates.  I  learned  a 
great  deal  about  trouble-shooting  and 
restoration  of  service,  though  you 
never  know  enough.  I'll  keep  trying  to 
gain  more  knowledge  on  the  job." 

Elree  Jones  said  she  was  qualified 
in  all  positions  in  rail,  including  yard 
foreman,  but  that  the  training  was 
"interesting  and  comprehensive.  I  feel 
I  can  handle  just  about  anything,  now, 
and  that  I  have  a  good  rapport  with 
the  personnel.  I  enjoyed  the  experience 
of  going  through  the  entire  rail  system 
and  seeing  the  subways  from  portal 
to  portal." 

Corinthian  Brunt  believes,  "I  really 
accomplished  something.     Before  this, 


I  wasn't  familiar  with  the  yards  and 
switching.  Now  I  don't  think  there's 
any  problem  out  there  I  can't  deal 
with.  I  think  we  had  a  great  group  of 
instructors." 

Ivory  Davis  regarded  the  training  as 
"a  prerequisite  for  getting  into  instruc- 
tion and  perhaps  becoming  a  superin- 
tendent some  day.  I've  certainly 
broadened  my  view  of  transportation 
and  strengthened  my  knowledge  of 
trouble-shooting.  It  also  taught  me 
some  things  I  didn't  know  about  the 
work  of  a  towerman,  switchman,  and 
yard  foreman." 

James  Colles  suggested,  "There's 
always  something  more  to  learn  about 
restoration  of  service  and  trouble- 
shooting. The  training  taught  me  how 
to  deal  with  the  problems  that  can 
come  up,  and  gave  me  a  real  feeling 
for  what's  going  on  out  in  the  system." 


^    n  o  O   ^ 


i 


L 


First  group  to  complete  an  eight-week  Material  Handling  and 
Warehousing  course  sponsored  by  Materials  Management  Depart- 
ment include  (from  left,  standing)  Robert  Gorz,  stock  clerk.  West 
Shops;  Eugene  Magad,  course  instructor;  Richard  Smith,  stock 
clerk.  South  Shops;  John  Gurrieri,  stock  clerk,  Skokie  Shop; 
Lawrence  Jones,  stock  clerk.  South  Shops;  Lawrence  Tischer,  stock 
clerk.  Lower  Yard;  David  Bremer,  stock  clerk.  Merchandise  Mart; 
Rowland  Sykes,  stock  clerk.  South  Shops,  and  Fred  Krawczyk, 
stock  clerk.  West  Shops.     Seated   (from  left)  are  James  Quails, 


order  control  clerk.  Merchandise  Mart;  Martha  Hallock,  secretary. 
Merchandise  Mart;  Dorothy  Harmon,  salvage  control  clerk.  Mer- 
chandise Mart;  Terry  Carroll,  stock  clerk.  South  Shops;  Billie 
Thompson,  stock  clerk,  Skokie  Shop,  and  Donald  Powell,  stock 
clerk.  South  Shops.  Ed  Deles,  unit  supervisor.  Records  and  Train- 
ing, Materials  Management,  and  coordinator  for  the  course,  said 
that  approximately  120  department  members  are  slated  to  take 
the  course,  which  is  conducted  by  Eugene  Magad  and  Associates, 
consultants  to  the  warehousing  industry. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Return  trip  to  yesteryear 

Approximately  300  employees,  retirees,  and  guests  en- 
joyed a  return  trip  to  yesteryear  at  the  Illinois  Railway 
Museum  in  Union,  Illinois,  on  Saturday,  August  23.  The 
second  annual  CTA  Day  was  sponsored  by  the  CTA  Group 
Travel  Program  in  conjunction  with  the  museum.  Attrac- 
tions included  rides  on  historic  equipment,  restoration  and 
signals  tours,  movies,  and  hand  car  rides. 

For  more  information  about  Group  Travel  Program 
events,  contact  Ms.  Harriett  Murphy,  special  projects  co- 
ordinator, Human  Resources  department.  Room  7-170, 
Mart,  ext.  75 1 . 


Enjoying  the  festivities  was  Pensioner  John  Gritis  (Reproduction  '78), 
and  his  wife,  Rosemary,  and  Pensioner  Pat  Gill  (West  Shops  76),  and 
his  wife,  Grace. 


Pensioner    Ray    Zielinski    (North   Avenue   '77),  pilots   #144,  Pullman 
vintage  1908,  last  operated  out  of  77th  Street. 


Scott  and  Eric  Swanson  enjoyed  the  old  steam  engine  with  their  father, 
Paul  (Maintenance). 


Mary    and    Joe    Repplinger,    now    retired, 
enjoyed  the  outing. 


Gordon  Balazs  (Transportation)  helps  his 
grandson,  Brian,  off  the  steps  of  the  old 
railroad  coach,  as  his  wife,  Georgiana, 
awaits  her  turn. 


James  Larry  (52nd  Street),  and  his  wife, 
Janie,  and  children,  Jason,  Jeremy  and 
Jennifer,  enjoyed  a  streetcar  ride. 


Q 

kH 

'9 

:                    ■ 

g^g^^ii^ 

t                     1 

P^ 

Alvin    Rohde    (North   Avenue)  enjoyed   the 
day  with  his  friend.  Vera  Gutzman. 


SEPTEMBER,  1980 


Cover  girls 
return  for 
Monthly  Pass 
commercial 

When  motorman  D.  J.  Sweeney  came 
in  to  have  his  photo  taken  for  a  com- 
mendation in  1948,  he  treated  his  two 
daughters,  Eileen  and  KatliJeen,  to  a 
trip  downtown. 

Sweeney  was  being  commended  for 
stopping  his  elevated  train  early  one 
morning  after  he  spotted  a  burning 
bam  in  a  neighborhood  of  frame 
houses.  He  blew  his  train  whistle  for 
several  minutes,  waking  the  people  in 
the  neighborhood  who  put  out  the 
fire  before  it  could  spread. 

During  the  commendation  photo 
session,  the  CTA  photographer  also 
photographed  Sweeney  with  his  daugh- 
ters. He  sent  copies  to  Sweeney  and 
kept  a  file  copy. 

When  the  Transit  News  staff  checked 
the  photo  files  for  feature  ideas  for  the 
December,  1950,  issue,  they  discovered 
the  photo  of  Sweeney  and  his  daugh- 
ters. Eileen  and  Kathleen  then  ap- 
peared on  the  cover  of  the  magazine 
and  were  featured  in  a  monthly  column 
caUed  "TO  THE  LADIES  .  .  .  from 
Joan."  The  column  told  how  to  make 
Christmas  decorations  at  home,  using 
photos  taken  in  the  Sweeney  home. 

Thirty  years  later  in  July,  1980, 
Eileen  and  Kathleen  and  their  daugh- 
ters acted  as  extras  during  the  filming 
of  the  CTA  Monthly  Pass  commercial. 

Eileen  and  her  husband  James 
Peters,  a  Chicago  fireman,  live  on  the 
northwest  side  with  their  four  children 
Jimmy,  18,  Kevin,  17,  Maureen,  14, 
and  Sheila,  10. 

Kathleen  and  her  husband  William 
Keogh,  a  real  estate  developer  for  the 
Homart  division  of  Sears,  Roebuck, 
&  Co.,  live  in  Park  Ridge,  IlUnois,  with 
their  two  daughters  Colleen,  10,  and 
Catherine,  9. 

Motorman  D.  J.  Sweeney  retired  in 
1965.  He  spent  part  of  each  year  with 
the  Peters  in  Chicago  and  the  rest  of 
each  year  with  the  Keoghs  who  then 
lived  in  Phoenix,  Arizona.  After 
Sweeney's  death  in  1978,  the  Keoghs 
moved  to  Park  Ridge. 

Eileen  and  Kathleen  were  thrilled  to 
be  extras  in  the  Monthly  Pass  commer- 
cial, because  it  brought  back  many 
fond  memories  of  their  father  and  their 
many  friends  in  other  CTA  families. 


The  December,  1950,  Transit  News  cover  featured  Eileen  Sweeney,  age  9,  and  Kathleen  Sweeney, 
age  10,  holding  their  home  made  Christmas  decorations. 

Taking  a  break  during  the  filming  of  the  Monthly  Pass  commercial  are  Eileen  (Sweeney)  Peters 
(left)  and  her  daughters  Sheila  (left),  age  10,  and  Maureen  (center),  age  14,  and  Kathleen  (Sweeney) 
Keogh  (right)  with  her  daughters  Catherine,  age  9,  and  Colleen,  age  10  (far  right). 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


CTA  deposits  funds  in  minority  banks 


More  than  $5  million  just  released 
to  the  Chicago  Transit  Authority  has 
been  deposited  in  seven  of  Chicago's 
minority  banking  institutions.  Chair- 
man Barnes  said  the  funds  were  placed 
in  short-term  investments  with  a  maxi- 
mum maturity  not  exceeding  3 1  days. 
Recipients  of  the  money  were: 
Seaway  National  Bank,  645  East  87th 
street;  Highland  Bank,  1701  West 
87th  street;  Independence  Bank,  7936 
South  Cottage  Grove  avenue;  Union 
National  Bank,  1 1 108  South  Michigan 
avenue;  Community  Bank  of  Lawn- 
dale,  807  South  Homan  avenue; 
Washington  National  Bank,  2525 
North  Kedzie;  and  Morgan  Park 
Savings  and  Loan,  10859  South 
Halsted. 

"We  have  started  this  program  of 
banking  in  the  neighborhoods  be- 
cause the  CTA  wants  to  invest  in  the 
communities  we  serve,"  said  Chairman 
Barnes,  "and  the  CTA  has  funneled  a 
total  of  $71  million  in  short-term 
investments  to  minority  banking  insti- 
tutions since  January." 

The  CTA  has  allocated  10  percent 
of  all  its  funds  for  placement  in  the 
Community  Banking  program,  a  spe- 
cial minority  business  effort  estab- 
lished by  Chairman  Barnes. 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  signs  checl(S  totaling  more  than  $5  million  which  were  placed 
in  short-term  investments  with  seven  of  Chicago's  minority  banks.  Present  for  the  event  were, 
from  left,  Ernest  Collins,  chairman.  Seaway  National  Bank;  Miss  Adele  White,  managing  director, 
Morgan  Park  Savings  and  Loan,  and  Stanley  W.  Tate,  senior  vice  president.  Highland  Bank.  Repre- 
senting other  banking  institutions  sharing  In  the  Community  Banking  program,  but  not  present 
for  the  signing,  were  Lonnie  Radcliff,  assistant  vice  president.  Independence  Bank;  Charles  Wells, 
president.  Union  National  Bank;  James  T.  Hadley,  senior  vice  president.  Community  Bank  of 
Lawndale,  and  Frank  Cyr,  president,  Washington  National  Bank. 


Saving  for  the  future  with 
deferred  compensation 

The  CTA  Deferred  Compensation  plan  is  now  two  years 
old.  Since  inception,  CTA  employees  have  invested 
$6,727,340  in  the  program.  The  current  value  of  the  fund  is 
approximately  $6,820,000  and  an  additional  $288,000  have 
been  paid  out  in  benefits  to  participating  employees.  The 
gain  over  contributions  are  approximately  $400,000. 

For  those  of  you  who  have  not  recently  focused  on  our 
Deferred  Compensation  plan,  an  annual  contribution  of  the 
lesser  of  25%  of  salary  of  $7,500  is  permitted  by  law.  Con- 
tributions reduce  your  salary  for  purposes  of  determining 
the  amount  of  Federal  and  State  income  tax  you  must  cur- 
rently pay.  These  funds  are  taxed,  later,  at  the  time  you 
make  your  withdrawals. 

The  CTA  program  offers  an  employee  a  variety  of  ways  to 
have  your  funds  invested:  (a)  guaranteed  investments  where 
your  principal  is  absolutely  safe  and  you  earn  a  high  rate  of 
interest,  and  (b)  investments  in  a  combination  of  stocks 
and/or  bonds  which  fluctuate  in  value  from  day  to  day. 

The  companies  that  have  been  providing  tax  investment 
and  life  insurance  options  for  the  plan  are  Capitol  Life 
(savings).  Fidelity  (life),  Great-West  (savings),  Lincoln 
National  (investments),  and  T.  Rowe  Price  (investments). 

Two  recent  developments  should  be  of  interest  to  many  of 
our  employees.  Fidelity  Security  will  now  guarantee  issue 
to  $10,000  of  life  insurance  to  anyone  age  50  or  under.  The 
T.  Rowe  Price  Money  Market  Fund  is  now  available  as  an 
option  for  those  interested  in  placing  a  portion  of  their  funds 
into  a  fluctuating  investment. 


Congratulations  to  Giles  Liddeil  who  earned  his  Associ- 
ate Arts  degree  from  Truman  College  in  August,  with  an 
emphasis  on  human  behavior.  He  is  now  attending 
Northeastern  University  studying  transportation,  en- 
vironment, and  human  behavior,  and  also  is  on  the 
Board  of  Governors'  program  there. 

Deferred  Compensation  is  one  of  the  few  remaining  legiti- 
mate tax  deferrals  available.  If  you  have  the  desire  and 
capacity  to  save  money,  you  owe  it  to  yourself  to  examine 
the  opportunities  available  under  the  CTA  program. 

For  more  details,  call  our  Administrator,  Intangible 
Marketing,  Inc.,  at  263-1662. 


SEPTEMBER,  1980 


public  safety  awards 


With  a  rate  25  per  cent  lower  than  the  entire  surface 
system,  Archer  garage  finished  first  in  the  CTA  Public  Safety 
Award  for  the  second  quarter  of  1 980. 

The  winning  statistics  were:  A  traffic  accident  rate  of 
4.02  per  1 00,000  miles  of  driving,  and  a  passenger  accident 
rate  of  0.53  per  100,000  miles  of  driving.  This  was  55 
per  cent  lower  than  the  entire  surface  system  rate. 

Congress  terminal  took  the  rail  award  with  a  winning 
average  of  a  combined  traffic  and  passenger  accident  fre- 
quency of  0.314,  or  one  accident  for  every  300,000  miles 
of  operation,  for  the  second  quarter  of  1980. 


Joe  Steinbach  (left),  superintendent.  Archer  garage,  receives  second 
quarter  Public  Safety  Award  plaque  from  Ed  Henry,  supervisor.  Safety 
Peformance  and  Analysis,  as  James  Blaa,  manager,  Transportation, 
looks  on. 


Tom  Boyle  (center),  manager.  Safety,  presents  second  quarter  rail 
Public  Safety  Award  plaque  to  Mike  Veltri,  superintendent.  Congress, 
as  Transportation  manager  Blaa  smiles  with  approval. 


Transportation  manager  Blaa  is  flanked  by  William  Spencer  (left),  and 
Jake  Reed  who  display  Outstanding  Employee  awards  they  received. 


Leonia  Butler  (left),  and  Thomas  Castro  proudly  display  the  Outstand- 
ing Employee  awards  certificate  presented  to  them. 


Showing  their  satisfaction  for  being  number  one  are  Archer  operators 
(left  to  right):  Edith  Sellers,  Ernest  Leaks,  Victoria  Chess,  Renardo 
Coleman  and  Mitchell  Austin. 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Fans  pin  hopes  on 
1980  Bears 

By  W.  B.  Wolfan 

The  football  season  is  upon  us  once  again,  and  a 
championship-hungiy  Chicago  sports  fandom  is  pinning 
its  hopes  on  the  1980  Chicago  Bears  and  general  man- 
ager Jim  Fink's  master  plan  to  rebuild  the  Bear 
dynasty  that  once  ruled  pro  football  with  an  iron  hand. 

Only  the  old-timers  can  remember  the  mighty 
Bears  of  yesteryear  when  the  so-called  Monsters 
romped  over  the  Washington  Redskins,  73  to  0,  in  the 
championship  playoff  game  of  1941. 

There  have  been  many  heroes  in  the  glorious  past, 
George  McAfee,  Sid  Luckman,  Bronco  Nagurski,  Red 
Grange,  Beattie  Feathers,  Bill  Hewitt,  to  name  just  a 
few.  But  in  professional  football  as  it  is  played  today, 
the  past  is  mere  nostalgia.  The  burning  question  is 
"What  have  you  done  for  us  lately?" 

There  is  no  question,  however,  about  the  greatness 
of  former  Bear  teams  that  dominated  the  National 
Football  League.  They  played  fundamental  football 
with  massive  power  plays  for  Coach  George  Halas. 
Credit  should  go  where  credit  is  due,  and  those  old- 
time  Bears  were  winners  in  every  way. 

It  was  back  in  1963  when  the  last  Chicago  Bear 
championship  team  defeated  the  New  York  Giants,  14 
to  10,  the  sixth  and  last  championship  for  George 
Halas  in  his  36th  year  as  coach  of  the  team  17  years 
ago. 

The  year  was  1921  when  the  Decatur  Staleys  moved 
to  Cubs  Park  in  Chicago  from  Decatur,  Illinois,  and 
Halas  began  the  long-time  era  of  champions  that  com- 
mands perhaps  the  most  loyal  football  following  in  the 
land. 

A  year  later,  in  1922,  the  Staleys  became  the  Chi- 
cago Bears  and  the  American  Professional  Football 
Association  underwent  the  name  change  that  endures 
today— the  National  Football  League. 

There  are  many  factors  to  be  taken  into  considera- 
tion in  any  given  pro  football  season,  particularly  this 
year. 

The  1979  Bears'  whirlwind  finish  with  seven  vic- 
tories in  their  final  eight  games  and  a  playoff  berth 
had  the  home  fan  constituency  in  a  state  of  euphoria 
last  winter  that  has  carried  over  into  this  year. 

Much  depends  upon  the  good  health  of  one  of  the 
wonder  football  players  of  this  century,  Walter  Payton. 

This  writer  has  seen  quite  a  few  of  the  great  stars 
in  action  during  a  long  sports  writing  career— includ- 
ing Tom  Harmon  of  Michigan,  George  McAfee  and 
Gale  Sayers  of  the  Bears,  Glenn  Davis  of  the  Army, 
and  O.  J.  Simpson,  but  will  have  to  say  without  hesi- 
tation that  Walter  Payton  is  as  good,  perhaps  better 
than,  any  of  that  distinguished  list  of  elusive  break- 
away runners— a  truly  great  and  electrifying  football 
player  who  can  break  a  game  open  at  any  time. 

We  have  a  friend  who  captained  the  Wolverines  of 


Neill  Armstrong 
Head  Coach 
Chicago  Bears 

(Photo  Courtesy 
Chicago  Bears) 


Michigan  many  years  ago.  He  says  his  most  memo- 
rable moment  was  a  prone  position  on  the  ground  as 
Red  Grange  galloped  by  him  for  five  touchdowns  in  12 
minutes.  This  individual  rates  Payton  in  the  same 
category  as  Grange— a  rugged  competitor  who  plays 
as  well  "hurt"  as  he  does  when  in  perfect  health. 

Last  year  Payton,  despite  a  painful  shoulder  in- 
jury, wrai  his  fourth  consecutive  NFC  rushing  title  with 
1610  yards,  a  magnificent  performance. 

Whoever  said  "As  goes  Payton,  so  go  the  Bears," 
knew  what  he  was  talking  about.  He  is  the  ball  club. 
However,  under  Coach  Armstrong,  the  Bears  have  im- 
proved one  hundred  per  cent  defensively.  So  has  the 
offensive  line,  and  that  helps  Payton. 

Much  depends  on  the  passing  game  to  give  Payton 
needed  relief  from  his  rushing  duties.  If  the  passing 
game  clicks,  the  Bears  will  make  the  playoffs.  But 
October  is  not  when  Division  titles  are  decidedo  So 
the  Bear  hopes  will  hinge  on  the  November-December 
stretch  drive.  Their  schedule  is  much  tougher  this 
year  than  last,  and  Tampa  and  Detroit  will  have  a  lot 
to  say  about  the  Divisional  flag  before  the  season  is 
over. 

In  the  overall  pro  picture,  the  two  principal  con- 
tenders in  the  AFC  Central  Division,  Pittsburgh's 
Champion  Steelers  and  the  Houston  Oilers  (with  Ken 
Stabler  at  the  controls),  appear  to  have  the  two  strong- 
est teams  in  all  pro  football.  This  writer  is  betting 
on  the  Steelers  to  take  it  all  again. 

Roger  Staubach's  departure  from  the  Dallas  Cow- 
boys obviously  will  make  it  a  wide  open  race  in  the 
NFC  Eastern  Division.  The  Los  Angeles  Rams  look 
like  repeaters  in  the  NFC  West,  a  solid  tough  football 
team  in  every  department. 

In  the  AFC  West  and  the  AFC  East  Divisions,  it's 
anybody's  guess.  A  big  year  for  Steve  Grogan  could 
give  the  New  England  Patriots  a  playoff  berth.  This 
writer  favors  Dan  Fouts  and  the  San  Diego  Chargers  in 
the  AFC  West,  but  don't  sell  the  Denver  Broncos  or 
the  Seattle  Seahawks  short.  Both  clubs  have  the 
ability  to  spring  a  major  upset. 

On  to  the  Super  Bowl ! 


SEPTEMBER.  1980 


13 


Retirements 


Norman  Graver 

An  informal  reception  honoring 
Norman  Graver  of  the  Methods  and 
Standards  section  was  held  in  the 
Transportation  department  office 
on  August  29  at  the  Merchandise 
Mart  as  he  joined  pensioners  after 
34  years  of  service. 

Prior  to  joining  the  Transpor- 
tation department  in  November 
1974,  Graver  served  in  the  Security 
department  as  an  investigator,  as- 
sistant superintendent,  and  super- 
intendent. 

Friends  and  co-workers  pre- 
sented him  with  golf  equipment, 
a  cash  gift,  and  other  items  for 
his  personal  enjoyment.  Present 
for  the  occasion  was  his  daughter, 
Bonnie. 

The  former  security  chief  be- 
gan his  public  transit  career  in 
1946  in  the  Claims  department. 


Harvey  McClinton,  left,  superintendent.  Methods  and  Standards  section.  Transportation  depart- 
ment, presents  Norman  Graver  with  a  pensioner  kit  at  informal  reception  held  recently  in  the 
Transportation  department.  The  occasion  marked  the  end  of  Graver's  34-year  career  in  transit. 


Hector  Rocourt 

Hector  G.  Rocourt,  senior 
bookkeeper.  Insurance  and  Pen- 
sions, ended  his  17-year  career 
with  CTA  when  he  retired  on 
September  1. 

Hector  was  feted  with  a  surprise 
farewell  party  given  by  his  co- 
workers on  August  26  in  the  Pen- 
sion Department  in  the  Merchan- 
dise Mart.  Craig  Heatter,  direc- 
tor. Pensions,  presented  him  with 
a  barometer,  a  gift  from  his  co- 
workers. 

Hector  began  his  career  with 
CTA  in  June,  1963,  as  a  bookkeeper 
in  the  Pension  Department.  Prior 
to  coming  to  CTA,  he  had  worked 
in  the  same  capacity  with  the  In- 
tematicaial  Harvester  company  and 
U.S.  Steel. 

Hector  will  make  his  new  home 
in  Pompano  Beach,  Florida, where 
the  barometer  will  come  in  handy. 


Hector  Rocourt  (center)  is  flanked  by  the  ladies  who  surprised  him  with  his  farewell  retirement 
party.    Left  to  right:    Irma  Muniz,  Phyllis  Skutnik,  Dorothy  Etscheid  and  Patricia  Hoff. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


MICHAEL  CLEMENTE,  Supervisor, 

District  D,  Emp.  8-1-45 
ERNESTO  GARCIA,  Trackman, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  5-28-75 
NORMAN  GRAVER,  Analyst, 

Transportation,  Emp,  11-19-46 
JOHN  MURNANE,  Operator, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  5-15-44 
MILAN  PLACKO,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  5-22-58 
VICTOR  PRIOLO,  Operator, 

Limits,  Emp.  3-11-46 
HECTOR  ROCOURT,  Senior  Bookkeeper, 

Insurance/Pensions,  Emp.  6-10-63 

DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

LEON  DAVIS,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  10-3-66 
JOHN  W.  JOHNSON,  Safety  Coordinator, 

Safety,  Emp.  8-4-71 
ROBERT  JOHNSON,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  9-17-53 
CALVIN  SMITH,  Operator, 

Lawndale,  Emp.  5-26-69 


Pensioners  note: 

New  riding  card 
pictures  for 
1981-82-83 

The  CTA  photographer  has  been  taking  photographs 
for  your  new  identification  cards,  as  announced  in 
last  month's  Transit  News: 
NORTH  AVENUE  STATION     4801  W.  North  Ave. 

Last  Name 
beginning  with 

A  —  G  Tuesday,  September  30 

H  -  O  -    Wednesday,  October  1 

P  -  Z  -     Thursday,  October  2 

ARCHER  STATION  -  2600  W.  Pershing  Rd. 

A  —  G  •     Tuesday,  October  7 

H  -  O  ■     Wednesday,  October  8 

P  -  Z  -     Thursday,  October  9 

9:00  AM  to  4:00  PM 

If  you  missed  the  photo  sessions  above,  you  can  still 
have  your  photo  taken  at  the  following  location 
and  time: 

CTA  Photographic  Department 
Room  7-189 
Merchandise  Mart 

8:00  a.m.  to  4:00  p.m. 

Any  weekday  after 

October  15,  1980 
No   ID  cards  can  be  sent  out   unless  the  pensioner 
has  had  a  new  photo  taken. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volu 


;33 


Number  9 


Published  for  employes  and  retirees  of  the  CTA, 
by  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 
Manager.  Editorial  and  graphics  by  the  Public 
Affairs  Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager.  Transit 
Nev»s  Staff:  Mel  Alexander,  Christine  Sorcic, 
Jack  Sowchin,  Jeff  Stern,  Rick  Wrilis.  Produced 
by  the  Administrative  Services  Unit  under  the 
direction  of  Charles  T.  Zanin. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employes.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  S2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734. 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


I3Sr  l^:Hlls/LOFtXJ^lS/L 


WANDA  BEKIER,  56,  Accotmting, 

Emp.  8-17-44,  Died  7-30-80 
TONY  BOGETICH,  68,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  9-3-41,  Died  7-14-80 
WALTER  BOTH,  64,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  10-7-46,  Died  7-29-80 
MARVIN  BRINSON,  61,  61st  Street, 

Emp.  5-9-51,  Died  7-22-80 
PAUL  BURANDT,  88,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  3-5-12,  Died  7-20-80 
JOHN  BUTHMAN,  81,  Lawrence, 

Emp.  4-24-23,  Died  7-17-80 
WILLIAM  L.  COLEMAN,  44,  52nd  Street, 

Emp.  6-11-62,  Died  7-28-80 
STEVE  CUCULICH,  90,  Way  &  Structs., 

Emp.  8-3-20,  Died  7-29-80 
JOSEPH  DOBIAS,  83,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  7-11-23,  Died  7-29-80 
DANIEL  DOLAN,  81,  Loomis, 

Emp.  4-16-43,  Died  7-24-80 
RUEBEN  EKLIND,  88,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  10-8-25,  Died  7-15-80 
FRANK  GALEK,  67,  Beverly, 

Emp.  10-28-48,  Died  7-12-80 
EDWARD  GLONKE,  75,  Keeler, 

Emp.  5-26-47,  Died  7-16-80 
WILLLAM  HASKINS,  64,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  2-6-51,  Died  7-14-80 
ROBERT  HENGL,  80,  Treasury, 

Emp.  6-19-23,  Died  6-23-80 
WILLIAM  JENNINGS,  72,  Beverly, 

Emp.  7-5-44,  Died  7-28-80 
ADDISON  JONES,  78,  Reproduction, 

Emp.  10-9-33,  Died  7-2-80 
FRANK  JONES,  75,  Electrical, 

Emp.  6-1-22,  Died  7-10-80 
VERNON  KEENE,  72,  North  Section, 

Emp.  7-7-37,  Died  7-27-80 
THOMAS  LACEY,  82,  Office  Services, 

Emp.  3-18-41,  Died  7-5-80 
PETER  MARREN,  73,  Way  &  Structures, 

Emp.  3-26-29,  Died  7-25-80 
JEROME  MORIARTY,  68,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  11-21-47,  Died  7-10-80 
VIDEL  RODRIGUEZ,  31,  North  Section, 

Emp.  10-25-74,  Died  8-8-80 
MICHAEL  ROVELLA,  69,  Archer, 

Emp.  9-17-43,  Died  7-12-80 
NICHOLAS  RUPP,  71,  North  Park, 

Emp.  8-21-41,  Died  7-8-80 
WILLIAM  SCHRAM,  69,  Claims, 

Emp.  2-25-37,  Died  7-31-80 
ROBERT  M.  SEDLACK,  77,  Schedules, 

Emp.  6-18-23,  Died  7-7-80 
DANIEL  SEMINERIO,  70,  Building, 

Emp.  10-11-41,  Died  7-8-80 
ALFRED  SOIBERG,  91,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  5-18-09,  Died  7-12-80 
BEN  VALENT,  56,  Skokie  Shop, 

Emp.  12-8-76,  Died  7-10-80 
JOHN  P.  WALSH,  72,  Archer, 

Emp.  7-8-43,  Died  7-20-80 
ANDREW  WIATER,  86,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  6-28-26,  Died  7-7-80 
STANLEY  ZALE,  74,  North  Park, 

Emp.  10-15-45,  Died  7-31-80 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  September 


45  years 


Walter  Thomas 

Schedules 


Albert  C.  Lathouwers 

Payroll 


40  years 


Paul  J.  Minogue,  Maintenartce 


35  years 


James  T.  Degnan,  Archer 
Ivo  F.  Dipiero,  Skokie  Shop 
Frank  J.  Fehlh,  Electrical 
John  I.  Newman,  South  Shops 
William  A.  Witkus,  Forest  Glen 
William  F.  Wittstock,  69th  Street 


30  years 


Robert  S.  Barrett,  Skokie  Shop 
Jesse  Cross,  Racine  Shop 
Henry  Dickerson,  Skokie  Shop 
Charles  Ferrante,  Utility 
John  V.  Filarski,  North  Park 
Francis  P.  Gallagher,  North  Park 
Edwin  C.  Kennedy,  Skokie  Shop 
Steve  Kudelka  Jr.,  Maintenance 
Henry  F.  Laws,  Instruction 
Joseph  M.  Marek,  North  Park 
Gary  A.  Olsen,  Skokie  Shop 
William  A.  Patterson,  77th  Street 
Leon  M.  Poe,  South  Shops 
Royal  E.  Reed,  52nd  Street 
John  A.  Shanahan,  61st  Street  Shop 


25  years 


Mel  Alexander,  Public  Affairs 
John  A.  Anderson,  69th  Street 
Fred  L.  Bassett,  North  Avenue 
Dennis  C.  Dobbyn,  Electrical 
Bert  V.  Hukill,  North  Avenue 
Albert  Porter,  Claims 
Rosemary  Roberson,  Transportation 
Eddie  Smith,  North  Avenue 
Theautry  Snyder,  North  Avenue 
June  R.  VanCamp,  Real  Estate 
Theodore  Williams,  Maintenance 


SEPTEMBER,  1980 


15 


H 


Just  a 
reminder 


The  photos  on  this  page  are  just  a 
few  examples  taken  from  feature 
stories  about  employees  and  retirees 
that  have  appeared  in  Transit  News 
during  the  last  nine  months.  All  of 
the  stories  were  suggested  by  employ- 
ees and  retirees  or  their  friends  and 
associates. 

Transit  News  is  your  magazine,  and 
we  would  like  to  print  your  story,  too. 
If  you  or  an  employee  or  retiree  that 
you  know  do  intersting  community 
work  or  have  an  interesting  hobby  or 
talent,  or  if  you  think  that  a  project 
or  function  of  your  department  would 
be  of  interest  to  other  employees  and 
retirees,  send  a  brief  explanation  of 
your  story  idea  to: 

Transit  News 

CTA  Public  Affairs 

Room  742 

Merchandise  Mart  Plaza 

Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

or  phone;         664-7200, 

ext.  816or  ext.  2188 

Please  include  a  telephone  number 
where  we  can  call  you  during  business 
hours  (8:00AM-4:30  PM).  We  will 
assign  a  writer  and  a  photographer  to 
cover  your  story  if  it  is  selected  for 
publication. 


Engineers  save  oil,  March,  1980.        Plant  sale,  December,  1979. 


Train  collectors,  July,  1980. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 


Address  Conection  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.   POSTAGE 

PERMIT   No.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRARY 
NORTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EVANSTON,  IL         60201 


TN 


The  Mother  Bus  was  on  hand  during  the  entire  13-day  run  of  Chicago- 
Fest,  servicing  buses  that  brought  thousands  of  festgoers  to  Navy  Pier. 


UUV 


Mother  Bus  takes  care  of  j^r  own 


„.iji 


tfi 


Like  a  mother  hen  taking  care  of  its  chicks,  CTA's  "Mother 
Bus"  "feeds"  and  "comforts"  buses  that  congregate  in  large 
numbers  away  from  their  home  stations. 

The  idea  for  a  Mother  Bus,  which  is  officially  designated  a 
"Mobile  Repair  Unit,"  came  from  Dick  Schneider,  area 
superintendent.  Automotive  Vehicle  Maintenance.  He  saw 
it  as  an  answer  to  the  need  to  service  buses  that  had  been  in 
extended  service  and  which  were  then  used  to  carry  crowds 
attending  special  events. 

"When  you  have  a  whole  bunch  of  buses  put  into  special 
service  after  being  out  on  the  street,  there  could  be  a  need 
for  extra  fuel  or  minor  repairs,"  Schneider  said.  "And,  when 
you  shuttle  big  crowds  around,  you're  sure  to  have  an  in- 
terior cleanup  job  on  your  hands,  too.  That's  what  this 
bus  is  for." 

The  Mother  Bus  is  now  a  regular  feature  at  ChicagoFest, 
at  all  Chicago  Bears  home  games,  and  anywhere  else  large 
numbers  of  buses  are  assembled.  It  carries  two  125-gallon 
fuel  tanks  with  hoses  to  refuel  thirsty  buses  on  the  spot,  as 
well  as  individual  barrels  of  engine  oil  and  torque  fluid.  It 
also  has  a  work  bench  with  a  vise  to  handle  minor  mechanical 
repairs,  and  tools  and  equipment  for  fixing  or  cleaning  buses. 

The  Mother  Bus  concept  was  put  into  practice  at  the  time 
of  ChicagoFest  1979,  when  seats  were  removed  from  an  old 
out-of-service  bus,  and  barrels  of  fuel,  engine  oU,  and  torque 
fluid  were  loaded  on  board  for  use  as  needed  in  the  bus 
assembly  area  at  Navy  Pier.  The  present,  specially  outfitted 
Flxible  bus  was  placed  in  service  for  the  first  time  during 
the  visit  of  Pope  John  Paul  II  last  October. 

The  bus  is  staffed  with  from  two  to  four  maintenance 
people  from  the  Campaign  Area  under  the  direction  of  Jim 
Schultz,  assistant  foreman.  A  portable  radio  keeps  the  crew 
in  contact  with  the  Control  Center  and  supervisory  per- 
sonnel. 


While  a  number  of  maintenance  people  served  on  the 
Mother  Bus  during  the  13  days  of  ChicagoFest  1980,  bus 
repairers  Sam  Washington,  John  Finley,  Joe  Dixon,  and 
Jon  Rucker  were  regulars  who  were  almost  constantly  on 
the  job.  The  white-painted  bus  with  black  markings  is 
generally  kept  at  North  Park  garage. 


All  available  space  is  put  to  good  use  on  the  Mother  Bus.  Work  bench 
straddles  tank  for  engine  oil.  Cart  carries  a  5-gallon  tank  of  torque  oil. 


eta 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

OCTOBER,  1980 


CTA  offers  Health  Maintenance  Plan 


On  November  1,  1980,  CTA  will  open  a  30-day  en- 
rollment period  for  eligible  employees  to  choose 
either  to  join  a  Health  Maintenance  Organization, 
HMO  for  short,  or  to  maintain  their  present  com- 
prehensive medical  coverage  xinder  Travelers  Com- 
prehensive Medical  Plan. 

If  an  employee  elects  to  continue  with  Travelers, 
his  health  coverage  will  remain  exactly  the  same. 
However,  if  an  employee  chooses  to  join  one  of  the 
six  HMOs  offered,  his  HMO  coverage  becom&s  ef- 
fective on  January  1,  1981,  and  his  Travelers'  cover- 
age will  remain  In  effect  until  that  time. 

What  is  HMO? 

An  HMO  provides  health  care  on  a  prepayment 
basis — with  emphasis  on  comprehensive,  preventative 
treatment,  A  set  monthly  fee  is  paid  in  advance,  and 
then  all  necessary  services  are  provided.  Enrollment 
is  voluntary.  Each  enrollee  in  the  HMO  plan  selects 
a  physician  to  serve  as  his  "family"  doctor.  However, 
complete  services — including  referrals  to  specialists, 
lab  services,  and  hospital  services — are  provided. 
Most  types  of  services  do  not  reqmre  claim  forms. 

How  much  will  HMO  cost? 

The  HMO  plan  is  an  alternative  to  the  present  com- 
prehensive medical  plan.  Therefore,  the  CTA  will 
contribute  the  same  amount  toward  the  cost  of  the 
HMO  as  it  does  for  the  Comprehensive  Medical  Plan. 
If  the  cost  of  the  HMO  plan  is  more,  the  employee  will 
pay  the  difference  through  payroll  deductions. 

Is  there  a  choice  of  HMO  plans? 

Yes.  SLx  HMOs  will  be  available  to  eligible  CTA 
employees.      They   are:      Anchor,    HAP,    Intergroup, 


Michael  Reese,  Northcare,  and  Roosevelt. 

How  does  an  employee  enroll? 

An  enrollment  package  will  be  given  to  each  em- 
ployee at  his  work  location  near  the  end  of  October. 
This  package  will  contain: 

•  A  general  brochure  giving  more  information  about 
HMOs. 

•  A    sheet    showing  a  comparison  of  benefits  under 
HMOs  and  the  Comprehensive  Medical  Plan. 

•  Specific  rate  information. 

•  Brochures  from  each  of  the  six  participating  HMOs. 

•  An  enrollment  card. 

•  Payroll  deduction  authorization  card. 

Every  employee  must  complete  the  front  of  the  en- 
rollment card  and  return  it  to  the  Insurance  Depart- 
ment. An  employee  will  choose  either  to  enroll  in  an 
HMO  plan  or  to  continue  the  present  insurance  plan. 
If  he  chooses  HMO  coverage,  he  must  complete  the 
back  of  the  card  also.  This  selection  will  be  in  effect 
for  at  least  one  year. 

Will  dental  coverage  be  affected? 

The  Dental  Plan  will  not  be  affected.  The  HMO 
coverage  will  not  provide  dental  services.  An  em- 
ployee will  continue  to  obtain  the  services  from  his 
dentist  and  be  reimbursed,  just  as  in  the  past. 

For  more  information 

Posters  providing  the  telephone  numbers  of  each 
HMO  will  be  placed  at  each  work  location,  and  repre- 
sentatives of  the  individual  HMOs  will  be  visiting  each 
location  as  well. 

Employees  are  urged  to  use  all  the  resources  avail- 
able to  choose  the  best  health  plan. 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  Barnes,  second  from 
right,  hosts  a  tour  of  the  CTA  control  center 
during  the  recent  visit  of  IVIs.  Susan  Young, 
right,  director.  Division  of  Public  Transporta- 
tion, Illinois  Department  of  Transportation. 
Joining  the  tour  were,  from  left,  Ms.  Helen 
Goodkin,  CTA  advisor  for  the  handicapped; 
Harold  H.  Geissenheimer,  General  Operations 
manager;  Ms.  Joby  Berman,  manager,  External 
Affairs  division,  and  James  Blaa,  manager. 
Transportation  department. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


CTA  celebrates  Mexican  Independence  Day 


When  Chicago's  Mexican  com- 
munity observed  the  170th  anni- 
versary of  Mexico's  independence 
on  September  13,  the  CTA  was  well 
represented. 

CTA  employees  of  Mexican 
heritage  joined  the  parade  along 
Michigan  avenue  with  a  beautiful 
float  commemorating  the  start  of 
Mexico's  War  of  Independence 
with  Spain  in  1810.  The  float  was 
sponsored  by  Local  241  of  the 
Amalgamated  Transit  Union. 

The  CTA's  "Mini  bus"  and  an 
articulated  bus  were  also  included 
in  the  parade.  The  float,  "Mini 
bus,"  and  articulated  bus  also 
were  in  the  Little  Village  parade 
along  26th  street  earlier  the  same 
day. 

Among  CTA  employees  partici- 
pating in  the  day's  festivities  were 
Agustin  Martinez,  Archer  garage, 
driver  of  the  articulated  bus; 
Electra  de  Alba  and  Maria  Her- 
nandez, North  Avenue  garage; 
Heriberto  Nino,  Archer  garage; 
Nidya  Rodriguez,  Accounting  de- 
partment, and  Elda  Leal,  Public 
Affairs. 


This  colorful  float  was  sponsored  by  Local  241  of  the  Amalgamated  Transit  Union.  Ready  to  join 
the  parade  were,  from  left.  Union  President  John  Weatherspoon;  Secretary-Treasurer  Charles  Hail, 
Frank  Koziel,  executive  board  member,  North  Park  garage,  and  Leonard  Morris,  executive  board 
member,  69th  Street  garage.  On  the  float  (seated)  are  Electra  de  Alba  and  Maria  Hernandez,  bus 
operators  from  North  Avenue  garage.  Playing  the  guitar,  right,  is  Francisco  Flores,  bus  operator. 
Archer  Avenue  garage,  and  an  unidentified  employee  in  the  background. 


Children  and  supervisors  from  the  Home  of  the  Child,  a  day  care  center 
in  the  Pilsen  area,  enjoy  the  novelty  of  the  CTA  "Mini  bus."  Ms. 
Electra  de  Alba,  left,  bus  operator  assigned  to  North  Avenue  garage, 
greets  them. 


The  "Mini  bus"  was  a  big  hit  with  everyone.  The  man  at  right,  portray- 
ing Cuauhtemoc,  the  last  Aztec  ruler  of  Mexico  and  defender  of  the 
Aztec  Capitol  Tenochitlan,  now  Mexico  City,  stands  by  in  regalia  ready 
to  check  out  the  little  bus.  Local  241  float  and  articulated  bus  followed 
the  "Mini  bus"  in  the  parade. 


OCTOBER,  1980 


CTA  revisits 
Santa's  Village 


Nearly  1,000  persons  partici- 
pated in  the  second  annual  "Old 
Fashion  Family  Day"  picnic  at 
Santa's  Village  in  Dundee  on 
September  14. 

The  outing  was  sponsored  by 
the  CTA  Group  Travel  Program 
for  employees,  retirees  and  mem- 
bers of  their  families,  "Eveiything 
went  off  as  planned,"  said  Mrs, 
Harriett  Murphy,  special  projects 
coordinator  in  the  department  of 
Hximan  Resources.  "There  was 
plenty  of  tasty  food,  excellent 
prizes,  and  everybody  had  a  good 
time." 

Harold  Burda,  who  retired  from 
service  in  the  CTA  Property  Ac- 
counting section  in  1974,  agreed 
that  the  picnic  was  very  success- 
ful. "We  could  have  had  many 
more  people  out,  especially  sen- 
ior citizens,"  said  Burda. 

"It  was  a  great  picnic  because 
it  was  well  planned,"  said  Burda, 
who  promised  he  would  return  for 
future  outings. 

The  numerous  amusement  park 
rides  were  a  big  hit  with  the  chil- 
dren as  well  as  the  artistic  touch 
of    Christine   Sterner,    a  makeup 


The  lines  were  long  at  check-In  time. 

artist  from  Loyola  University 
Theater  group,  who  amused  yoimg- 
sters  by  painting  their  faces. 

Susan  Pudelek,  a  mime  from 
the  Loyola  University  drama  de- 
partment, provided  entertainment 
throughout  the  day.  Picnic  revel- 
ers also  witnessed  an  astounding 
example  of  guessing  when  nine- 
year  old  Maria  Benitez  estimated 
that  a  gallon  jar  on  display  at  the 
park  contained  1,079  jelly  beans 
when  it  actually  held  1,078  of  the 
little  pieces  of  candy.     As  a  re- 


ward she  got  to  keep  the  candy. 

Mrs.  Murphy,  picnic  coordina- 
tor, was  assisted  by  several 
others  who  helped  to  make  the  oc- 
casion a  success.  Working  in 
various  capacities  at  the  picnic 
grounds  were  Fred  King, manager, 
Himian  Resources;  Carol  Hardy 
and  Larry  Murphy,  also  of  Human 
Resources;  George  West,  Sched- 
ules; Norris  Larson,  Claims; 
Judith  Leavell,  Beverly  garage; 
Officer  Eddie  Paschal,  Security, 
and  Ron  Tuck,  Job  Classification. 


Larry  Murphy  was  very  busy  at  the  gate  selling  raffle  tickets.  Tom 
Czech,  Job  Classification,  his  wife,  Susan,  and  their  daughters,  Nikki 
and  Katy,  made  this  one  of  their  first  stops. 


Christine  Steiner,  makeup  artist  from  Loyola  University,  applies  her 
talent  by  painting  the  face  of  John  Paschal  while  his  sister,  Kuwana, 
waits  her  turn. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Tops  in  the  guessing  game  was  nine-year  old  Maria  Benitez,  right,  who 
estimated  that  1,079  jelly  beans  were  in  the  big  jar,  only  one  more 
than  the  actual  count.  Maria  is  congratulated  by  mimer  Susan  Pudeiek 
of  Loyola  University;  Harriett  Murphy,  project  coordinator,  and  Fred 
King,  manager.  Human  Resources. 


Brenda  Sparks  and  Sharon  Maxon  dig  in  at  the  refreshment  table  while 
others  check  out  the  morsels  and  wait  for  a  chance  to  sample  them 
as  well. 


The  picnic  meant  fun  with  the  grandchildren  for  Earl  Rogers,  Forest  Glen  repair,  and 
his  wife,  Lottie.  Enjoying  this  moment  also  were  Bethany,  Robert  and  Cathleen  Hoffert. 


Nothing  like  old-fashioned  ice  cream  push-ups  to  keep  a  trio  of  little  ones  busy.  Testing 
their  taste  buds  with  the  yummy  goodies  are  Colleen,  Jeffrey  and  Megan  Mroz,  the 
children  of  Gerald  Mroz,  Internal  Auditing. 


India  Peel,  daughter  of  Ronald  Peel,  Operations  Plan- 
ning, and  "Dino,"  the  trusty  Flintstone  character,  take 
a  respite  from  the  action  to  enjoy  a  tasty  ice  cream  treat. 


OCTOBER.  1980 


Charles  Whitman  Jr.  (Lawndale 
Garage)  is  regarded  by  M. 
Pivonl(a,  of  Allport  Street,  as 
"one  of  the  fine  bus  drivers  you 
have  on  the  18th  Street  line.  He 
goes  out  of  his  way  to  treat 
everybody  with  consideration  -- 
women  with  children  in  their 
arms  and  older  people  with 
canes,  of  whom  I  am  one.  He 
does  not  pull  away  if  he  sees 
you  can't  run  for  the  bus,  and 
gives  you  a  pleasant  smile.  My 
thanks  to  him  and  you  for  a 
fine  bus  driver." 


Ralph  Lindquist  (Archer  Garage) 
was  the  driver  of  a  #15  Canal/ 
Wacker  bus  that  K.  D.  Jonynas 
took  on  the  way  home  to  South 
Rockwell  Avenue.  "It  was  my 
true  pleasure  and  good  fortune 
to  board  this  driver's  bus.  He 
was  pleasant  and  considerate  to 
ail  riders,  and  patiently  explained 
any  and  all  queries.  I  could 
catalog  the  variety  of  kindnesses 
extended  by  this  driver.  He  is 
like  a  breath  of  much-needed 
fresh  air.  His  decency  and  ex- 
cellence as  a  human  being  and 
driver  can  serve  as  an  example 
to  all." 


commendation  corner 


Gerald  Tamborello  (North  Section)  has  the  respect  of 
Jeff  Schacht,  an  industry  official  who  works  on  Clybourn 
Avenue.  "I  just  wanted  to  express  my  satisfaction  and 
gratification  for  the  courtesy  and  efficiency  of  agent  #962 
at  the  North  and  Clybourn  station.  When  I  pass  through 
this  station  after  work,  there  are  three  lines  of  people  rushing 
through  the  turnstiles.  Tliis  gentleman  always  smOes  and 
says  hello,  no  matter  what  the  problems  or  conditions.  He 
is  in  a  class  by  himself.  Thanks  for  the  hospitality  on  the 
CTA." 

Royal  Woolfolk  (Archer  Garage)  "makes  taking  public 
transportation  a  real  treat,"  according  to  Donetta  Home, 
who  works  in  Elmhurst.  "It  is  not  often  that  1  get  into  the 
city  or  ride  public  transportation.  However,  while  downtown 
on  company  business,  I  had  the  distinct  pleasure  of  boarding 
his  #129  bus.  I  was  not  sure  of  which  bus  to  take  to  get 
back  to  the  North  Western  station.  Fortunately,  driver 
#8979  was  extremely  helpful  and  courteous.  While  on  his 
bus,  I  saw  that  he  treated  all  riders  with  respect  and  polite- 
ness. It  was  a  real  pleasure  to  know  that  there  are  some 
people  serving  the  public  who  are  still  sincere  and  doing  a 
spectacular  job." 

James  Estes  (Forest  Glen  Garage)  was  described  by  Pauline 
Moennich,  who  works  on  north  Western  Avenue,  as  "the 
wonderful  driver  I  encountered"  on  a  #81  Lawrence  bus 
heading  east  from  the  Jefferson  Park  terminal.  "It  was  a 
pleasure  on  such  a  hot,  humid  morning,  when  everyone  was 
crabby,  to  have  a  cheerful,  pleasant  driver  calling  off  every 
stop,  telling  the  passengers  to  'Watch  your  step,'  and  even 
exchanging  a  few  words  with  a  smile.  It's  seldom  we  see 
such  a  person  in  this  day  and  age  when  everyone  thinks  the 
world  owes  them  a  living.  He  made  my  day,  and  I  am  sure 
many  other  riders  felt  the  same  way." 

Raul  Lopez  (North  Park  Garage)  was  praised  by  Christina 
Barri,  of  Lakewood  Avenue,  for  his  "thoughtfulness  and 
consideration"  concerning  an  injured  girl  along  his  #151 
Sheridan  bus  route.  "This  child  apparently  had  been  hit  by 
a  car  while  roller  skating.    There  were  no  police  around,  nor 


was  there  an  ambulance  in  sight.  Your  driver  used  his  bus 
phone  to  report  the  incident.  None  of  the  bus  passengers 
minded  the  few  seconds  he  took  to  see  that  something  was 
done,  and  I  think  everyone  appreciated  his  concern.  After 
a  police  car  arrived  on  the  scene,  we  drove  on.  I  thought 
you  should  know  about  this  young  man's  actions." 

Arthur  Campbell  and  Robert  Smith  (Forest  Glen  Garage) 
were  thanked  by  L.  F.  Byers,  of  Lamed  Avenue,  for  their 
courtesy  while  driving  #80  Irving  Park  buses.  "I  am  slightly 
deaf,  and  was  talking  to  another  rider  about  transfers  when 
driver  #9672  (Campbell)  offered  some  information  that  was 
a  great  help  to  all,  explaining  in  detaO  what  the  CTA  is  doing 
for  the  seniors.  At  the  same  time  he  did  a  great  job  handling 
the  bus,  contending  with  drivers  cutting  in  and  out,  trucks 
double-parking,  unloading,  etc.  Returning  home  later, 
driver  #7334  (Smith)  called  every  stop  clearly  so  that  even 
myself,  being  a  little  deaf,  could  hear." 

Lynval  Thompson  (52nd  Street  Garage)  was  appreciated 
by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joseph  Downs,  of  Stony  Island  Avenue,  for 
his  conduct  while  driving  a  #1  Drexel/Hyde  Park  bus.  "A 
man  who  was  waiting  at  our  bus  stop  started  cursing  every- 
body there.  As  the  driver  opened  the  door,  the  man  wanted 
to  know  where  he  had  been  and  began  cursing  him,  too. 
The  driver  asked  him  in  a  most  courteous  manner  to  stop, 
but  he  went  on  and  on.  When  the  passenger  heard  the 
driver's  foreign  accent,  he  told  him  he  was  a  refugee  and 
should  not  say  anything,  tlireatening  to  report  him  to  CTA 
and  the  mayor.  The  driver  acted  carefully  and  cautiously, 
and  did  not  lose  his  temper  during  this  terrible  ordeal.  We 
thank  him." 

Robert  DIuger  (North  Park  Garage)  was  commended  by 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bror  Johansson,  of  Clifton  Avenue,  for  his 
courtesy  while  driving  a  #22  Clark  bus.  "This  driver  waited 
for  us  to  get  on  the  bus  instead  of  driving  aliead,  as  some 
other  drivers  do.  He  caUed  out  the  names  of  the  streets  and 
was  extremely  courteous  at  all  times.  We  told  him  we  had 
a  'verbal  carnation'  for  him,  and  here  it  is.  We  recommend 
him  very  highly,  for  he  assuredly  deserves  it." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Among  other  operating  employees  re- 
ceiving commendations  recently  were: 

Maria  Acevedo,  North  Section;  Christo- 
pher Adams,  North  Avenue;  Robert  Adams, 
69th  Street;  Amparo  Alvarez,  Bertil  An- 
derson, and  Albert  Armes,  all  of  North 
Park;  and  Delbert  Ashford,  Limits. 

Pedro  Balderas,  Brenda  Berry,  Carmen 
Betances,  and  Jesse  Bolian,  all  of  North 
Park;  Thomas  Baloue,  Archer;  Michael 
Batts,  Adonis  Berrios,  and  Everett  Brown, 
all  of  Forest  Glen;  Vera  Beckley,  52nd 
Street;  John  Brugess,  Limits;  and  James 
Bush,  G9th  Street. 

Jean  Cage  and  Juanita  Clark,  both  of 
Limits;  Ignacio  Campos,  Noel  Castro, 
Michael  Collymore,  Jackie  Coots,  and  Griz 
Craig,  all  of  North  Park;  Lindsey  Carney, 
Howard/Kimball;  Witherspoon  Carr,  52nd 
Street;  Lawrence  Carter,  77th  Street;  Ty- 
ree  Cobb  Jr.,  Forest  Glen;  and  Clarence 
Cubic,  North  Avenue. 

Albert  Dayan,  Limits;  Electra  de  Alba, 
North  Avenue;  and  Dante  Deza,  North  Park. 

Dwaine   Elliott,  Limits;  Bruce  Ellison, 


North  Park;  and  Wilbert  Ellison,  North 
Avenue. 

Rosetta  Flowers,  North  Section. 

Ronald  Gipson,  52nd  Street;  Albert 
Graham  Jr.  and  Mildred  Grover,  both  of 
69th  Street;  Odell  Granger,  Hans-Dieter 
Gruenert,  and  Peter  Guidizi,  all  of  Forest 
Glen;  Noble  Graves,  Limits;  and  Jeffrey 
Gresser  and  Terrence  Griffin,  both  of 
Archer. 

Rogers  Harmon  and  Booker  Howard, 
both  of  Lawndale;  Larry  Harper,  North 
Avenue;  Walter  Harris,  North  Park;  and 
Irving  Henderson,  Beverly. 

Steve  Ingram,  Douglas/Congress. 

Earl  Jenkins,  Beverly;  Carole  Johnson, 
69th  Street;  and  John  Johnson,  North  Ave- 
nue. 

Frank  Ketter,  Limits;  and  Robert  Krem- 
er.  North  Park. 

Ricardo  Leiva  and  Teresa  Lopez,  both 
of  Forest  Glen;  and  Robert  Lucas,  Lawn- 
dale. 

Charles  Martin,  52nd  Street;  Frederick 
Moore,   North    Park;   and    Linda    Murray, 


77th  Street. 

Doris  O'Neal,  Ashland  Terminal;  and 
Robert  O'Neal,  Lawndale. 

Daniel  Poelinitz,  North  Avenue;  and 
Victor  Priolo,  Limits. 

William  Rice,  52nd  Street;  John  Rich- 
ardson, North  Avenue;  Dedric  Roberts, 
Ashland  Terminal;  Jack  Robinson,  Limits; 
Adilia  Rosado,  North  Park;  and  John  Ross, 
77th  Street. 

Angelo  Santana,  69th  Street;  Vera  Smith 
and  Vytautas  Stukelis,  both  of  Archer;  An- 
gelo Sturino,  Howard/Kimball;  Willie  Mae 
Surles,  77th  Street;  and  David  Swain, 
Limits. 

Jesse  Teriy,  77th  Street. 

Richard  Vaughn  and  Sergio  Villanueva, 
both  of  North  Park, 

Dennis  Walker,  North  Avenue;  Johnnie 
Washington,  Archer;  Vaddie  Weekly,  52nd 
Street;  Welbom  Williams,  Forest  Glen; 
William  Williams,  Limits;  Maurice  Willis 
and  Lloyd  Winston,  both  of  North  Park;  and 
Bartholomew  Wurtzebach,  Howard/Kimball. 

Jacques  Yezeguiellan,  Forest  Glen. 

Edward  Zamiar  and  Joseph  Zukerman, 
both  of  North  Park. 


promotions 


John  Schwartz  has  been  appointed  su- 
perintendent of  the  Travel  Information 
Center,  where  he  had  been  acting  super- 
intendent since  February.  Schwartz  joined 
the  Chicago  Surface  Lines  as  an  Inside 
mail  clerk  in  1942.  After  military  ser- 
vice during  World  War  n,  he  returned  to 
work  as  a  timekeeper  in  Maintenance  be- 
fore becoming  a  record  clerk  and  shop 
clerk.  Schwartz  was  selected  analyst. 
Methods  and  Procedures,  in  1962,  moving 
up  to  administrative  analyst  before  being 
chosen  coordinator.  Office  Services,  m 
1970.  In  1974  he  was  promoted  to  super- 
intendent. Office  Services,  and,  in  1978, 
he  was  named  special  projects  coordinator. 
Management  Services.  Schwartz  lives  in 
the  downtown  lakefront  area. 

Walter  Keevil  is  now  superintendent. 
Electric  Vehicle  Design,  Engineering.  He 
had  been  supervisor  in  the  same  section 
since  1974.  Keevil  started  with  CTA  in 
1968  as  a  development  engineer.  He  was 
selected  technical  services  engineer  in 
1970,  and  equipment  engineer  a  year  later, 
before  being  named  senior  technical  ser- 
vices engineer  in  1972.  Keevil  makes  his 
home  in  Evanston. 

Bhuplndar  Mallhi  has  been  named  su- 
perintendent. Motor  Vehicle  Design,  En- 
gineering, MalUii  began  his  CTA  career 
in  1971  as  a  technical  services  engineer 
in  the  Mainten;mce  Department,  having 
previously  served  as  a  major  in  the  Indian 
Army  Corps  of  Engineers.  In  1973  he  was 
chosen  equipment  engineer,  Engineering, 
and,  in  1974,  he  became  supervisor.  Motor 
Vehicle  Design.  He  and  his  wife,  Neeta, 
have  two  sons  and  live  in  Downers  Grove. 

Cynthia  Florence,   former  imit   super- 


I 


John  Schwartz  Waltei 

visor,  Agents,  has  been  selected  assistant 
superintendent,  Transportation-Personnel, 
Near  North  Area.  In  Plant  Maintenance, 
David  Allen  and  William  Chrishon  have 
been  promoted  from  janitor  foremen  to  unit 
supervisors.  Rapid  Transit  Janitors. 

Constance  Brabec,  former  stenographer. 
Security,  and  Rosemary  Brady,  former 
material  control  clerk.  Plant  Maintenance, 
have  been  chosen  confidential  office  as- 
sistants. Security.  Named  to  a  similar 
position  in  General  Finance  is  Ana  Maria 
DelRivero,  formerly  unassigned,  Human 
Resources-Employment  &  Placement. 

In  Operations  Planning,  Napoleon  Turn- 
er has  been  promoted  from  traffic  checker 
to  traffic  clerk,  while  James  Patterson, 
former  driver,  Archer,  has  been  chosen 
traffic  checker.  Lucie  Bleers,  former 
payables  and  material  utility  clerk,  Finan- 
cial Services,  and  Steven  Schroeder,  for- 
mer file  clerk.  Law,  have  been  selected 
treasury  utility  clerks.  Treasury.  In  Law/ 


Keevil  Bhupindar  Mallhi 

Claims,  Loma  Apple  ton  has  moved  from 
utilify  clerk  I  to  utility  clerk  H. 

Carolyn  Browne,  former  typist.  Main- 
tenance, has  been  appointed  electronic 
keyboard  operator.  Management  Services. 
Beverly  Montgomery,  former  ticket  agent. 
West  Section,  has  become  payroll  clerk, 
Financial  Services.  Artemia  Martinez, 
formerly  an  unassigned  clerk  tjTDlst,  Hu- 
man Resources-Employment  &  Placement, 
is  now  typist.  Insurance  &  Pensions. 

At  Skokie  Shop,  David  Weatherspoon, 
former  laborer,  has  been  named  unit  ex- 
change clerk.  New  at  Skokie  Shop  as  a 
blacksmith/welder  apprentice  is  John 
Laffey  Jr.,  former  bus  repairer.  North 
Park,  and,  as  a  laborer,  Thomas  Newell, 
former  boiler  maintenance  man,  Plant 
Maintenimce,  Glenn  Knerr,  former  track- 
man, is  now  a  "B"  helper  In  Plant  Main- 
ten;mcc.  O.  G.  Scroggins,  former  driver, 
Beverly,  has  become  shop  tractor  opera- 
tor. South  Shops. 


OCTOBER.  1980 


Sixty  billion  transfers  in  sixty-three  years 


The  63-year-old  press  (top  photo)  as  it  looked  in  1919  when  it  was  two  years  old,  and  as  it  looks 
today  (above),  has  produced  more  than  60  billion  transfers. 


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Pressman  Hank  Siuba  gives  press  a  shot  of  blue  ink  as  press  prints  its  daily  supply  of  more  than 
two  million  transfers. 


Sixty  BILLION  transfers. 

That's  one  heck  of  a  lot  of 
transfers. 

Sixty-three  years. 

That's  one  heck  of  a  long  time. 

Put  the  number  of  transfers  to- 
gether with  the  niunber  of  years 
and  you  get  the  picture  of  one  of 
public  transportation's  most  pro- 
ductive— and  endurable  machines 
— the  CTA's  transfer  printing 
press  in  the  South  Shops. 

Standing  alongside  the  rotary 
web  press  in  the  print  shop,  Ed 
Mesldmen,  shop  foreman,  said  the 
printing  press  has  been  in  the  print 
shop  longer  than  anyone — or  any- 
thing— currently  in  the  shop. 

"We  know  from  old  records  the 
press  came  to  the  shop,  then  owned 
by  the  Chicago  Surface  Lines,  a 
predecessor  to  the  CTA,  in  1917, 
just  in  the  middle  of  World  War  I. 

"And  based  on  the  old  records, 
in  addition  to  our  present  records, 
we  have  figured  this  press  has 
printed  something  more  than  60 
billion  transfers,"  Me  ski  men  said. 

He  has  been  with  the  CTA  29 
years,  19  years  in  the  print  shop. 

Over  the  years,  the  press  has 
had  many  of  its  worn-out  parts  re- 
placed. The  manufacturer  of  the 
press  went  out  of  business  years 
ago,  so  the  CTA  fabricates  re- 
placement parts  to  keep  the  old 
timer  hiunming. 

It  prints  an  average  of  2,500,000 
to  3,500,000  transfers  a  day.  Its 
yearly  output  is  an  average  of  628 
million  transfers. 

"During  World  War  n,  when 
transfers  were  free,  this  old  press 
used  to  go  three  shifts  a  day. 
Transfers  were  free  until  1961," 
Mesldmen  said. 

The  old  press  uses  three  col- 
ors —  black,  red,  and  blue.  It  can 
use  another  color,  if  the  CTA 
wants  another  one. 

"The  press  prints  nine  different 
types  of  transfers  used  throughout 
the  CTA  on  weekdays,  Saturdays, 
and  Sundays,"  he  said. 

"The  transfers  are  printed  on 
sheets  containing  78  individually 
nvunbered     and    dated    transfers. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


These  sheets  come  from  1,000 
pound  rolls  of  transfer  paper 
measuring  33  and  l/8th  inches 
wide.  A  roll  can  produce  3,000 
sheets  for  a  total  of  1,014,000 
transfers." 

James  Gilliland,  stitch  clerk, 
is  in  charge  of  the  paper  stock 
room  that  can  hold  up  to  132  rolls. 
Gilliland,  who  has  been  in  the  print 
shop  for  29  years,  uses  a  mobile 
carrier  to  bring  the  rolls  to  the 
press. 

Hank  Siuba,  pressman,  over- 
sees the  operations  of  the  old 
press.  Siuba  has  been  in  the  print 
shop  30  years.  His  helper  is  as- 
sistant pressman  Vincent  Bran- 
caccio. 

Stacks  of  100  finished  sheets  go 
from  the  press  to  paper  cutter 
John  Davis,  who  cuts  and  trims  the 
transfers  into  rows  and  sends  them 
to  Mrs.  Dorothy  KalwasinsM,  a 
stitcher  who  has  been  in  the  shop 


20  years. 

Mrs.  KalwasinsM  stitches  100 
correctly  nimabered  and  dated 
transfers  in  a  row,  13  books  at  a 
time,  on  her  25-year-old  stitching 
machine. 

She  sends  the  rows  of  transfers 
to  Toby  Warmack,  a  paper  cutter 
who  cuts  the  13  joined  books  into 
separate  books  for  shipping. 

Warmack  sends  the  books  to 
bindery  workers  Mrs.  Mary  Ann 
Artis,  Robert  Sladky,  Felix  Harper, 
Mrs.  Margaret  Ellison  and  Mrs. 
Tillie  Moore,  bindery  worker 
leader  and  assistant  shop  fore- 
man. 

They  pack  the  transfers  in 
boxes  and  prepare  them  for  truck 
shipment  to  the  CTA's  10  bus 
garages. 

Three  other  bindery  workers 
prepare  \mstitched  transfers  for 
shipment  to  nine  rapid  transit 
terminals.     They   are    Mrs.  Wil- 


moth  Simpson,  Mrs.  Margaret 
Zajac,  and  Mrs.  Roberta  Lewis. 

The  print  shop  prepares  trans- 
fers at  least  a  month  in  advance. 

The  old  printing  press  is  kept 
in  top  running  condition  by  two 
South  Shops  tool  makers,  Ron 
Jareckas  and  Tony  Polich  of  the 
machine  shop.  In  addition  to  keep- 
ing the  old  press  finely  tuned,  they 
also  maintain  and  repair  the  other 
machines  in  the  print  shop. 

MesMmen  said  the  print  shop 
has  a  second  transfer  printing 
press. 

"That  press  —  it's  only  25 
years  old  —  is  used  when  the  old 
timer  is  periodically  torn  down 
•for  preventative  maintenance  and 
repair,"  MesMmen  said. 

Asked  how  long  he  expects  the 
old  press  to  keep  going,  MesMmen 
shrugged  and  said,  philosophically, 
probably  longer  than  any  of  us. 


Mrs.  Margaret  Zajac  (left)  and  Mrs.  Wilmoth  Simpson,  bindery  workers, 
prepare  unstitched  transfers  for  shipment  to  rapid  transit  terminals  for 
use  by  ticket  agents  and  conductors. 


Mrs.  Dorothy  Kalwasinski,  stitcher,  cuts  stacks  into  rows  of  13  books 
of  100  transfers  each. 


Ron  Jareckas,  machine  shop  tool  maker,  repairs  stitching  machine. 
Jareckas  and  Tony  Polich,  also  a  tool  maker,  keep  all  print  shop 
machines  in  running  order. 


Toby  Warmack,  paper  cutter,  slices  stitched  and  joined  books  into 
transfer  size--5-3/8  inches  long,  2-1/4  inches  wide. 


OCTOBER,  1980 


ZAP  Awards 


For  some  groups,  winning  gets  to 
be  a  happy  habit. 

Members  of  the  61st-Racine  rail 
veliicle  maintenance  terminals  are 
ecstatic  after  their  fourth  consecutive 
Vehicle  Maintenance  Zero  Accident 
Program  safety  award.  Their  latest 
award  was  for  the  second  competi- 
tion period  for  1980. 

Other  rail  division  winners  for  the 
second  quarter  were  Harlem  terminal, 
which  took  its  third  consecutive 
first  place  finish,  and  the  vehicle 
overhaul  section  in  Skokie  Shop, 
which  won  its  second  top  safety 
award  this  year. 

The  crews  at  Howard  street-Linden 
avenue  terminals  were  also  first  place 
winners  in  the  rail  vehicle  division. 

The  automotive  vehicle  division 
first  place  winners  were  52nd  street 
garage,  77th  street  garage,  and  the 
Unit  Rebuild  section  at  South  Shops. 
Forest  Glen  garage  and  98  th  Rail 
Vehicle  Maintenance  terminal  took 
second  place  awards  for  the  compe- 
tition in  April.  May,  and  June. 


Sheldon  Rita  (left),  rail  foreman,  Harlem  terminal,  receives  the  first  place  Vehicle  Maintenance 
Zero  Accident  Program  safety  award  from  Larry  Monaghan,  terminals  supervisor.  Kevin  Rayburg 
of  Safety  Department,  views  ceremony. 


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Above:  CIcso  Williams  (left),  assistant 
rail  foreman,  and  Frank  Steen,  car  repairer, 
both  if  61st-Racine  terminals  display  safety 
awards  their  group  won  for  the  fourth 
consecutive  time. 


Top  Left:  Chuck  Kubal  (right),  day  fore- 
man, 52nd  Street  garage,  accepts  first 
place  safety  award  and  congratulations 
from  Don  Sturenfeldt,  supervisor,  south 
garages. 


Bottom  Left:  Henry  Dickerson  (left),  rail 
unit  supervisor,  presents  second  place 
safety  award  to  Dominic  Nicosia  (center), 
assistant  foreman,  and  Joe  Campbell,  car 
repairer,  both  of  98th  rail  terminal. 


70 


CIA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Harlem  terminal  rail  maintenance  employees  are  joined  by  Malntenace 
Department's  safety  section  personnel   (at  right)  for  photo  marking 


employees'  first  place  finish   in  safety  competition  for  second  con- 
secutive quarter. 


Right:  Night  shift  employees  at  61st-Racine 
rail  terminals  who  helped  win  safety  award 
are  (from  left)  Sam  Stimage,  car  repairer; 
Jerry  Armstrong  and  Dorthea  Brown,  car 
servicers;  Steve  Butler  and  Ulysee  Nelson, 
car  repairers,  and  Oscar  Irby,  car  servicer. 


OCTOBER,  1980 


Charles  Nelson,  TennisFest  doubles  champ 


Charles  Nelson 

Winners  in  the  second  Sun- 
Times  TennisFest  championship 
matches  at  Mid-Town  courts 
September  14  included  CTA  bus 
operator  Charles  Nelson  who  is 
assigned  to  Archer  garage. 

The  29-year  old  Nelson  and  his 
partner,  Carl  Lugg,  garnered  the 
first  place  trophy  in  the  third  di- 
vision of  the  men's  doubles  as  they 
defeated  opponents  Bob  Pomplimi 
and  Larry  Sayler  7-6,  4-6,  6-3. 

Nelson  and  his  partner  each  re- 
ceived a  one-week  vacation  for  two 
at  a  tennis  resort  in  Colony  Beach, 


Til. 


~^^* 


Charles  Nelson,  first  place  winner  in  the  Chicago  Sun-Times  second  annual  TennisFest  doubles 
championship  matches  at  Mid-Town  courts,  demonstrates  the  form  that  enabled  him  and  his 
partner,  Carl  Lugg,  to  garner  the  first  place  trophy. 


Fla.  The  Nelson- Lugg  duo  earned 
berths  in  the  championship  games 
after  winning  four  matches  in  the 
locals,  three  in  the  regionals,  and 
three  in  Mid-Town. 


As  a  contender  in  the  men's 
singles,  Nelson  swept  the  locals, 
but  was  defeated  in  the  first  round 
of  the  regional  matches.  The  lo- 
cal matches  began  August  15. 


Niva  Oghigian  named  lEC  president 


Niva  Oghigian 


Niva  Oghigian,  a  project  leader 
in  the  CTA  Datacenter  at  the  Mer- 
chandise Mart,  has  been  named 
president  of  the  Illinois  Engineer- 
ing Coxmcil.  She  is  the  first  wo- 
man to  hold  the  office  in  the  or- 
ganization's 41-year  history. 

The  Illinois  Engineering  Council 
represents  19  principal  engineer- 
ing societies  in  the  State.  Its  pur- 
pose is  to  influence  public  opinion, 
legislation,  and  government  ap- 
pointments related  to  engineering 
matters  as  well  as  the  engineering 
profession. 

Ms.  Oghigian  is  a  graduate  of 
the  University  of  Illinois  with 
bachelor  and  master  degrees  in 
electrical    engineering,    and   was 


named  Outstanding  Woman  in  Il- 
linois in  1975.  She  joined  the 
CTA  in  November  of  that  year  and 
currently  is  developing  a  computer 
system  to  aid  in  preparing  bus 
schedule  reports. 

Prior  to  her  recent  appoint- 
ment as  president  of  the  council, 
Ms.  Oghigian  was  president  of  the 
Chicago  Regional  Section  of  the 
Society  of  Women  Engineers,  and 
has  been  the  society's  representa- 
tive on  the  Illinois  Engineering 
Council  since  1974. 

She  also  has  served  for  the  past 
six  years  on  the  executive  com- 
mittee and  board  of  directors  of  the 
University  of  Illinois  Alumni  As- 
sociation. 


n 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Sports  benefit 
305  youngsters 

by  W.  B.  Wolfan 

Working  with  305  youngsters,  ages  6-15,  in  the 
Rosemoor  Community  baseball  league  this  past  sum- 
mer, has  been  a  "rewarding  experience"  for  Ernest 
Sawyer,  administrative  assistant  to  CTA  Chairman 
Eugene  Barnes. 

It  was  particularly  satisfactory,  says  Sawyer,  when 
"our  Rosemoor  Community  All-Star  teams  won  the 
Chicago- Rockford  Championships  in  two  divisions 
(Little  League  for  ages  9-12,  and  the  Pony  League, 
ages  13-15  years). 

"Our  young  All-Stars  defeated  the  Rockford  All- 
Stars  in  games  played  at  Ernie  Banks  Field  in  Rock- 
ford. The  baseball  diamond  there  was  named  in  honor 
of  the  Cubs'  Hall  of  Famer  Banks,  a  member  of  the 
CTA  Board." 

One  of  the  most  important  accomplishments  of  the 
Rosemoor  Commvmity  baseball  program  is  providing 
a  tutoring  system  in  mathematics  and  reading  for  the 
boys  during  the  summer. 

Those  who  participate  in  school  sports  and  other 
activities  such  as  Boy  Scouts  and  Science  Clubs  re- 
ceive points  and  special  awards  for  their  efforts. 
This  program  also  extends  into  church  activities  and 
has  proven  a  strong  incentive  for  the  yotmgsters. 

Also  popular  are  2-week  camping  trips  during  the 


Slimmer  on  Lake  Michigan.  During  the  winter  months, 
the  Rosemoor  Community  Organization  offices  are 
open  for  special  tutoring  services. 

Sawyer  deems  it  a  real  privilege  to  work  with  the 
youngsters  who  were  honored  at  the  Rosemoor  Com- 
mimity  baseball  league  awards  banquet  on  Sunday, 
Oct.  12,  at  the  "66  Room." 

The  important  goal  of  taking  part  in  sports  in  the 
formative  years,  according  to  Sawyer,  is  the  team 
discipline  that  breeds  the  necessary  Initiative  and  de- 
sire to  acquire  a  good  education. 

He  says,  "I  made  education  my  top  priority  after 
spending  three  years  in  the  Army  which  included  a 
tour  of  duty  with  the  4th  Infantry  Division  in  Viet  Nam. 
I  returned  to  Northwestern  University  to  earn  my 
degree  in  urban  policy  and  planning. 

"I  am  firmly  convinced  that  sports  can  benefit  edu- 
cation if  one's  priorities  are  evaluated  properly.  I  try 
to  teach  the  young  athlete  that  an  education  represents 
insurance  for  a  lifetime  in  contrast  to  a  career  in  pro 
sports  where  the  odds  are  astronomical  against  making 
the  grade— about  the  same  percentage  as  making  it 
big  In  show  business. 

"But  competition  was  wonderful  while  it  lasted  for 
me— those  four  sports  in  high  school  and  three  years 
in  the  Army  provided  a  beneficial  experience  for 
teaming  to  accomplish  meaningful  goals." 

Sawyer's  Little  League  activities  will  continue  next 
year  with  the  second  of  a  home  and  home  championship 
series  against  the  Rockford  teams  to  be  played  in 
Chicago. 


Bob  Schageman 
retires 


At  an  informal  reception  held  in 
Passenger  Controls/Graphics  sec- 
tion, Operations  Planning  depart- 
ment, on  September  30,  Robert  C. 
Schageman  retired  after  more  than 
43  years  of  service. 

Schageman  began  his  career  as 
a  North  Section  ticket  agent  on 
January  28,  1937.  On  February  9, 
1953,  he  was  promoted  to  distribu- 
tion clerk,  Electrical  department, 
and  served  there  untilJuly  8,1957, 
when  he  joined  the  Engineering  de- 
partment as  a  transit  technician. 
He  ended  his  long  and  faithful  ca- 
reer as  a  transit  technician  in 
Passenger  Controls/Graphics  sec- 
tion. 

Friends  and  co-workers  pre- 
sented Schageman  with  a  cash  gift. 
Attending  the  happy  occasion  was 
his  wife,  Mary. 


John   O'Connor   (left),  director.  Passenger  Controls/Graphics,  presents  retirement 
Bob  Schageman  while  his  wife,  Mary,  and  George  Macek.supervisor.graphics  producti 


portfolio  to 
on,  look   on. 


OCTOBER,  1980 


13 


Joins  retirement  roll  after  36  years  service 


"Most  of  the  fellows  I  started  out 
with  have  passed  on,"  the  big  man  said 
as  he  settled  comfortably  in  the  chair 
near  the  desk. 

"Just  me  and  one  other  fellow  on 
this  picture  left  now,"  he  said^handing 
the  photograph  across  the  desk  and 
pointing  to  the  image  of  himself 
standing  among  the  14  uniformed 
Chicago  Motor  Coach  company  drivers. 

Obed  Leon  Bullitt  was  reminiscing 
about  his  36  years  as  a  bus  driver  which 
he  started  June  27,  1944,  and  ended 
October  1,  1980,  when  he  joined  the 
long  roll  of  CTA  pensioners.  His  last 
assignment  was  with  Beverly  garage. 
He  had  also  worked  at  both  the  77th 
Street  and  52nd  Street  garages. 

"I've  driven  every  kind  of  bus  there 
is,"  said  Bullitt  as  he  recalled  his  days  of 
service  on  the  Grove  double  deck  bus, 
the  stick  shift,  the  Green  Hornet  and 
the  Pullman  red  streetcar. 

Besides  the  photograph  Bullitt's 
mementos  included  two  safety  award 
pins  which  were  worn  on  the  uniform 


Obed  Leon  Bullitt,  standing  fourth  from  left,  began  his  career  as  a  driver  with  this  group  of  Chicago 
Motor  Coach  drivers  who  assembled  for  this  portrait  in  1944.  Bullitt  (inset)  as  he  looks  today. 


in  the  early  days.  They  were  presented 
to  him  in  his  second  and  third  years  as 
a  driver.  He  had  also  kept  an  old 
Chicago  Motor  Coach  company  riding 
pass  as  well  as  a  copy  of  the  physician's 


certificate    of   examination    which    he 
received  on  the  day  of  his  employment. 
A  northsider,  Bullitt  plans  to  enjoy 
his  retirement  in  Chicago. 


Police  commend  youth  for  bravery 

The  16-year  old  son  of 
Human  Resources  Minority 
Business  Enterprise  Coordin- 
ator Mario  Ochoa  has  been 
commended  by  the  Chicago 
Pohce  department  for 
bravery. 

Sergio  Ochoa,  a  senior  at 
Lane  Tech  high  school,  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  23rd 
District  Commander  Emil 
G.  Giese  in  which  he  was 
praised  for  diving  into  Lake 
Michigan  and  attempting  to 
pull  a  blind  man  to  safety  on 
September  1 1 . 

Commander  Giese  said  al- 
though  young   Ochoa's  attempt  to  save  the  man  was  un- 
successful, the  youth's  willingness  to  try  under  dangerous 
circumstances  was  highly  commendable. 

The  letter  said  in  part,  "...Your  concern  for  a  fellow 
citizen  and  personal  involvement  in  this  incident  have  not 
gone  unnoticed,  and  it  is  my  privilege  to  thank  you  on  behalf 
of  the  Chicago  Police  department  for  the  courage  you  have 
demonstrated.  ..." 


HATA  Christmas  party 

The  Hispanic  American  Transportation  Association  is  planning 
its  fourth  annual  Christmas  party  for  Saturday,  December  6, 
1980,  from  7  p.m.  to  2  a.m.  on  the  14th  floor  of  the  Holiday  Inn 
Mart  Plaza,  350  North  Orleans. 

All  CTA  employees  are  invited  to  join  the  festivities.  Dona- 
tion is  $12  per  person.  The  program  will  include  dancing  and 
entertainment,  as  well  as  door   prizes  and  free  hors  d'oeuvres. 

Call  Jose  Flores  at  7280035  for  ticket  information  or  contact 
Maria  Benitez,  Felipe  Gonzalez,  Rudy  Mendez,  or  Elda  Leal. 


August  17  was  a  memorable  day  for  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sidney  E.  Duke,  as 
they  celebrated  their  61st  wedding  anniversary.  Duke,  who  worked 
as  an  operator  out  of  Forest  Glen  garage,  retired  on  January  1,  1960, 
after  more  than  31  years  of  service. 


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Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  Collins  Hood 
of  Ellisville,  Mississippi,  celebrated 
their  50th  wedding  anniversary  on 
July  13.  The  celebration  was 
commemorated  as  the  couple  re- 
newed their  marriage  vows  in  a 
ceremony  conducted  by  the  Rev. 
James  Twiner  of  the  Mt.  Zion 
Methodist  church.  In  a  particular- 
ly nostalgic  mood,  the  couple 
drove  to  the  church  in  a  1930 
Ford,  reminiscent  of  the  period 
In  which  they  were  wed  50  years 
ago.  Hood  retired  as  a  West 
Section  motorman  on  April  1, 
1976,  after  more  than  34  years 
of  service. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


insr  nvnE]3N/fl:oi^i.A.i^ 


JOINING  THE  ranks 
of  the  retired  on  Octo- 
ber 1,  was  ROBERT 
SCHAGEMAN,  who 
had  43  years  of  service 
with  CTA  and  its  pre- 
decessor companies. 


JESSE  CROSS,  Car  Repairer, 

Racine  Terminal,  Emp.  9-13-50 
JULIAN  DZIAK,  Plumber, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  8-8-47 
ROL.AND  FORTIER,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  7-22-41 
BERTRAND  FREEMAN,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  9-11-51 
ALVm  HUBBARD,  Foreman, 

52nd  Street,  Emp.  11-3-49 
BENJAMIN  KOSIEK,  Car  Cleaner, 

98th  Shop,  Emp.  8-15-41 
WOODROVV  OWENS,  Bus  Servicer, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  2-5-54 
ROBERT  SCHAGEMAN,  Transit  Tech.  V, 

Operations  Planning,  Emp.  1-28-37 
WALTER  SMOKOWSKI,  Janitor, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  6-1-73 
PHILIP  UPCHURCH,  Operator, 

Kedzie,  Emp.  1-26-56 

DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

OBED  BULLITT,  Operator, 

Beverly,  Emp.  7-10-44 
ALLISON  DeBONNETT,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  8-13-62 
MICHELI  FERRANTELLI,  Trackman, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  2-5-68 
CHRIS  JACKSON,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  12-21-72 
EUGENE  JOHNSON,  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  9-15-60 
GEORGE  KADERABEK,  Repairer, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  3-1-66 
DONALD  QUINN,  Carpenter, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  3-17-60 
MICHAEL  SCHRAMM,  Carpenter, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  4-9-47 
CLARENCE  TYLER,  Repairer, 

Kedzie,  Emp.  3-11-68 


;  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 

Volume  33  Number  10 

Published  for  employes  and  retirees  of  the  CTA, 
by  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 
Manager.  Editorial  and  graphics  by  the  Public 
Affairs  Department.  Sill  Baxa,  Manager.  Transit 
News  Staff:  Mel  Alexander,  Christine  Borcic, 
Jack  Somchin,  Jeff  Stern.  Rick  Willis.  Produced 
by  the  Administrative  Services  Unit  under  the 
direction  of  Charles  T.  Zanin. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employes.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  S2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


CLARENCE  AD.AMS,  00,  Instruction, 

Emp.  1-26-53,  Died  8-15-80 
ROBERT  ANDERSON,  35,  Beverly, 

Emp.  6-9-66,  Died  8-24-80 
JOHN  APPELT,  67,  Archer, 

Emp,  8-21-41,  Died  8-24-80 
JACOB  BODEM,  90,  West  Section, 

Emp.  1-14-36,  Died  8-14-80 
REINHOLD  BREITENBACK,  80, 61st  Street, 

Emp.  11-27-18,  Died  8-21-80 
FR.-\NK  CnCAS,  90,  Beverly, 

Emp.  7-30-43,  Died  8-14-80 
ADA  CLARK,  85,  North  Section, 

Emp.  1-7-19,  Died  8-28-80 
MARTIN  CONWAY,  74,  Beverly, 

Emp.  1-8-43,  Died  8-19-80 
WILLIAM  CUMMANE,  78,  Stores, 

Emp.  8-23-26,  Died  8-7-80 
RUDOLPH  DAVIS,  71,  98th  Shop, 

Emp.  9-16-41,  Died  8-12-80 
CARL  FISCHER,  75,  South  Section, 

Emp.  8-11-48,  Died  8-1-80 
ANGELO  GOUNDAS,  96,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  1-30-29,  Died  8-28-80 
DONALD  GRAY,  56,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  1-10-66,  Died  8-22-80 
HERBERT  HERZFELDT,  80,  West  Sect., 

Emp.  5-2-42,  Died  8-16-80 
JOSEPH  HUDALE,  66,  Campaign  Area, 

Emp.  12-16-47,  Died  8-18-80 
HARRY  JABLONSKI,  69,  Limits, 

Emp.  12-30-54,  Died  8-4-80 


MARION  KIENTZLE,  84,  West  Section, 

Emp.  2-14-44,  Died  7-31-80 
EDWARD  KRAMER,  74,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  10-20-28,  Died  8-20-80 
WALTER  LEAVELL,  38,  Human  Resources, 

Emp.  8-4-77,  Died  8-31-80 
ISAAC  MOTTEN,  56,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  10-15-53,  Died  9-5-80 
WILLIAM  NEUSON,  85,  Howard, 

Emp.  3-20-18,  Died  8-4-80 
MICHAEL  NILAND,  81,  Way  &  Structs., 

Emp.  7-19-28,  Died  8-21-80 
WARREN  ODOM,  58,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  7-18-48,  Died  8-22-80 
RICHARD  O'GORMAN,  71,  Utility, 

Emp.  9-15-41,  Died  8-27-80 
EDWARD  OLSEN,  80,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  12-15-25,  Died  8-16-80 
EDWARD  PYTLEWICZ,  69,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  11-29-40,  Died  8-22-80 
WILLL\M  SCHMIDT,  86,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  12-1-20,  Died  7-14-80 
RICHARD  STANTON,  67,  Rail  Supervision, 

Emp.  7-1-42,  Died  8-28-80 
DENIS  SULLIVAN,  74,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  5-1-43,  Died  8-25-80 
LEONARD TROJANOWSKI,  67,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  2-14-39,  Died  8-1-80 
LOUIS  URBON,  69,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  9-6-55,  Died  8-14-80 
ISAAC  WOODS  Sr.,  61,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  1-21-45,  Died  8-23-80 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  October 


40  years 


35  years 


^ 


7f 


■^  ^/ 


fw^  f^i>» 


Edward  E.  Berndt,  District  B 
Rudolph  Chucan,  Skokie  Shop 
Frank  D.  Corbett,  Schedules 
John  F.  Gamperl,  69th  Street 
Thaddeus  M.  Lesniak,  Skokie  Shop 
Charles  H.  Luepke,  North  Avenue 
George  E.  Schultz,  Maintenance 


25  years 


Alan  R.  Downing,  Maintenance 
Charles  Dunkins,  Maintenance 
Anthony  Espinosa,  North  Avenue 
Luther  B.  Lee,  77th  Street 
Worthy  B.  Mattox,  Rail  South 
Viola  E.  Meyer,  Payroll 
Charles  J.  Spears,  Ashland/95th 
James  A.  White,  69th  Street 


Robert  J.  Johnson 

North  Park 


John  J.  Cichorski,  Utility 


William  C.  Dunn 
Electrical 


30  years 


Martin  Hennessy,  Skokie  Shop 
Edward  A.  O'Brien,  North  Park 
John  G.  Pelzman,  Beverly 
Jake  Reed  Jr.,  Archer 
Thomas  F.  Spencer,  77th  Street 


PENSIONERS - 

There  is  still  time  for  you  to  have  your 
riding  card  picture  taken  at  the  following 
location: 

CTA  Photographic  Department 

Room  7-189 

Merchandise  Mart 

8:00  a.m.  to  4:00  p.m.  (Mon.     Fri.) 

No  ID  cards  can  be  sent  out  unless  the 
pensioner    has   had    a    new  photo  taken. 


OCTOBER,  1980 


15 


^yULL 


Bus  8499  returns  to  service 


Bus  8499,  placed  in  the  CTA  historical  collection  in  1974  due 
to  its  one-of-a-kind  status,  was  returned  to  revenue  service  this 
summer  on  the  32-West  S'Vst  route. 

It  presently  serves  the  89-Northeastern  Illinois  University 
route,  and  is  expected  to  continue  indefinitely  on  similar  limited 
routes. 

The  bus  was  taken  out  of  moth  balls  in  June  as  more  than 
1,000  diesel  engines  in  the  CTA  fleet  were  sidelined.  Thanks  to 
a  comprehensive  engine  overhaul  program,  however,  CTA  bus 
availability  has  nearly  returned  to  normal. 

The  design  of  bus  8499  combined  the  body  of  a  standard 
40-foot  propane  bus  of  both  the  8000  and  8200  series  along 
with  the  then  newly  designed   FIxible  "New  Look"  front  end 


which  includes  the  larger  windows. 

In  the  early  sixties,  this  "collectors  item  had  a  variety  of 
experimental  propane  engines,  but  has  been  equipped  with  a 
standard  V6  71  Detroit  diesel  engine  since  1966. 

Although  buses  powered  with  liquid  propane  gas  played  a 
major  role  in  the  movement  of  CTA  passengers  for  a  quarter  of 
a  century,  the  demise  of  CTA's  fleet  of  1,700  propane  buses 
was  triggered  when  manufacturers  discontinued  producing 
propane  engines,  and  propane  fuel  became  more  expensive. 

The  first  propane  buses  were  delivered  to  the  CTA  in  1950 
when  propane  was  considered  a  surplus  fuel  and  was  priced 
considerably  less  than  the  then  more  expensive  diesel  and  gaso- 
line fuels. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   No.   8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRARY 
NORTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EVANSTON,  IL         60201 


TN 


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NEW  PENSIONERS 

JAMES  ANDORRA,  Carpenter, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  7-10-46 
TOMMIE  BASKIN,  Car  Repairer, 

61st  Street,  Emp,  7-3-51 
VICTOR  FERRARESI,  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  10-6-48 
HARRY  FORBES,  Collector, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  6-30-43 
LAFAYETTE  GARMONY,  Operator, 

52nd  Street,  Emp.  2-19-46 
WILLIAM  GARVIN,  Box  Puller, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  8-21-51 
WILBERT  SIMPSON,  Clerk, 

61st  Street,  Emp.  1-17-49 

DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

HANS  FOIT,  Operator, 

Limits,  Emp.  3-25-57 
IRVING  RICH  MAN,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  2-12-51 
MARION  WATSON,  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  3-5-53 

Service 
anniversaries 
in  November 


35  years 


Albert  E.  Brandt,  Electrical 
George  W.  Christensen,  Electrical 
Vernon  W.  Dietrich,  Douglas/Congress 
Roy  W.  Erickson,  Howard/Kimball 
John  N.  Friedman,  Maintenance 
Howard  R.  Josetti,  Limits 
Frank  J.  Kleich  Jr.,  Howard/Kimball 
John  S.  Kloska,  Jefferson  Park 
George  J.  Laica,  Internal  Auditing 
Herbert  Lowenstein,  Transportation 
Joseph  H.  McNamara,  South  Shops 
Harold  C.  Sohepler,  Forest  Glen 
Raymond  J.  Trezjse,  Near  South  Area 
George  F.  Wallace,  Archer 
Thaddeus  S.  Wojclak,  Archer 


i3sr  i^/a:E3vioR,i^^3va: 

CARL  CARLSON,  72,  Archer, 

Emp.  8-18-37,  Died  9-4-80 
EDWIN  CELOVSKY,  63,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  5-16-46,  Died  10-9-80 
GEORGE  CLARK,  55,  West  Section, 

Emp.  1-16-51,  Died  9-28-80 
JAMES  CORBETT,  77,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  2-28-24,  Died  9-5-80 
JULIAN  CZELESKI,  97,  Cottage  Grove, 

Emp.  9-19-18,  Died  8-20-80 
SALVATORE  DiTOMOSO,  74,  West  Sect., 

Emp.  9-14-26,  Died  9-20-80 
JAMES  FOLEY,  61,  South  Section, 

Emp.  12-31-47,  Died  9-29-80 
PATRICK  GILL,  73,  Way  &  Structures, 

Emp.  9-19-44,  Died  9-20-80 
HENRY  GOETZ,  71,  Transportation, 

Emp.  2-4-36,  Died  9-6-80 
TED  HILDEBRANT,  77,  Keeler, 

Emp.  1-14-24,  Died  9-7-80 
JOHN  JORDAN,  63,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  10-7-52,  Died  10-3-80 
ANDREW  KLICH,  70,  West  Section, 

Emp.  8-24-37,  Died  9-7-80 
JOVA  KOVAC,  90,  Way  &  Structures, 

Emp.  6-1-25,  Died  8-16-80 
VERONICA  KREUSCH,  83,  North  Sect., 

Emp.  4-12-37,  Died  7-25-80 
EDWARD  KURTZ,  75,  Transportation, 

Emp.  9-21-26,  Died  9-1-80 
JACK  LAUBINGER,  56,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  9-28-48,  Died  9-24-80 


THOMAS  LONERGAN,  89,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  8-16-16,  Died  9-6-80 
ALFRED  LUNDQUIST,  87,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  7-27-10,  Died  9-24-80 
JOHN  MADDEN,  86,  Way  &  Structures, 

Emp.  1-12-12,  Died  9-11-80 
MICHAEL  McDERMOTT,  74,  Claim, 

Emp.  3-3-36,  Died  9-25-80 
ROBERT  McKENDRY,  92,  North  Section, 

Emp.  12-30-11,  Died  9-25-80 
JAMES  McMAHON,  87,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  9-4-26,  Died  9-28-80 
EDWARD  MELANT,  70,  Archer, 

Emp.  9-20-45,  Died  9-12-80 
ARTHUR  MUELLER,  79,  Accounting, 

Emp.  4-26-20,  Died  9-18-80 
EMMET  NOLAN,  79,  Shops  &  Equipment, 

Emp.  8-30-21,  Died  9-11-80 
PETE  PETERSON,  68,  Transportation, 

Emp.  1-22-41,  Died  9-20-80 
GEORGE  PIERSON,  79,  North  Park, 

Emp.  6-16-24,  Died  9-24-80 
ERVIN  REINKE,  78,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  7-16-26,  Died  9-4-80 
CARL  SCHEUERMANN,  72,  South  Sect., 

Emp.  7-1-42,  Died  9-26-80 
HERMAN  SMITH,  62,  Engineering, 

Emp.  9-20-46,  Died  9-10-80 
NAPOLEON  SMITH,  76,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  11-30-43,  Died  9-1-80 
THOMAS  HURLEY,  60,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  6-16-48,  Died  9-20-80 
ANTHONY  WISNIEWSKI,  68,  Archer, 

Emp.  8-13-41,  Died  9-15-80 


30  years 


Anello  Digianfillippo,  Skokie  Shops 

Gary  Elliott,  South  Shops 

Charles  Gage,  Utility 

Joan  Georgeson,  Personnel 

Homer  Harris,  Schedules 

Eugene  F.  Jankowski,  Skokie  Shops 

Bartholomew  McGrath,  Ashland/95th 

Charlie  L.  Moore,  Douglas/Congress 

Arthur  R.  Paige,  Archer 

Asher  R.  Reid,  West  Section 

Ervin  G.  Schultz,  North  Park 

Owen  White,  69th  Street 

John  B.  Wojnicki,  Archer 


25  years 


Harold  G.  Sober,  Forest  Glen 
Sidney  Edward  Jr.,  Utility 
Thomas  E.  McCue,  Claims 


CORRECTION:   September  anniversaries 
35  YEARS 


Read: 

Frank  J.  Fehlh,  Electrical 


Should  read: 

John  F.  Fehlhaber,  Electrical 


Preparing  to  tee  off  at  Hickory  Hill  Country 
Club  were  (left  to  right)  Pensioners  Carl  Gibes, 
Tom  Stiglic  and  Ray  Pryor.  We're  sorry  to 
report  that  shortly  after  this  picture  was  taken, 
Pryor  passed  away. 


^^^^       CTA  TRANSIT  NEWl 

Volume  33 

Published  for  employes  and  retirees  of  the 
by  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H   Ben 
Manager.      Editorial   and  graphics  by  th 
Affairs  Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager.     Tr; 
News    Staff:     Mel     Alexander,    Christine    Bo 
Jack  Sowchrn,  Jeff  Stern,  Rick  Willis.    Prodi 
by   the    Administrative   Services    Unit    under   the 
direction  of  Charles  T.  Zanin. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employes.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others.  32.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago. 
Illmois  60654. 


NOVEMBER,  1980 


27 


additional  eta  calendars 
available  at  $2  each 


The  CTA  is  making  its  1 98 1  historical 
calendars  available  without  charge  to 
CTA  employes  and  retirees  as  the 
November  issue  of  Transit  News.  In 
addition,  calendars  will  be  distributed 
to  CTA  offices,  garages  and  other  work 
locations. 

Because  of  the  interest  in  the  histori- 


cal calendars,  the  CTA  also  is  making  a 
limited  supply  available  for  sale  at  $2 
each  (including  mailing  costs).  For  ad- 
ditional copies,  make  checks  payable  to 
the  Chicago  Transit  Authority ,  and  send 
to  CTA  Calendar,  P.  O.  Box  3555, 
Chicago,  IL  60654. 


Published  by  the  Public  Affairs  Department 
and  the  Administrative  Services  Unit 
of  the  Chicago  Transit  Authority 
P.O.  Box  3555 
Chicago,  I L  60654 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 


Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   NO.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRARY 
NORTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EVANS  TON,  IL         60201 


TN 


Customized 
transit 


KORTHWESTERN  UNI 


A  beautifully  graphic  and  brightly  colored  salute  to 
Chicago  and  customizing  is  attracting  a  lot  of  attention 
on  the  #149  Stateliner  route. 

The  CTA  "Custom  Bus"  was  unveiled  by  Mayor 
Jane  M.  Byrne  and  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes 
at  Daley  Center  Plaza  on  November  13.  Famous  car 
customizer  Harry  Willett  designed  the  bus  as  a  pro- 
motional vehicle  and  exhibit  for  the  International 
World  of  Wheels  Custom  Car  Show  held  at  McCormick 
Place  from  November  21  through  23. 

The  Custom  Bus  will  operate  in  regular  service, 
and  will  be  used  by  CTA  at  the  American  Public 
Transit  Association  Show  (APTA),  scheduled  to  meet 
in  Chicago  during  the  fall  of  1981.    « 


At  the  unveiling  of  the  CTA  Custom  Bus  on  Daley  Center  Plaza,  CTA 
Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  (left)  and  Mayor  Jane  M.  Byrne,  congratu- 
late customizer  Harry  Willett  for  the  eye-catching  paint  job  that  he 
applied  to  a  CTA  bus. 


eta 


hi;yilJkTI¥^ra7f.i 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

DECEMBER,  1980 


'  I  just  knew 
it  had  to 
be  done ' 


A  38-year  old  bus  operator  with 
training  In  rescue  procedures  was 
the  hero  in  a  near-dro\vTiing  inci- 
dent in  the  Chicago  River,  Novem- 
ber 4,  after  a  woman  jumped  from 
the  Wells  Street  bridge. 

Willie  Lawler,  a  13-year  CTA 
veteran,  was  driving  his  #1  Hyde 
Park  bus  west  on  Wacker  en  route 
to  the  North  Western  station  about 
7:30  a.m.  when  he  saw  a  large 
crowd  of  people  at  the  bridge  along 
Wells  Street.  He  stopped  to  in- 
vestigate and  saw  the  woman  in  the 
water. 

He  immediately  removed  his 
shoes,  sweater  and  tie,  ran  to  the 
lower  level,  and  jumped  into  the 
water  in  an  aaempt  to  rescue  the 
woman,  who  said  that  she  did  not 
want  any  help. 

"I  talked  to  her  so  she  would 
calm  down,"  said  Lawler.  Finally, 
a  policeman  also  jixmped  in  to  as- 
sist in  the  rescue  effort  and  they 
both  talked  to  the  woman.  "When 
the  fire  boat  got  close  enough,  we 
grabbed  her  and  pushed  her 
aboard,"  Lawler  said. 

Asked  what  thoughts  were  going  through  his  mind 
when  he  saw  the  woman  in  the  water,  Lawler  said,  "I 
didn't  think  about  it.  I  just  knew  it  had  to  be  done,  so 
I  did  it." 

The  quiet,  unassuming  Lawler  said  he  was  trained 
as  a  life  guard  in  his  native  Alabama  when  he  was  a 
youth. 

Lawler  was  commended  for  his  heroic  act  by 
Chairman  Barnes  and  the  CTA  Board  at  their  regular 
monthly  meeting  on  November  5. 


CTA  bus  driver  Willie  Lawler  (left  foreground  in  top  photo)  helps  the 
woman  board  a  fireboat  in  the  Chicago  river  near  Wells  street,  ending 
an  heroic  rescue  effort.  The  next  day  Chairman  Barnes  commends 
Lawler  at  the  CTA  Board  meeting. 


©     Chicago  Sun-Times,  19S0/R.B.  Leffingwell. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Naomi  Tillman 
appointed  manager  of 
Consumer  Services 

Naomi  L.  Tillman  has  been  appointed 
manager  of  the  CTA  Consumer  Services 
Department  by  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes. 

In  announcing  her  appointment,  Barnes 
said,  "Bringing  Mrs.  Tillman  to  the  CTA 
emphasizes  our  goal  for  the  CTA  to  be 
more  responsive  to  the  needs  and  sugges- 
tions of  our  riders." 

Mrs.  Tillman,  who  has  an  extensive 
background  in  social  work,  was  Director 
of  the  Office  of  State  Guardian  of  the  Illi- 
nois Guardianship  and  Advocacy  Commis- 
sion prior  to  joining  the  CTA. 

Mrs.  Tillman,  as  manager  of  the  Con- 
sumer Services  Department,  will  report  to 
Ms.  Joby  H.  Berman,  manager  of  the  Ex- 
ternal Affairs  Division,  which  was  created 
earlier  this  year  by  Chairman  Barnes.  She 
will  direct  the  Commxmify  Relations  sec- 
tion dealing  with  neighborhood  and  group 
services  and  the  riding  needs  of  senior 
citizens,  the  handicapped ,  and  students;  and 
she  also  will  direct  the  Customer  Rela- 
tions section  which  encompasses  customer 
assistance,  complaints,  and  commenda- 
tions, monthly  pass  sales,  charter  sales, 
and  the  travel  information  center. 

Prior  to  working  for  the  state,  Mrs. 
Tillman  served  as  Associate  Director  for 
Government  Affairs  of  the  United  Way  of 
Metropolitan  Chicago  from  1977  to  1979. 

From  1972  to  1977,  with  the  Council  for 
Community  Services  in  Metropolitan  Chi- 
cago, she  was  Director  of  the  Public  Af- 
fairs Department  and  Assistant  Director 
for  Services  for  the  Impaired  Aged  Pro- 
gram. 

Mrs.  Tillman  has  done  extensive  work 
in  the  social  work  field  with  Jane  Addams 
Graduate  School  of  Social  Work  at  the  Uni- 
versity of  Illinois;  the  Welfare  Council  of 
Metropolitan  Chicago;  School  of  Social 
Service  Administration  at  the  University 
of  Chicago,  and  the  Association  for  Fam- 
ily Living. 

Mrs.  Tillman,  who  lives  in  the  Hyde 
Park  commimity,  earned  her  Bachelor  of 
Arts  degree  in  social  work  at  Hunter  Col- 
lege, N.Y.,  and  a  Master  of  Social  Work 
degree  at  the  University  of  Illinois. 


Marjorie  Holmes 
named  director  of 
Human  Relations 

Ms.  Marjorie  M.  Holmes,  a  near  north 
side  resident,  has  been  promoted  to  Direc- 
tor of  Human  Relations  in  the  Human  Re- 
sources Department.  Ms.  Holmes  pre- 
viously was  a  supervisor  in  the  department. 

As  supervisor,  she  helped  design  the 
CTA's  Affirmative  Action  Program  to  en- 
sure that  minorities  have  their  share  in 
the  CTA's  employment  and  business  op- 
portunities. 

Ms.  Holmes  is  secretary  and  board 
member  of  the  Chicago  Area  Association 
for  Affirmative  Action  and  Compliance. 

Ms.  Holmes  and  her  daughter,  Ljmdel, 
are  members  of  the  Shiloh  Missionary 
Baptist  Church,  4840  S.  Dorchester  av. 
She  is  superintendent  of  the  church's  Sun- 
day school  program,  serves  as  organist, 
and  is  an  announcer  on  the  church's  radio 
program  on  station  WXFM. 

She  earned  her  Bachelor  and  Master's 
degrees  in  Business  Administration  at 
Roosevelt  University  where  she  teaches 
evening  classes  In  business  administration. 

Ms.  Holmes  joined  the  CTA  in  1970  as 
a  clerk-typist.  In  1974  she  joined  the  Hu- 
man Resources  Department  and  served  as 
a  human  relations  specialist. 

Prior  to  joining  the  CTA,  Ms.  Holmes 
served  as  secretary  to  syndicated  news- 
paper columnist  Ann  Landers. 


CTA  cooperated  with  the 
Chicago  Crime  Commis- 
sion by  posting  "Ignoring 
crime  is  criminal"  car 
cards  in  trains  and  buses 
in  observance  of  Chicago- 
land  Law  Enforcement 
Week,  Nov.  8-15.  Placing 
the  first  cards  in  a  CTA 
bus  were  (left  to  right): 
Eugene  M.  Barnes,  CTA 
Chairman;  Philip  Wayne 
Hummer,  President,  Chi- 
cago Crime  Commission, 
Raleigh  Mathis,  Manager 
of  Security,  CTA,  and 
Gail  Melick,  1980  Chair- 
man of  Chicagoland  Law 
Enforcement  Week  and 
Executive  Vice  President 
of  Continental  Illinois 
National  Bank. 


Jack  Sowchin 
named  director  of 
Publications 

Jack  Sowchin,  graphics  specialist  in  the 
CTA's  Public  Affairs  Department,  hasbeen 
promoted  to  Director  of  Publications. 

Sowchin' s  appointment  was  announced  by 
Ms.  Joby  H.  Berman,  Manager,  External 
Affairs  Division. 

Sowchin  joined  the  CTA  in  1974  as  a 
graphics  specialist,  designing  publications 
issued  by  the  Public  Affairs  Department. 
These  publications  included  CTA's  route 
map;  Transit  News;  a  calendar  featuring 
historic  transit  photos;  Culture  Bus  bro- 
chures, and  special  event  leaflets. 

He  earned  a  Bachelor  of  Science  degree 
in  visual  design  in  1970  from  the  Illinois 
Institute  of  Technology. 

From  1970  to  1972  Sowchin  managed 
various  sections  of  a  precision  photo- 
graphic reconnaissance  laboratory  while  a 
member  of  the  U.S.  Air  Force,  and  from 
1972  to  1973  he  worked  in  a  design  office 
in  Denver,  Colorado. 

He  lives  on  Chicago's  far  northwest  side 
near  O'Hare  International  Airport,  holds  a 
commercial  pilot's  license,  and  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Art  Directors  Club  of  Chicago 
and  the  Mid-States  Industrial  Photographers 
Association. 


DECEMBER,  1980 


From  scrap  to 
artistic  treasure 

One  man's  trash  can  become  another 
man's  treasure  -  -  with  some  artistic 
effort. 

Tony  Gasparovich,  69-year-old  CTA 
retiree,  is  a  sculptor  in  scrap  metals, 
and  anything  else  that  catches  his 
fancy. 

Working  with  his  trusty  soldering 
gun  on  his  kitchen  table,  Gasparovich 
converts  junk  into  all  sorts  of  "coDec- 
tibles"  figures  for  adorning  tables, 
mantels,  and  walls. 

"It  all  began  in  1964  when  our 
daughter,  Antoinette  brought  back 
hand  made  metal  figures  from  Mexico 
and  proudly  showed  them  to  my 
wife.  Ann.  and  myself,"  Gasparovich 
said  in  his  Downers  Grove  home. 

"I  thought  to  myself  it  would  be 
easy  to  make  dupUcates  of  those 
figures.  At  the  time  I  was  an  elec- 
trician at  the  CTA  and  had  my  own 
tools  at  home,"  he  said. 

So  he  sat  down  at  his  kitchen  table 
with  a  box  of  scrap  metal  and  his 
trusty  soldering  gun  and  sure  enough, 
it  was  easy  to  do. 

He's  been  making  all  sorts  of  soldered 
figures  ever  since. 

Gasparovich  retired  from  the  South 
Shops  in  1973.  But  the  word  "retired" 
doesn't  fit  Gasparovich. 

"Like  I  said,  I  started  this  as  a  hobby 
in  1964.  Friends  and  acquaintances 
began  buying  some  of  the  figures  I 
made  on  my  kitchen  table. 

"Finally,  my  wife  interested  me  in 
entering  a  local  art  show.  My  welded 
figures,  mostly  comical  types,  were 
extremely  popular. 


"From  1964  I  was  working  two  jobs, 
so  to  speak.  One  was  at  the  CTA's 
South  Shops,  and  the  other,  after  work, 
was  at  my  kitchen  table  with  my 
soldering  gun,  metal  cutters,  soldering 
wire,  and  paints  for  finishes. 

"So  when  I  retired  from  the  CTA  in 
1973,  I  retired  to  my  second  job.  I've 
shown  my  works  in  a  number  of  art 
shows,  mostly  in  the  southside,  south 
suburban,  and  west  suburban  areas." 

Gasparovich  has  made  hundreds  of 
various  figures. 

"The  buyers  seem  to  like  the  comical 
ones  best,  although  I've  done  a  number 
of  serious  works  which  have  attracted  a 
lot  of  attention,"  he  said. 

How  long  does  he  plan  to  work  at 
his  art? 

"As  long  as  my  eyes  and  my  hands 
will  let  me,"  Gasparovich  said. 


-      C'^> 

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L,        ,  '^^j    t:^         ^ 

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CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Clockwise,  from  top  left:  •  Street  scene 
reminiscent  of  an  outdoor  cafe  that 
Gasparovich  visited  while  on  vacation  in 
Yugoslavia;  48-inches  long,  18-inches  high. 
It  weighs  12  pounds  and  took  three  months 
to  create.  •  Tony  Gasparovich  creates  a 
figure  from  soldering  wire  with  his  trusty 
soldering  gun  at  his  kitchen  table.  •  Two 
men  of  war  windjammers  were  made  from  a 
couple  of  2  X  4's,  wooden  dowels,  string 
and  paints.  Smaller  ship  is  19-inches  long, 
17-inches  high;  larger  vessel  is  33-inches 
long  and  24-inches  high,  and  took  two  months 
to  complete.  •  "Bronco  Buster"  is  fashioned 
from  soldering  wire  and  Tony's  talent  for 
creating  motion  in  metal.  •  "Mexican 
Musicians"  lamp  base  was  inspired  by  the 
first  figures  Tony  created.  •  "This  Won't 
Hurt  -  •  Much"  is  a  comic  scene  created 
after  a  visit  to  his  dentist's  office.  •  "High 
Wheeler  and  Not-So-High-Wheeler"  catches 
the  attention  of  many  art  fair  visitors. 
•  "Flower  Girl  Reading  a  Book"  was  fashion- 
ed from  tin  scraps,  soldering  wire  and  Tony's 
lively  imagination.  •  "Persistent  Nurse- 
Resistant  Patient"  depicts  humorous  hospital 
scene.  •  Delicate  "Butterflies  on  Daisies" 
demonstrates  Tony's  ability  to  copy  nature 
in  metal  and  paints. 


DECEMBER,  1980 


Eduardo  Alvarez  (Forest  Glen 
Garage)  impressed  William  Kap- 
linski,  of  Plainfield  avenue,  with 
his  handling  of  passengers  on  a 
«152  Addison  bus.  "All  school 
children  were  asked  to  show 
their  CTA  passes.  There  were 
gripes,  but  I  believe  this  is  more 
than  proper,  since  others  riding 
at  reduced  fares  must  display  a 
card.  At  Central,  some  children 
tried  to  enter  the  rear  door.  The 
driver  noticed  this  and  asked 
them  to  get  off  the  bus  or  bring 
him  their  transfers.  I  believe 
more  drivers  should  take  this 
same  attitude.  After  all,  they 
are  in  charge  of  the  situation. 
Also,  the  passengers  must  under- 
stand they  are  in  a  public  vehicle 
and  must  abide  by  the  rules." 


Vaddie  Weekly  (52nd  Street 
Garage)  was  the  driver  of  a  *6 
Jeffery  Express  bus  that  Frances 
Bentley  took  from  the  Loop  to 
her  home  on  South  Hyde  Park 
boulevard.  "I  would  like  to 
comment  on  her  courtesy, 
thoughtfulness,  and  excellent 
drivingskills.  This  driver  watched 
for  the  people  who  asked  that 
a  stop  be  called,  and  even  turned 
to  see  that  they  alighted  at  the 
right  stop.  When  several  elderly 
people  got  on  along  State  Street, 
she  turned  and  requested  people 
using  the  side  seats  to  give  the 
older  people  their  seats.  She 
came  right  to  the  curb  for  every 
stop,  had  something  pleasant  to 
say  to  everyone,  and  made  the 
ride  more  comfortable  than  it 
might  otherwise  have  been." 


commendation  corner 


Eddie  Burton  (North  Park  Garage)  was  appreciated  by 
Berenice  Bradley,  of  East  101st  street,  for  his  handling  of  a 
#146  Marine/Michigan  Express  that  was  rerouted  because  of 
a  parade  in  the  Loop.  "I  didn't  know  where  we  were  actually 
headed  and  asked  many  questions.  The  driver  acted  neither 
annoyed  nor  impatient.  I  later  heard  him  answer  any  number 
of  questions  from  other  confused  riders  in  the  same  patient, 
courteous  and  kind  manner.  When  we  were  waiting  to  turn 
into  Michigan  from  Lake  street,  a  group  of  people  ran  up  to 
the  bus  door.  He  pointed  to  the  stop  on  Michigan  and 
then  waited  for  them  after  he  made  the  turn." 

Alma  Williams  (Lawndale  Garage)  was  complimented  by 
Mrs.  Ann  Jones,  of  South  Homan  avenue,  who  was  a  rider 
on  her  #82  Kimball/Homan  bus.  "She  is  a  very  polite  and 
pleasant  person  to  ride  with.  She  always  smiles  and  says 
'Good  morning,'  and  she  waits  while  elderly  passengers  board 
and  get  off  the  bus.  Also,  she  helps  them  with  their  packages. 
Her  manner  of  responding  to  passengers'  inquiries  was 
superior  and  in  a  pleasant  tone  of  voice.  She  gives  good 
directions,  and  I  sincerely  think  she  deserves  a  commen- 
dation." 

Willie  James  (North  Park  Garage)  earned  the  attention  of 
Mary  Lou  Emmerick,  of  Downers  Grove,  who  only  recently 
began  working  downtown.  "He  drives  the  #151  Sheridan 
bus  from  Union  Station.  This  gentleman  is  a  real  pleasure  to 
ride  with.  He  never  fails  to  caution  persons  boarding  the  bus 
to  watch  their  step.  He  always  calls  out  the  streets,  and  is 
one  of  the  friendliest  people  I've  met  downtown.  He  even 
thanks  people  for  riding.  He  is  a  real  asset  to  your  company, 
and  I  wanted  you  to  know  how  much  I  and  other  riders 
appreciate  his  thoughtfulness." 

Eugene  White  f52nd  Street  Garage)  was  singled  out  by 
Elizabeth  Burford,  of  Blackstone  avenue,  for  his  performance 
on  a  #1  Drexel/Hyde  Park  bus.  "Not  only  was  he  compe- 
tent, driving  with  evident  care  and  control  at  the  many  cor- 


ners on  that  run,  but  he  also  answered  a  number  of  questions 
from  passengers  pleasantly.  The  high  point  was  when  he 
helped  a  blind  woman  loaded  with  packages  off  the  bus  and 
safely  to  the  sidewalk.  Wlien  we  left  the  bus,  he  wished  us 
a  'Good  day'  with  a  smile.  Such  a  driver  can  really  be  a  fine 
P.R.  man  for  the  CTA.  He  helped  me  keep  my  faith  in  the 
essential  goodness  of  mankind--a  real  morale-raiser." 

Denise  Cherry  (Limits  Garage)  was  admired  by  Virginia 
Reed,  of  North  Lake  Shore  drive,  for  her  manner  of  driving 
#36  Broadway  and  other  buses.  "It  has  been  my  pleasure 
to  ride  with  her  several  times,  and  she  has  never  failed  to  be 
courteous,  kind,  thoughtful  and  pleasant.  Aside  from  all  of 
that,  she  is  an  excellent  driver.  Never  have  I  seen  her  slam 
on  the  brakes  and  toss  passengers  quickly  to  the  back.  There 
are  a  lot  of  old  ladies  and  gentlemen  who  are  grateful  for  this 
common  courtesy." 

Dianna  Owens  (North  Park  Garage)  was  thanked  by 
Minnie  Jakoves,  of  North  Sheridan  Road,  for  upholding 
senior  citizen  seating  priorities  on  her  #22  Clark  bus.  "I 
am  a  semi-crippled  senior  citizen,  and  was  sitting  near  the 
door.  All  the  seats  around  me  were  occupied  by  young 
people.  The  bus  was  loaded  when  an  old  lady  with  a  broken 
wrist  and  cane  and  two  bags  got  on.  No  one  would  give  her 
a  seat.  I  was  ready  to  give  her  mine  when  this  angel  of  a 
lady  driver  turned  and  asked  the  young  man  next  to  me  to 
give  up  his  seat  because  he  was  in  the  senior  section.  He 
got  up  and  the  old  lady  sat  down." 

Clarence  Speights  (North  Avenue  Garage)  has  the  respect 
of  Mrs.  C.  H.  Williams,  of  Gladys  avenue,  "for  doing  an 
outstanding  job"  as  the  driver  of  a  #126  Jackson  bus.  "He 
consistently  keeps  a  timely  schedule,  which  enables  me  to 
connect  with  other  buses.  I  ride  with  him  five  days  a  week, 
and  1  am  always  on  time  when  he  is  the  driver.  Mr.  Speights 
does  a  wonderful  job  and  should  be  rewarded  for  his  cour- 
teous behavior  and  consideration  for  the  working  woman." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Walter  Kenerson  (77th  Street 
Garage)  is  "a  beautiful  person" 
in  the  eyes  of  Josephine  Mc- 
Millan, of  Indiana  avenue.  "I 
have  been  riding  on  his  (#3 
King  Drive)  bus  for  almost 
three  years  now,  and  I  have 
always  found  him  to  be  very 
courteous,  cheerful,  and  helpful 
to  the  passengers.  On  one  oc- 
casion, an  elderly  lady  boarded 
the  bus  carrying  what  seemed  to 
be  a  very  heavy  shopping  bag. 
He  stopped  the  bus  to  assist  her. 
I  marveled  at  the  compassion 
and  concern  shown  by  this  fine 
gentleman.  I  think  he  should 
receive  recognition  for  his  out- 
standing talent  in  dealing  with 
the  public,  along  with  his  love 
and  concern  for  humanity." 


Darrell  Lee  (North  Section), 
conductor  on  a  Douglas-Milwau- 
kee train,  was  called  "an  asset 
to  our  city  and  the  CTA  system" 
by  Mrs.  L.  C.  Weeks,  of  North 
Neva  avenue.  "His  type  can  give 
strangers  to  our  city  as  well 
as  natives  a  very  favorable  im- 
pression. He  is  personable, 
clear-speaking,  and  very  courte- 
ous. He  greeted  passengers  (at 
Jefferson  Park)  with  a  "Welcome 
aboard  the  Douglas-Milwaukee 
'B'  train.  The  next  stop  is  Irving 
Park.  No  smoking  or  radio  play- 
ing while  aboard.'  He  said  this 
not  in  a  commanding  voice  or 
snide  manner.  One  knew  these 
things  were  not  permissible.  At 
each  station  he  announced  the 
cross-connections  to  clarify  any 
doublts  or  confusion  a  rider 
might  have." 


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commendation  corner 


James  Larry  (52nd  Street  Garage)  was  regarded  as  "the 
most  courteous,  pleasant  person  I  have  ever  had  the  pleasure 
to  ride  with"  by  Mrs.  D.  J.  Foley,  of  Indiana  avenue.  "Every 
passenger  who  boarded  his  (#38  Indiana)  bus  was  greeted 
with  a  warm  'Good  morning,'  and  he  wished  each  who  de- 
parted a  'Good  day.'  He  was  not  only  a  gentleman,  but 
was  also  a  very  safe  and  good  driver.  He  is  an  excellent 
representative  of  CTA.  I'm  sure  a  lot  of  other  riders  feel 
the  same  as  I  do  about  him." 

John  Cameron  (South  Section)  was  called  "a  conductor 
who  goes  the  'extra  mile'  in  doing  his  job"  by  Mrs.  Myma 
Williams,  of  Paxton  avenue.  "It  is  a  pleasure  to  ride  on  the 
(Lake/Dan  Ryan)  train  with  him.  He  calls  out  all  the  stops 
in  a  clear  manner,  and  also  in  a  very  efficient  way  he  lets  us 
know  of  the  connecting  lines  to  transfer  to  for  the  different 
points  of  interest.  I  also  like  the  way  he  goes  about  making 
sure  that  the  passengers  are  out  of  the  way  of  the  doors 
opening  and  closing.  His  manner  of  handling  his  job  is  very 
professional." 

James  Fitzgerald  (Limits  Garage)  was  praised  for  his 
"courtesy,  skilled  driving,  and  efficiency"  on  a  #145  Wilson/ 
Michigan  Express  bus  by  Marvyn  Womack,  who  works  on 
North  Sheridan  Road.  "Because  I  recently  arrived  in  Chicago 
from  Kentucky  and  am  not  yet  familiar  with  the  'big  city,' 
it  was  most  helpful  to  be  able  to  hear  distinctly  the  names  of 
streets,  which  this  driver  called  out  loud  and  clear.  As  a 
victim  of  recent  foot  surgery,  I  likewise  appreciated  his 
smooth  handling  of  his  bus  during  evening  rush-hour  traffic. 
His  pleasant  'Have  a  nice  evening'  as  I  got  off  his  vehicle  was 
yet  another  reason  I  decided  to  write." 

Rex  Runnels  (West  Section)  was  noticed  by  James  Sheri- 
dan, who  has  offices  on  South  LaSalle  street,  for  the  way  he 
handled  his  duties  as  conductor  of  a  Douglas-Milwaukee 
train.  "Today  I  was  delighted  to  hear  someone  fluently 
call  out  each  stop  of  our  'B'  train.    He  not  only  announced 


the  stops,  but  also  every  possible  transfer  and  train  change. 
He  was  neatly  dressed,  extremely  courteous,  and  made  my 
ride  and  that  of  my  fellow  passengers  delightful." 

VirgO  Dean  (Limits  Garage)  won  the  approval  of  Catherine 
Curren,  of  Lake  Bluff,  for  his  efforts  to  help  a  sick  rider  on 
liis  #151  Sheridan  bus.  "At  about  Lake  Street  an  elderly 
man  across  from  us  was  seized  with  what  appeared  to  be  a 
heart  attack  or  stroke.  The  driver  responded  promptly  and 
efficiently,  calling  in  for  help  and  curbing  the  bus,  and 
then  trying  to  help  the  man.  He  maintained  his  calm,  and, 
above  all,  he  was  kind.  He  stayed  with  the  man  until  the 
Fire  Department  paramedics  arrived,  and  then  got  out  of 
the  way.  Please  tell  the  driver  he  is  appreciated." 


Luis  Rizo  (North  Avenue  Garage)  was  commended  by 
Mrs.  Frances  Maciaszek,  of  North  Latrobe  avenue,  for  his 
courtesy  while  driving  a  #65  Grand  bus.  "A  nicer  person 
I've  never  met.  He  is  never  in  a  hurry  to  beat  the  lights, 
and  waits  until  everyone  is  safely  aboard  his  bus.  When  he 
stops  to  pick  you  up,  he  comes  clear  up  to  the  curb,  which 
makes  it  easier  for  us  older  people  to  get  aboard.  I  can't 
say  enough  about  this  polite  man,  but  I  hope  you  can  give 
him  a  pat  on  the  back,  which  he  so  richly  deserves." 

Gordon  Woods  (Lawndale  Garage)  was  the  driver  of  a 
#58  Ogden/Randolph  bus  that  Frederick  Bartlett,  of  Stony 
Island  avenue,  rode  twice  in  two  days.  "He  very  courteously 
answered  my  questions  and  helped  me  a  lot  by  doing  so. 
Unknowingly.  I  dropped  my  eyeglasses  on  the  bus.  When  I 
discovered  my  loss,  I  telephoned  CTA  to  try  to  get  my 
glasses  back.  The  next  morning,  by  sheer  chance,  I  got  on 
another  #58  bus  with  the  same  driver.  He  took  a  long  look 
at  me  and  asked  if  I'd  lost  some  glasses.  He  said  he'd  found 
them  and  turned  them  in  to  his  garage.  I  just  wanted  you  to 
know  how  much  I  appreciated  his  courtesy,  kindness,  and 
consideration." 


DECEMBER;  1980 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Among  other  operating  employees  re- 
ceiving commendations  recently  were: 

Rosa  Alfaro,  Forest  Glen;  and  Curtis 
Anderson,  North  Park. 

Esau  Bailey  and  Andrew  Butler,  both  of 
77th  Street;  Jaime  Benavides,  North  Park; 
Nikola  Blagojevic  and  Stephan  Butler,  both 
of  Limits;  Booker  Bolton,  Amie  Brown, 
and  Jose  Burgos,  all  of  North  Avenue;  Rob- 
ert Braxton  Jr.,  Alphonso  Brooks,  and 
Bobbie  Brown,  all  of  Lawndale;  and  Julia 
Brousek,  West  Section. 

Jean  Cage  and  Jose  Canales,  both  of 
Limits;  Bennie  Caridine,  North  Avenue; 
Leroy  Carr  and  Tomas  Citron,  both  of 
North  Park;  Delois  Carter,  Forest  Glen; 
Willie  Cochran,  Dewitt  Coleman,  and  Law- 
rence Craig,  all  of  Archer;  and  Clyde  Cole- 
man, Jefferson  Park. 

Jose  Davila  and  Electra  DeAlba,  both  of 
North  Avenue;  Phillip  Davila,  Javier  DeLa- 
Rosa,  Robert  Devitt,  and  Wilfred  Dupree, 
all  of  North  Park;  Roberto  Diaz  and  La- 
chester  Drain,  both  of  Limits;  Herman 
Duffin,  Forest  Glen;  and  Odell  Duffin,  77th 
Street. 

Patricia  Edwards,  77th  Street;  and 
Bruce  Ellison  and  Raphael  Emery,  both  of 
North  Park. 

Frank  Findlay  and  William  Franklin, 
both  of  District  A. 


Albert  Gamer,  Jesus  Gonzalez  Jr.,  and 
Leonardo  Gutierrez,  all  of  North  Park;  and 
Tyrone  Garrett,  Archer. 

Maurice  Hanna,  Limits;  William  Har- 
ris Jr.,  77th  Street;  Henry  Hinkle,  69th 
Street;  and  Mark  Hislop  and  Ronald  Hop- 
kins, both  of  North  Park. 

Hayvvood  Jackson,  North  Avenue;  Wil- 
liam Jackson,  Lawndale;  Lawrence  Jarecki, 
Forest  Glen;  John  Jimenez,  North  Park; 
Allen  Johnson,  Howard/Kimball;  Ducloux 
Johnson,  52nd  Street;  and  Eddie  Johnson, 
77th  Street. 

Karie  Kareem  and  Joseph  Kmiec,  both 
of  North  Park. 

Fred  Labem  and  Melvin  Little  Jr.,  both 
of  North  Avenue;  Ricardo  Leiva  and  John 
Lovasz,  both  of  Forest  Glen;  and  John  Le- 
mond.  North  Park. 

Terry  Mancini  and  Mario  Merendon, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  Adolph  Marth,  Victor 
Medunycia,  Stan  Mihajlovic,  Marshall  Mil- 
ler, Edgar  Mollinedo,  and  Frederick 
Moore,  all  of  North  Park;  Gustavo  Meza 
and  Faye  Murry,  both  of  Limits;  Kenneth 
Mlxon,  77th  Street;  and  Robert  Mumbower, 
North  Avenue. 

Robert  Nelson,  North  Avenue. 

Delbert  Oliver,  69th  Street. 

Charlie  Parham  and  Effie  Porter,  both 
of  52nd  Street;    Robert  Patterson,   Forest 


Glen;  John  Pendleton,  Beverly;  Arney 
Phillips,  Douglas/Congress;  and  Larry 
Polk,  Archer. 

Billy  Ragsdale,  52nd  Street;  Emelio 
Ramos,  Rene  Rivera,  Curtis  Rogers,  and 
Jose  Roman,  all  of  North  Park;  Annie  Rice, 
Oliver  Robertson,  and  Jack  Robinson,  all 
of  Limits;  and  George  Rivera,  Forest  Glen, 

Eddie  Sanders,  52nd  Street;  Adalino 
Santiago  and  Willie  Stewart,  both  of  North 
Avenue;  Irene  Scroggins,  Beverly;  Larry 
Shelton,  Pablo  Silva,  and  David  Swain,  all 
of  Limits ;  Dorothy  Smith  and  Joseph  Smoot, 
both  of  North  Park;  Ronald  Stefinsky,  Ar- 
cher; and  Mitchell  Szalwa,  Forest  Glen. 

Frances  Thomas  and  Eddie  Traylor  m, 
both  of  North  Park;  Willie  Thomas,  Archer; 
Horst  Tietz,  Forest  Glen;  Thaddeus  Tuck- 
er, Limits;  and  John  Turner,  69th  Street. 

Francisco  Valle  and  Juris  Vitands,  both 
of  North  Avenue;  and  Johnny  Van,  North 
Park. 

James  Walls,  James  White  and  Phillip 
Wood,  69th  Street;  Leroy  Ward,  Peter 
Willemsen,  and  Felicia  Woods,  all  of  North 
Park;  Wayne  Wardlow  and  Alfred  Williams, 
both  of  North  Avenue;  and  George  Weiland, 
Archer. 

Charles  Young,  Forest  Park. 

Joseph  Zukerman,  North  Park. 


promotions 


Edward  Levan- 
dowski,  fare  box  co- 
ordinator, Treasury, 
since  1975,  has  been 
appointed  superin- 
tendent. Central 
Counting.  Levan- 
dowski  joined  CTA 
in  1950  as  a  motor- 
man  at  North  Avenue, 
becoming  a  bus 
driver  shortly  there- 
after. He  was  named 
supervisor.  District  Levandowski 
C,  In  1959,  and  traffic  supervisor  a  year 
later.  He  also  served  as  a  bus  instructor, 
and  was  assigned  to  the  Training  Center  in 
1964.  Levandowski  and  his  wife,  Margaret 
Jean,  have  two  sons  and  four  grandchildren, 
and  make  their  home  in  Franklin  Park. 
One  of  their  sons,  Edward  Jr.,  is  a  garage 
instructor  at  Lawndale. 

In  other  jobreassignments,  four  former 
unit  supervisors,  Agents,  have  been  named 
assistant  superintendents.  Agent  Sviper- 
visors.  They  are  Jacqueline  Borcic,  Shir- 
ley McClure,  Delia  Richards,  and  Jimmie 
Seymour. 

New  as  management/professional  in- 
terns. Transportation,  are  former  bus 
service  supervisors  Robert  Bravi  (District 
B)  and  Samuel  Smith  Jr.  (District  D),  and 
Thomas  Wilson,  former  bus  instructor, 
North  Instruction. 

Promoted  to  new  positions  from  within 


Financial  Sei-vices  are  Virginia  Wendorf, 
former  internal  auditor,  now  senior  finan- 
cial analyst;  Nancy  Pranckus,  former 
methods  and  procedures  analyst,  now  ac- 
counting systems  analyst;  and  James  Fio- 
rito,  former  valuation  technician,  now  ac- 
counting specialist. 

Gregory  Nagle,  former  accounting 
specialist,  Financial  Services,  has  been 
selected  financial  analyst.  Insurance  & 
Pensions;  Hosseinali  Khalvati,  former 
driver.  North  Park,  has  become  methods 
and  standards  engineer.  South  Shops;  and, 
in  Plant  Maintenance,  Syed  Hussaini  has 
been  promoted  from  mechanical  engineer 
n  to  mechanical  engineer  HI. 

Now  serving  as  training  coordinators, 
Human  Resources-Training/Development 
Programs,  are  Juanita  Fields,  former  of- 
fice equipment  clerk.  Management  Services, 
and  Colleen  Cannon,  former  reception 
clerk.  Materials  Management.  Carol 
Musto,  former  job  classification  clerk. 
Human  Resources-Job  Classification,  has 
been  chosen  confidential  office  assistant. 
Labor  Relations. 

Roosevelt  Graham,  former  driver,  69th 
Street,  has  been  appointed  travel  informa- 
tion representative.  Travel  Information 
Center.  Lynn  Bretz,  former  principal 
placement  clerk.  Human  Resources-Em- 
ployment &  Placement,  has  been  named 
general  clerk,  Skokie  Shop. 

In  Financial  Services,  Josephine  O'Kray 
has  moved  from  payroll  relief  clerk.  Pay- 
roll, to  revenue  records  clerk.  Revenue 
Accounting.  Brenda  Alston,  former  medi- 
cal technician.  Medical,  has  been  selected 


payroll  clerk,  Financial  Services.  Emer- 
son Lee,  former  driver.  Archer,  has  been 
chosen  unit  exchange  clerk.  South  Shops. 

Three  new  utility  clerks  have  been  as- 
signed to  the  Law  Department:  Gloria 
Mosqueda,  former  stenographer,  Financial 
Services;  Ellen  Koslnski,  former  sugges- 
tion records  clerk.  Human  Resources-Job 
Classification;  and  Mary  Garcia,  former 
typist,  Transportation-Howard.  JoCarol 
Huston,  former  agent.  West  Section,  has 
become  typist,  Financial  Services,  and 
Hermellnda  Morales,  formerly  unassigned 
clerk-typist.  Human  Resources-Employ- 
ment &  Placement,  is  now  typist.  Mainte- 
nance. 

Ernesto  Antonio,  former  engineering 
assistant,  Engineering,  has  been  selected 
testing  engineer.  Plant  Maintenance.  Jorge 
Bolanos,  former  agent.  North  Section,  has 
become  electrical  worker  apprentice. 
South  Shops.  At  Skokie  Shop,  Michael  Fa- 
bian has  moved  from  assembler  helper  to 
blacksmith/welder  apprentice. 

Edward  Sayles,  former  driver.  Archer, 
and  Dennis  Arendt,  former  bus  repairer, 
North  Park,  have  been  chosen  service 
truck  chauffeurs,  Transportation-Utility. 
In  Plant  Maintenance,  John  Rebacz  has  been 
promoted  from  blacksmith/welder  to  tool 
fire  blacksmith. 

Diane  Hymon,  former  driver.  Limits, 
has  been  reassigned  to  bindery  worker. 
South  Shops.  Scott  Stone,  carpenter,  has 
moved  from  South  Shops  to  Plant  Mainte- 
nance, while  Armando  Martinez,  laborer, 
formerly  at  South  Shops,  is  now  in  the  same 
position  at  Skokie  Shop. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Representatives  from  six  transit  companies  met  with  CTA  management 
to  share  information  on  special  transportation  provisions  for  elderly 
and  handicapped  transit  riders  in  their  cities.  CTA  officials  at  the 
center  table    hosting    this   session    were,   from    left:    Harold    Hirsch, 


manager.  Operations  Planning;  Harold  H,  Geissenheimer,  General 
Operations  Manager;  William  Mansker,  secretary,  CTA  Board,  and 
Ernest  Sawyer,  special  assistant  to  the  Chairman. 


Peer  group  review  aids  E  &  H  service  planning 


Pending  federal  legislation  concern- 
ing the  needs  of  elderly  and  handi- 
capped riders  prompted  a  meeting  of 
CTA  management  with  peers  from  six 
transit  areas  in  similar  operating  envir- 
onments who  already  provide  service 
for  this  special  class  of  riders. 

The  two-day  October  meeting  con- 
vened in  Chicago,  and  was  funded  by 
the  Urban  Mass  Transportation  Admin- 
istration. Sharing  information  on 
transportation  programs  now  underway 
for  elderly  and  disabled  citizens  were 
representatives  from  Boston,  Cleveland, 
Denver,  Milwaukee,  Minneapolis-St. 
Paul,  and  Pittsburgh. 

Harold  H.  Geissenheimer,  General 
Operations  Manager,  who  chaired  the 
peer  group  review  and  studied  the 
special  services  of  the  other  systems, 
said,  "We  invited  them  to  come  and 
share  their  information  with  us  be- 
cause we  wanted  to  benefit  from  their 
experience  in  this  totally  new  concept 
of  transportation.  We  did  not  want 
to  re-invent  a  transportation  serivce. 
Thus,  we  felt  that  the  peer  group 
review  was  an  important  step  in  the 
planning  process." 

CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes 
also  visited  systems  in  Cleveland  and 
Pittsburgh  and  met  personally  with 
the  peer  group  to  learn  of  their  ex- 
periences. The  meeting  was  coordina- 
ted by  Barbara  Colwell  and  Anthony 
Borcic  of  the  Human  Resources  de- 
partment's Training/Development  pro- 
grams section. 

Since  that  meeting,  the  CTA,  in  con- 
junction with  the  Chicago  Area  Trans- 
portation Study,  has  announced  a 
proposed  alternative  compUance  plan 
that  provides  for  hft-equipped  mini- 
bus service  throughout  Chicago  on  a 
demand-response  basis.  The  plan 
includes  making  28  rapid  transit 
stations  accessible  with  elevators  or 
ramps  and  purchasing  full-size  buses 
with  hfts. 

Chairman  Barnes  said  the  proposed 
'  Alternative  Compliance  Plan  '  which 
provides   more  than  the  law  requires. 


will  commence  in  September  1981 
with  20  lift-equipped  buses. 

In  connection  with  plans  to  imple- 
ment this  city-wide  service,  the  CTA 
Transportation  department  has  named 
Isaac  Beal,  assistant  superintendent 
at  69th  Street  garage,  to  be  superinten- 
dent of  transportation  service  for  the 
elderly  and  handicapped. 

Under  Beal,  the  new  section  will 
provide  special  accommodations  for 
elderly  and  handicapped  riders  includ- 
ing door-to-door  service. 

Presently,  Beal  is  gathering  informa- 
tion on  the  proposed  program  through 
seminars  and  other  in-service  training, 
and  meeting  with  special  interest 
groups  for  the  elderly  and  handicapped. 

He  joined  the  CTA  in  1959  as  a 
bus  operator  and  was  appointed  assis- 
tant superintendent  in  1974.  His  CTA 
career  has  also  included  a  stint  as 
instructor  at  the  Limits  Training 
Center,  as  well  as  a  Central  District 
supervisor. 

Beal  and  his  wife,  the  former  Maude 


William  Wong 

Baker,  are  the  parents  of  two  daugh- 
ters, both  students  at  Lindbloom  high 
school. 

Another  appointee  named  in  connec- 
tion with  the  Elderly  and  Handicapped 
Services  program  is  Wilham  Wong, 
named  bus  supervisor.  Bus  Garages,  and 
assigned  to  coordinate  the  Maintenance 
department's  special  services  for  the 
elderly  and  handicapped.  He  is  also 
meeting  with  special  interest  groups 
on  program  proposals. 

Wong  has  held  various  supervisory 
posts  in  the  Transportation  department 
since  joining  the  CTA  in  1967  as  a  bus 
serviceman.  His  most  recent  super- 
visory responsibility  was  a  unit  super- 
visor, Intern-Automotive. 

He  has  also  observed  and  instructed 
employees  in  bus  garages  and  rail 
terminals,  and  worked  as  administra- 
tive assistant  to  the  general  operations 
manager. 

Wong  and  his  wife,  Pat,  are  also  the 
parents  of  two  daughters. 


DECEMBER,  1980 


Looking  for  the 
racer's  edge 


Art  Filip's  fondest  wish  was  that 
Mayor  Jane  Byrne's  proposal  for  a 
July  Fourth  "Grand  Prix"  auto  race 
down  Michigan  avenue  next  summer 
would  get  the  green  flag. 

The  CTA  Jefferson  Park  yard  fore- 
man hoped  he  would  have  the  oppor- 
tunity to  don  his  helmet  and  other 
racing  garb,  strap  on  his  sleek,  super 
fast  Lola  360  Formula  Atlantic  road 
racer  and  bum  to  the  finish  line  before 
a  crowd  of  Chicago  racing  fans. 

Although  the  Mayor  recently  can- 
celled plans  for  this  summer's  race, 
Filip  is  preparing  for  an  exciting  racing 
season.  The  20-year  CTA  veteran  plans 
to  spend  the  winter  overhauling  his 
racer  and  getting  it  ready  for  the  June 
Sprints  in  Elkhart  Lake,  Wisconsin. 
"We  will  tear  the  car  down  and  check 
everything.  Even  the  paint  will  be 
stripped  as  we  look  for  tolerances." 

When  Filip  says  "we,"  he  means  his 
whole  family  will  become  involved  in 
the  project.  "Oh  yes,"  he  insisted, 
"its  a  family  thing,  that's  the  only  way. 

"My  family  gets  involved  in  each 
event  that  I  race.  We  make  it  an  out- 
ing. Often  we  camp  out  at  the  race 
site."  His  wife  Shirley,  the  team 
manager,  works  in  the  pit  or  at  the 
paddock  alongside  their  sons,  Jon,  22, 
Douglas,  18,  and  Nick,  19,  who  is  also 
a  racer,  and  their  daughter,  Doraine, 
age  13. 

Every  step  taken  by  Art  and  the 
family  crew  is  recorded  to  give  him 
up-to-the-minute  data  of  the  car's 
performance,  and  the  subsequent  main- 
tenance. 

"We  spend  a  lot  of  time  working 
on  the  car,  trying  to  improve  its  time  at 
the  finish  line.  You  know,  its  all  a 
matter  of  who  can  out  fox  whom," 
he  said.  "You  search,  and  search,  and 
search  for  the  trick  that  makes  you  just 
a  little  faster  than  the  next  guy;  that's 
where  the  fun  really  is." 

His  Lola  360  is  1 ,035  pounds  of 
aluminum  and  fiberglas.  "We've  done 
everything  to  get  the  weight  down  as 
much  as  possible,  including  replacing 
the  regular  battery  with  a  smaller 
garden  tractor  battery.  The  only  thing 
left  now  is  for  me  to  drop  to  about 
180  pounds,"  he  said,  referring  to  his 
own  body  weight. 

Filip's  225  pounds,  his  driving 
techniques,  the  engineering  of  the  car, 
the  fuel  mixture,  and  the  tire  pressure, 
all  play  a  role  in  the  amount  of  time 
it  takes  him  to  get  to  the  finish  line. 

Unlike  most  race  drivers,  Filip  is 
not  as  concerned  about  winning,  at 
least  winning  big,  as  he  is  about  finish- 
ing a  race.  He  has  zoomed  around 
some  of  America's  most  famous  tracks 
at  speeds  in  excess  of  165   miles  per 


Jefferson  Park  yard  foreman.  Art  Filip  checks  out  a  train  before  it  leaves  the  yard  with  the  same 
concern  he  gives  his  road  racer  before  he  enters  a  competition.  His  Lola  360  Formula  Atlantic 
road  racer,  previously  owned  by  racer  Paul  Kelleher,  is  shown  speeding  down  the  track  at  the  June 
Sprints  in  Elkhart  Lake,  Wisconsin,  with  Filip  at  the  wheel. 


hour  with  the  best  of  the  well  known 

racers guys  like  Mario  Andretti, 

Tony  Bettenhauser,  and  Bobby  Unser. 

"These  guys  race  all  the  time  while 
I  only  get  to  the  track  about  four  or 
five  times  a  year,  so  winning  really 
isn't  a  big  thing  with  me.  I'm  happy  if 
I  finish,"  Filip  said.  However,  his 
co-workers  at  Jefferson  Park  are 
anxious  for  him  to  win  since  he  has 
promised  them  a  party  when  it  happens. 

"I  enjoy  the  charisma  that  goes  with 
racing,"  said  Filip.  "Getting  the  car 
ready  for  the  big  event,  and  being  there 
with  other  racing  people  is  really  what 
it  is  all  about.    After  all,  the  race  itself 


is  over  in  about  an  hour,"  he  said. 

FiUp  has  been  driving  race  cars  since 
he  was  a  teenager.  First  it  was  stock 
cars.  In  the  late  50's  Art  Filip  com- 
peted at  Meadowdale  raceway  in 
Carpentersville,  a  track  that  disap- 
peared when  real  estate  developers 
moved  into  the  area.  Later  he  raced 
at  Soldier  Field  until  his  enthusiasm 
for  stockcars  waned  and  he  turned  to 
road  racing. 

"In  all  my  racing  I've  never  had  a 

win came  close  once,  but  I  didn't 

finish  the  race,"  he  recalled.  "I  was 
running  second  at  Elkhart  when  the 
engine   developed  some  problems  and 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


wmmmmmmmmmm 


h^^'^^-^-^' 


that  was  that.  I  was  out  of  the  race." 

Road  racing  has  to  be  a  safe  sport, 
or  the  Filips  wouldn't  allow  their  son, 
Nick,  to  emulate  his  father.  The 
younger  Filip  is  every  bit  as  enthusi- 
astic about  the  sport  as  his  father,  and, 
under  Art's  tutelage,  he  has  developed 
into  an  excellent  driver.  "He  qualified 
his  first  time  on  the  track,  heating  out 
a  nine-year  veteran  at  Elkhart.  He 
shows  tremendous  potential,"  Art  said 
proudly. 

MUe  for  mOe,  road  racing  is  safer 
than  driving  on  the  expressway.  A 
racer  knows  that  erratic  driving  can 
cost  him  Ms  hcense  and  put  him  out 
of  the  sport  for  good.  "So,"  said  Filip, 
"we  don't  take  risks  because  we  enjoy 
racing   and   we   respect   each  other  as 


drivers." 

Although  race  drivers  are  observant 
of  the  rules  and  respect  each  other,  as 
FUip  points  out,  their  machines  are 
also  built  with  a  number  of  safety 
factors  considered  and  they  are  cap- 
able of  absorbing  a  tremendous  amount 
of  shock. 

Among  the  safety  features  included 
is  a  layer  of  foam  on  top  of  the  fuel 
supply  to  prevent  an  explosion  in  case 
of  a  rear  end  collision.  The  clothing 
worn  by  the  driver  is  designed  to  resist 
heat  or  flame  for  a  minimum  of  30 
seconds,     which     gives     the      'comer 

workers' those  people  stationed  at 

various  intervals  along  the  track  -  -  - 
time  to  rescue  the  driver  in  case  of 
a  fire. 


As  a  race  driver,  Filip  says,  if  you're 
keeping  score  or  making  comparisons, 
he  figures  he's  about  13th  or  some- 
where in  the  second  10.  "I  enjoy  the 
sport  and  I'll  keep  on  driving  until  the 
old  reflexes  and  vision  start  to  go," 
said  Filip.  "I  figure  it  will  be  time  to 
hang  it  up  then." 

What  has  he  accomphshed  on  the 
track?  Well,  says  Filip,  "Fve  driven 
with  the  best  of  them  and  I've  finished 
with  the  best  of  them,  and  that's  all 
anybody  who  drives  occasionally  could 
ask.  It  makes  us  equal. 


Left:    Nick  Filip  checks  out  his  racer  after  it 
was  overhauled. 


Right:  This  is  the  final  moment  before  the 
race  gets  underway.  Filip  says  the  only  thing 
now  is  to  "go  fast  and  hope  it  lasts."  (Photo 
by  Marty  Grannan) 


DECEMBER,  1980 


Mexican  officials  tour 
CTA  facilities 

On  Wednesday,  October  29th,  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M. 
Barnes,  General  Operations  Manager  Harold  H.  Geissenheimer, 
Operations  Planning  Manager  Harold  Hirsch,  and  other  CTA 
employees  welcomed  a  group  of  Me.xican  Legislators  and 
Officers  of  the  Federal  District  Department  of  Mexico. 

The  Mexican  visitors  were  members  of  a  study  commis- 
sion, which  toured  major  U.S.  cities  including  Washington, 
New  York,  Chicago,  and  Los  Angeles.  Their  objective  was 
to  learn  about  the  financing,  planning,  and  methods  of  opera- 
tion of  the  public  services,  and  to  obtain  information  regard- 
ing problems  and  solutions  in  urban  development. 

Tlie  group's  itinerary,  which  included  a  visit  to  CTA 
facilities,  was  coordinated  by  Pat  Vidri,  Administrative 
Assistant  to  Mayor  Byrne,  and  the  Mexican  Consulate  in 
Chicago.  Distinguished  guests  included  the  following  Mexi- 
can Congressmen:  Joaquin  Alvarez  Ordonez,  Miguel  Angel 
Camposeco,  Rodolfo  Siller  Rodriguez  and  Mrs.  Siller  Rod- 
riguez, Enrique  Haboc  Soriano,  Francisco  Javier  Aponte, 
Cuauhtemoc  Amezcua  Dromundo,  Hiran  Escudero,  Manuel 
Terrazas  Guerrero  and  Carlos  Sanchez  Cardenas.  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  Federal  District  Department  were;  Luis 
Dominguez  Pomerente,  Cesar  Herrera,  Javier  Caraveo  and 
Carlos  Stephen,  Jr.  The  group  was  accompanied  by  inter- 
preters Mario  Reynoso  and  Ernesto  Aguilar. 

At  9  a.m.,  the  group  was  greeted  by  CTA  officials  at  the 
Randolph  and  Wells  elevated  station,  where  they  boarded  a 
special  Lake-Dan  Ryan  train  for  a  tour  to  the  63rd  Street 
station.  Harold  Hirsch  described  the  main  points  of  interest 
in  the  city,  and  his  comments  were  translated  into  Spanish 
by  Miguel  Barron,  the  conductor  on  the  train. 

After  the  rail  tour,  a  reception  was  held  in  the  CTA  board 
room.  Diane  Garcia,  who  recently  joined  CTA  as  a  con- 
fidential office  assistant  in  the  Chairman's  Office,  opened 
the  reception  program  by  welcoming  the  guests  in  Spanish 
and  introducing  them  to  the  audience.  Chairman  Barnes 
expressed  his  appreciation  for  their  interest  in  CTA  and 
reiterated  his  willingness  to  assist  them  in  every  way  pos- 
sible in  learning  the  operation  of  our  system.  His  remarks 
were  simultaneously  translated  into  Spanish  by  interpreter 
Mario  Reynoso. 

The  program  also  featured  the  presentation  of  "The  Urban 
Challenge,"  a  videotape  produced  by  the  Training/Develop- 
ment programs  section  of  the  Human  Resources  department. 
Elda  Leal  of  Public  Affairs  addressed  the  audience  in  Spanish, 


Top  left:  At  the  Merchandise  Mart  station,  interpreter  Mario  Reynoso 
(left).  General  Operations  Manager  Harold  Geissenheimer  (second  from 
left),  and  Chairman  Eugene  Barnes  (right),  thank  Conductor  Miguel 
Barron  (center,  left)  and  Motorman  Francisco  Martinez  for  the  excel- 
lent service  provided  during  the  tour.  Barron's  simultaneous  Spanish 
translation  over  the  train  speakers  of  Harold  Hirsch's  tour  commentary 
was  especially  appreciated  by  the  visitors. 

Above:  Joby  Berman  (right),  manager.  External  Affairs,  and  Diane 
Garcia,  confidential  office  assistant,  Chairman's  Office,  applaud  remarks 
by  Mexican  Congressman  Enrique  Haboc  Soriano,  as  interpreter  Mario 
Reynoso  (left)  looks  on. 


John  Schwartz  (seated),  superintendent.  Travel  Information  Center, 
demonstrates  operation  of  a  travel  information  representative's  con- 
sole. 

introducing  Ms.  Joby  Berman,  manager.  External  Affairs 
Division,  and  briefly  described  the  areas  of  responsibility  of 
her  division.  Coffee  and  Mexican  sweet  roUs  were  served  at 
the  end  of  the  program. 

A  group  of  CTA  employees  of  Mexican  descent  attended 
the  reception  at  the  Chairman's  invitation.  This  enabled  the 
visitors  to  meet  employees  and  feel  "at  home"  while  learning 
about  CTA  operations. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  tour,  which  also  included  the 
Control  Center  and  the  Travel  Information  Center,  the  dele- 
gation thanked  the  CTA  for  a  warm  welcome  and  expressed 
admiration  for  our  advanced  public  transportation  system 
and  well  organized  operations. 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


CTA  honored  by  Chicago  Urban  League 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M. 
Barnes  was  the  recipient  of  a 
Chicago  Urban  League  Certificate 
of  Appreciation  in  recognition  of 
his  chairmanship  of  the  1980  Chi- 
cago Urban  League  membership 
fund  drive. 

James  E.  Taylor,  the  Chicago 
Urban  League's  vice  president  of 
Program  and  Field  Operations, 
presented  the  award  to  Chairman 
Barnes  followingthe  organization' s 
annual  October  business  meeting. 

As  head  of  the  1980  member- 
ship drive  effort.  Chairman 
Barnes  also  presented  47  similar 
awards  to  campaign  workers  in- 
cluding CTA  Board  Member  Ernie 
Banks,  and  the  Rev.  Frederick 
Randall,  a  driver  assigned  to  the 
77th  Street  Garage. 

Banks  was  given  recognition 
for  his  participation  as  the  drive's 
Sports  Committee  co-chairman. 
Randall,  who  joined  the  CTA  in 
March  1966,  is  pastor  of  the  Lake 
Shore  Center  of  Truth.  He  was 
presented  a  certificate  in  recog- 
nition of  his  staimch  support  of  the 
Chicago  Urban  League,  which  ul- 
timately led  to  League  member- 
ship for  his  entire  congregation. 


The  Rev.  Frederick  Randall  gets  a  warm  reception  from  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  at 
annual  meeting  of  the  Chicago  Urban  League.  The  CTA  driver  encouraged  his  entire  congregation 
to  support  the  Urban  League  membership  drive. 


CTA  Chairman  Barnes  accepts  a  certificate  of  appreciation  from 
Chicago  Urban  League  Vice-President  James  E.  Taylor  at  annual  awards 
program. 


Sports  Committee  co-chairman  Ernie  Banks,  accepting  congratulations 
from  Taylor,  was  among  CTA  people  given  recognition  for  participation 
with  the  annual  membership  drive. 


DECEMBER,  1980 


13 


Enrique  Gonzalez 
earns  citizenship 

Enrique  Gonzalez,  a  bilingual  (English-Spanish) 
travel  information  representative,  became  a  U.S. 
citizen  on  Wednesday,  October  29.  His  wife.  Maxima 
Irene,  obtained  her  citizenship  two  days  later. 

Gonzalez,  a  native  from  Havana,  Cuba,  who  im- 
migrated to  the  U.S.  in  August,  1973,  joined  CTA  in 
1975  as  a  bus  cleaner.  SLx  months  later  he  became  a 
repairman  at  the  77th  Street  garage,  after  passing  his 
training  with  a  95  per  cent  average.  During  that 
period,  he  attended  school  in  the  mornings  to  improve 
his  English  and  obtain  his  GED  diploma.  He  has  been 
working  as  a  bilingual  travel  information  representa- 
tive since  October,  1976,  where  he  is  considered  to 
be  a  valuable  employee. 

In  1979,  in  recognition  of  his  dedication  and  out- 
standing motivation  to  excel,  Gonzalez  was  nominated 
by  the  CTA  to  the  Superior  Public  Service  Award 
Program  under  the  category  of  Outstanding  Clerical 
Employee.  The  program  is  a  means  of  bringing  to  the 
attention  of  the  public  the  high  caliber  of  devoted  em- 
ployees in  public  service. 

Gonzalez's  next  goal  is  to  obtain  a  degree  in 
Business  x\dministration.  He  recently  started  a  cor- 
respondence course  through  the  LaSalle  Extension 
University  of  Chicago. 


Proud  new  citizen  Enrique  Gonzalez  (center)  receives  congratulations 
from  John  Schwartz,  superintendent.  Travel  Information  Center,  and 
Naomi  Tillman,  manager.  Consumer  Services,  during  a  reception  held  in 
his  honor  in  the  Travel  Information  Center. 

Gonzalez  and  his  wife,  who  were  professional  radio 
announcers  and  actors  in  Cuba  and  Russia  before  im- 
migrating to  the  U.S.,  have  participated  in  commer- 
cials for  the  Spanish  media  in  Chicago^  They  are  also 
active  members  of  the  Covenant  Churches  of  America. 


911  platform  telephone 
aids  in  rescue  effort 


Qmck  thinking  by  the  son  of  a 
CTA  retiree  may  have  saved  the 
life  of  a  rider  who  fell  on  the 
tracks  of  the  Lake  Street  elevated 
structure  September  24.  Harry 
Brooks,  whose  father  \vlth  the 
same  name  retired  as  a  personnel 
investigator  in  1976,  said  that  when 
he  reached  the  eastbound  platform 
at  Halsted  near  midnight,  he  no- 
ticed a  pair  of  shoes. 

Moments  later  a  barefoot  man 
appeared  from  the  stairway  op- 
posite the  one  Brooks  had  used, 
stumbled  across  the  platform,  and 
fell  onto  the  tracks.  In  the  distance 
off  to  the  west.  Brooks  could  see 
the  lights  of  an  oncoming  train. 
He  knew  he  would  have  to  act 
quickly  if  the  man  was  to  be  saved. 

Brooks  looked  around  and  saw 
one  of  the  new  public  telephones 
that  have  been  installed  at  rapid 


transit  station  platforms.  He 
picked  it  up  and  called  directly  to 
the  power  supervisor's  desk  in  the 
CTA  Control  Center  in  the  Mer- 
chandise Mart,  telling  power  con- 
troller John  Angelo  about  the 
emergency., 

While  instructing  rail  control- 
ler Frenchie  Ellis  to  alert  the 
crews  on  approaching  trains,  An- 
gelo cut  power  for  both  east  and 
westbound  trains.  Brooks,  mean- 
while, jimiped  down  to  track  level 
to  tiy  to  lead  the  errant  rider  to 
safety. 

Instead  of  responding  to  Brooks' 
offer  of  help,  however,  the  man 
struggled  with  him  and  caught  his 
feet  in  a  gratingo  Soon  South  Rail 
District  supervisor  Sidney  Ed- 
wards and  intern  Johnny  Holifield 
arrived  on  the  scene  to  complete 
the    rescue    effort,   and,  once  the 


Harry  Brooks 

drama  ended.  Brooks  took  the  first 
eastboimd  train  home  for  a  well- 
earned  night's  rest. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Remodeled  Granville 
station  dedicated 

The  new  Granville  station  on  the  North-South  rapid 
transit  route  was  opened  to  the  public  following  the 
dedication  of  the  facility  by  Mayor  Jane  M.  Byrne  and 
CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  on  November  11. 

The  new  station,  which  cost  $1,731,000,  provides 
riders  with  modern  facilities  and  conveniences,  in- 
cluding protection  from  rain  and  snow,  bright  lighting, 
an  escalator,  and  an  elevator  for  handicapped  persons. 

The  new  concrete  platform  is  530  feet  long  and  12 
feet  wide.  The  tubular  steel  canopy  extends  the  length 
of  the  platform  and  is  23  feet  wide  to  cover  both  the 
platform  and  the  trains. 

The  platform  has  three  18-foot  long  windbreaks 
with  steel  frames  and  tempered  glass  wallSo  The 
windbreak  nearest  the  escalator,  stairwell,  and  ele- 
vator has  four  passenger-operated  infra-red  heaters. 

The  street-level  station  building  on  the  south  side 
of  Granville  replaces  the  original  63-year  old  station. 

The  front  of  the  station  facing  Granville  has  a  45- 
foot  long  entrance  of  stainless  steel-trimmed  glass 
doors  and  glass  walls  for  maximum  visibility  into  the 
station  from  the  street. 

Walls  of  the  station  building  are  of  white  glazed 
brick  with  speckles  of  black.  In  addition  to  the  ticket 
agent's  booth,  there  are  four  coin-operated  turnstiles, 
and  two  turnstiles  controlled  by  the  agent  for  access 
by  the  handicapped. 

The  elevator,  connecting  the  station  with  the  train 
platform,  has  three  walls  of  glass  and  will  accommo- 
date one  wheelchair  and  several  standing  persons. 

A  public  address  system  has  been  installed  in  the 
station  building  and  on  the  platfomi  for  broadcasting 
rider  information. 


Granville    platform    features    modern    backlit   graphics    and    passenger 
controlled  infrared  heaters. 


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Mayor  Byrne  and  Chairman  Barnes  welcome  the  press  to  the  station 
opening. 


Ground  level  improvements  include  clear  view  from  street,  new  turn- 
stiles, and  an  elevator  for  handicapped  riders,  shown  at  right. 

The  station  was  built  by  Ross,  Lynn,  and  Norman 
Construction  Company,  of  Skolde,  and  designed  by 
Dubin,  Dubin,  Black  &  Moutoussamy,  of  Chicago. 

Funding  for  the  project  was  provided  by  the  federal 
and  state  governments. 


DECEMBER,  1980 


15 


safety  awards 


Top  winners  for  the  third  quarter,  1980  CTA  Public 
Safety  Awards  for  operating  personnel  were  Forest  Glen 
garage  and  the  Harlem-Lake  'L'  terminal. 

Forest  Glen  isn't  a  stranger  to  the  award.  The  garage 
received  the  award  in  the  first  quarter  of  1980  only  to  see 
it  won  by  the  Archer  garage  in  the  second  quarter. 

Since  the  safety  award  program  began  in  1961,  Forest 
Glen  has  held  the  coveted  Interstation  Safety  Contest  plaque 
10  times. 

The  Interstation  Safety  Contest  plaque  in  the  trainroom 
of  the  Harlem-Lake  terminal  for  the  third  quarter,  1980, 
is  a  ffleasant  sight  for  crew  personnel.  They  last  won  the 
award  for  the  first  quarter,  1979. 

For  the  terminal's  old  timers,  the  plaque  is  like  an  old 
friend.  This  terminal  has  held  the  plaque  17  times  since 
the  contest  began  in  1961 . 


Bus  operators  John  Kurinec  (left)  and  Emmit  Beard  receive  Outstand- 
ing Employee  Award  and  congratulations  from  Harry  Reddrick, 
director.  Transportation  Personnel. 


Ed  Henry  (2nd  from  left),  supervisor,  safety  performance  analysis,  Safety,  presents  Interstation 
Safety  Contest  award  plaque  to  Hugh  Masterson,  superintendent.  Forest  Glen  garage.  Joining 
in  the  ceremony  are  John  Bork  (left),  assistant  superintendent,  and  Ed  Weston  (right),  assistant 
superintendent,  Forest  Glen. 


Superintendent  Stanley  Christ  (right),  Harlem- 
Lake  terminal,  receives  Interstation  Safety 
Contest  award  plaque  for  the  third  quarter, 
1980,  from  Thomas  Boyle,  manager.  Safety. 


Surface  Lines  retirees 
please  note 

Retired  streetcar  motormen  or  conductors  who  live 
in  the  San  Diego  -  Los  Angeles  area  may  be  surprised 
to  learn  there  is  someone  nearby  who  Is  anxious  to  hear 
their  tales  of  adventure  on  the  rails.  Howard  Browne, 
a  novelist  living  in  Carlsbad,  California,  Is  working  on 
a  book  in  which  one  of  the  characters  is  a  Chicago 
Surface  Lines  conductor  in  the  1920's  and  '30's,  and 
he  wants  to  learn  more  about  the  job  and  times  in 
which  streetcars  were  the  mainstay  of  Chicago's  trans- 
portation system. 

You  can  call  Browne  collect  at  Area  Code  714- 
436-0790,  or  write  him  at  3303  La  Costa  Avenue, 
Carlsbad,  CA  90028. 


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Special  Recognition  Award  recipients  Conductor  Robert  Crawford 
(left),  and  Motorman  Cleo  Griffin  (right),  smile  with  appreciation 
after  receiving  awards  from  Michael  LaVelle,  director.  Transportation 
Service,  at  ceremony  in  Harlem-Lake  terminal  train  room. 


16 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Ronald  Utiey 
named  Master  of 
Masonic  Lodge 

CTA  bus  operator  Ronald  C. 
Utley,  assigned  to  the  Forest  Glen 
garage,  has  been  named  Worship- 
ful Master  of  the  West  Irving- 
Blair  Lodge  271,  Ancient  Free  and 
Accepted  Masons. 

Utley  and  other  lodge  officers 
were  installed  in  office  in  a  cere- 
mony conducted  last  month  at  the 
Arlington  Heights  Masonic  Temple, 
1104  S.  Arlington  Heights  Road. 

Participating  as  installing  of- 
ficers were  CTA  retirees  Russell 
E.  Gimderson,  marshal;  William  L. 
Woebel,  chaplain;  Rodger  Reed, 
secretary,  and  William  Powell, 
senior  deacon. 


Ronald  C.  Utley,  left,  is  congratulated  after  being  installed  as  Worshipful  Master  of  West  Irving- 
Blair  Lodge  271  AF&AM  by  George  Chandler,  Worshipful  Master  of  Union  Park  Lodge  610. 
Chandler  is  a  machinist  assigned  to  the  frog  shop.  West  Shops. 


Worshipful  Brother  William  L.  Woebel,  chaplain,  left,  and  Utley  kneel 
in  prayer  before  the  investiture  ceremony. 


Worshipful  Brother  Mort  Simpson,  past  master  and  installing  officer, 
crowns  Utley  with  the  top  hat  which  is  symbolic  of  his  office. 


Officiating  at  last  month's  investiture  of  officers  were  past  masters  William  Powell,  senior  deacon; 
Rodger  Reed,  secretary;  Mort  Simpson,  installing  officer;  Russell  E.  Gunderson,  marshal,  and 
William  L.  Woebel,  chaplain.  All  except  Simpson  are  CTA  retirees. 


The  worshipful  master  and  Mrs.  Maria  Utley. 


DECEMBER,  1980 


17 


CTA  Sports  opens 
1981  basketball  season 


The  CTA  Basketball  League  opened  its  1980-81 
season  on  Sunday,  November  2,  at  the  Washington 
Park  Fieldhouse,  55th  and  King  Drive  with  13  teams 
participating. 

The  first  games  of  the  season  started  \vith  77th 
Street  downing  North  Park  #1,  51-35;  West  Side  'L' 
edging  out  69th  Street,  48-42;  North  Avenue  beating 
North  Park  #2,  59-51,  and  General  Office  defeating 
South  Shops,  60-41. 

Games  are  played  each  Sunday  morning  (until 
Christmas)  starting  at  9:30  a.m.,  and  each  Tuesday 
and  Thursday  night  beginning  at  7:30  p.m.  Everyone 
is  invited  to  come  out  and  root  for  their  favorite  team. 


Top  right:     E.  Burkes,  West  Side  'L'  goes  high  to  tal<e  rebound  away 
from  Jones  of  69th  Street. 

Right:    W.  Baker,  North  Park,  grabs  rebound  as  other  team  members 
watch. 

Bottom  left:     B.  Jenkins,  General  Office,  out  jumps  R.  Parrish,  South 
Shops,  for  the  tip-off. 

Bottom  right:    J.  Harvey,  43,  and  J.  Millbrook,  30,  General  Office,  out 
muscle   South  Shop  player  for  rebound. 


18 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


THOMAS  DUNLEAVY,  Motorman, 

Forest  Park,  Emp.  7-6-50 
DAVID  FISHER,  Utility  Clerk, 

Security,  Emp.  11-18-57 
CHARLES  LOWERY,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  11-17-48 
FRED  MORGAN,  Janitor, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  11-6-69 
WILLIAM  MOUNT,  Motorman, 

South  Section,  Emp.  3-8-47 
WANTTA  NAMYST,  Ticket  Agent, 

North  Section,  Emp.  11-10-56 
CHARLES  ROBINSON,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  1-10-56 


DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

JESSE  COLBERT,  Car  Repairer, 

98th  Street,  Emp.  7-24-69 
CHARLES  DAVIS,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  1-23-51 
LAWRENCE  LATHAM,  Foot  Collector, 

Transportation,  Emp.  2-24-67 
HERBERT  SLACK,  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  6-23-58 


Sailing  in  Mobile  Bay  down  Alabama  way  is 
Pensioner  Joe  Osterberger  who  fishes  for  shrimp 
and  other  edible  denizens  of  the  deep.  Joe,  who 
retired  on  March  1,  1974,  as  a  security  super- 
visor II,  looks  as  if  he  just  stepped  out  of  the 
pages  of  Moby  Dick.  Our  thanks  to  Russ 
Warnstedt  for  submitting  this  picture  to  Transit 
News. 


"CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS  ' 

Volume  33  Number  12 

Published  for  employes  and  retirees  of  the  CTA, 
bv  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 
Manager.  Editorial  and  graphics  by  the  Public 
Affairs  Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager.  Transit 
News  Staff:  Mel  Alexander,  Christine  Borcic, 
Jack  Sowchin,  Jeff  Stern,  Rick  Willis.  Produced 
by  the  Administrative  Services  Unit  under  the 
direction  of  Charles  T.  Zanin. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employes.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  $2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


SOL  BERLIN,  72,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  3-5-45,  Died  10-1-80 
SUSAN  BLACK,  80,  South  Section, 

Emp.  1-6-19,  Died  9-5-80 
ELMER  BLOOM,  87,  Devon, 

Emp.  4-28-23,  Died  9-23-80 
JOSEPH  BOZINOVICH,  84,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  .5-10-21,  Died  10-28-80 
THOMAS  BROWN,  70,  South  Section, 

Emp.  2-28-57,  Died  10-29-80 
ELES  CADICHON,  44,  Way  &  Structures, 

Emp.  2-8-68,  Died  11-4-80 
THOMAS  CARMODY,  59,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  11-30-78,  Died  10-19-80 
MICHAEL  COMISKEY,  64,  Investigations, 

Emp.  3-23-49,  Died  11-13-80 
THOMAS  CONLON,  83,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  6-11-13,  Died  10-2-80 
LEON  DAVIS,  54,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  10-3-66,  Died  10-10-80 
VINCE  DONOHUE,  53,  Oper's  Planning, 

Emp.  5-15-47,  Died  10-12-80 
EMMA  DOUGLAS,  86,  South  Section, 

Emp.  10-23-46,  Died  10-27-80 
MICHAEL  DUHIG,  85,  Blue  Island, 

Emp.  7-21-26,  Died  10-15-80 
CHARLES  FUTTERER,  92,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  12-11-24,  Died  10-12-80 
LEO  GALLAGHER,  87,  Stores, 

Emp.  2-20-28,  Died  9-14-80 
VINCENZO  GARITI,  75,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  5-1-36,  Died  10-17-80 
JOSEPH  HENDERSON,  71,  Archer, 

Emp.  3-30-37,  Died  9-29-80 
MICHAEL  KALAL,  87,  Lawndale, 

Emp,  8-24-18,  Died  10-26-80 


ANDREW  KARIOLICH,  71,  North  Park, 

Emp.  11-22-30,  Died  10-12-80 
FRANK  KONCZAL,  76,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  4-14-26,  Died  10-17-80 
ANTONINO  LAZZARA,  83,  Track, 

Emp.  6-3-22,  Died  10-17-80 
MICHAEL  LENIHAN,  83,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  4-21-43,  Died  10-9-80 
JOSEPH  MATERN,  83,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  12-1-22,  Died  10-22-80 
STANLEY  MATURO,  51,  Harlem, 

Emp.  5-26-48,  Died  11-6-80 
PATRICK  O'BOYE,  78,  77th  Street, 

Empo  9-3-42,  Died  10-16-80 
ADOLPH  OLSON,  70,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  3-31-42,  Died  10-10-80 
RAYMOND  PRYOR,  68,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  2-18-36,  Died  10-18-80 
JAMES  SCANLON,  73,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  8-19-42,  Died  10-13-80 
LADDIE  SMACH,  76,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  10-22-26,  Died  10-25-80 
JAMES  SMITH,  64,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  3-13-51,  Died  10-15-80 
FRANK  SPICUZZA,  73,  West  Section, 

Emp.  3-13-44,  Died  10-25-80 
WALTER  SPONHOLZ,  85,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  3-16-23,  Died  10-12-80 
JOSEPH  STEPNK,  88,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  9-12-23,  Died  10-2-80 
WALTER  SUBAITIS,  84,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  4-14-23,  Died  10-28-80 
NELSON  TICE,  66,  Limits, 

Emp.  9-20-46,  Died  10-29-80 
JAMES  WHITLOCK,  78,  West  Section, 

Emp.  10-4-26,  Died  10-9-80 
STAFFORD  WINFRITH,  74,  Forest  Park, 

Emp.  5-15-51,  Died  10-16-80 


Service 
anniversaries 
1  in  December 


35  years 


40  years 


George  R.  Duszynski,  Forest  Glen 
Edward  K.  Graetz,  Howard/Kimball 
Raymond  Graham,  North  Avenue 
William  J.  Lemke,  Forest  Glen 
Ray  J.  Noakes,  Schedules 
Gerald  Phillips,  Skokie  Shop 


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30  years 


Michael  J.  Veltri 

Near  South  Area 


Leo  L.  Targosz,  Congress 


Stanley  M.  Zielinski 

Ashland/95th 


James  Batups,  69th  Street 
Mary  J.  Boski,  Forms/Records 
Francis  L.  Brady,  Employment 
John  Devine,  Stores/South 
Joseph  Kilcullen,  Stores/South 
Melvin  E.  Link,  Instruction 
Arthur  C.  Loman,  Ashland/95th 
John  B.  Mitchell,  Ashland/95th 
Adele  M.  Monson,  Forms  Design 
Martin  N.  Reynolds,  Howard/Kimball 
Willie  D.  Sudduth,  98th  Shop 
Joseph  A.  Vodvarka,  Transportation 
Edward  J.  Weston,  Far  North  Area 


25  years 


Elvin  J.  Carey,  Service 
James  Moore,  Utility 


DECEMBER,  1980 


19 


rui  / 


wishing 
you  a 
l-lappy 
New  Year 


My  family  and  I  extend  to  you  and  your  loved  ones  our  best  wishes  for 
healiii  and  happiness  in  1981  and  the  years  ahead. 

The  new  year  presents  a  challenge  to  all  of  us  as  our  nation  continues 
to  wage  a  battle  on  energy,  with  our  chief  objective  being  self-sufficiency. 
I  am  confident  that  through  our  continued  dedication  to  conservation,  and 
the  exploration  and  development  of  our  natural  resources,  we  will  win 
this  energy  war. 

While  all  of  us  at  the  CTA  are  striving  to  meet  the  energy  challenge, 
we  must  not  let  the  technical  aspects  of  this  great  effort  overshadow  the 
human  element.  Let  us  remember  that  our  ultimate  responsibility  is  to 
our  patrons.  We  are  certain  to  have  increasingly  more  riders  in  1981,  as 
more  and  more  of  our  citizens  recognize  in  this  new  year,  the  need  to 
conserve  our  resources  and  to  strive  for  energy  independence  in  this 
decade. 

One  of  my  personal  goals  for  the  new  year  is  to  insure  that  each  CTA 
employee  realizes  the  importance  of  his  or  her  individual  effort  in  pro- 
viding the  best  possible  service  to  our  riders. 

The  addition  of  new  equipment  to  our  rolling  stock,  more  moderniza- 
tion of  facilities  through  capital  development,  as  well  as  the  continued 
growth  of  the  individual  monthly  pass  sales  program,  already  a  highlight 
in  the  consumer  area,  are  among  the  accomplishments  for  which  we  are 
striving  in  the  new  year. 

High  priority  in  1981  will  be  given  to  the  continued  development  of  a 
program  to  serve  our  elderly  and  handicapped  citizens,  so  that  no  mem- 
ber of  the  public  will  be  denied  access  to  our  public  transportation  system. 

We  are  working  fervently  toward  this  goal  as  well  as  toward  the  con- 
tinued development  of  a  transit  security  program,  which  I  am  certain  will 
be  a  model  for  others. 

Moreover,  we  are  working  intensely  to  be  gracious  hosts  at  the  best 
convention  ever  in  the  history  of  the  American  Public  Transit  Association, 
when  It  meets  in  Chicago  In  October  1981. 

We  began  this  decade  with  great  strides  forward.  As  we  face  the  new 
year,  let  us  resolve  to  go  further  and  faster  pulling  together. 


Happy  New3^ar, 


:ugene  M.  Barnes,  Chairman 
Chicago  Transit  Authority 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMrr   No.    802t 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRARY 

NORTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EVANSTON,  IL         60201 


:ta  stps  RO&PBO 


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Harlem  terminal  sets  new 
maintenance  safety  recor 


Accidents  are  costly  to  individual  emf 
well  as  to  the  company,  so  a  year  without  an  accident 
or  even  one  lost  man-hour  is  a  record  any  working 
group  can  be  proud  of.  It's  certainly  worth  a  free 
lunch,  which  is  what  the  maintenance  crew  at  Harlem 
terminal  got  for  taking  literally  the  meaning  of  CTA's 
Zero  Accident  Program  (ZAP)  for  four  quarters  in  a 
row. 

The  lunch  resulted  from  a  "gentleman's  agreement" 
that  was  made  after  Harlem  won  its  second  consecutive 
quarterly  award  last  spring.  At  that  time  car  repairer 
Frank  Chiapetta  confidently  assured  Jim  Dudley,  su- 
pervisor. Maintenance  Safety,  that  he  and  his  col- 
leagues would  take  the  ZAP  award  for  the  next  two 
quarters,  if  not  longer.  "Will  you  buy  us  lunch  if  we 
do?"  he  asked  Dudley. 

"Sure  I  will,"  was  Dudley's  response,  never  antici- 
pating that  he  would  have  to  make  good  on  his  agree- 
ment. After  all,  no  maintenance  crew  in  the  10-year 
history  of  the  program  had  ever  gone  a  whole  year 
without  a  personal  injury. 

The  proud  smiles  and  satisfied  appetites  of  Har- 
lem's crew  December  15,  however,  proved  that  the 
"impossible"  could  be  accomplished  when  the  effort 
was  made.  And  the  effort  that  gave  Harlem  the  ZAP 
award  for  four  consecutive  quarters  involved  real 
teamwork    by    Chiapetta    and    43    other   maintenance 


T 


t'-y 


"^«ji 


Ihares  the  limelight  with  maintenance  management  in 
the  bay  at  Harlem  terminal  after  the  lunch  they  were  given  for  working 
faurxiya(t£rs  in  a  row  without  a  personal  injury. 

people  at  Harlem,  headed  by  Sheldon  Rita,  foreman. 

a,will  have  35  years  of  service  in  May,  said 
iH^oiter  personal  protective  equipment,  such 
as  safety  glasses  and  shoes,  have  no  value  tmless  they're 
used.  "They're  meant  to  be  worn,"  he  said,  "and  we've 
had  good  cooperation  from  all  our  people  in  keeping  them 
on  while  working."  (Cont'd  Page  2) 


An  early  Christmas  lunch  was  included  in  the  festivities  at  Harlem  terminal, 
where  Tom  Wolgemuth  (left),  manager.  Maintenance,  presented  Sheldon 
Rita,  dayforeman,  with  ZAP  award  for  employee  safety. 

FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

JANUARY,  1981 


Maintenance  safety  (continued) 

Sharing  first-place  honors  with  Harlem  in  the  third 
quarter  of  1980  was  the  other  end  of  the  Lake/Dan 
Ryan  maintenance  operation — 98th  Street,  which  com- 
pleted four  quarters  in  a  row  with  a  prize  of  either 
first  or  second  place.  On  the  bus  side  it  was  Limits 
that  had  a  perfect  record,  with  no  injuries  reported, 


while  69th  Street  won  a  first-place  prize  for  having 
the  least  number  of  injuries  among  garage  crews. 

Competition  within  each  shop  area  produced  awards 
for  Unit  Eebuild  at  South  Shops  and  Unit  Overhaul  at 
Skokie  Shop.  Within  Plant  Maintenance,  Signal,  Radio 
&  Telephone  won  the  award  in  the  Power  &  Way  area 
of  competition,  while  Rail  Janitors  took  first  place  in 
the  Buildings  &  Grounds  area. 


Fried  chicken,  mostaccioli,  Italian  sausage, 
potato  and  macaroni  salads,  a  relish  tray  and 
cookies  were  among  the  items  enjoyed  by 
maintenance  people  at  Harlem  for  achieving 
their  unique  safety  record. 


Top  left:  Receiving  a  congratulatory  handshake  from  Tom  Gecan  (left), 
supervisor.  North  Side  Garages,  Jim  Ward,  day  foreman,  accepts  ZAP 
award  for  Limits  garage,  which  recorded  no  personal  injuries  for  the 
third  quarter  of  1980. 


Top  right:  Len  Wiksten  (right),  director.  Plant  Maintenance,  presents 
the  safety  award  for  the  Buildings  &  Grounds  area  of  Plant  Maintenance 
to  Leonard  Beatty,  supervisor.  Rail  Janitors,  in  ceremony  at  Madison/ 
Wabash. 


Bottom  left:  At  South  Shops,  Nick  Simonetti  (right),  unit  supervisor, 
accepts  the  second  safety  award  in  a  row  for  the  Unit  Rebuild  section 
from  Frank  Venezia,  superintendent.  Bus  Shops. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Merchandise  gift  certificates,  windshield  scrap- 
ers, and  CTA  golf  hats  were  among  the 
prizes  distributed  at  ceremonies  marl<ing 
Harlem  terminal's  fourth  quarterly  ZAP 
award  in  a  row. 


Left:  Hoseha  Johnson  (center),  day  foreman, 
holds  the  first  place  ZAP  award  won  by  the 
69th  Street  garage  maintenance  team  for  its 
outstanding  safety  record  in  the  third  quarter 
of  1980. 


Below:  Surrounded  by  the  people  who  made 
It  happen,  Dick  Lorimer  (center  with  tie  and 
sweater),  unit  supervisor,  receives  safety 
award  for  Unit  Overhaul  section  at  Skokie 
from  George  Haenisch,  superintendent, 
Skokie  Shop. 


\mmi    I 

mu»,   wmt   mat            ^H 

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h 

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wm 

Ted  Szewc  (right),  supervisor.  Signals,  Radio  &  Telephone,  accepts 
safety  award  won  by  his  section  within  the  Power  &  Way  area  of  Plant 
Maintenance  from  Stu  Maginnis,  director,  Maintenance-Support 
Services. 


Aaron  Swoope,  day  fore- 
man, addresses  members  of 
the  98th  Street  maintenance 
crew  to  thank  them  for 
their  efforts  in  winning  the 
ZAP  award  in  rail  compe- 
tition for  the  third  quarter 
of  1980. 


JANUARY,  1981 


Chairman's  report 

Legislation, 
Budget, 
Capital 
Development 


We  look  forward  to  many  successful  endeavors  for 
1981,  as  we  prepare  to  meet  with  members  of  the  fed- 
eral legislature  and  the  Reagan  Administration  in 
Washington  this  month  to  discuss  the  feasibility  of  in- 
creased federal  mass  transit  funding. 

As  vice  president  of  governmental  affairs  for  the 
American  Public  Transit  Association,  it  is  my  hope 
that  the  new  Congress  will  prove  sympathetic  to  the 
needs  of  public  transportation  by  adopting  transit 
legislation  that  favors  increased  operating  assistance, 

A  bill,  passed  by  the  Congress  in  early  December, 
but  failed  in  the  Senate,  would  have  authorized  a  higher 
level  of  operating  assistance  for  mass  transit.  We 
were  very  fortunate  to  have  had  some  input  in  this 
proposal  when  we  convened  with  APTA  officials  in 
November,  and  subsequently  met  with  legislative 
representatives  in  Washington.  Thus,  strategy  for  the 
success  of  this  important  bill  is  first  on  our  Washing- 
ton agenda  with  the  97th  Congress. 

We  at  the  CTA  would  benefit  handsomely  from  this 
legislation,  particularly  as  we  strive  to  meet  the 
growing  demands  for  Increased  service.  Foremost  in 
this  effort  is  our  development  of  a  program  for 
serving  the  elderly  and  handicapped. 

Although  we  are  insisting  on  a  tight,  hold-the-line 
budget  to  eliminate  or  curtail  all  but  the  most  neces- 
sary expenses,  we  will  continue  to  provide  the  public 
with  good,  dependable  service,  and  we  will  realize  our 
goal  of  meeting  the  special  transportation  needs  of 
senior  citizens  and  handicapped  riders. 

This  spring,  we  expect  to  break  ground  for  the  much 
needed  enclosed  bus  garage  at  Kedzie  avenue  and 
Van  Buren  street.  We  also  expect  to  complete  land 
acquisition  for  the  site  at  103rd  street  and  Stony  Is- 
land avenue  where  we  plan  to  build  another  garage 
facility. 

In  other  capital  developments  we  will  be  working 
with  the  City  of  Chicago  to  develop  a  plan  for  the  re- 
habilitation of  our  Loop  elevated  structures  and 
stations. 

I  want  to  assure  you  that  each  employee  is  impor- 
tant to  us  in  the  successful  development  of  our  1981 
public  transportation  program.  We  will  succeed  as 
we  work  together. 


Honesty  praised 


Kimberly  Ray,  14,  accepts  Special  Recognition  Award  from  Chair- 
man Eugene  iVI.  Barnes  at  CTA  Board  meeting,  January  7.  Miss  Ray 
turned  in  $90  that  she  found  on  a  CTA  bus,  November  6,  which  the 
rightful  owner  later  claimed  at  the  77th  Street  Garage.  Her  good  deed 
brought  Miss  Ray  much  deserved  praise  from  the  news  media. 


Continental  Divide 


©  1980,  Universal  City  Studios,  Inc. 

John  Belushi  returned  to  Chicago  recently  for  four  weeks  of  filming 
during  the  production  of  "Continental  Divide,"  a  romantic  comedy 
from  Universal  Studios.  Two  days  were  spent  filming  on  the  CTA  at  the 
Madison/Wabash  'L'  station  and  the  State/Lake  subway  station.  In  the 
film  Belushi  plays  a  Sun-Times  columnist  who  travels  to  the  Rocky 
Mountains  to  interview  a  beautiful  ornithologist  played  by  Blair  Brown. 
Belushi,  a  native  Chicagoan,  recently  appeared  before  the  cameras  in 
Chicago  during  the  filming  of  his  box  office  hit  "Blues  Brothers." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Michael  I.  Brady 
joins  CTA  Board 


Michael  I.  Brady 


James  J.  McDonough 


Michael  I.  Brady  has  been  named  to  a  seven-year 
post  on  the  Chicago  Transit  Authority  board  by  Mayor 
Jane  M.  Byrne. 

Brady  and  his  wife  Patricia  have  10  children  and  re- 
side in  the  West  Rogers  Park  area,  where  he  is  also 
the  49th  Ward  Democratic  committeeman.  Brady 
succeeds  former  Streets  and  Sanitation  commissioner 
James  J.  McDonough  who  had  served  more  than  five 
years  on  the  CTA  board. 


The  new  board  member  was  both  a  state  represent- 
ative and  a  state  senator,  and  later  served  in  the  Byrne 
administration  as  the  mayor's  legislative  liaison. 

McDonough,  predecessor  to  Chairman  Eugene  M. 
Barnes,  was  appointed  in  September,  1975,  by  the  late 
Mayor  Richard  J.  Daley  to  fill  the  unexpired  term  of 
Milton  Pikarsky,  former  board  chairman.  Members 
of  the  board  honored  the  retiring  McDonough  with  the 
following  resolution: 


RESOLUTION  OF  APPRECIATION 
to 

JAMES  J.  Mcdonough 

WHEREAS,  Mr.  James  J.  McDonough,  who  served 
as  a  Member  of  this  Board  for  the  past  five  years  is  now 
leaving  his  office ;  and 

WHEREAS,  During  his  term  he  served  as  Chairman 
of  the  Authority;  and 

WHEREAS,  Through  his  leadership  and  direction, 
the  Authority  has  become  a  forerunner  of  many  innovative 
transit  services;  and 

WHEREAS,  In  recognition  of  his  outstanding 
abilities  and  exceptional  achievements  Mr.  McDonough  has 
held  positions  with  the  City  of  Chicago,  the  American  Public 
Transit  Association  and  the  International  Union  of  Public 
Transport  and  continues  to  hold  office  and  actively  partici- 
pate in  many  transit  oriented  public  organizations;  now 
therefore: 

BE  IT  RESOLVED  That  the  Members  of  the 
Chicago  Transit  Board  and  all  the  employees  of  the  Chicago 
Transit  Authority  extend  their  heart-felt  appreciation  to 
James  J.  McDonough  for  his  untiring  dedication  to  the 
Chicago  Transit  Authority  and  the  citizens  of  the  metro- 
pohtan  area; 

BE  IT  FURTHER  RESOLVEDThat  this  resolution 
be  spread  of  record  upon  the  minutes  of  this  meeting  and 
that    a    suitable    copy    of   this   resolution  be  presented   to 
Mr.  McDonough. 
Adopted  by  the 
Chicago  Transit  Board 
7  January,  1981 


JANUARY,  1981 


The  CTA's  most  recently  qualified  ticket  agent  supervisors  show  off 
Certificates  signifying  that  they  have  completed  an  extensive  training 
program  encompassing  approximately  80  hours  of  formal  classroom 
sessions    and    practical    field   experience.      The    new   supervisors    are: 


Seated  (from  left),  Ossie  Graham,  Katherine  Robinson,  Martha  Turner, 
and  Lealie  Hinton.  Standing  (from  left),  Theodore  Caruthers,  Judith 
O'Neill,  Joyce  Johnson,  Linda  Woods,  Effie  Alexander,  Maria  Quin- 
tanar,  Betty  Rice,  and  Amos  Williams. 


Ticket  agent  supervisors  graduate 


Thirteen  new  ticket  agent  supervisors 
have  joined  the  supervisor  pool  after 
completing  an  extensive  training  pro- 
gram emphasizing  standards  for  inter- 
personal relations. 

The  training,  all  done  on  the  stu- 
dents' own  time,  included  40  hours  of 
formal  sessions,  and  approximately  40 
hours  of  field  training  in  agent  supervi- 
sor experiences  under  the  guidance  of 
other  supervisors.  Edward  Mitchell, 
director,  Support  Services,  was  in 
charge  of  the  three  month  training 
program. 

Graduating  with  top  honors  was 
Joyce  Johnson,  a  North  Side  ticket 
agent,  who  completed  the  training  with 
an  average  of  92.5.  The  minimum 
score  required  for  completion  was  80, 
according  to  Robert  Desvignes,  area 
superintendent  of  instruction. 

Others  receiving  certificates  were: 
Betty  Rice,  Katherine  Robinson,  Linda 
Woods,  and  Effie  Alexander,  West 
Side  agents;  Judith  O'Neill,  North  Side 
agent;  Amos  Williams,  West  Side  agent; 
Maria  Quintanar,  Central  Assignment 
office;  Theodore  Caruthers,  South  Side 
agent;  Ossie  Graham,  Antonio  Narvaez, 
and  Martha  Turner,  West  Side  agents, 
and  Lealie  Hinton,  South  Side  agent. 

Mitchell  told  the  graduates,  "We 
have  not  just  filled  jobs  with  bodies, 
but  with  competent  people  who  have 
demonstrated  that  they  can  do  the  job. 


We  congratulate  you  for  your  efforts." 

Ernest  Sawyer,  administrative  assist- 
ant to  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M. 
Barnes,  told  the  graduates,  "The  chair- 
man is  proud  of  the  accomplishments 
that  you  have  made  in  this  endeavor 
and  he  is  cognizant  of  the  fact  that 
you've  spent  your  own  time  in  this 
training  program.  Tliere  will  be  room 
for  upward  movement  for  you." 

Later  the  chairman  appeared  to  ex- 
press his  personal  appreciation  to  the 
graduates. 

Harry  Reddrick,  director  of  per- 
sonnel.  Transportation,  reiterated  the 


upward  movement  possibilities  by  tel- 
ling the  graduates  that  this  first  level  of 
supervision  "opens  the  door  to  un- 
limited opportunities." 

Harold  H.  Geissenheimer,  General 
Operations  Manager,  also  emphasized 
that  openings  for  advancement  to  the 
new  agent  supervisors  would  be  avail- 
able to  anyone  who  wants  them. 
"There  is  room  for  you  to  go  anywhere 
you  want  to  go,"  he  said. 

Transportation  Manager  James  Blaa 
told  the  class,  "We  feel  that  we  are 
Number  One  because  of  the  dedicated 
people  who  work  for  us.  We  appreciate 
your  efforts  in  this  program  and  we 
congratulate  you." 


a  personal  view 

The  grass  is  just  as  green  on  one 
side  of  the  fence  as  it  is  on  the 
other  when  you're  comparing  gen- 
eral office  and  field  assignments, 
according  to  ticket  agent  Martha 
Turner,  a  former  switchboard  op- 
erator. 

Turner  is  a  recent  graduate  of 
the  three  mon-th  intensive  training 
program  for  ticket  agent  supervi- 
sors and  was  assigned  to  the  pool 
of  supervisors  along  with  other 
graduates. 

She  joined  the  CTA  in  1 969  as  a 
ticket  agent,  but  after  five  years, 
the  former  long  distance  telephone 
operator  left  the  Transportation 
department   to  work  on  the  CTA 


switchboard  because,  as  she  said, 
"It  was  considered  prestigious  to 
work  in  the  general  office." 

Turner  said  that  she  wanted  to 
return  to  the  Transportation  de- 
partment because  of  its  many 
opportunities  for  advancement  .  .  . 
"although,"  she  said  "my  job  in 
the  Merchandise  Mart  was  most 
enjoyable." 

Since  returning  to  work  as  a 
ticket  agent.  Turner  said  that  every- 
one slie  has  met  has  worked  hard 
to  help  her  get  settled  in  her  new 
job.  "There  is  so  much  to  learn, 
but  I  know  that  working  as  a  ticket 
agent  now  will  help  me  to  be  a 
better  agent  supervisor,"  she  said. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


PENSIONERS  NOTE: 


Direct  deposit 
of  pension  checks 


As  a  result  of  the  arbitration  proceedings  between 
Locals  241  and  308  of  the  Amalgamated  Transit  Union 
and  the  Chicago  Transit  Authority,  a  joint  Union-Man- 
agement Committee  was  established  to  study  the  feas- 
ibility of  direct  deposit  of  pension  checks  to  a  bank  or 
savings  and  loan„ 

After  careful  deliberation,  the  Committee  unani- 
mously agreed  to  approve  direct  deposit  of  retired 
employees'  pension  checks,  effective  February  1, 
1981. 

A  retired  employee  must  make  a  request  fordirect 
depositforms  in  writing  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Retire- 
ment Allowance  Committee.  The  forms  must  be  com- 


pleted in  triplicate.  One  copy  should  be  retained  by 
the  employee; one  copy  goes  to  the  retired  employee's 
bank;  and  the  original  must  be  returned  to  the  Secre- 
tary's Office. 

Direct  deposit  forms  must  be  in  the  Secretary's 
Office  on  or  before  the  tenth  of  the  month  in  which  the 
check  will  be  deposited. 

For  your  convenience  a  direct  deposit  coupon  has 
been  included  in  this  edition  of  the  Transit  News.  If 
you  wish  to  participate  in  this  program,  fill  out  the 
coupon  and  return  it  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Retire- 
ment Allowance  Committee,  Room  7-107,  Merchandise 
Mart  Plaza,   P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654. 


RETIREMENT  ALLOWANCE  COMMFTTEE  MEMBERS 


Richard  Goldman 
Timothy  O'Mahony 
John  Weatherspoon 
Clarence  Knox 
Ernest  Langosch 

William  A.  Ashley 
Sal  Bianchi 
James  Gallagher 
Paul  Kole 
Robert  Kren 

*Ama]gamated  Transit  Union 


Local  241* 

Local  241* 

Local  241* 

Local  308* 

Representing  Employees  Not 

Members  of  241  &  308 

CTA 

CTA 

CTA 

CTA 

CTA 


ALTERNATE  MEMBERS 

Leonard  Morris 
James  Edwards 
Charles  Hall 
Hugh  Hegarty 
Al  Kasmer 

Craig  Heatter 
Clare  Glenn 
Leon  Wool 
Jay  De Franco 
William  Mansker 


Local  241* 

Local  241* 

Local  241* 

Local  308* 

Representing  Employees  Not 

Members  of  241  &  308 

CTA 

CTA 

CTA 

CTA 

CTA 


CUT  ALONG  DOTTED  LINE 


TO: 


Secretary,  Retirement  Allowance  Committee 
Chicago  Transit  Authority  -  Room  7-107 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza  -  P.O.  Box  3555 
Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Please  provide  the  following  retired  employee  with  the  forms  for  direct  deposit  of  his/her  pension  check. 
(Please  print  or  type.) 

Name  of  Retired  Employee: 

Retirement  Number: 

Address : 


Telephone  Number: 


Area  Code  Telephone  Number 

CTA  -  RETIREMENT  PLAN  FOR  CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY  EMPLOYEES. 


JANUARY,  1981 


Peter  Willemsen  (North  Park 
Garage)  won  the  gratitude  of 
Lillian  Serpico,  who  works  in 
Oak  Brook,  for  the  way  he  op- 
erated a  #22  Clark  bus.  "He 
was  neatly  groomed,  patient 
with  boarding  passengers  who 
were  elderly,  answered  questions 
courteously,  and  called  every 
intersection  as  we  approached  it. 
He  handled  the  bus  extremely 
well  in  and  out  of  traffic.  I  had 
to  ask  him  several  questions, 
which  he  answered  clearly  and 
courteously.  I  realize  he  must 
be  an  exceptionally  well-quali- 
fied person  to  be  a  line  instruc- 
tor, but  his  whole  demeanor  and 
attitude  were  so  outstanding,  I 
felt  he  should  be  recognized.  He 
Is  a  great  credit  to  CTA." 


Gregory  Wallace  (69th  Street 
Garage)  was  the  driver  of  a  #67 
67/69/71  bus  ridden  by  Mellow- 
neice  Springfield,  of  South  Her- 
mitage Avenue.  "At  Conage 
Grove  and  67th  there  was  a 
group  of  elderly  people  alighting 
a  northbound  Cottage  Grove  bus. 
Our  driver  waited  for  them  to 
cross  the  street  and  board  his 
bus.  He  was  very  efficient  in 
announcing  the  stops  and  punch- 
ing transfers.  He  made  me  feel 
that  my  welfare  and  safety  were 
of  his  concern  and  that  of  the 
CTA.  As  passengers  alighted  the 
bus  he  advised  them  to  "Watch 
your  step.'  He  is  an  excellent 
representative  of  the  CTA  and 
has  a  pleasant  attitude." 


commendation  corner 


Ronald  Coleman  (Lawndale  Garage)  was  complimented  by 
Samuel  Crawford,  of  Harbor  Drive,  for  his  helpfulness  while 
driving  a  #60  Blue  Island/26  bus.  "1  recently  moved  to 
Chicago  from  Texas,  where  public  transportation  has  not  yet 
been  fully  implemented.  I  admit  that  I  was  a  bit  apprehen- 
sive about  boarding  the  bus,  never  having  ridden  a  pubhc 
bus  in  my  3 1  years.  I  was  very  pleasantly  surprised  when  I 
spoke  to  the  driver.  He  was  one  of  the  most  friendly,  cour- 
teous and  helpful  persons  I  have  ever  encountered.  He  made 
my  first  bus  ride  a  most  enjoyable  one.  His  behavior  speaks 
very  well  for  CTA  and  the  City  of  Chicago." 

BUly  Ragsdale  (52nd  Street  Garage)  was  praised  by  Mrs. 
R.  M.  Johnston,  of  Glencoe,  for  alerting  her  to  pickpockets 
on  his  #1  Drexel/Hyde  Park  bus.  "I  boarded  his  crowded 
bus  across  from  Marshall  Field's.  There  was  a  line  getting  on. 
There  were  also  two  teenagers  'pulling  an  act'  to  get  my 
wallet  out  of  my  purse.  The  driver  shouted,  'Lady,  watch 
your  purse!'  I  didn't  know  it  was  my  purse  that  was  being 
picked,  but  I  turned  around  to  see  my  purse  wide  open  and 
a  hand  therein.  The  two  young  men  ran  as  soon  as  the  driver 
yelled.  Otherwise,  I  would  be  trying  to  duplicate  12  cards 
and  to  explain  the  loss  of  three  receipts.  This  man's  caring 
for  his  passengers  is  certainly  to  be  praised." 

Georgia  Gayden  (Limits  Garage)  was  appreciated  by 
Cynthia  Brown,  of  Belmont  Avenue,  for  her  "sensible  and 
courteous  handling  of  an  intoxicated  man"  on  her  #145 
Wilson/Michigan  bus.  "He  initially  told  her  he  had  to  look 
for  his  transfer,  and  then  took  a  seat.  A  few  minutes  later 
she  asked  if  he  had  found  it.  He  responded  that  he  had  not, 
but  became  somewhat  hostile.  He  hesitated  a  bit  longer  and 
she  asked  him  to  pay  his  fare.  He  then  came  forward  to  do 
so,  but  became  verbally  abusive,  spouting  sexual  and  racial 
insults.  I  feel  she  was  courageous  in  handling  the  respon- 
sibilities of  her  job  properly  without  aggravating  a  difficult 
situation." 

Booker  Bolton  (North  Avenue  Garage)  was  commended  by 
Lleanore  Knaus,  of  Rice  Street,  who  is  an  early  morning  rider 
on  his  #66  Chicago  bus.  "He  calls  out  the  streets,  says 
'Good  morning,'  and,  when  you  get  off,  he  tells  you  to  have 
a  good  day.     He  doesn't  pull  out  from  under  your  feet  to 


make  a  liglit.  He  even  knows  where  most  of  us  get  off.  Just 
last  week  a  lady  was  going  to  get  off  a  block  ahead  (of  her 
regular  stop),  and  he  asked  why.  She  was  daydreaming  and 
thanked  him.  Everybody  likes  to  ride  his  bus,  and  if  he  is 
off  he  is  kidded  about  it.  I  am  a  senior  citizen  and  still  work, 
and  I  like  to  see  such  a  good  driver." 

Richard  Goodman  (52nd  Street  Garage)  is  missed  by 
Sandra  Tucker,  of  Cheltenham  Place,  who  used  to  ride  his 
#1  Drexel/Hyde  Park  bus.  "He  greeted  each  passenger  with 
a  pleasant  'Good  morning'  and/or  a  warm  smile .  He  became 
acquainted  with  his  regular  riders  in  a  short  time,  and  made 
note  if  one  of  them  missed  riding  with  him  upon  the  pas- 
senger's return.  He  placed  some  warmth  in  the  coldness 
that  usually  results  from  the  anonymity  of  riding  buses  and 
trains,  but  without  becoming  effusive.  He  always  maintained 
control  of  himself,  the  situation,  and  his  image  as  a  goodwill 
emissary.  His  attitude  was  a  positive  one,  and  he  handled 
each  situation  in  a  positive  manner." 

Samuel  Bellmon  (Limits  Garage)  was  thanked  by  Mrs. 
Mildred  Pomerantz,  who  works  on  West  Jackson  Boulevard, 
for  his  courtesy  whUe  driving  a  #37  Sedgwick  bus.  "Almost 
every  day  I  ride  his  bus.  One  day  it  was  drizzling,  and  he 
was  at  the  comer  and  had  the  light  to  go,  but  he  saw  I  was 
across  the  street.  He  knows  I  have  trouble  with  my  right 
foot,  so  he  stopped  directly  across  from  the  comer  I  was  on 
and  let  me  on  the  bus.  He  is  always  so  kind  and  courteous, 
and  I  will  never  forget  this  gesture.  I  reaUy  wanted  you  to 
know  how  much  I  appreciated  his  concem  and  kindness." 

Bruce  Ellison  (North  Park  Garage)  eamed  the  approval  of 
Mrs.  Jessie  Geraghty,  of  Greenleaf  Avenue,  "for  the  excep- 
tional service  and  courtesy"  he  exhibited  while  driving  a 
#147  Outer  Drive  Express  bus.  "I,  along  with  many  others 
on  the  bus,  was  impressed  by,  and  appreciative  of  the  fine 
treatment  he  gave  riders  at  all  times.  This  driver  was  not 
only  courteous  and  helpful,  but  also  efficient  and  know- 
ledgeable in  the  performance  of  his  duties.  He  is  a  credit  to 
your  organization,  for  not  only  does  he  do  his  job  well,  he 
also  seemed  to  like  what  he  was  doing,  and  made  people  feel 
good  by  the  time  they  reached  their  destinations." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


other  operating  employees  re- 
ceiving commendations  recently 
were: 

Taysir  Abdullah  and  Carl  Ai- 
kens,  both  of  Archer;  Rosa  Alfaro, 
Forest  Glen;  and  David  Arreguin, 
North  Park. 

Curtis  Banks  and  Edward  Bar- 
ry, both  of  North  Avenue ;  Nathan- 
iel Barton,  Steve  Brooks,  and 
Richard  Brown,  all  of  52nd  Street; 
Samuel  Bevelle  and  Eddie  Burton, 
both  of  North  Park;  Elvin  Boone, 
77th  Street;  and  John  Brugess, 
Limits. 

Jean  Cage  and  Sergio  Candela- 
ria,bothof  Limits;  John  Cameron, 
Ashland  Terminal;  Will  Candy  Jr. 
and  Ray  Clark,  both  of  Lawndale; 
Lawrence  Carter  and  Leroy  Car- 
ter, both  of  77th  Street;  and  Byung- 
Yup  Choi,  Luke  Costanza,  and  Griz 
Craig,  all  of  North  Park. 

Victor  Davila  and  Leon  Davis, 
both  of  North  Park;  Electra  de 
Alba  and  Richard  Dorsch,  both  of 
Nortii  Avenue;  and  Virgil  Dean  and 
Lachester  Drain,  both  of  Limits. 

Eddie  Elliott  and  Ophelia  Ellis, 
both  of  77th  Street;  and  Bruce  El- 
lison, North  Park. 

Atsia  Fair,  77th  Street;  Eddie 
Figueroa,  North  Park;  and  James 
Fitzgerald,  Limits. 

Daniel  Galarza  and  Hugo  Gal- 
vey,both  of  North  Park;  Wallacene 
Good,  Forest  Glen;  Richard  Good- 
man, 52nd  Street;  and  George  Gray, 


Lawndale. 

Otis  Hampton  and  James  Haw- 
thorne, both  of  Limits;  Paulette 
Hardeman,  Forest  Glen;  Joseph 
Henderson,  52nd  Street;  Felix 
Hernandez  and  Marshall  Herron, 
both  of  North  Avenue;  Peyton  Hi^- 
tower,  77th  Street;  and  Joe  Hodge 
and  James  Rowland,  both  of  North 
Park. 

Michelle  James,  69th  Street; 
Willie  James,  North  Park;  Arthur 
Jamegan,  Douglas/Congress; 

Jaime  Jimenez,  Forest  Glen;  and 
Betty  Jones  and  Bernardino  Jua- 
rez, both  of  Limits. 

Gustav  Kappertz,  Forest  Glen; 
Gary  Kearl  and  George  Knox,  both 
of  Lawndale;  Richard  Kelley,  North 
Avenue;  Richard  Kobylecky,  Ar- 
cher; and  James  Kolstad, Beverly. 

Willie  Lawler  Jr.,  52nd  Street; 
Walter  Lemons  Jr.,  Limits;  Jesus 
Limas,  North  Park;  Alexander 
Love,  Norlh  Avenue;  Robert  Lucas, 
Lawndale;  and  George  Lyons,  Ar- 
cher. 

Adolph  Marth,  Francis  Mc- 
Keman,  Euloglo  Mendez,  Edgar 
Mollinedo,  and  Luis  Montalvo,  all 
of  North  Park;  Charles  Martin, 
52nd  Street;  June  Martin,  West 
Section;  Michael  Maxwell  and  Lar- 
ry Miller,  both  of  69th  Street;  Rob- 
ert McCoy,  North  Park;  Betty  Mc- 
Math,  Archer;  Antonio  Mendez, 
Limits;  Abraham  Morgan,  North 
Avenue;    and    Sheila    Myers,    77th 


Street. 

Jose  Naranjo,  North  Park;  and 
Anthony  Nicholson,  North  Section. 

Willie  Owens,  Archer. 

Fanny  Patton,  Archer;  Fred- 
erick Pepke,  Limits;  Charles 
Peterson,  77th  Street;  and  Rein- 
hard  Poetz,  Forest  Glen. 

Celia  Rincones,  52nd  Street; 
Rene  Rivera,  Charles  Roberts,  and 
Curtis  Rogers,  all  of  North  Park; 
Angelo  Rodriguez,  Limits;  Jose 
Roman  and  Charles  Rose  H,  both  of 
Howard/Kimball;  and  Edward 
Ross,  Lawndale. 

Hattle  Sandrella,  Howard/ 
Kimball;  Jorge  Sed  and  Kenneth 
Simpson,  both  of  North  Park;  Frank 
Serrano  and  Ruth  Smith,  both  of 
North  Avenue;  and  Ralford  Steele, 
Ronald  Steflnsky,  and  Vyiautas 
Stukells,  all  of  Archer, 

Eugene  Taylor,  Forest  Park; 
Paul  Thomas,  69th  Street;  Edward 
Tiemey,West  Section;  Willie  Tur- 
ner, North  Park;  and  Mamie 
Twine,  North  Section. 

Johnny  Van,  North  Park;  and 
James  Vaughn  Jr.  and  Juris  Vi- 
tands,  both  of  North  Avenue. 

Robert  Walker,  Early  Watson 
Jr.,  and  Parmela  Willis,  all  of 
Archer;  Karen  Williams,  69th 
Street;  and  Richard  Williams  Jr., 
Lawndale. 

Jacques  Yezegulelian,  Forest 
Glen;  Reginald  Young,  Lawndale; 
and  Thelma  Young,  North  Avenue. 

Edward  Zamiar,  North  Park. 


promotions 


Cordell  Surrett,  former  unit 
supervisor.  Intern,  Rail  Vehicle 
Maintenance,  has  been  appointed 
unit  supervisor.  Terminals,  in  the 
same  department.  Alfred  Pierce, 
former  bus  service  supervisor. 
District  A,  has  been  named  man- 
agement/professional intern, 
Transportation-Control  Center. 

Frenchle  Ellis,  former  con- 
troller. Control  Center,  has  be- 
come principal  safety  analyst, 
Transportation-Support  Services. 
Also  in  Transportation,  Arliss 
Jones,  former  rail  service  super- 
visor.   Rail    District    South,   has 


been  selected  methods/standards 
analyst,  Support  Services. 

In  Operations  Planning,  James 
Smith  has  been  reassigned  from 
traffic  checker  to  traffic  clerk, 
while  Donald  Bruno  has  moved 
from  transit  technician  III  to 
transit  technician  V.  Judy  Stroud, 
former  typist.  Operations  Plan- 
ning, is  now  job  classification 
clerk.  Human  Resources-Job 
Classification. 

New  in  Plant  Maintenance  as  a 
testing  engineer  is  Artemio  Sison, 
former  electrical  design  engineer. 
Engineering.  Ronnie  Harper,  who 
was  a  blacksmith/welder  at  South 
Shops,  is  now  in  the  same  position 
in  Plant  Maintenance.   Don  Hoard, 


former  stock  clerk.  Materials 
Management-Stores,  has  been 
named  material  coordinator,  Sko- 
kie  Shop. 

Also  at  Skolde,  Kathy  Fabry, 
former  typist,  has  become  ad- 
ministrative secretary.  In  In- 
surance &  Pensions,  Gloria  Sim- 
mons has  moved  from  typist  to 
utility  clerk.  Barbara  Neeland, 
former  utility  clerk.  Materials 
Management,  has  been  selected 
claims  investigation  clerk,  Law- 
Claims,  and  Irene  Klein,  former 
stenographer  I,  Operations  Plan- 
ning, is  now  stenographer  II, 
Financial  Services/Assistant 

Comptroller-Accounting  &  Analy- 


JANUARY,  1981 


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Grupo    Folklorico   de   Colombia  dancers  provided  entertainment  for 
holiday  revelers. 


Hispanic  employees 


Rainy  weather  did  not  appear  to  hinder  party  goers, 
or  dampen  spirits  as  approximately  350  CTA  em- 
ployees and  guests  turned  out  December  6  for  the 
fourth  annual  Hispanic  American  Transportation  As- 
sociation Christmas  party  at  the  Holiday  Inn  Apparel 
Center. 

Plenty  of  good  music  provided  for  dancing  by  La 
Noctambula  Orchestra,    and  the  Grupo  Folklorico  of 


Columbia  entertainers,  regaled  in  splendor  in  their 
brightly  colored  costumes,  set  the  mood  of  gaiety  for 
the  evening. 

While  revelers  feasted  on  a  tasty  repast  of  Swedish 
meat  balls,  egg  rolls,  cheese,  assorted  relishes,  fruit 
and  other  refreshments.  Master  of  Ceremonies  En- 
rique Gonzalez  of  the  Travel  Information  Center,  and 
Electra  de  Alba,  a  bus  operator  from  North  Avenue 


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bi 

Members  of  the  program  committee,  seated,  were  Ruth  Lebron,  Accounting  department,  and 
Jose  Flores,  Transportation  department,  HATA  president.  Standing  from  left  are  Rudy  Mendez, 
Human  Relations;  Joe  Valtierra,  Operations  Planning;  Elda  Leal,  Public  Affairs;  Maria  Elena 
Frias  and  Omar  Colon,  Claims  department. 


Joe  Valtierra  and  Rose  Mary  Ruiz  of  the 
Engineering  department  were  among  party 
goers  enjoying  the  dance  music  provided  by 
La  Noctambula  Orchestra. 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


host  Christmas  party 


Grupo    Folklorico   de   Columbia   varied  their  costumes  as  they  con- 
tinued to  demonstrate  dances  with  that  south  of  the  border  flavor. 


garage,  presided  over  the  distribution  of  door  prizes 
with  help  from  the  audience. 

Prizes  included  an  AM-FM  eight  track  stereo  sys- 
tem, several  certificates  for  dinner  at  some  of  Chi- 
cago's well  known  restaurants,  and  two  subscriptions 
to  La  Raza,  an  Hispanic  publication. 

Special  guests  attending  the  HATA  party  were  Cook 
County  Commissioner  Irene  Hernandez  and  her  daugh- 


ter, Irene,  and   Peter  Nimo  of  WGN-TV,  producer  of 
Charlando,  an  Hispanic  oriented  talk  show. 

The  program  committee  included  Ruth  Lebron, 
Accounting  department;  HATA  president  Jose  Flores, 
and  Joe  Valtierra,  Transportation  department;  Rudy 
Mendez,  Human  Relations;  Elda  Leal,  Public  Affairs; 
Maria  Elena  Frias  and  Omar  Colon,  Claims  depart- 
ment, and  Felipe  Gonzalez,  Placement  section. 


Cook  County  Commissioner  Irene  Hernandez  (seated  fourth  from 
left),  and  her  daughter,  Irene,  were  among  guests  attending  the  HATA 
Christmas  party.  Others  are  Bertha  and  Celso  Castellanos,  and  Mrs. 
Mario  Ochoa.  Standing  are  Elda  Leal,  CTA  Public  Affairs,  and  Peter 
Nuno,  WGN-TV. 


Ms. Virginia  Martinez,  attorney  for  the  Mexican  American  Legal  Defense 
and  Education  Foundation,  was  the  lucky  winner  of  the  evening's 
most  coveted  door  prize,  an  eight  track  stereo  system.  Making  the 
presentation  from  the  stage  are  Enrique  Gonzalez  and  Electra  de  Alba. 


JANUARY,  1981 


Training  center  emphasizes  learning  by  doing 


Because  it  takes  a  large  number  of  skilled  per- 
sonnel to  maintain  CTA  vehicles  and  facilities, 
training  is  an  essential  part  of  CTA's  maintenance 
operation. 

The  CTA  Maintenance  Training  Center,  located  in 
one  bay  of  Lawndale  Garage  (3925  W.  Cermak),  is  the 
base  of  operation  for  this  training. 

Almost  all  maintenance  personnel  attend  entry  level 
training  programs  at  this  location.  In  addition,  re- 
fresher or  follow-up  training  is  conducted  at  the  cen- 
ter and  other  field  locations.  In  all  of  the  training 
programs  conducted  by  the  center's  staff  of  30,  there 
is  heavy  emphasis  on  'hands  on'  Instruction. ..where 
the  trainee  learns  by  performing  the  task  in  which  he 
or  she  is  being  trained.  This  emphasis  is  essential 
to  putting  productive  workers  on  the  job,  the  training 
staff  believes. 

Training  aids  ranging   from  mock-ups  and  actual 


equipment  to  slides,  videotape  and  filmstrips  are  used 
to  inject  the  realism  required  for  this  type  of  instruc- 
tion. 

Training  sessions  range  from  entry  level  programs 
for  bus  and  car  servicers  and  repairmen  to  appren- 
tice and  foreman  training  programs.  All  of  the  main- 
tenance instructors  attend  an  intensive  training  pro- 
gram when  starting  out  as  Instructors,  as  well  as  at- 
tending refresher  training  programs  after  becoming 
instmctors. 

The  lengUi  of  training  varies  from  a  half  hour  to  240 
hours,  depending  on  the  subject  being  discussed  and  the 
number  of  students  involved.  Although  Instructors  at 
MTC  have  a  varied  backgroimd,  the  one  subject  com- 
mon to  all  is  vehicle  maintenance. 

The  training  center  provides  trainees  with  every 
opportunity  for  the  most  thorough,  practical  and  up  to 
date  training  possible. 


Frank  Holton,  Jr.,  rail  instructor,  demon- 
strates a  point  on  rail  car  repair  through  the 
use  of  a  mock-up. 

Bus  Instructor  James  Austin,  right,  conducts 
a  class  on  the  mechanics  and  techniques  of 
air  conditioner  compression  for  buses. 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Above:  Students  learn  by  doing  in  this  bay 
at  the  Lawndale  IVIaintenance  Training  center. 
Two  buses  in  need  of  repair  await  the  arrival 
of  new  trainees. 


Left:  While  most  MTC  instruction  is  an 
'on-the-job  situation',  there  are  some  class- 
room sessions  as  evidenced  by  these  students 
in  a  class  on  rear  door  wiring. 


JANUARY,  1981 


13 


Holiday  parties  spread  joy  throughout  system 


An  "epidemic"'  of  holiday  joy  broke 
out  in  the  garages,  terminals,  and  de- 
partments of  the  CTA. 

The  only  known  treatment  for  this 
happy  condition  is  a  total  participation 
by  the  "afflicted"  persons  in  the  plan- 
ning, preparation,  or  enjoyment  of  a 
holiday  party. 

Even  after  taking  part  in  a  holiday 
party,  recovery  from  exposure  to 
holiday  joy  is  never  complete.  The 
happy  feeling  manifests  itself  at  birth- 
days, anniversaries.  Mother's  day. 
Father's  day,  and  even  on  the  Fourth 
of  July. 

Sometimes  a  "victim"  of  holiday 
joy  is  gripped  by  a  happy  feeling  for 
no  apparent  reason.  That's  when  it's 
time  for  a  party. 

Here  are  some  examples  of  holiday 
parties  held  by  CTA  employees. 

The  women  drivers  of  69th  Street 
garage  and  other  women  employees 
prepared  and  served  a  Thanksgiving 
buffet  to  more  than  500  persons  on 
November  20  in  the  garage's  train 
room.  Their  menu  included  eiglit 
turkeys  with  stuffing,  four  glazed  hams, 
32  pounds  of  fried  chicken,  25  pounds 
of  sausage,  plus  sauerkraut,  chitter- 
lings, sliced  cold  meats,  mustard  and 
turnip  greens,  green  beans,  potato 
salad,  a  variety  of  pies,  cookies,  and 
punch. 

More  than  350  persons  attended  a 
Christmas  party  in  the  train  room  of 
Lawndale  garage  on  December  12,  said 
Assistant  Superintendent  Clark  L. 
Carter. 

Carter  and  a  committee  of  1 1  drivers 
prepared  a  southern  style  buffet 
featuring  six  turkeys  with  com  bread 
dressing,  five  hams,  collard  and  mustard 
greens,  com  bread,  tossed  salad,  maca- 
roni and  cheese,  soft  drinks,  and  coffee. 


Jenipher  Finger  (from  left),  supervisor,  and  bus  drivers  Jean  Martin,  Ruth  Gill  and  Mary  Williams, 
were  among  a  number  of  women  on  the  serving  line  at  the  fourth  annual  Thanksgiving  buffet  in 
69th  Street  garage  on  November  20  where  more  than  500  persons  were  served. 


Carter's  culinary  contribution  to  the 
party  was  his  Louisiana  Creole  dressing 
made  from  a  shrimp  base. 

About  200  employees  and  their 
families  of  the  North  Park  garage 
gathered  in  the  Northwest  Builders' 
Hall,  4848  N.  Central  ave.,  on  Decem- 
ber 12  for  a  Christmas  party  starting 
at  8  p.m.,  said  Assistant  Superintendent 
Jack  Hester. 

The  family-style  dinner  featured  ham, 
chicken.  Polish  sausage  and  sauerkraut, 
vegetables,  and  dessert. 

Drivers  Cecil  Eichelberger  and  William 
Beene  spun  records  on  a  phonograph 
and     three    men    and     three     women 


drivers  gave  a  fashion  show.  The  party 
was  planned  by  a  committee  headed 
by  drivers  Homer  Reed  and  Frank 
Koziol,  both  board  members  of  Local 
24 1 .  Door  prizes  also  were  awarded. 

About  115  members  of  Archer 
garage  had  a  December  18  Christmas 
party  starting  at  noon  in  the  train 
room.  A  committee  of  eight  headed 
by  driver  James  Carson  prepared  and 
served  a  buffet  of  four  turkeys,  two 
hams,  40  chickens,  vegetables,  20 
pounds  of  Polish  sausage  with  sauer- 
kraut, Hawaiian  salad,  shrimp  salad, 
soft  drinks,  and  coffee. 


Archer  garage  employees  at  December  18  Christmas  party  are  (from 
left)  James  Carson,  Virginia  Enriquez,  Josie  Harris,  Ruth  Atkins,  Luvina 


Allen,  Vera  Smith,  Gloria  Richmond,  Florinda  Orcasitas,  Mary  Frazier, 
and  Frances  Smith. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Employees  at  Beverly  garage  observed  the 
Christmas  season  in  gourmet  fashion  at  their 
party.  Waiting  to  dish  out  mounds  of  tasty 
food  which  they  prepared  for  the  occasion 
are  (from  left)  Lois  Fuqua,  Gloria  Matticx, 
Patricia  Kennedy,  Valray  Mcintosh,  Maxine 
Holt,  Thelma  Moore,  Linda  Downing,  and 
Dellaree  Blackwell. 


Bus  operator  Milton  Lee  takes  time  out  of  his  busy  schedule  to  make 
his  way  through  the  buffet  line  at  Archer  garage  and  enjoy  a  Christmas 
feast. 


Sharing  the  good  time  as  he  refreshes  himself  at  the  beverage  fountain 
is  bus  operator  John  Pendleton. 


Everybody  enjoyed  themselves,  even  this 
little  tot  -  -  as  evidenced  by  that  look  of 
satisfaction. 


Ladies  on  the  serving  line  at  Beverly  garage  made  sure  each  person  had  an  ample  serving  as  em- 
ployees celebrated  the  Yuletide  season  in  grand  style. 


JANUARY,  1981 


15 


So  you  think  you're 
a  good  bus  driver- 
but  are  you  CTA's  best? 

Now  you  have  a  chance  to  prove  just  how  good  you  are 
because  the  CTA  is  going  to  have  its  own  Bus  Roadeo,  and 
the  winner  wUl  be  CTA's  entrant  in  the  International  Bus 
Roadeo  sponsored  by  the  American  Public  Transit  Associa- 
tion (APTA). 

Endorsing  the  CTA  Bus  Roadeo,  General  Operations 
Manager  Harold  H.  Geissenheimer  commented,  "The  Roadeo 
is  a  worthwhile  addition  to  CTA's  ongoing  support  of  pro- 
grams which  develop  pride  among  our  operating  employees 
and  demonstrate  their  liigh  performance  standards  to  the 
public." 

Roadeo  schedule 

From  Feb.  9  to  Feb.  23.  bus  drivers  can  request  Roadeo 
entry  forms  from  their  garage  superintendents. 

From  March  15  to  March  21,  written  tests  will  be  ad- 
ministered to  qualified  applicants. 

Beginning  the  weekend  of  April  4,  Roadeos  will  be  held 
for  each  garage  on  Saturdays  and  Sundays,  except  Easter 
Sunday,  April  19.  These  Roadeos  will  include  uniform 
inspection,  pre-puUout  check  quiz,  and  driving  competition. 
Winners  from  each  garage  will  then  compete  against  other 
garages  in  area  competitions  during  July. 

During  August  or  September,  the  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  will 
be  held,  and  the  20  finalists  from  the  area  will  compete  for 
the  honor  of  being  CTA's  best  bus  driver  and  entrant  in  the 
APTA  International  Bus  Roadeo. 

Prizes 

The  following  prizes  will  be  awarded  at  the  final  CTA 
Bus  Roadeo: 

The  1st  place  winner  will  receive  a  trophy  and  an  all- 
expenses  paid  four-day,  three  night  trip  for  two  to  Toronto, 
Canada. 

The  2nd  place  winner  will  receive  a  trophy  and  a  $500.00 
U.S.  Savings  Bond,  and  will  take  the  place  of  the  winner  if 
the  winner  is  not  available  for  the  International  Bus  Roadeo. 

The  3rd  place  winner  will  receive  a  trophy  and  a  $200.00 
U.S.  Savings  Bond. 

The  4th  place  winner  wUl  receive  a  trophy  and  a  $100.00 
U.S.  Savings  Bond. 

The  twenty  winners  of  area  competition  wUl  each  receive 
a  pair  of  dinner-theatre  tickets.  Additionally,  these  twenty 
winners  will  each  receive  a  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  commemorative 
belt  buckle. 

The  120  winners  of  the  garage  level  competition  will  each 
receive  a  pair  of  motion  picture  theatre  tickets,  in  addition 
to  Special  Recognition  certificates. 

The  1st  place  winner  at  each  of  the  10  garages  will  re- 
ceive a  First  Place  Winner  -  Garage  trophy. 

Who  may  enter 

The  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  is  open  to  any  full-time  permanent 
bus  operator  who; 

•  had  at  least  two  years  continuous  service  as  of  the  date 
of  entry 

•  worked  as  a  bus  operator  during  at  least  eleven  (11)  of 
the  twelve  (12)  months  preceding  date  of  contest  entry 

•  worked  as  a  bus  operator  a  minimum  of  two  hundred 
(200)  days  during  the  twelve  (12)  months  preceding 
date  of  contest  entry 


eta 


•  has  a  valid  'C  or  'D'  drivers  license 

•  has  a  work  record  that  meets  the  following  eligibility 
criteria. 

Eligibility  criteria 

In  addition  to  the  points  listed  under  'Who  may  enter,'  to 
be  accepted  as  a  contestant,  the  individual  must  during  the 
twelve  (12)  months  preceding  date  of  entry  have  had : 

•  no  chargeable  accidents. 

•  no  suspensions. 

•  no  chargeable  passenger  complaints. 

•  no  uniform  violations. 

•  no  railroad  crossing  violations. 

•  no  more  than  two  (2)  FULL  misses. 

•  no  more  than  two  (2)  sick  entries. 

•  no  more  than  seven  (7)  minor  violations. 

Disqualification 

Any  entrant  who  does  not  continue  to  meet  the  eligibility 
criteria  during  the  life  of  this  contest  shall  be  automatically 
disquaUfied. 

Tlie  Eligibility  Subcommittee  of  tlie  CTA  Roadeo  Com- 
mittee will  handle  any  inquiry  regarding  eligibility. 

Volunteers  needed 

All  non-operafing  CTA  employees  are  encouraged  to 
volunteer  as  judges  or  scorekeepers  at  various  CTA  Bus 
Roadeo  events.  Approximately  fifteen  (15)  judges  will  be 
needed  for  each  event.  Representatives  from  government 
agencies  will  judge  the  final  competition  (e.g.,  Chicago 
Police  Department,  Secretary  of  State,  etc.). 

For  more  information 

Watch  your  bulletin  board  for  CTA  Roadeo  posters  and 
CTA  Transit  News  for  Roadeo  news. 


16 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Pioneers  elect 
1981  officers 

The  CTA  Pioneers  Retirement 
Organization  named  Maynard 
(Pinky)  Moran  as  its  president  at 
the  Pioneers'  combined  Christmas 
party-5th  anniversary  luncheon 
meeting  on  December  9  in  the 
Golden  Flame  restaurant,  Nagle 
avenue  and  Higgins  road. 

More  than  500  persons  attend- 
ed the  program.  Moran  said  it 
was  the  Pioneers'  largest  gather- 
ing. 

In  addition  to  Moran,  George 
May  was  named  1st  vice-president, 
Myles  Harrington,  2nd  vice-pres- 
ident, Warren  Scholl,  secretary, 
and  Walter  Steinbeiss,  treasurer. 

The  Pioneers  honored  two  past 
presidents  for  their  work  in  build- 
ing the  organization.  They  are 
Frank  Laske,  the  first  president, 
and  William  Pinasco,  the  second 
president.  Each  received  an  en- 
graved plaque. 

The  Pioneers  meet  the  second 
Tuesday  of  each  month  at  12:30 
p.m.  in  the  Golden  Flame  Restau- 
rant. Their  Ladies  Day  parties 
in  1981  will  be  held  on  February 
10- Valentine's  day;  May  12- Moth- 
er's day;  September  8-Back  to 
School;  and  December  8- Christmas 
party. 


New  officers  of  CTA  Pioneers  for  1981  are  (from  left),  Walter  Steinbeiss,  treasurer;  Warren  Scholl, 
secretary;  IVIaynard  (Pinl<v)  Moran,  president;  George  IVIay,  Istvice-president, and  IVIyles  Harrington, 
2nd  vice-president. 


Frank  Laske  (second  from  left),  and  William  Pinasco  (second  from  right),  past  presidents  of  CTA 
Pioneers  received  engraved  plaques  honoring  them  for  their  outstanding  service.  Ben  Tausch, 
former  A.T.U.  Local  241  board  member  (at  far  left)  and  President-elect  Maynard  (Pinky)  Moran 
(at  far  right)  congratulate  award  recipients. 


Mrs..  Delores  Duff,  a  utility  clerk  in  the 
Purchasing  department.  Materials  Manage- 
ment, died  Tuesday,  December  16,  1980,  at 
Roseland  Community  hospital  following  a 
brief  illness.  She  was  43. 

A  CTA  employee  since  April  7,  1975,  she 
was  the  wife  of  Norwood  Duff,  a  veteran  CTA 
employee  in  the  Administrative  Services  unit. 
Management  Services  department.  During  her 
brief  CTA  career  Mrs.  Duff's  smile  exempli- 
fied the  caring,  love,  friendship,  and  respect 
which  she  held  for  everyone  she  encountered. 

Besides  her  husband,  she  is  survived  by  two 
daughters,  Debora  Anne  and  Ellenore  Michelle. 


Percy  L.  Passmore,  59,  an  RTA  travel 
information  agent,  died  Tuesday,  December 
23,  1980,  at  the  Chicago  Osteopathic  hospital 
after  a  lengthy  illness. 

Mr.  Passmore,  of  Carbondale,  joined  the 
CTA  in  1954  as  a  bus  operator  and  was 
assigned  to  the  69th  Street  garage.  The 
veteran  employee  became  a  CTA  telephone 
switchboard  operator  in  1966  and  subse- 
quently joined  the  travel  center. 

He  is  survived  by  two  sons  and  a  daughter. 


JANUARY,  1981 


17 


Retirements 


William  Schweitzer 


Frank  Zeiger  (left).  Assistant  Superintendent,  Beverly 
garage,  and  William  Schweitzer,  Superintendent,  Beverly 
garage,  at  retirement  dinner  party  honoring  Schweitzer. 
About  130  co-workers  and  friends  attended  the  December  5 
event  in  the  Sabre  Room  Restaurant,  Hickory  Hills. 

Schweitzer,  62,  ended  his  34-year  career  in  public  transit. 

Among  the  gifts  he  received  were  a  wrist  watch,  a  U.  S. 
Savings  Bond,  and  cash. 

Schweitzer  and  his  wife,  Eva,  will  continue  to  live  in  their 
South  Holland  home  during  his  retirement. 


Charles  Drozda 


Charles  Drozda,  62  (right),  transfer  clerk.  Operations  Plan- 
ning department,  was  feted  by  about  100  friends  and  co- 
workers at  a  retirement  open  house  in  his  honor  December 
18.  Stephen  Legler  (left),  director.  Routes  and  Systems 
section,  presented  Drozda  with  a  gold  pocket  watch  and 
chain  from  all  of  his  friends.  Drozda  also  received  a  cash 
gift.  He  ended  a  38-year  career  in  public  transit  in  December 
and  he  and  his  wife.  Marge,  plan  to  do  some  traveling  and 
keep  their  home  for  now  in  suburban  Hodgkins. 


Joseph  Trosper 


Walter  Garbo 


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Joseph  Trosper  (right),  rail  supervisor,  receives  farewell 
handshake  from  Carl  Bradley,  towerman,  at  the  December  19 
retirement  party  for  Trosper  in  the  Englewood  terminal 
train  room.  Trosper,  64,  ended  his  39-year  career  in  public 
transit.  About  30  persons  attended  the  party  where  Trosper 
received  a  cash  gift  from  co-workers  and  friends.  He  and 
his  wife,  Viola,  are  planning  to  move  from  the  Marquette 
Park  area  to  Rockford,  III. 


Walter  Garbo  (second  from  left),  rail  supervisor.  Linden 
terminal,  gets  farewell  handshake  from  Michael  LaVelle, 
Director  of  Service,  Transportation  Department.  Garbo,  62, 
ended  his  42-year  career  in  public  transit  at  a  party  in  the 
Linden  terminal  train  room  on  December  18,  attended  by 
approximately  75  persons.  Joining  Garbo  and  LaVelle  at 
the  informal  farewell  ceremony  are  Vernon  Burgess  (right 
of  Garbo),  assistant  north  district  superintendent,  and 
Arthur  Johnson,  north  district  superintendent.  Garbo  re- 
ceived a  cash  gift  and  citation  of  appreciation  from  friends 
and  co-workers.  He  and  his  wife,  Virginia,  have  moved  from 
Skokie  to  San  Diego,  Cal. 


18 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Manny  Wenger         Joseph  Daugird 


Manny  Wenger  (left),  64,  Assistant  Superintendent,  and 
Joseph  Daugird,  62,  Terminal  Board  Supervisor,  both  of  the 
Transportation  Department's  Far  North  District,  cut  a  cake 
honoring  their  retirements.  About  100  persons  attended  the 
open  house  party  honoring  the  men  in  the  Forest  Glen  garage 
lunchroom  on  December  23.  Wenger  was  a  bus  controller 
in  the  control  center  for  many  years.  He  ends  a  33-year 
career.  Daugird  served  34  years  in  public  transit.  Friends 
and  co-workers  gave  Daugird  a  cash  gift  while  Wenger  re- 
ceived a  U.S.  Savings  Bond.  Wenger  and  his  wife,  Florence, 
plan  to  move  to  Effingham,  III.,  from  their  northwest  side 
home.  Daugird  and  his  wife,  Lottie,  plan  to  continue  living 
in  their  northwest  side  home. 


Oliver  Johnson 


Oliver  Johnson,  59,  (right)  and  James  Blaa,  Manager,  Trans- 
portation Department,  at  December  23  retirement  party  for 
Johnson,  Superintendent,  Utility  Section,  who  ended  his 
39-year  career  in  public  transit.  About  150  persons  attended 
the  party  in  the  Utility  Section's  office  in  West  Shops  where 
Johnson  received  an  engraved  gold  pocket  watch  with  gold 
chain  and  a  cash  gift  from  friends  and  co-workers.  He  and 
his  wife,  Ruth,  will  stay  in  their  northwest  side  home  and 
do  some  traveling. 


Julia  Willem  Waters 


Henry  Ziolkowski 


Julie  Willem  Waters,  66,  Seniority  Clerk,  Transportation  De- 
partment, ended  her  33-year  career  with  the  CTA  at  a  Decem- 
ber 30  open  house  retirement  party  in  the  Transportation 
Department's  central  office.  She  is  joined  in  this  picture 
by  Edward  Mitchell,  Director,  Support  Services.  About  100 
persons  attended  the  party  where  she  received  gifts  of 
clothing  and  cash  from  her  friends  and  co-workers.  She  and 
her  husband,  Daniel,  live  in  the  Edison  Park  community. 


William  Moser  (left).  Superintendent,  Far  North  area,  and 
Henry  Ziolkowski,  assistant  superintendent  bid  farewell  at 
Ziolkowski's  retirement.  Ziolkowski,  57,  ended  35  years  of 
CTA  service  and  was  the  recipient  of  a  cash  gift  from  co- 
workers at  an  informal  retirement  party  at  Forest  Glen 
garage.  He  and  his  wife,  Mary,  plan  to  move  from  their 
northwest  side  home  to  Sun  City,  Ariz. 


JANUARY,  1981 


19 


Retirements 


Edward  Hess 


Edward  Hess,  project  controller  in  Grant  Programming,  be- 
came that  department's  first  retiree,  January  1,  after  44  years 
of  CTA  service. 

He  began  his  career  at  West  Shops  with  the  Chicago 
Surface  Lines,  one  of  CTA's  predecessor  companies,  in  1936. 
Hess'  retirement  was  observed  with  a  luncheon,  December  16, 
at  the  M&M  Club  in  the  Merchandise  Mart.  Approximately 
40  persons  attended  the  event. 

Ronald  Luczak,  manager.  Grant  Programming,  Henry 
Luebeck  and  Jim  Blanchard  presented  Hess  with  several 
gifts  of  merchandise. 


Worthy  Mattox 

T 


Worthy  Mattox  (left),  63,  traffic  supervisor,  receives  retire- 
ment papers  from  Ludwig  Scheuerle,  district  superintendent, 
at  a  December  23  open  house  in  the  South  Rail  District 
office,  Randolph  and  Wells.  About  50  persons  attended  the 
party  where  Mattox  ended  his  25-year  career  with  the  CTA. 
He  received  a  cash  gift  from  the  South  Rail  District.  Mattox 
and  his  wife,  Annie,  plan  to  continue  living  in  their  home  in 
the  Lawndale  community. 


Beatrice  Susman 


Henry  Zych  Edward  Witek 

Alvin  Rohde 


Beatrice  Susman,  unit  supervisor  for  office  procedures  and 
budget,  Skokie  Shop,  accepts  cash  gift  from  co-workers 
presented  by  James  Pankonen  (right),  director.  Vehicle 
Maintenance.  Robert  Flowers,  superintendent,  Skokie  Shop, 
joins  informal  ceremony.  Party  for  Miss  Susman  was  held 
December  10  in  Skokie  Shop  for  more  than  80  persons.  She 
ended  her  27-year  career  with  the  CTA  and  has  moved  from 
DesPlaines  to  Cape  Coral,  Fla.  In  addition  to  cash.  Miss 
Susman  received  other  gifts. 


Feted  at  retirement  party  in  North  Avenue  garage  December 
18  were  Henry  Zych  (left),  59,  with  38  years  service;  Edward 
Witek  (center),  61,  with  35  years  service;  and  Alvin  Rohde, 
56,  with  33  years  service.  About  85  persons  attended  the 
party  to  honor  Zych,  chief  clerk,  and  Witek  and  Rohde,  both 
clerks.  Friends  and  co-workers  gave  the  men  initialed  gold 
pocket  watches  with  gold  chains  and  cash  gifts.  Arthur 
Tabel,  garage  superintendent,  made  the  presentations.  Zych 
and  his  wife,  Tessie,  plan  to  remain  in  their  northwest  side 
home;  Witek  and  his  wife,  Lillian,  plan  to  leave  their  home 
in  Villa  Park  for  retirement  in  Arkansas.  Rohde  plans  to 
leave  his  northwest  side  home  to  retire  in  Elkhorn,  Wis. 


20 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


David  Fisher 


David  Fisher,  62,  (light  colored  suit)  receives  gifts  from 
William  O'Brien  (right),  acting  superintendent.  Security, 
at  Fisher's  November  21  retirement  party  in  the  Blue  Island 
garage.  Joining  the  informal  ceremony  are  Fisher's  wife, 
Edwina,  and  Raleight  Mathis,  manager.  Security.  Fisher,  a 
utility  clerk,  completed  23  years  service.  He  received  a 
digital  clock  radio  and  a  cash  gift  from  his  friends  and  co- 
workers at  the  party  that  attracted  about  70  persons.  Fisher 
and  his  wife  live  in  the  South  Shore  area  and  plan  to  do 
some  traveling  during  his  retirement. 


Lawrence  Miller 


Lawrence  Miller  (left),  55,  station  clerk  at  Forest  Glen 
garage,  is  congratulated  upon  his  retirement  after  35  years 
of  CTA  service  by  Hugh  Masterson,  superintendent  at  Forest 
Glen.  Miller  received  a  cash  gift  from  co-workers  at  an 
informal  party  marking  the  occasion.  He  and  his  wife,  lola, 
plan  to  move  from  their  home  in  Kildeer,  near  Lake  Zurich, 
to  New  Port  Ritchie,  Fla. 


Walter  Barbour 


Peter  Cleary 


John  Wojnicki 


Archer  garage  bus  servicers  Peter  Cleary  (left),  64,  and  John 
Wojnicki  (far  right),  62,  with  James  Byrne,  day  foreman. 
Archer  repair  shop  at  December  31  retirement  open  house 
in  Archer  garage.  More  than  35  persons  attended.  Also 
honored  at  the  open  house  was  Walter  Barbour  (left  photo), 
57,  'B'  electrician.   Cleary  had  32  years  service  while  Wojnicki 


and  Barbour  each  had  30  years  service  with  the  CTA.  Each 
of  the  honorees  received  a  cash  gift  from  their  friends  and 
co-workers.  Cleary  and  his  wife,  Eileen;  Wojnicki  and  his 
wife,  Clara,  and  Barbour  and  his  wife,  Alvina,  plan  to  spend 
their  retirement  in  their  homes  on  the  southwest  side. 


JANUARY,  1981 


21 


JOINING  THE 
ranks  of  the  re- 
tired on  Jan.  1 
were  the  five  em- 
ployees pictured 
here  who  had  40 
or  more  years  of 
service  each  with 
CTA  and  its  prede- 
cessor companies. 


NEW  PENSIONERS 

ANTHONY  T.  ANTHONY,  Electrical  Worker, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  3-27-50 
GEORGE  J.  ARENDT,  Electrical  Worker, 

Skokie  Shop.  Emp.  10-24-47 
ROBERT  J.  ARENDT,  Electrical  Worker, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  12-28-42 
CHARLES  BAREISHIS,  Machinist, 

South  Shops.  Emp.  3-30-46 
JAMES  BATUPS,  Operator, 

52nd  Street,  Emp.  12-26-50 
ANDREW  S.  BEDOE,  Shopman  I, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  10-10-47 
CARLE.  BENGSTON. Operator, 

Forest  Glen.  Emp.  9-1746 
JOSEPH  BILLIS,  Schedule  Maker, 

Schedules,  Emp.  4-25-47 
ARCHIE  BRAGG,  Yard  Foreman, 

Jefferson  Park.  Emp.  12-20-49 
CHESTER  J.  BUJNOWSKL  Electrical  Foreman, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  9-2046 
JAMES  E.  CASEY,  Bus  Repairer, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  9-24-51 
SALVATORE  R.  CICERO,  Machinist  Foreman, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  10-18-41 
PETER  CLEARY,  Bus  Cleaner, 

Archer.  Emp.  1-20-48 
MALACHl  COWLING,  Operator 

77th  Street,  Emp.  9-22-47 
FRANK  CROUSE,  Carpenter, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  5-21-42 
JULIUS  W.  DAIN,  Supt.  Methods/Standards, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  24-37 
LUCAS  L.  DANIELE,  Operator, 

Limits,  Emp.  4-146 
JOSEPH  J.  DAUGIRD,  Supervisor, 

District  D,  Emp.  5-2546 


1                       V^ 

^K^    X.,^^2g^^V 

C.  DEWINE 
40  Years 


E.  A.  HESS 
44  Years 


CARL  DE  WINE,  Conductor, 

North  Section,  Emp.  3-540 
ANTHONY  P.  DI  BENEDETTO,  Chauffeur, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  8-1345 
CHARLES  A.  DROZDA,  Transfer  Clerk, 

Operations  Planning,  Emp.  1  2-1242 
ROY  W.  ERICKSON,  Conductor, 

Kimball,  Emp.  11-6-45 
ROBERT  B.  FENRICK,  Operator, 

Lawndale,  Emp.  3-16-53 
MARCUS  J.  FIORE,  Motorman, 

Forest  Park,  Emp.  8-1541 
GEORGE  J.  GACEK,  Bus  Repairer, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  8-2247 
WALTER  T.  GARBO,  Supervisor, 

North  Section,  Emp.  2-1942 
JOHN  R.  GOUDIE,  Bus  Repairer, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  6446 
RUSSELL  GROD,  Collector. 

77th  Street,  Emp.  7-948 
HOWARD  J.  HALVERSON,  Bus  Repairman, 

North  Park,  Emp.  6-1247 
GEORGE  V.  HARTWIG,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  10-1948 
JOHN  HENNELLY.  Car  Repairer, 

Kimball  Shop,  Emp.  3-10-50 
EDWIN  A.  HESS,  Project  Controller, 

Grant  Programming,  Emp.  3-5-36 
ROY  F.  HORNING,  Operator, 
69th  Street,  Emp.  1-1643 
ALLEN  H.  JACKSON,  Operator, 

Lawndale,  Emp.  4-24-51 
EDWARD  JENKINS,  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  12-748 
FRANK  B.  JENKINS,  Assignment  Qerk, 

Security,  Emp.  5-348 
OLIVER  W.  JOHNSON,  Superintendent, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  4-941 
RAYMOND  JOHNSON,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  1-2947 


Anyone  can  build  a  giant  TV  screen  for  less  than  $200 
says  Morris  Burda,  a  CTA  retiree  who  makes  his  home  in 
Daytona  Beach,  Fla.  Burda,  holding  son  Adam,  says 
video  games  and  tapes  may  also  be  enhanced  by  connect- 


^^■P"        CTA  TRANSIT  N 
Volume  34 

Published  for  employees  and  retir^ 

by  the  External  Affairs  Division.  J^ 

Manager. 

Editorial    and    graphics    by    the    Public    Affairs 

Department,  Bill  Baxa.  Manager. 

Director  of  Publications:  Jack  Sowchin 
Production  Assistant:  Editorial  Assistant: 

Mel  Alexander  Rick  Willis 

Contributing  Writers:  Elda  Leal, 
Jeff  Stern,  Don  Vabush 
Produced  by  the  Administrative  Services'! 
Charles  T.  Zanin,  Director, 
Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  r 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  $2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago 
Illinois  60664. 


ing  them  to  a  stereo  or  high  fidelity  component.  He's 
willing  to  share  his  know-how  just  for  the  asking,  and 
urges  CTAers  to  write  him  for  information  at  719-B  So. 
Beach  Street,  Daytona  Beach,  Fla.  32014.  The  former 
ticket  agent.  West  section,  retired  in  1975  after  23  years 
of  service. 


J,  LAMONT  V.  J.  RACANELLI 

43  Years  43  Years 

BERNARD  A.  JONES,  Lineman, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  6-2948 
JAMES  JONES,  Carpenter, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  9-22-52 
JOE  A.  JONES.  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  4-8-57 
JOHN  R.  KALINOWSKI,  Bus  &  Truck  Spec, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  10-2447 
GEORGE  L.  KARRISON,  Conductor, 

Douglas,  Emp.  3-1842 
PETER  P.  KLISEWICZ,  Motorman, 

Desplaines.  Emp.  6-2244 
RAYMOND  H.  KRAMER,  Operator 

52nd  Street,  Emp.  8-1843 
JAMES  LAMONT,  Electrical  Maint., 

South  Shops,  Emp.  6-16-37 
WILLIAM  J.  LEMKE,  Operator, 

ForestGlen,  Emp.  8-1941 
JOHN  R.  MAHONEY,  Box  Puller, 

Beverly,  Emp.  9-646 
WORTHY  B.  MATTOX,  Supervisor, 

South  Section,  Emp.  10-27-55 
JOSEPH  J.  MAURO,  Bricklayer, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  8-3-50 
LUTHER  C.  MC  GEE,  Operator, 

52nd  Street,  Emp.  1-2545 
WALTER  J.  MC  KAY.  Car  Repairman, 

Linden  Shop,  Emp.  9-3047 
LAWRENCE  R.  MILLER,  Clerk, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  5-846 
ADAM  M.  MODELSKI,  Towerman, 

61st  Street,  Emp.  1-2242 
RAYMOND  MOSK,  Box  Puller, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  6-2347 
EDWARD  A.  MROZEK,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  7-1248 
JOHN  NOGA,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  5448 
NATHAN  C.  ODOM,  Janitor, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  9-10-53 
FREDERICK  J.  OLSEN,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  5-1942 
JOHN  P.  OLSZEWSKI,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  10-2543 
JOHN  A.  O'MALLEY,  Car  Servicer, 

Linden  Shop,  Emp.  10-20-69 
EDWARD  PALA,  Bus  Reparer, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  3-1947 
CHRIST  PANTOS,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  5-2146 
WILLIAM  A  PATTERSON,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  9-28-50 
DENNIS  PIERCE,  Engine  Washer, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  10-3147 
WALTER  C.  POST,  Asst.  Foreman, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  6-2446 
WALTER  PROSEN,  Superintendent, 

Archer,  Emp.  6-2046 
ROBERT  C.  QUETSCHKE,  Ind.  Safety  Anal., 

Transportation,  Emp.  4-141 
VITO  J.  RACANELLI,  Foreman, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  5-14-37 
ALVIN  D.  RHODE.  Clerk, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  1-2147 


22 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


ANTON  C.  RIGLER,  Lineman, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  4-646 
MICHAEL  ROCHE,  Bus/Truck  Mech., 

South  Shops,  Emp.  2-25-50 
JOSEPH  J.  ROSSIE,  Supervisor, 

Central  District,  Emp.  2-547 
WALTER  L.  ROWIN.  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  3-3-53 
EUGENE  S.  RYMKE,  Technician, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  6-23-36 
HAROLD  C.  SCHEPLER,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  1 1-23-45 
WILLIAM  A.  SCHWEITZER,  Superintendent, 

Beverly,  Emp.  3-21-46 
FRANK  A.  SIPICH,  Chauffeur, 

UtiUty,  Emp.  11-8-41 
JACKSON  D.  SMITH  JR.,  Collector. 

77th  Street,  Emp.  2-7-47 
ANTON  SONJU,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  4-14-50 
ROGER  O.  STEELE,  Operator 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  6-12-46 
FRANK  W.  STOLARZ,  Carpenter  Foreman, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  7-2442 
BEATRICE  SUSMAN,  Unit  Supervisor, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  3-4-53 
HAROLD  TAIT,  Electric  Worker  A, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  2-242 


WILBUR  G.  THEISE,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  9-16-53 
BONITA  R.  THOMPSON,  Ticket  Agent, 

North  Section,  Emp.  5-12-71 
JOSEPH  R.  TROSPER,  Supervisor, 

61st  Street,  Emp.  2-1942 
GEORGE  H.  WARD,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  2-24-48 
PAUL  M.  WARD,  Janitor, 

West  Shops.  Emp.  5-1848 
ERWIN  K.  WEICHMANN,  Foreman/Axle, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  8-1 1-47 
MANNY  WENGER.  Asst.  Superintendent, 

ForstGlen,  Emp.  1-648 
OWEN  WHITE,  Operator, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  1 1-14-50 
THEODORE  J.  WILCOP,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  12-946 
JULIE  S.WILLEM,  Clerk  I, 

Transportation,  Emp.  5-547 
HORACE  A.  WILLS,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  11-2-53 
HENRY  F.  WISINSKI,  Operator, 

Forst  Glen,  Emp.  1-1546 
EDWIN  J.  WITEK,  Clerk, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  8-2145 
WILLIAM  F.  WITTSTOCK,  Operator, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  9-645 


JOHN  B.  WOJNICKI,  Bus  Servicer, 

Archer,  Emp.  11-13-50 
EDWARD  J.  YOUNG,  Operator, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  8-14-41 
STEPHEN  J,  ZAHORA,  Stock  Clerk  I, 

Stores  South,  Emp.  3-22-54 
HENRY  F.  ZIOLKOWSKI,  Asst.  Supt., 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  12-2947 
HENRY  W.  ZYCH,  Chief  Clerk, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  4-22-43 


DISABIUTY  RETIREMENTS 

JOE  L.  BOGAN,  Collector, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  8-17-67 
CHESTER  W.  JAGEL,  Shopman, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  2-24-55 
EARTHON  G.  JOHNSON,  Conductor, 

95th  Street,  Emp.  8-27-56 
WESLEY  M,  MORRIS,  Unit  Supervisor, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  34-57 
PHYLLIS  E.  PHILLIPS,  Ticket  Agent, 

South  Section,  Emp.  4-22-70 
THOMAS  D.  SULZER,  Supervisor  I, 

Security,  Emp.  2-6-61 


iint  iviE]nyEOR,i^A.nvE 


EDMUND  BELL,  59,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  12-2-54,  Died  12-3-80 
WILLIAM  E.  CERKAN,  64,  Limits, 

Emp.  1-2044,  Died  10-31-80 
PETER  E.  CONRATHS,  83,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  6-30-15,  Died  11-21-80 
ANGELO  CONSENTINO,    75,  Congress, 

Emp.  6-25-46,  Died  11-1-80 
CARROLL  COOPER,  39,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  11-5-73,  Died  12-8-80 
JOSEPH  F.  DIGIOVANNI,  66,  North  Park 

Emp.  4-23-29,  Died  11-21-80 
CHARLES  P.  DONAHUE,  84,  West  Section, 

Emp.  6-25-25,  Died  11-12-80 
DELORES  DUFF,  43,  Materials  Management, 

Emp.  4-7-75,  Died  12-16-80 
OARY  ELLIOTT,  60,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  11-20-50,  Died  11-16-80 
ANTHONY  J.  GLOSA,  81,  Transportation, 

Emp.  4-19-23,  Died  11-11-80 


THOMAS  GORDON,  79,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  9-10-42,  Died 
CARL  D.  GUSTAFSON,  74,  North  Section, 

Emp.  10-2045,  Died  1 1-13-80 
ARTHUR  P.  HANSEL,  73,  Electrical, 

Emp.  3-18-30,  Died  11-12-80 
ROY  R.  HARNISH,  85,  Transportation, 

Emp.  2-21-29,  Died  11-5-80 
LESTER  INSTONE,  83,  Transportation, 

Emp.  1-25-23,  Died  11-15-80 
LEONARD  T.  JOLLY,  7 1 ,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  7-2646,  Died  11-10-80 
EDWARD  KRATZKE,  70,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  8-1 142,  Died  11-21-80 
GEORGE  KUENSTLE,66,  Transportation, 

Emp.  12-2845,  Died  10-28-80 
OLIVER  M.  LANG,  72,  Skokie  Shop, 

Emp.  1-8-49,  Died  11-22-80 
ALBERT  W.  MASULIS,  68,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  2-1-39,  Died  11-13-80 
CARSON  B.  MATHEWS,  62,  Beverly, 

Emp.  10-31-47,  Died  11-23-80 
FRANK  NARINO,  60,  West  Section, 

Emp.  8-9-78,  Died  11-30-80 


ARTHUR  L.  OLDHAM,  78,  Transportation 

Emp.  6-24-37,  Died  1  1-6-80 
THOMAS  J.  ROGERS,  85,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  12-14-26,  Died  11-15-80 
CLARENCE  J.  SCHULTZ,  64,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  5-147,  Died  11-14-80 
SAMUEL  A.  SERENO,  88,  Way  &  Structures, 

Emp.  7-2341,  Died  11-13-80 
THOMAS  J.  SHEEHY,  76,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  6-27-28,  Died  11-9-80 
NORMAN  SHILVOCK,  74,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  1-19-45,  Died  11-4-80 
ZBIGNIEW  SIKORA,  56,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  4-1-68,  Died  12-3-80 
GEORGE  W.  SINGER,  74,  Limits, 

Emp,  3-1-23,  Died  11-27-80 
ANTHONY  VIRGILIO,  65,  Shops  &  Equip., 

Emp.  2-26-60,  Died  11-27-80 
JOSEPH  P.  WILCYNSKI,  64,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  11-1442,  Died  11-22-80 
EDWARD  WILBERSCHEID,  89,  Limits, 

Emp.  5-1 1-09,  Died  11-1-80 
STEVE  ZITTMAN,  71,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  8-642,  Died  11-1-80 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  January 


40 
years 


Marjorie  M.  Organ 

Payroll 


35  years 


30  years 


John  J.  Hennessy 

Claims 


Harry  G.  Asher,  Jefferson  Park 
Frank  Bonk,  Electrical 
Ward  H,  Chamberlain,  Near  South 
Joseph  L.  Connors,  Security 
Joseph  DeMarco,  Skokie  Shop 
Farrell  E.  Gallagher,  69th  Street 
Johnnie  L.  Henderson,  61st  Street 
Donald  J.  Karl,  Beverly 
Francis  C.  Leguire,  District  A 
Joseph  L.  Markos,  Jefferson  Park 
Edward  F.  IVIizerocki,  Wilson  Shop 
John  J.  Mornar,  Central  Counting 
Joseph  F.  Motyka,  Forest  Glen 
Thomas  J.  O'Connor,  Kedzie 
Sterling  A.  Onan,  North  Park 
Terence  P.  Regan,  North  Avenue 
Ronald  D.  Roy,  District  C 
Thomas  M,  Schwartz,  Ashland/95th 
Charles  F.  Semen,  Electrical 
Dale  E.  Somsel,  North  Park 
Arthur  C,  Tabel,  North  Avenue 
John  Tertz  Jr.,  Forest  Glen 


George  R.  Derose,  North  Avenue 
Joseph  A.  Fano,  Skokie  Shop 
Ruth  F.  Havlik,  Operations  Planning 
James  H,  Irwin,  Lawndale 
Leon  T.  Leroy  Jr.,  52nd  Street 
Stanley  J.  Lupina,  Utility 
Dennis  J.  O'Leary,  South  Shops 
Thomas  G.  Popek,  Engineering 
Charles  D.  Rowell,  Lawndale 
Bert  Steward,  Racine  Shop 
William  J.  Teufel,  Utility 


25  years 


Edward  W.  Burnitz,  Forest  Glen 
Frank  J.  Connolly,  North  Park 
Albert  L.  Godbold,  Electrical 
Edward  J.  Levy,  77th  Street 
Melvin  Lindsey  Jr.,  77th  Street 
Herman  F.  Miles,  Control  Center 
Mezell  L.  Williams,  Maintenance 


JANUARY,  1981 


23 


^/7/  ^(^f^ 


Vision  care  enrollment  period  extended 


The  initial  enrollment  period  for  the  Vision  Care 
Plan,  the  latest  fringe  benefit  for  CTA  employees  and 
dependents,  has  been  extended  to  February  28,  1981. 

The  extended  enrollment  is  offered  to  reach  em- 
ployees who  may  have  missed  an  earlier  opportunity 
to  sign  up.  The  coverage  is  retroactive  to  June  1, 
1980. 

Under  the  plan,  a  portion  of  all  expenses  will  be 
defrayed  for  eye  examinations  conducted  by  a  regis- 
tered physician  or  optometrist  of  the  patient's  choice, 
as  well  as  a  portion  of  the  cost  for  lenses  and  frames 
which  may  be  prescribed. 

The  individual  employee's  share  of  the  premium 
cost  is  less  than  $0.50  per  month,  less  than  $2.00  per 
month  for  an  entire  family,  and  is  handled  through 
payroll  deduction.  The  employee's  small  out-of- 
pocket   share  is  made  possible   because  the  CTA  is 


paying  50  per  cent  of  the  individual  employee's  pre- 
mium from  Jvme  1  through  December  31,  1980,  and  75 
per  cent  of  this  cost  beginning  January  1,  1981,  the 
CTA  Insurance  department  announced. 

The  plan  calls  for  the  employee  to  pay  all  of  the 
premium  for  dependents.  Employees  are  being  en- 
couraged to  participate  in  this  new  program  recom- 
mended under  the  CTA' s  benefits  package.  The  pro- 
gram is  being  administered  by  Vision  Health  Manage- 
ment Systems,  Inc. 

Detailed  information  on  the  Vision  Care  Plan,  as 
well  as  payroll  deduction  cards,  will  be  provided 
through  department  supervisors  for  each  enrollee. 
Additional  information  on  the  new  benefit  plan  is  also 
available  by  calling  the  Insurance  department's  Vision 
Care  Hot  Line  at  661-1592. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   No.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRARY 
NORTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EVANSTON,  IL   -      60201 


TN 


l^-l  r-^^^ 


NGRTIiW£ST^ 


Owen  Terry 


James  O.  Hannah 


CTA  employees  perform  acts  of  gallantry 


Acts  of  gallantry  are  frequent  among  CTA  per- 
sonnel as  exemplified  by  the  recent  heroic  deeds  of 
two  employees. 

Bus  Operator  Owen  Terry  of  the  North  Park  garage, 
has  been  credited  with  the  January  28  rescue  of  a 
woman  who  was  being  attacked  by  a  man  in  a  parking 
lot  along  Kimball  avenue, 

Teriy  said  he  was  northbound  on  Kimball  when  he 
heard  a  woman  screaming.  "A  guy  had  this  lady  down 
on  the  ground  in  the  parking  lot.  I  knew  I  had  to  save 
her,"  Terry  said.  "There  is  just  too  much  of  that  going 
on." 

He  stopped  his  bus  in  mid-block,  and  he  ran  toward 
the  man  who  had  grabbed  liie  lady  by  the  throat  and  was 
punching  her  in  the  face.  The  assailant  fled,  but  Terry 
cornered  him  in  the  parking  lot  and,  with  the  aid  of  his 
haK dozen  passenge r s ,  held  the  man  until  police  arrived . 

In  another  act  of  heroism  occurring  January  22,  the 
alertness  of  Rail  Janitor  James  O.  Hannah  at  the 
Lake/Randolph  mezzanine  in  the  Washington  station  of 
the  State  street  subway  where  he  was  working,  brought 
quick  relief  for  a  woman  who  was  accosted  by  a  purse 
snatcher,  as  well  as  the  immediate  arrest  of  a  suspect. 

Rushing  to  respond  to  the  woman' s  call  for  help, 
Hannah  saw  a  man  running  up  the  stairs  with  her 
purse.  He  chased  the  suspected  purse  snatcher, 
cornered  him  in  a  nearby  alley,  and  made  him  hand 
over  the  woman's  purse  and  the  wallet  which  he  had 
removed  from  the  purse. 


Hannah  then  escorted  the  man  out  of  the  alley  to 
State  street  where  police  took  him  into  custody. 

Both  employees  have  been  recommended  for  com- 
mendations for  their  heroic  deeds. 


Mechanic  Ray  Kura,  bus  engine  overhaul  section.  South 
Shops,  rebuilds  a  used  cylinder  head  for  its  return  to  operating 
for  another  estimated  250,000  miles.  New  program  in  section 
has  boosted  output  of  repaired  engines.  For  full  story  and  more 
pictures,  turn  to  page  8. 


eta 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

FEBRUARY,  1981 


Chairman's  report 


Engineers  Week, 
APIA  Affairs, 
New  UMTA 
Administrator 


As  engineers  across  the  nation  observed  the  30th 
anniversary  of  National  Engineers  Week  February  22- 
28,  various  technological  innovations  which,  since 
1947,  have  enabled  CTA  to  forge  ahead  in  the  transit 
industry,  are  good  reasons  for  us  to  give  special  rec- 
ognition to  our  CTA  engineers. 

Engineers  employed  by  CTA  over  the  years  have 
worked  steadily  to  make  mass  transportation  more 
efficient.  Continuous  improvement  of  service  to  the 
public  has  always  been  our  mission.  In  this  regard, 
the  efforts  of  our  engineers  continue  to  benefit  us. 

We  applaud  them  for  their  success  and  appreciate 
their  role  in  this  great  partnership  which  we  all  share 
in  providing  good  public  transportation  for  Chicagoans. 

It  was  in  this  same  spirit  that  we  met  in  Washing- 
ton in  January  with  the  American  Public  Transit  As- 
sociaticm  Governmental  Affairs  committee,  where  as 
vice  president,  I  presided. 

Our  purpose  was  to  regroup  the  1981  legislative 
committee  and  to  activate  various  subcommittees, 
which  will  develop  position  papers  for  programs  of 
special  interest  to  the  transportation  industry  for  pre- 
sentation to  the  Congress. 

The  subcommittee  formed  will  develop  statements 
for  APTA  on  rail  systems,  procurement,  federal  al- 
locattons,  federal  procedure,  elderly  and  handicapped 
transportation,  bus  systems, bus  system-small/urban- 
rural.  These  subcommittees  will  report  to  the  full 
committee,  March  9,  at  APTA's  annual  legislative 
conference  in  Washington. 

It  was  our  pleasure,  during  this  visit  to  Washington, 
to  meet  with  the  Urban  Mass  Transportation  Ad- 
ministrator designate,  Arthur  E.  Teel,  Jr.  He  as- 
sured us  that,  "the  greatest  potential  for  saving  money 
and  reducing  oil  imports  may  be  achieved  through 
public  transportation's  ability  to  provide  alternate 
transportation  choices  for  work  trips." 

We  appreciate  Mr.  Teel' s  candor,  and  look  forward 
to  other  opportunities  to  work  with  him  as  we  con- 
tinue to  develop  successful  transportation  programs 
for  the  80s. 

It  is  my  fervent  belief  that  we  will  succeed  as  we 
work  together. 


9 


Volunteer  judges 
needed  for  Bus 
Roadeo  events 

Non-operating  CTA  employees  are  being  asked  to 
participate  as  judges  in  the  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  events 
which  will  begin  the  weekend  of  April  4,  The  Roadeo 
will  be  held  for  each  garage  on  Saturdays  and  Sun- 
days, except  Easter  Sunday,  April  19. 

The  events  will  include  uniform  inspection  pre- 
pullout  check  quiz,  and  driving  competition.  Winners 
from  each  garage  wdll  then  compete  against  each  other 
in  area  competitions  during  the  month  of  July. 

Management,  professional  and  other  non-operating 
personnel  wishing  to  volvuiteer  as  judges  for  these 
events  should  contact  Lonnie  Hill  in  the  training 
center  at  477-1369,  or  549-1540.  Volimteers  may 
also  call  Bill  Mooney  in  the  Merchandise  Mart  at 
ext.  4132. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


City  House  -  - 

Home  Improvement  Fair 

Chicago's  popular  City  House  —  Home  Improve- 
ment Fair,  will  be  held  March  27  through  29  in  Mc- 
Cormick  Place  West  (Donnelley  Hall),  23rd  street  and 
King  drive. 

More  than  50,000  persons  are  e:^ected  to  attend 
this  year's  event  at  the  fair's  new  site  where  about 
400  exhibitors  will  have  displays  and  "how  to"  demon- 
strations. 

Bob  Vila,  star  of  WTTW-Channel  11' s  This  Old 
House  TV  series,  and  Clem  Labine,  editor  of  the 
Old-House  Journal  and  old  house  restoration  com- 
mentator on  WBBM  radio,  will  be  among  the  featured 
personalities  at  the  tiiree-day  fair. 

On  Friday  (Preview  Day),  March  27,  the  fair  will 
be  open  from  noon  to  9  p.m.  Admission  on  Friday 
will  be  $2o 

On  Saturday,  March  28,  the  hours  will  be  from 
10  a.m.  to  9  p.m.  and  on  Sunday,  March  29,  the  fair 
runs  from  10  a.m.  to  7  p.m.  Admission  on  Saturday 
and  Sunday  will  be  $3.  Senior  citizens  (over  age  65) 
and  children  under  12  will  be  admitted  free  on  all 
three  days. 

A  $1  discoimt  admission  coupon  will  be  available 
at  many  hardware  and  home  improvement  stores. 

"The  City  House  Fair,"  Labine  told  his  Old-House 
Journal  readers,  "is  the  only  restoration  show  with 
national  significance.  The  exhibits  are  devoted  to 
restoration  and  sensitive  rehabilitation.  Although 
many  of  the  exhibits  are  from  the  Chicago  area,  many 
other  exhibitors  are  companies  that  sell  nationally." 

City  House  is  sponsored  by  the  City  of  Chicago  and 
is  presented  by  the  city's  Department  of  Housing  and 
the  Commission  on  Chicago  Historical  and  Architec- 
tural Landmarks. 

In    addition    to    commercial    and   noncommercial 


View  of  aisle  of  home  improvement  idea  displays  in  City  House,  home 
improvement  fair.  (Photo  Courtesy  of  City  House) 


craftsmen  and  fabricators,  there  will  be  displays  by 
financial  institutions  and  real  estate  firms,  preserva- 
tion organizations,  neighborhood,  city,  state,  and 
federal  agencies. 

Persons  attending  the  fair  will  be  asked  to  submit 
names  of  persons  or  organizations  they  think  have 
done  a  significant  home  remodeling  or  renovation 
project  in  the  last  12  months,  said  Edward  T.  Jeske, 
director  of  City  House.  Photographs  of  the  work  done 
should  accompany  each  application. 

Entrants  will  be  judged  later  and  an  awards  cere- 
mony will  beheld  this  summer.  Jeske  said  the  contest 
will  be  open  imtil  May  31. 


This  discount  coupon  will  allow  the 
bearer  $1  off  the  regular  admission  price 
of  $3  to  patrons  of  City  House,  the 
home  improvement  fair  at  McCormIck 
Place  West  set  for  March  27-29, 1981 . 


CUT  ALONG  DOTTED  LINE 


CITY  MOUSIE 

A  HOME  IMPROVEMENT  FAIR 

McCormick  Place  West  -  Donnelley  Hall 
MARCH  27-29,  1981 


$  I  DISCOUNT  COUPON 


FRIDAY   Noon  to  9  p.m. 
SATURDAY   10:00  a.m.  to  9  p.m. 
SUNDAY   10:00  a.m.  to  7  p.m. 


REGULAR  ADMISSION  $3.00 

SAVE  $1.00 

WITH  THIS  COUPON 


CITY  OF  CHICAGO  ■  JANE  M.  BYRNE,  MAYOR 

E*resented  by  the  Department  of  Housing  and  the 
Commission  on  Chicago  Historical  and  Architectural  Landmarks 


FEBRUARY,  1981 


34  receive  certificates  as  bus  service  instructors 


Bus  Service  instruction  re- 
ceived a  major  boost  in  manpower 
January  13  when  one  of  the  largest 
groups  of  instructors  in  CTA  his- 
tory graduated  after  completing  an 
88-hour  training  program. 

Thirty-four  former  bus  drivers 
who  later  served  as  line  instruc- 
tors or  supervisors,  accepted 
their  training  certificates  at  cere- 
monies in  the  CTA  board  room,  in- 
cluding the  first  two  women  to 
qualify  for  bus  instruction  posi- 
tions. They  will  be  involved  not 
only  in  training  new  drivers,  but 
also  in  observing  or  retraining 
current  drivers  whose  bus  handl- 
ing techniques  are  monitored  at 
least  twice  a  year. 

Addressing  the  first  bus  in- 
structor graduates  in  three  years. 
General  Operations  Manager  Har- 
old Geissenheimer  said,  "The 
public's  expectation  of  service  has 
increased  recently,  due  mainly  to 
fare  increases,  and  in  the  era 
we're  now  in,  action  tends  to  stand 
out.  You  have  an  obligation  now  to 
do  something  for  your  friends, 
neighbors,  and  relatives  in  train- 
ii^  new  drivers  on  how  to  serve 
our  riders." 

Ed  Mitchell,  director,  Support 
Services,  urged  the  graduates,  "If 
you  need  help,  don't  hesitate  to  call 
on  others."  Regarding  the  pos- 
sibility of  further  advancement  in 
their  CTA  careers  he  added,  'We'll 
take  you  as  far  as  your  potential 
will  take  you." 

Graduating  with  the  highest 
marks  in  the  class  was  Timothy 
Graves,  who  said,  "This  is  my 
second  time  around.  I  didn't  make 
it  the  first  time,  but  then  I  went 
back  and  tried  to  study  hard  enough 
so  I  wouldn't  have  to  take  it  again. 
I  got  a  lot  of  encouragement  from 
my  wife. 

"The  idea  of  helping  people 
seemed  to  be  the  emphasis  all 
through  the  training  period.  I 
think  this  will  make  me  better  able 
to  be  of  service  to  the  drivers.  I 
feel  I  can  make  a  difference  on  the 
street  because  of  the  way  I've  been 
instructed." 

Milton  Holland,  who  joined  CTA 


Displaying  graduation  certificates  are  (left  to  right)  Robert  Newman,  Aaron  Crockett  Jr.,  Lydia 
Lewis,  and  Everett  IVIcBride,  shown  here  with  instructor  Arthur  Bennett  (right). 


Gathered  around  instructor  Charles  Hodges  (second  from  right)  are  bus  instructor  graduates  (left 
to  right)  William  Reese,  Lawrence  Robinson,  James  Washington,  Curtis  McEwen,  and 
Gary  Wallace  Jr. 


Taking  part  in  graduation  day  festivities  were  (left  to  right)  instructor  Joseph  Lasinski  and  gradu- 
ates Wayne  Williams,  Willie  Otis,  James  Cruthird,  and  Timothy  Graves. 


in  1975  after  graduating  from 
Grinnell  College,  in  Iowa,  said  his 
instructor  training  helped  him  be- 
come more  knowledgeable  of  the 
company  and  its  functions.  "I 
don't  want  to  miss  an5d;hlng.   I  see 


this  as  a  natural  progression  to- 
ward management.  It' s  what  I  was 
hoping  for  when  I  started. 

"Fm  eager  to  learn  and  accept 
the  challenges  before  me.  The 
training  has  given  me  confidence 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Instructor  Nathaniel  Payne  (right)  looks 
approvingly  at  bus  instructor  graduates  (left 
to  right)  Ellice  Marshall,  Ben  Jeffries,  Lawrin 
Riles,  Willie  McFall,  and  Efrain  Malave. 

Instructor  John  McClain  (third  from  right) 
shares  graduation  limelight  with  (left  to  right) 
Milton  Rolland,  Edward  Willis,  Tom  Elerby  Jr., 
James  Robinson,  and  Brantley  Handspike. 


that  I  can  compete  successfully 
and  make  decisions.  It  has  also 
helped  me  understand  why  some 
rules  and  regulations  I  had  to  fol- 
low as  a  driver  were  necessary." 

Lydia  Lewis,  one  of  the  first 
two  female  instructor  graduates, 
said,  "Beii^  aline  instructor  in  the 
supervisoiy  pool,  I  did  my  best  to 
help  the  drivers  through.  After 
completing  this  training,  I  feel  I 
can  be  of  more  help  to  them.  I 
also  have  empathy  for  the  older 
passengers  and  will  be  able  to  pass 
that  on  to  (he  drivers.  I  think  I'm 
going  to  enjoy  this  as  much  as 
being  a  supervisor.  I  still  enjoy 
driving." 

Efrain  Malave,  who  has  been 
with  the  CTA  5^  years,  said,  "I 
wanted  the  company  to  get  better 
benefit  from  me  and  to  provide 
more  for  my  family.  Being  able 
to  step  in  front  of  a  class  and  in- 
struct students  and  prepare  pre- 
sentations is  not  easy.  But  in 
working  with  new  and  older  opera- 
tors and  finding  out  what  they  need 
to  learn  through  line  riding,  I 
figure  I  can  really  help  them  out." 

According  to  graduate  William 
Nash,  "Completing  this  course  has 
given  me  a  more  positive  aim  as 
an  individual.  I  feel  I  am  more 
qualified  now  to  do  a  better  job  for 
the  company.  I'd  like  to  enter  the 
m/p  intern  program  next.  I  think 
anyone  going  into  management 
should  get  into  this  program  first 
so  they  can  understand  pro- 
cedures." 


Relaxing  after  the  graduation  speechmaking  are  (left  to  right)  instructor  Nathaniel  Payne  and 
graduates  Jesse  Burns,  James  White,  William  Nash,  Walter  Young,  and  Edward  Watkins. 


All  smiles  after  graduation  ceremony  are  (left  to  right)  Mostafa  Poustinchian,  McKlnley  Palmer, 
Alfred  Pierce,  Allen  Summerset,  and  John  Hafford,  posing  with  instructor  Arthur  Bennett. 


FEBRUARY,  1981 


Lawrence  Hart  (North  Avenue 
Garage)  was  praised  by  Edward 
Staniszewski,  of  North  Natchez 
Avenue,  in  a  letter  that  was 
signed  by  seven  other  riders  on 
Hart's  #86  North/Narragansett 
bus.  "This  gentleman  is  an 
exceptional  bus  driver  due  to  the 
fact  that  he  is  very  polite,  cour- 
teous, and  respectful  toward 
young  and  old  alike.  He  makes 
the  ride  of  all  his  passengers 
relaxed  and  enjoyable.  Rain  or 
shine,  everyone  is  greeted  with  a 
'Good  morning.'  It  seems  like 
he  is  always  on  schedule,  there- 
fore, never  leaves  anyone  behind. 
He  should  be  commended  for  a 
job  well  done." 


Blanca  Torres  (Forest  Glen  Gar- 
age) "really  is  a  sweet  lady," 
according  to  Regina  Kleman,  of 
Roscoe  Street,  who  Is  a  frequent 
rider  on  her  #78  Montrose  bus. 
"She  is  very  courteous  and 
really  knows  her  route.  She  also 
calls  the  street  names  and  helps 
older  people  get  on  the  bus.  One 
Sunday  she  did  a  magnificent 
job  of  telling  three  riders  to  stop 
smoking.  When  she  used  her 
good  manners  and  common 
sense  talking  to  them,  they  ac- 
cepted the  fact  they  were  com- 
miting  a  violation  and  got  off 
the  bus  peacefully.  She  is  an 
excellent  driver,  and  what  I  like 
most  is  that  she  always  curbs 
the  bus." 


commendation  corner 


Roger  Steele  (North  Avenue  Garage)  was  commended  by 
Danny  Velazquez,  of  Cambridge  Avenue,  for  being  "a  good, 
courteous,  and  friendly  driver"  on  the  #77  Belmont  route. 
"At  7  o'clock  in  the  morning  he  is  always  cheerful,  bright, 
and  ever  accommodating  to  his  hurried  passengers.  Just  his 
smile  and  overall  attitude  help  us  riders  begin  our  day  with  a 
pleasant  feeling  toward  our  fellow  human  beings.  It  was 
with  great  loss  and  disappointment  that  1  heard  Mr.  Steele  is 
soon  to  retire.  His  kind  attitude  and  smile  will  be  greatly 
missed  by  all  of  us  who  have  become  so  accustomed  to  his 
fine  service.  God  bless  him  in  many  years  of  retirement." 

Wilhe  Wilkes  (North  Park  Garage)  was  the  driver  of  a 
#151  Sheridan  bus  that  Catherine  Watson,  of  Riverside,  took 
on  her  way  to  Union  Station.  "I  wish  to  commend  driver 
#4370  for  the  courtesies  he  extended  to  the  passengers. 
Even  more  important,  in  my  estimation,  was  the  way  he 
handled  the  bus.  At  no  time  did  he  show  impatience  with 
pedestrians  and  other  drivers.  As  he  approached  an  inter- 
section he  made  sure  he  could  clear  it  on  the  green  light 
before  proceeding.  He  waved  other  bus  drivers  ahead  of  him 
away  from  the  curb  so  they  could  get  into  the  flow  of 
traffic.  I  consider  him  outstanding." 

Joseph  Gale  (Forest  Glen  Garage)  was  thanked  by  Ger- 
trude Bhtstein,  of  North  Mozart  Street,  for  his  courtesy  while 
driving  a  #84  Peterson  bus.  "What  a  wonderful  way  to  start 
a  new  day!  Driver  #8690  is  by  far  one  of  the  most  courteous 
and  pleasant  individuals  I  have  ever  had  the  privilege  of 
riding  with.  His  smUe  as  one  boards  the  bus  says,  'What  can 
I  do  to  make  your  day  a  Uttle  more  pleasant?'  and  the 
courtesy  he  extends  to  his  passengers  is  exemplary  and- 
should  be  copied  by  other  drivers.  The  other  passengers 
agree  with  me  and  we  do  our  best  to  ride  with  him  whenever 
possible.  He  gets  our  vote  for  'Driver  of  the  Year!'  " 

Sergio  Candelaria  (Limits  Garage)  did  "a  fine  job"  driving 
a  #151  Sheridan  bus  that  was  ridden  by  C.  Hilliard,  who 
maintains  a  box  at  the  Loop  Post  Office.  "In  all  the  heavy 
crowds  on  State  Street  and  the  extra  traffic  on  Michigan 
Avenue,  he  was  consistently  courteous,  helpful,  and  pleasant 
to  all.    He  answered  many  questions  and  gave  clear  directions 


to  a  number  of  bewildered  passengers,  and  he  did  this  aU  in 
a  manner  that  reassured  them  and  made  them  feel  com- 
fortable. And  with  all  this,  he  still  operated  his  bus  so  as  to 
give  his  passengers  a  smooth  ride.  It  was  a  pleasure  to  ride 
with  him." 

Wendell  Talbert  (North  Park  Garage)  was  appreciated  by 
Dr.  Phillip  Nieburg,  of  the  Washington,  D.C.,  Department  of 
Human  Services,  who  rode  his  #11  Lincoln  bus  while  on  a 
business  trip  to  Chicago.  "He  renewed  my  faith  in  bus  driv- 
ers. He  smiled,  was  polite  to  all  passengers,  was  especially 
courteous  with  the  elderly  passengers  (including  waiting 
patiently),  and  took  pains  to  warn  them  about  the  dangers 
of  other  vehicles  when  stepping  off  the  bus.  I  do  extensive 
traveling  around  the  United  States  and  spend  a  lot  of  time 
on  pubUc  vehicles.  This  driver  is  clearly  a  credit  to  CTA  and 
the  City  of  Chicago." 

Jeremiah  Ballard  (69th  Street  Garage)  was  described  as 
"an  extremely  courteous  and  pleasant  young  man"  by 
Vema  Leathers,  of  St.  Lawrence  Avenue,  who  was  a  rider 
on  his  #9  Ashland  bus.  "When  he  reached  an  intersection 
where  another  bus  line  crossed,  he  looked  very  carefully  to 
make  sure  that  passengers  alighting  from  other  buses  could 
make  the  connection  with  his  bus.  I  was  most  impressed 
with  his  alertness  and  unfailing  courtesy.  I  might  add  that 
each  passenger  he  helped  was  very  courteous  in  thanking 
him.  Can  you  believe  it?  It  was  a  very  pleasant  ride  that 
cold  morning,  and  he  was  responsible  for  it." 

Lawren  Stanfill  (West  Section),  ticket  agent  at  Oak  Park 
on  the  Lake/Dan  Ryan  route,  caught  the  attention  of  Joan 
Adamson,  of  Oak  Park,  for  her  courtesy  to  riders.  "WhUe 
waiting  to  pay  my  fare,  an  elderly  lady  ahead  of  me  was 
trying  to  get  to  Chicago  Reed  Hospital.  She  apparently 
had  gotten  the  wrong  information  previously.  The  agent 
said  she  would  call  Travel  Information  and  find  out  for  the 
lady.  When  she  gave  the  lady  directions,  she  wrote  them 
down  and  even  gave  her  a  map  with  the  bus  number  circled. 
When  the  lady  thanked  her,  she  said,  'That's  alright,  miss. 
That's  what  I'm  here  for.'  " 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


other  qperating  employees  receiving  commenda- 
tions recently  were: 

Elvin  Boone,  77th  Street;  Dwayne  Borom  and  John 
Brugess,  both  of  Limits;  and  Junior  Broadbent,  North 
Park. 

Jean  Cage,  Limits;  John  Cameron,  Ashland  Termi- 
nal; Ramon  Clark,  Forest  Glen;  Ray  Clark,  Lawndale; 
and  Oracle  Curtis,  69th  Street. 

Robert  Dluger,  Noiiii  Park;  James  Doss,  77th 
Street;  and  Michael  Doss,  Forest  Glen. 

John  Eason  and  Raphael  Emery,  both  of  North  Park. 

Granville  Fields,  69th  Street;  Willie  Fitzpatrick, 
North  Park;  Roberto  Flores,  North  Avenue;  and  Paul 
Franks,  77th  Street. 

Hugo  Galvez  and  Leonard  Gibbs  m,  both  of  North 
Park;  Wallacene  Good,  Forest  Glen;  and  Howard 
Green,  Beverly. 

Niki  Hansen,  Forest  Glen;  Willie  Harmon  and  Ed- 
ward Head  Jr.,  both  of  77th  Street;  Sandalio  Hechavar- 
ria.  North  Park;  Janice  Henderson  and  Howard  Hill, 
both  of  69th  Street;  and  Charles  HoUey,  Beverly. 

Jackqueline  Jackson,  Lawndale. 

Martin  Kane,  Howard/Kimball;  Hosseinali  Khalvati, 
North  Park;  Denis  Kippes,  Limits;  George  Knox, 
Lawndale;  and  John  Kurinec,  Forest  Glen. 

David  Lewis,  North  Park;  and  OrvanLyles,  Archer. 


Sherman  Martin,  Kermit  Mitchell  Jr.,  and  Richard 
Moore,  all  of  North  Avenue;  Daniel  Martin  and  Thomas 
Meagher,  both  of  Forest  Glen;  Angel  Martinez,  Edgar 
Mollinedo,  and  Nelson  Morales,  all  of  North  Park; 
Alan  Mathis,  West  Section;  and  Hugh  McGhee,  Limits. 

George  Neal,  North  Park;  Gerald  Nelson,  77th 
Street;  and  Hector  Nieves,  Forest  Glen. 

Harold  Pierce  Sr.  and  Reinhard  Poetz,  both  of 
Forest  Glen;  and  Donnell  Prater,  Limits. 

Leonard  Quinlan,  North  Park. 

Vema  Reed  and  Pablo  Rosario,  both  of  Limits; 
Jesus  Rivera,  North  Park;  and  Felix  Rodriguez,  For- 
est Glen. 

Burt  Schwartz  and  Ralph  Strickland,  both  of  Forest 
Glen;  Pablo  Silva  and  Lopaz  Swain,  both  of  Limits; 
Joseph  Slaughter  and  Richard  Snyder,  both  of  North 
Park;  Salvador  Soto  and  Ronald  Stefinsky,  both  of 
Archer;  Helen  Steams,  77th  Street;  and  Edward  Sul- 
livan, Beverly. 

Charles  Talley,  Archer. 

Billy  Walker,  Forest  Glen;  eleven  Wardlow  and 
Hazel  Warren,  Limits;  Harvey  White,  69th  Street;  and 
Patricia  Williams,  North  Park. 

Jacques  Yezeguielian,  Forest  Glen. 

Frank  Zanazaro,  Forest  Glen;  and  Joseph  Zuker- 
man.  North  Park. 


promotions 


Donald  Budoff  has  been 
appointed  superintendent, 
Storerooms,  Materials  Man- 
agement. Budoff  joined 
CIA  in  1957  as  a  file 
clerk  in  Job  Classification. 
In  1959  he  became  ad- 
dressograph  operator. 

Stores,  and  a  year  later, 
stock  clerk  in  the  same 
section.  Budoff  was  chosen 
supervisor  of  Storerooms, 
Materials  Management,  in 
1974.  He  and  his  wife, 
Karon,  have  two  daughters 
and  a  son,  and  make  their 
home  in  Lockport. 

Linda    Bremer,    former 
secretarial      stenographer. 
Public  Affairs,  has  been  named  executive  secretary/supervisor, 
reporting  to  the  manager  of  the  External  Affairs  Division. 

In  other  job  reassignments,  five  former  management/pro- 
fessional interns  have  been  selected  assistant  superintendents 
in  the  Transportation  Department.  Johnny  HoUfield  is  now 
assistant  superintendent.  Service,  while,  in  Personnel,  Mary 
Beth  Cobleigh  and  Michael  Sanchez  have  been  assigned  Far 
North;  RosaUo  Garcia,  Near  North;  and  Charlene  McFadden, 
Near  South. 

Also  new  as  assistant  superintendent  is  Eugene  Hill,  for- 
mer supervisory  chauffeur,  UtUity,  who  was  promoted  with- 
in the  same  section.    Recently  named  m/p  interns  in  Trans- 


portation were  Walter  Thomas,  former  driver.  Forest  Glen; 
James  Daugherty,  former  rail  instructor;  and  Aaron  Hender- 
son, former  bus  service  supervisor. 

In  Security,  George  Garland, former  personnel  investigator, 
has  been  appointed  unit  supervisor,  Personnel  Investigations. 

In  Financial  Services/Internal  Auditing,  Marcelo  Reyes 
has  been  promoted  from  field  audit  clerk  to  internal  auditor, 
while  in  Budget,  Emmet  Gonder  has  been  reassigned  from 
financial  analyst  to  senior  budget  analyst.  Louise  Muhr, 
former  accounts  payable  clerk,  Financial  Services,  is  now 
statistical  analyst.  Materials  Management. 

Now  serving  as  special  projects  analysts,  Materials  Manage- 
ment -  Stores,  are  Henry  Farley,  former  stock  clerk  in  the 
same  section,  and  Charles  Ripke,  former  procurement  analyst. 
Procurement.  Also  in  Procurement,  Edward  Hosty  Jr. 
has  moved  from  procurement  analyst  to  buyer. 

Patrick  Hastings,  former  conductor.  West  Section,'  has 
become  yard  foreman  in  the  same  section.  Three  former 
bus  repairers  have  been  selected  relief  garage  foremen.  In 
their  new  Vehicle  Maintenance  positions,  Norman  Whiten- 
hQl  and  Randall  Dunaj  remain  at  77th  Street  and  North 
Park,  respectively,  while  Henry  Gauthier  moves  from  Beverly 
to  Archer. 

Also  in  Vehicle  Maintenance,  John  Ruddle,  former  bus 
repairer.  North  Avenue,  has  been  chosen  resident  instruc- 
tor, Tire  Repair,  and  John  Ward,  former  bus  servicer,  Forest 
Glen,  has  become  bus  repairer.  Various.  Two  former  drivers 
at  North  Park  have  been  selected  laborers:  John  Eason  at 
Skokie  Shop,  and  William  Robinson  at  South  Shops. 

Calvin  Conner,  former  driver,  Beverly,  is  now  unit  ex- 
change clerk.  South  Shops,  while,  in  Financial  Services  - 
Payroll,  Phyllis  Shields  has  been  reassigned  from  payroll 
clerk  to  payroll  relief  clerk.  Michele  Hawkins,  former  clerk. 
Human  Resources  -  Medical,  has  been  selected  suggestion 
records  clerk.  Job  Classification. 


FEBRUARY,  1981 


The  finished  product  is  ready  for  another  round  of  service.    Checldng 
it  out  are  (left  to  right),  Rudy  Goode,  foreman;  Nick  Simonetti,  unit 

Engine  rebuild 
production  up  100% 

Nick  Simonetti,  unit  supervisor  of  the  engine  re- 
build section  at  South  Shops,  seems  to  have  mastered 
the  art  of  getting  the  most  out  of  people. 

Since  November,  production  in  the  engine  rebuild 
section  has  increased  100  per  cent  without  having  to 
add  personnel. 

When  bus  engine  failures  reached  epidemic  propor- 
tions late  last  year,  outside  engine  repair  shops  were 
contracted  to  help  with  the  workload  as  CTA  mechanics 
struggled  to  keep  pace  with  demands.  However,  the 
best  efforts  to  get  ahead  of  the  problem  failed,  and 
Simonetti,  with  the  support  of  Frank  Venezia,  the  de- 
partment's superintendent,  went  on  the  attack„ 

A  time  and  motion  study  was  conducted,  and  when 
all  the  facts  were  compiled,  the  engine  rebuild  shop 
was  closed  for  two  months  while  Simonetti  and  Venezia 
re-organized. 

"We  found  that  our  mechanics  were  using  a  lot  of 
wasted  motion  by  sometimes  having  to  leave  their 
work  areas  to  get  replacement  parts  or  tools  to  com- 
plete a  project.  This  would  slow  down  the  work  flow," 
Simonetti  said. 

To  eliminate  the  problem,  Simonetti  ordered  modi- 


supervisor;  Franl<  Venezia,  superintendent,  and  Walter  Street,  shop 
leader. 

fied  engine  stands,  part  carts,  and  part  wagons  for 
each  of  the  six  work  stations.  He  assigned  an  ex- 
pediter to  keep  the  carts  and  the  wagons  filled  with 
the  nuts,  bolts,  washers,  screws  and  other  parapherna- 
lia, as  well  as  the  major  replacement  parts  and  tools 
necessary. 


Valve  refacing  is  done  by  Stanley  Chudoba. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Applying  his  skills  to  work  on  the  cylinder  head  assembly  is  John  James. 


Mechanics  Walter  Wheeler   (left),  and  Leslie  Ballard  are  busy  getting 
the  gear  train  sub  unit  assembly  in  order. 


"We  don't  want  themechajiics  to  have  to  leave  their 
area  unnecessarily.  We  want  them  to  have  all  of  the 
COTiveniences  so  that  they  can  get  the  job  done," 
Simonetti  said. 

An  engine  is  returned  to  the  shop  for  an  overhaul 
approximately  every  250,000  miles,  he  said.  The 
process  begins  with  a  check  list  which  each  mechanic 
follows  as  the  big  V-8  engine  arrives  at  his  work  lo- 
cation. 

Simonetti  explained  that  each  mechanic  gets  a  dif- 
ferent engine   eveiy   four  hours,  which  means  each 


worker  will  see  two  engines  per  day.  Jobs  in  the  shop 
are  switched  around  frequently  to  avoid  monotony 
among  the  shop  creWo  Since  the  rebuild  shop  re- 
opened its  doors  in  November,  its  25  mechanics  have 
overhauled  more  than  100  bus  engines  which  have  been 
returned  to  service. 

"We  have  had  100  per  cent  cooperation  from  the 
foreman,  the  shop  leader,  and  the  entire  crew,"  said 
Simonetti.  "This  is  what  it  takes  to  get  the  job  done. 
We  are  very  proud  of  what  is  being  accomplished  as  we 
continue  to  catch  up  with  production  demands,"  he  said. 


Vince   Roofe  begins  the  engine  overhaul  process  at  station  1  in  the 
Engine  Rebuild  section  at  South  Shops. 


V-8  bus  engines  are  locked  onto  modified  engine  stands  for  easy  access. 
Syed  Qadri,  mechanic  at  station  4  in  the  Rebuild  section,  accomplishes 
his  part  of  the  job  with  ease. 


FEBRUARY,  1981 


Ron  Baker  elected 
president  ITDA 

Ron  Baker,  superin- 
tendent. Operations 
Training,  Training/De- 
velopment Programs, 
Human  Resources  de- 
partment, has  been  elect- 
ed president  of  the  Illinois 
Training  &  Development 
Association  (TTDA).  With 
a  membership  of  over 
800,  the  association  is 
the  second  largest  chapter 
of  the  nationwide  Ameri- 
can Society  for  Training 
&  Development,  a  pro- 
fessional group  of  train- 
ing and  development 
practitioners  and  directors. 

The  purpose  of  the  ITDA  is  to  contribute  to  a  better 
utilization  of  human  ability  and  potential  in  business, 
industry  and  government.  In  his  new  position.  Baker's 
objectives  for  1981  are  improving  the  association's 
bi-monthly  newsletter,  bringing  allied  groups  in  the 
trainingfleld  closer  together,  and  working  to  standard- 
ize training  techniques  in  the  profession. 

Baker  joined  CTA  in  1964  after  working  three  sum- 
mers as  a  temporary  driver  at  North  Avenue.  Before 
entering  management  training  he  served  in  operating, 
supervisory,  and  management  positions  in  both  bus 
and  rail  operations. 


Auditor  is  named 
to  NABA  office 

Janice  'Jae'  Rowell, 
an  auditor  assigned  to  the 
CTA  Internal  Auditing 
depailment,  has  been 
named  corresponding 

secretary  of  the  National 
Association  of  Black  Ac- 
countants, Inc.,  Chicago 
Chapter.  She  is  also  a 
member  of  their  scholar- 
ship committee. 

The  National  Associa- 
tion of  Black  Accountants, 
Inc.  was  founded  in  New 
York  in  1969  to  promote 
the  training  and  develop- 
ment of  minorities  in  ac- 
counting. Its  purposes  are  to  encourage  minorities  to 
pursue  careers  in  accounting,  to  provide  assistance 
and  education  for  its  members,  and  to  serve  as  a 
vehicle  to  career  opportunities. 

Ms.  Rowell,  a  member  of  NABA  for  three  years, 
said  that  her  goal  is  to  see  that  more  rainorities  be- 
come aware  of  the  organization,  and  that  its  member- 
ship and  scholarship  fund  increase. 

Ms.  Rowell  holds  a  bachelor  of  science  degree  in 
accounting  from  Southern  Illinois  University,  and  has 
partially  completed  examinations  to  qualify  as  a 
certified  public  accountant.  A  native  of  Chicago,  she 
joined  the  CTA  in  June,  1980. 


IIVIPORTANT 
NOTICE 

Employee 

Change  of  Address 

for  Transit  News 

Beginning  with  the  March,  1981,  issue  of  Transit 
News,  all  magazines  mailed  to  employees  will  be 
addressed  by  computer,  using  the  address  that 
appears  on  your  W-2  Income  Tax  Form.  If  you 
do  not  receive  your  March  issue,  you  must  submit 
a  new  EMPLOYEE  CHANGE  OF  ADDRESS  form 
(CTA  Form  8431)  which  is  available  from  your 
department  head  at  your  work  location. 


Veterans  note: 

Lapsed  insurance 
policies  do  not 
earn  dividends 

A  recent  aimouncement  from  the  Veterans  Ad- 
mdnistration  says  the  VA  does  not  pay  dividends 
on  lapsed  insurance  policies. 

A  dividend  hoax  being  circulated  by  various 
organizations  including  some  veterans  groups, 
promises  that  veterans  of  World  War  II  may  col- 
lect a  dividend  based  on  their  service  even  If  they 
have  not  kept  their  policies  in  force. 

However,  the  VA  emphasizes  that  veterans  are 
being  misinformed.  Official  looking  forms  are 
being  distributed  and  signed  by  a  non-existent  VA 
official.  Questions  should  be  directed  to  the 
Veterans  Administration,  536  S.  Clark  Street, 
Chicago,  or  call  353-4076. 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Our  lives  are  studded  with  milestones  and  markers  signi- 
fying places  in  time  where  something  significant  happened 
to  us.  Of  all  the  markers  we  use,  none  is  repeated  more 
often  than  the  last  stroke  of  midnight  on  December  31- -the 
end  of  one  year  which  we  know  and  the  start  of  another 
of  which  we  know  nothing  but  hope. 

A  group  of  CTA  employees  gave  Transit  News  their  most 
important  accomplishments  in  1980  -  -  significant  markers 
to  them. 

Labor  Day  weekend  was  a  great  time  for  J.  M.  Driver,  rail 
janitor  foreman.  "I  enjoyed  a  delightful  time  with  many 
friends  and  my  classmates  at  the  reunion  of  the  1954  grad- 
uates of  Liberty  High  School  in  Etta,  Miss.  We  had  a  great 
time  at  a  dinner-dance  in  the  Holiday  Inn  at  Oxford,  Miss., 
and  again  at  a  wonderful  picnic.  We  shared  stories  of  our 
experiences  and  accomplishments  we  had  since  we  left 
high  school." 

It  took  an  accident  with  serious  injuries  on  July  15  to 
help  Mrs.  Barbara  Dixon,  agent  assignment  office  clerk,  to 

convince  her  husband,  Bill,  to  give  up  his  motorcycle  in 
1980.  "He  loved  riding  his  motorcycle,  even  though  his 
hobby  filled  me  with  fears  for  his  safety.  After  he  recovered 
from  his  injuries  he  gave  up  his  machine  -  -  and  I  now  have 
peace  of  mind  for  his  well  being." 

"The  birth  of  our  first  son  on  May  2  changed  my  life  in 
many  ways,"  said  Sergio  Guifarro,  bus  driver.  North  Avenue 
garage.  "Before  his  birth  I  was  careless  with  money  and 
somewhat  disorganized.  But  now  I  have  definite  goals 
because  of  my  great  responsibility  to  provide  the  very  best 


for  him.     And  I  feel  like  a  new  person  since  he  was  bom. 
Becoming  a  father  was  the  greatest  experience  for  me." 

Bus  driver  Tony  Zenner  of  North  Avenue  garage  said 
purchasing  a  burned-out  building  next  to  his  home  early 
last  year  was  more  significant  than  he  reahzed  at  the  time. 
"The  price  of  this  abandoned  two  flat  was  so  attractive  I 
couldn't  resist  a  bargain.  But  it  took  a  lot  of  hard  work 
and  money  to  rehabilitate  the  building.  Looking  back  on 
my  project,  now  rented  to  two  families,  I  feel  very  satis- 
fied and  I  think  all  the  work,  money,  and  frustration  were 
worth  while." 

"I  don't  think  I'll  ever  forget  the  delightful  four-week 
auto  trip  through  the  midwest  and  west  coast  states  and 
Canada.  I  enjoyed  the  beautiful  scenery  and  took  plenty 
of  pictures,"  said  Mollis  Lewis  Jr.,  bus  driver.  North  Avenue 
garage. 

Robert  Adler,  travel  information  agent,  marked  October  6 
as  a  major  milestone  in  the  lives  of  his  family.  "That  was 
the  day  we  moved  into  our  own  home  -  -  our  first  home. 
It's  on  the  Northwest  Side." 

January  7  was  move-in-day  for  bus  driver  Esteban  Ueras 
of  North  Avenue  garage.  "After  renting  in  Chicago  for  1 1 
years,  we  saved  enough  money  to  buy  a  home  on  north 
Pulaski  road.  Buying  and  moving  into  our  own  home  was 
the  most  fulfilling  experience  I  had  in  1980." 

Mrs.  Beverly  J.  Catherine,  payables  utility  clerk,  Financial 
Services/Operations,  said,  "The  most  exhilarating  thing  that 
has  happened  to  me  this  year  is  my  renewed  faith  in  Christ. 
This  has  been  made  possible  through  my  spiritual  experience 
with  Antioch  Missionary  Baptist  Church.  Through  my 
revelation  in  God,  I  have  become  a  more  loving,  compassion- 
ate and  understanding  human  being,  and  I  have  been  able 
to  endure  my  challenges  at  CTA.  For  each  day  here  is  truly 
a  beginning  to  a  new  avenue  of  life's  unexpected  demands." 


Determination  nets  BA  degree 
for  working  mother 

Nothing    good     was 
ever  accomplished 

without  enthusiasm 

which  is  the  genius  of 
sincerity,  a  fact  well 
knovra  to  Juanita  Fields, 
training  coordinator, 
Training  /  Development 
section,  Human  Re- 
sources department. 

Ms,  Fields  sub- 
merged herself  last 
year  in  the  pursuit  of  a 
Bachelor  of  Arts  de- 
gree in  Applied  Behav- 
iorial  Science  from  the 
National  College  of  Edu- 
cation in  Evanston.  Through  her  determination  and 
readiness  to  apply  herself  to  her  work  and  her  studies. 


Juanita  earned  her  degree  and  was  graduated  with 
honors. 

Subsequently,  she  advanced  to  her  present  job  from 
the  office  of  Management  Services  where  she  worked 
as  equipment  clerk. 

The  successful  pursuit  of  her  bachelors  degree 
began  in  1970,  two  years  after  joining  the  CTA  as 
a  ticket  agent.  It  was  then  that  she  completed  the  high 
school  GED  and  enrolled  at  Malcolm  X  College  where 
she  earned  an  Associate  of  Arts  degree  and  was  in- 
spired to  enter  the  National  College  of  Education, 

Looking  back  on  her  struggle,  Juanita  said,  "It  took 
me  10  years  to  reach  my  goal  because  there  were  so 
many  difficult  periods.  I  had  to  cope  with  the  respon- 
sibilities of  raising  two  small  children  as  well  as  ro- 
tating shifts  which  sometimes  conflicted  with  class- 
room schedules,  but  it  was  worth  every  minute  of  it." 

Noting  that  she  is  very  pleased  v/ith  her  work, 
Juanita  said  she  wants  to  enhance  her  skills  further 
by  pursuing  a  masters  degree, but  plans  to  enjoy  some 
leisure  before  returning  to  school. 

"Now,  I'm  going  to  enjoy  my  family  and  a  few  pas- 
times such  as  bowling,  teimis,  swimming  and  bike  rid- 
ing for  a  while,"  she  said. 


FEBRUARY,  1981 


Second  group  to  complete  an  eight-week  Material  Handling  and  Ware- 
housing course  sponsored  by  Materials  Management  Department  in- 
clude (from  left),  Eugene  Magad,  course  instructor;  John  Williams, 
laborer.  West  Shops;  Lester  Speights,  stock  clerk.  South  Shops; 
Donaldson  Thompson,  Laborer,  Lower  Yard;  Sam  Ellis,  order  control 
derk.  Merchandise  Mart;  Walter  Griffin,  stock  clerk.  South  Shops; 
William  Cantwell,  laborer.  West  Shops;  David  Knoerr,  stock  derk, 
Skokie  Shop;  William  Tucker,  stock  clerk.  South  Shops;  James 
McMahon,  stock  clerk,  Skokie  Shop;  Michael  Reynolds,  stock  clerk. 


South  Shops;  William  Blinstrub,  order  control  clerk.  Merchandise 
Mart;  Oliver  Green,  stock  clerk.  South  Shops;  Edward  Hosty,  procure- 
ment analyst.  South  Shops,  and  John  Perry  Jones,  stock  derk.  Mer- 
chandise Mart.  The  department's  120  members  are  scheduled  to  take 
the  course  conducted  by  Eugene  Magad  and  Associates,  consultants 
to  the  warehousing  industry.  Ed  Deles,  unit  supervisor.  Records  and 
Training,  Materials  Management  Department,  is  coordinator  for  the 
course. 


Petty  Officer  Second  Class  Joseph  V.  Beenn,  the  son  of  CTA  bus  opera- 
tor Angel  Beenn,  Archer  garage,  was  recently  graduated  with  honors 
from  the  Great  Lakes  Naval  Training  center  and  is  assigned  to  the 
Communications  school,  San  Diego,  Calif.,  where  he  is  in  training  as  a 
radioman.  Another  son,  Michael,  was  honorably  discharged  from  the 
Navy  last  month  after  four  years  of  service. 


i 

i 

.m^^m 

••*l 

*^m 

1 

ifef 

Irma  N.  Muniz  (CTA  Pension  section),  and  her  husband,  Juan,  obser- 
ved the  first  anniversary  of  the  birth  of  their  son,  Alexander  Silverheart 
Muniz,  November  27,  1980.  The  occasion  was  marked  by  a  birthday 
party  attended  by  family  and  friends. 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Yesterday's  dream, 
Tomorrow's  greatness 


By  W.  B.  Wolfan 


Coach  Ray  Meyer  and  his  DePaul  Blue  Demons  are 
one  Chicago  sports  team  that  symbolizes  the  greatness 
of  yesterday  and  the  glory  of  the  present. 

The  Blue  Demons  represent  collegiate  basketball 
at  its  very  best  and  this  season  is  no  exception.  Skill, 
incentive  and  aggressive  play  are  De Paul's  trade- 
marks on  the  basketball  court. 

The  Blue  Demons  are  what  Chicago  sports  fans  cry 
out  for  so  desperately— a  winner. 

DePaul  will  be  right  there  when  the  NCAA  title  is 
decided  at  the  end  of  the  season. 

The  Blue  Demons  will  benefit  from  a  setback  or 
two.  Sometimes  that  setback  makes  or  breaks  a  ball 
club.  Ray  Meyer  says  that  it  often  is  a  good  thing  be- 
cause overconfidence  is  destroyed  and  defeat  is  good 
for  the  soul. 

The  Blue  Demons  are  well  equipped  to  be  NCAA 
champions. 

Terry  Cummings  and  Teddy  Grubbs  have  come 
along  after  a  slow  start.  Cummings  had  an  injured 
hand  when  the  season  got  underway,  but  now  his  shoot- 
ing and  rebounding  are  more  than  living  up  to  expec- 
tations. 

Skip  Dillard  and  Clyde  Bradshaw  have  been  out- 
standing. Especially  notable  is  Dillard's  outside 
shooting.  Grubbs'  base  line  jvimp  shots  have  given  the 
opposition  chronic  headaches  all  season,  and  are 
definitely  a  big  factor  in  DePaul' s  versatile  offense. 

But  there  is  another  principal  reason  in  DePaul' s 
success  that  should  not  be  overlooked.  Coach  Meyer 
can  always  turn  loose  his  star  forward,  MarkAguirre, 
if  the  team  shows  a  sluggish  effort,  which,  of  course, 
happens  to  all  teams. 

Turning  Aguirre  loose  is  like  exploding  a  guided 
missile.  Early  in  the  season,  Mark  yielded  to  Coach 
Meyer's  wishes  for  greater  teamplay,  guarding  his 
man  and  feeding  liie  ball  to  his  teammates.  This 
change  in  Aguirre' s  basketball  life  style  was  rewarding 
to  Coach  Meyer  although  it  meant  a  decrease  in  point 
scoring  for  the  21 -year  old  player. 

There  is  no  question  about  it.  If  Aguirre  goes  on  a 
scoring  rampage,  it  fires  up  the  entire  team.  Some- 
times it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  instill  such  mo- 
mentum, and  that  is  what  makes  victories  possible. 
The  pros  will  tell  you  that  the  team  with  the  momen- 
tum comes  home  a  winner  most  of  the  time. 

This  year  DePaul  has  excellent  bench  strength, 
particularly  in  Brett  Burkholder  and  Bernard  Randolph. 
As  long  as  its  first  five  remain  healthy,  however, 
DePaul  cannot  miss  being  a  prime  contender  for  the 
NCAA  title,  which  in  thelong  run,  is  what  really  counts. 


Mark  Aguirre 

(Photo  courtesy  DePaul  University) 

Before  the  season  began  this  reporter  visited  a 
DePaul  practice  session  at  Alumni  Hall  as  the  guest 
of  Coach  Meyer.  This  business  of  playing  winning 
basketball  is  a  serious  one  in  DePaul  workouts,  and  the 
67-year  old  Meyer  brooks  no  loafing  in  those  tightly 
orchestrated  drills.  It's  an  intensive  workout  that  has 
no  rest  periods,  and  the  observer  is  impressed  with 
Meyer's  method  of  handling  the  drills.  The  players 
work  hard  and  the  results  show  up  at  game  time.  A 
veteran  coach  told  us  long  ago  that  "the  fact  that  you 
have  the  horses  doesn't  always  guarantee  victory." 

Ray  Meyer's  tough  coaching  makes  the  difference 
for  DePaul.  There  is  no  doubt  about  it.  Ray  knows 
how  to  get  the  best  out  of  his  players  with  inspirational 
leadership  and  many  years  of  knowledge  of  every  facet 
of  basketball.  He  never  lets  up  in  instilling  his  play- 
ers with  the  incentive  to  go  all-out  for  victory. 


FEBRUARY,  1981 


13 


Retirement 


Robert  Quetschke 

Robert  C.  Quetschke,  61,  industrial  safety  analyst 
in  the  Support  Services  section,  Transportation  de- 
partment, retired  January  1  after  39  years  of  service. 

More  than  150  persons  honored  Quetschke  at  a 
dinner  given  in  his  honor  at  Robert  and  Allen's  Re- 
gency Inn.  The  occasion  also  marked  the  38th  wedding 
anniversary  for  Quetschke  and  his  wife,  June. 

Quetschke  joined  the  Chicago  Surface  Lines,  pred- 
ecessor to  the  CTA,  on  April  1,  1941,  as  a  station 
clerk  at  Lincoln  depot,  a  facility  now  used  for  storage 
by  the  City  of  Chicago. 

Following  the  outbreak  of  World  War  II,  he  was  in- 
ducted into  the  U.S.  Navy  where  he  served  imtil  1945. 
He  then  returned  to  the  CSL  to  restime  duties  as  a 
station  relief  clerk  at  Armitage  and  Division.  In  1951 
he  moved  to  the  Transportation  department's  geneiral 
office  as  a  clerk,  and  in  1961  he  was  named  training 
assistant. 

He  was  later  appointed  assistant  to  the  superin- 
tendent of  operating  stations,  named  manpower  plan- 
ning budget  analyst  in  1974,  and  industrial  safety 
analyst  in  1977. 

The  Quetschkes  will  retain  their  residence  in 
suburban  Norridge  and  will  travel  occasionally. 


Robert  C.  Quetschke,  CTA  industrial  safety  analyst,  and  his  wife, 
June,  as  they  appeared  at  a  dinner  January  16  honoring  Quetschke 
upon  his  retirement  after  39  years  of  service.  The  event  also  marked 
their  38th  wedding  anniversary. 


CTA  retiree  Russell  Warnstedt  displays  his 
coin  collection  which  took  secqnd  place  at 
the  recent  Oak  Park  Coin  Club  show.  Warn- 
stedt, president  of  the  club,  used  the  old 
street  car  photos  on  display  here  to  draw 
attention  to  his  bus  token  display.  The  for- 
mer CTA  suggestion  coordinator  retired  in 
1975  after  39  years  of  service. 


Keeping  young  in  the  sun,  CTA  retirees 
Daniel  Browne  (left)  and  Patrick  Benton 
send  word  they  would  enjoy  having  friends 
write  or  stop  by  when  they're  in  Tucson. 
Browne,  80,  retired  in  1965  after  working 
at  Armitage,  77th  Street,  69th  Street,  and 
North  Avenue.  He  likes  exploring  the  Arizona 
deserts  and  mountains,  and  keeps  in  shape 
doing  chin-ups.  Benton,  86,  retired  in  1960 
from  77th  Street,  and  is  a  champion  shuffle- 
board  player,  with  many  trophies  to  his 
credit.  Dan  and  his  wife,  Margaret,  live  next 
door  to  Pat  and  his  wife,  Edna,  at  Green 
Meadows,  1135  W.  Prince  Rd.,  Tucson, 
AZ  85705. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arthur  D.  Stahl  celebrated  their 
50th  wedding  anniversary  October  26,  1980. 
Family  and  friends  attended  a  party  in  their 
honor  at  Glen  Maker  Hall,  Chicago  Ridge, 
III.,  where  they  reside.  Stahl  retired  August  1, 
1975,  after  32  years  of  CTA  service  which 
included  assignments  in  the  Transportation 
and  Stores  departments. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


JOINING  THE  ranks 
of  the  retired  on  Feb- 
ruary 1  wasANTHONY 
B.  GRABSKI  who  had 
more  than  41  years  of 
service  with  CTA  and 
its  predecessor  com- 
panies. 


WALTER  T.  BARBOUR,  B  Electrician, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  1-17-47 
ARDELL  W.  BLACK,  Traffic  Checker, 

Schedules,  Emp.  4-10-46 
ALBERT  A.  DUCKETT,  Car  Repairer  A, 

61st  Street,  Emp.  9-30-69 
ANTHONY  B.  GRABSKI,  Motorman, 

Howard,  Emp.  6-27-39 
LEONARD  C.  HESS,  Superintendent, 

Grant  Program  &  Adm.,  Emp.  11-13-72 
KIRBY  HOUSTON,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  4-25-57 
BENNIE  J.  JARMUS,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  8-29-47 
GEORGE  J.  KUBIN,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  12-7-53 
LEONARD  R.  MARX,  Carpenter, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  12-20-66 
ROBERT  J.  MUELLER,  Machinist  Ldr., 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  4-16-47 
MICHAEL  PACHOLIK,  Operator, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  1-28-54 
EDWARD  C.  PETERSEN,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  5-31-46 
ROBERT  J.  SALMEN  Jr.,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  10-12-56 
BERT  STEWARD,  Car  Servicer, 

Racine  Shop,  Emp.  1-22-51 
LAWRENCE  VANDERHORST,  Elect.  Wkr., 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  1-12-43 

DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

ERNESTINE  M.  HENKE,  Ticket  Agent, 

North  Section,  Emp.  3-4-67 
EDWARD  P.  O'ROURKE,  I.D.  Coordinator, 

External  Affairs,  Emp.  6-25-51 
PAULA  A.  TURNER,  Assignment  Agent, 

Central  Assignment,  Emp.  6-21-72 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  34 


Number  2 


Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA 

by  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H,  Berman, 

Manager. 

Editorial    and    graphics    by    the    Public    Affairs 

Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager. 

Director  of  Publications:  Jack  Sowchin 
Production  Assistant:  Editorial  Assistant: 

Mel  Alexander  Rick  Willis 

Contributing  Writers:  Elda  Leai, 
Jeff  Stern,  Don  Yabush 
Produced   by    the  Administrative   Services   Unit, 
Charles  T.  Zanin,  Director. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  $2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


JULIUS  E.  BARKLEY,  87,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  12-30-13,  Died  12-18-80 
WILLIAM  J.  BOURKE,  8  I.Kimball, 

Emp.  11-3^3,  Died  12-10-80 
HERBERT  V.  CALLAHAN,  80,  North  Sect., 

Emp.  3-23-34,  Died  12-11-80 
MICHAEL  CARR,  82,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  9-19-36,  Died  12-29-80 
RICHARD  CAWLEY,  77.  69th  Street, 

Emp.  10-18-27,  Died  12-24-80 
NORA  CRONIN,  74,  Claims, 

Emp.  6-22-42,  Died  12-18-80 
MARY  DOYLE,  74,  West  Section, 

Emp.  3-13-45.  Died  12-24-80 
EMIL  DROBNEY,  66,  Archer, 

Emp.  10-M5.Died  11-24-80 
URIEL  DUKES.  55,  Electrical, 

Emp.  2-10-72,  Died  12-27-80 
CHARLES  J.  EARNSHAW,  88,  South  Sect., 

Emp.  2-22-24,  Died  12-23-80 
LEONARDO  GUTIERREZ,  35,  North  Park, 

Emp.  6-15-78,  Died  1-9-81 
CHARLES  HAYES,  69,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  2-2448.  Died  12-17-80 
JOHN  HOFFERT,  70.  Electrical, 

Emp.  11-18-36,  Died  12-30-80 
RAYMOND  HORNBECK,  7 1 ,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  8-1 1-42.  Died  12-16-80 
LONNIE  JOHNSON,  52,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  2-19-59,  Died  1-7-81 
ROBERT  JOHNSON,  85,  Way  &  Struct., 

Emp.  9-17-30,  Died  11-8-80 
JOHN  KACHLIK,  80,  Transportation, 

Emp.  12-15-42,  Died  12-22-80 
EDWARD  KAZMIERCZAK,  63,  Limits, 

Emp.  8-2-48.  Died  12-28-80 
JOHN  KIRBY,  85,  Kedzie. 

Emp.  1-26-23.  Died  12-28-80 
FRANK  LESZCZYNSKI,  69,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  11-18-42,  Died  12-26-80 


PAUL  LOCASSIO,  57,  District  C, 

Emp.  2-10-55,  Died  12-23-80 
JAMES  MARREN,  8 1 ,  Transportation, 

Emp.  3-6-24,  Died  12-3-80 
DANIEL  McGRORY,  88,  West  Section, 

Emp.  1-30-31,  Died  12-31-80 
HELEN  B.  McGUlRK,  91,  Transportation, 

Emp.  8-6-37,  Died  12-20-80 
EUGENE  METZ,  72,  Limits, 

Emp.  8-31-36,  Died  12-4-80 
WILLIAM  MICHALIK.  77,  Skokie  Shop, 

Emp.  11-2046,  Died  12-30-80 
RAY  NOAKES,  57,  Schedules, 

Emp.  12445,  Died  1-3-81 
JAMES  NOONE,  76,  Stores, 

Emp.  5442,  Died  12-21-80 
PERCY  PASSMORE,  59,  Travel  Info.  Ctr., 

Emp.  6-10-54.  Died  12-22-80 
PHILLIP  PELUSO.  89,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  4-24-20.  Died  12-13-80 
ROBERT  PRICE,  65,  52nd  Street, 

Emp.  1-2747,  Died  11-27-80 
JOSEPH  PROCHNIAK,  75,  West  Section, 

Emp.  3-29-24,  Died  12-19-80 
PETER  REBECCA,  76,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  9-342.  Died  12-3-80 
JOHN  RUSNAK.  70,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  4-1343,  Died  12-18-80 
JOHN  SARES,  88.  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  12-5-28,  Died  12-8-80 
TONY  SCARDINA,  69,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  7-1447,  Died  12-18-80 
ARTHUR  TAGGART,  36,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  9-14-70.  Died  12-18-80 
ROBERT  TAGGART,  84,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  10-27-22.  Died  12-7-80 
JOHN  VIHANEK,  75,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  5-21-23,  Died  12-3-80 
JOSEPH  WILL,  70,  Beverly, 

Emp.  1-9-34,  Died  12-15-80 
MICHAEL  YEDINAK,  91 ,  South  Shops, 

Fmp.  8-16-23,  Died  12-2-80 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  February 


30  years 


40 
years 


James  E.  McCoy 

Real  Estate 


35  years 


Richard  Dickerson,  69th  Street 
Charles  V.  Dugo,  Electrical 
John  HaIko  Jr.,  69th  Street 
George  G,  Hatchett,  Bus  Service 
Patrick  J.  Kenny,  Electrical 
Frank  S.  Lipinski,  Forest  Glen 
John  T.  McCrea,  Instruction 
Stanley  S.  Michalec,  Utility 
William  P.  Rafferty,  South  Shops 
John  M.  Thurow,  Central  Counting 
Frank  R.  Zampetti,  Des  Plaines 


25  years 


Valon  A.  Brown,  Archer 
Otwa  Clemens,  69th  Street 
Clifford  Coleman,  Maintenance 


Stanley  E,  Brown,  Forest  Glen 
Horace  C,  Chatman,  Beverly 
Wilbur  C,  Cooley,  Ashland/95th 
Eugene  Corker,  South  Shops 
Horace  C.  Crawford,  Maintenance 
Michael  A.  Doll,  Electrical 
Peter  Duffy,  Stores  South 
Junius  Echols,  77th  Street 
Charles  Edwards,  Archer 
Walter  Falls  Jr„  52nd  Street 
Dalton  J.  Gilllland,  Stores  South 
William  P.  Hooper,  Lawndale 
William  J,  Hunter,  Forest  Park 
McKinley  Jackson,  Maintenance 
John  Levanovic,  District  B 
Lenro  Lumpkin,  77th  Street 
John  J.  McDermott,  Skokie  Shop 
Howard  McMillan,  Utility 
John  C,  Miller,  Utility 
Arthur  Mines  Sr.,  Beverly 
Bryant  H.  Paxton,  Skokie  Shop 
William  E.  Payne,  Ashland/95th 
Robert  L.  Poellnitz,  Utility 
Samuel  A.  Pollock,  Ashland/95th 
James  W.  Quinn,  North  Park 
Randolph  G.  Robinson,  77th  Street 
Abraham  Scarbrough,  Bus  Service 
Albert  Silins,  Kimball 
James  W.  Simmons,  Ashland/95th 
James  W.  Sims,  District  A 
Earl  P.  Singleton,  Ashland/95th 
Henry  R.  Stuba,  Print  Shop 
Donald  W,  Sparks,  North  Park 

Cleodis  Foston,  Archer 
Frank  Goudeau,  69th  Street 
Bartholomew  F,  Kantak,  Instruction 
Sam  Thomas,  69th  Street 
Herbert  Williams,  69th  Street 


FEBRUARY,  1981 


15 


The  first  four  of  300  rapid  transit  cars  are  to  be  delivered 
to  the  CTA  by  the  Budd  Company  of  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  in 
the  spring. 

These  cars,  ordered  in  1978,  have  stainless  steel  bodies 
with  a  horizontal  band  of  charcoal  gray  at  window  level. 
Under  the  gray  will  be  two-inch  bands  of  red,  white,  and 
blue. 

While  these  cars  will  closely  resemble  the  2400  series 
Boeing  cars,  there  will  be  two  important  new  features.    In 


150  of  the  cars,  there  will  be  a  fold-up  seat  behind  the 
motorman's  cab  to  allow  a  wheel  chair  rider  to  be  secured 
to  the  car.  Also,  the  end  door  sills  are  shortened  to  discour- 
age persons  from  boarding  and  riding  between  cars. 

The  new  cars  will  be  the  2600  series  and  each  car  will 
undergo  600  hours  of  testing  in  passenger  service  before 
they  get  the  CTA's  approval.  The  CTA  has  an  option  to 
order  up  to  another  300  of  the  cars  from  the  Budd 
Company. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   NO.    8021 
CHICAGO.   ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.    LIBRARY 

NORTHVyESTERIJ   UNIVERSITY 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EV.VNSTON,    IL  60?01 


TN 


.^^^MlZX- 


Learning  by  doing 

South  Shops  volunteers 
help  Explorer  Scouts 

Thirty  craftsmen  at  South  Shops  are  volunteers  in 
a  special  scouting  program  designed  to  give  high 
school  students  a  career  awareness  in  four  areas  of 
special  interest. 

Some  138  young  men  and  women  from  various  hi^ 
schools  throughout  the  City  of  Chicago  have  joined 
Explorer  Scout  Post  9777,  sponsored  by  the  CTA. 

The  scouts  meet  two  hours  at  South  Shops  twice 
each  month  throughout  the  school  year  to  learn  skills 
in  automotive  mechanics,  welding,  electricity,  and 
carpentry,  and  receive  firsthand  knowledge  of  their 
career  choices  as  they  participate  in  a  project  to  build 
a  miniature  articulated  bus. 

The  committee  organizing  the  project  included 
Thomas  Wolgemuth,  manager  of  Maintenance,  serving 
as  project  chairman;  Frank  Sprovieri,  carpenter 
leader,  advisor;  and  Willie  Wong,  unit  supervisor  of 
bus  garages,  management  coordinator.  Committee 
members  are  Frank  Venezia,  area  superintendent,  bus 
shops;  and  Dick  Schneider,  superintendent, automotive 
maintenance. 


The  body  shapes  up  as  pieces  fall  into  place. 
CTA  welder  Fred  Kerr  (left,  wearing  glasses). 


Supervising  the  job  is 


A  scout  tacks  seat  covering  firmly  in  place  with  a  helping  hand  from 
Bob  Mandujano  (left),  upholsterer  at  South  Shops. 


dta 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

MARCH,  1981 


TOP:  William  Lewis,  paint  shop  foreman  (plaid  shirt),  directs  his 
special  attention  to  student  working  with  silk  screening  as  others 
observe.    ABOVE  LEFT:     Last-minute   adjustments  are  made  on  old 

Volunteers  at  South  Shops  participating  as  advisors 
are  Fred  Kerr  and  Robert  McClelland,  welders;  Rob- 
ert Brown,  Marshall  Coleman,  Harry  HoUendoner,  Al 
Zielinski,  Henry  Krob,  William  Miller,  Bill  Savarino, 
and  Larry  Hughey,  carpenters. 

Other  tradesmen  volunteers  are  Casimir  Noga  and 
Marty    Muraski,    tinners;    Jerry    Walter,    mechanic 


motor  which  will  supply  power  for  bus.  ABOVE  RIGHT:  John 
Kurgan,  upholstery  foreman,  is  very  cautious  as  he  guides  student  in 
the  use  of  a  sewing  machine  during  stitching  of  upholstery. 

foreman;  Jake  Weber,  mechanic;  Kenneth  Brawner, 
machinist;  Alfred  L.  Haas,  unit  supervisor,  body 
shop;  Robert  Lee,  field  service  engineer;  Dan  Badon, 
engineer;  John  Garner,  electrician  foreman;  Don 
Freebairn,  and  Leon  Griffin,  electricians. 

Also  volunteering   their  time  with  the  scouts  are 
John  Kurgan,   upholsterer  foreman;    Bob  Mandujano, 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


TOP:  Learning  to  scrounge,  scouts  examine  an  old  sweeper  as  they 
look  for  salvageable  parts  that  may  be  used  in  the  miniature  articulated 
bus  they  will  build.   ABOVE  LEFT:  "This  looks  about  right,"  aspiring 

and  William  Stallworth,  upholsterers;  William  Lewis, 
paint  shop  foreman;  James  Haynie,  Kenneth  Pott, 
DeLord  Hatcher,  and  John  Seay,  painters. 

The  special  scouting  program  is  sponsored  by  the 
Chicago  Area  Council  Exploring  Division,  Boy  Scouts 
of  America,  working  in  cooperation  with  the  Chicago 
Board    of    Education.       Explorer    Executive    Robert 


young  carpenters  are  assured  by  CTA  mentor  Bob  Brown.  ABOVE 
RIGHT:  Step  by  step,  scouts  put  miniature  bus  together.  CTA's 
Marty  Muraski  (right),  a  tinner,  watches  as  this  trio  cuts  out  frame. 

Battle  m  said  students  were  recruited  for  the  program 
through  a  career  survey  conducted  throughout  the 
city's  high  schools.  The  students  were  then  invited 
by  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  to  become  mem- 
bers of  the  Career  Exploring  program  based  on  their 
career  preferences. 


MARCH,  1981 


Chairman's  report 


We're  proud 
of  safest  year 
accomplishment 


If  there  has  ever  been  a  doubt  that  CTA  operating 
personnel  are  among  the  finest  in  the  nation,  it  was 
surely  laid  to  rest  by  the  report  that  1980  was  found 
to  be  the  safest  year  in  CTA  history. 

Certainly  we  are  not  surprised  by  this  report  since 
we  know  that  our  drivers  and  trainmen  constantly 
strive  for  perfection  in  the  performance  of  their  jobs. 
They  also  have  been  trained  by  some  of  the  most  ca- 
pable instructors  in  the  transit  industry — people  who 
have  come  from  the  ranks,  are  experienced,  and 
highly  motivated.  This  puts  Chicago  in  the  forefront 
nationally  in  its  safety  profile. 

Although  traffic  and  other  conditions  of  travel  are 
more  challenging  today  than  ever  before,  we  have 
persevered  to  improve  upon  the  tremendous  record  of 
low  accident  operation  accomplished  in  1976,  our  pre- 
vious safest  year. 

This  year,  we  have  totaled  in  excess  of  133  million 
miles  of  bus  and  rail  operation  with  an  accident  fre- 
quency rate  of  only  5.7  per  100,000  miles,  a  decrease 
of  12  per  cent  from  four  years  ago. 

This  is  even  more  gratifying  when  one  considers 
that  we  netted  a  savings  of  $2  million  in  claims  alone. 
The  amount  of  money  saved  in  potential  workman's 
compensation  is  incalculable  as  are  the  savings  netted 
in  the  cost  of  repair  and  replacement  of  CTA  vehicles 
and  other  property. 

We  have  long  recognized  that  safety  is  a  primary 
COTicem  of  the  riding  public,  and  we  want  to  make 
every  effort  to  provide  the  public  with  continued  as- 
surance that  their  welfare  is  our  foremost  concern. 
The  attention  devoted  to  safety  by  all  of  our  people  in 
the  Transportation  and  Safety  departments  has  been 
outstanding. 

We  are  very  proud  of  our  1980  record.  It  is  proof 
positive  that  CTA  employees  are  united  as  a  team, 
concerned  and  dedicated  to  safety,  and  that  we  are 
continuing  to  pull  together. 


CTA  Board  approves 
$15  monthly  passes  for 
elderly  and  handicapped 

The  CTA  Board  recently  approved  a  $15  discounted 
monthly  pass  for  the  elderly  and  handicapped  riders 
to  go  on  sale  for  the  month  of  March. 

"We  are  pleased  to  offer  our  elderly  and  handi- 
capped riders  a  monthly  pass  for  the  first  time  that  is 
good  for  unlimited  riding,"  said  Chairman  Eugene  M. 
Barnes. 

The  passes  for  the  month  of  March  were  sold  only 
at  CTA  bus  garages  and  rapid  transit  terminal  offices 
from  Feb.  24  through  Mar.  7,  between  8  a.m.  and 
6  p.m.,  and  at  the  CTA's  Cashier's  office  on  the 
seventh  floor  (Room  7-160)  of  the  Merchandise  Mart 
Monday  through  Friday,  between  8  a.m.  and  4  p.m. 

The  passes  will  be  sold  at  other  locations  in  future 
months  as  arrangements  are  finalized. 

The  elderly  and  handicapped  will  be  reqmred  to 
show  the  "Special  Users"  senior  citizen  and  handi- 
capped identification  card  when  purchasing  the  month- 
ly pass  and  each  time  the  pass  is  used  for  riding  a  bus 
or  rapid  transit  train. 

The  CTA  elderly  and  handicapped  pass,  as  well  as 
the  $35  monthly  pass,  is  good  on  any  CTA  bus  or 
rapid  transit  train  and  on  RTA  suburban  buses  be- 
ginning March  1. 


Carrying 
the  mail 


The  Mobile  Post  Office  Society 
is  preparing  monographs  of  all 
cities  that  had  streetcar  railway 
post  offices,  of  which  Chicago  is 
one. 

If  any  of  the  oldtimers  remem- 
ber schedules,  dates  of  operation, 
contractors,  routes,  equipment 
and  substations  used  by  the  old 
streetcars  which  carried  mail, 
please  contact  Ray  Fleming,  a 
member  of  the  society,  by  letter. 

Address  your  letter  to  Ray 
Fleming,  CTA,  Merchandise  Mart 
Plaza,  P.  O.  Box  3555,  Room  7-158, 
Chicago,  IL  60654.  Mr.  Fleming 
will  send  acknowledgements. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Suggestions 


Norman  Millies,  signal  main- 
tainer  at  West  Shops  who  received 
$2,125  last  year  from  the  Em- 
ployee Suggestion  Plan  for  devis- 
ing a  method  of  rebuilding  cab 
signal  receiver  coils  for  rapid 
transit  cars,  has  earned  an  ad- 
ditional $1,000  from  the  Plan  be- 
cause of  intangible  companywide 
benefits  still  being  derived  from 
his  suggestion.  Damaged  or 
burned  out  coil  vinits  previously 
were  discarded  because  it  was 
thought  they  could  not  be  recon- 
ditioned for  reuse. 

Besides  the  cash  awards,  Mil- 
lies has  received  a  plaque  from 
the  National  Association  of  Sug- 
gestion Systems  in  nationwide 
recognition  of  his  achievement. 
Millies,  who  will  retire  later  this 
year,  has  been  a  CTA  employee 
since  1941. 

Charles  Small,  electrical  work- 
er at  South  Shops,  has  received  a  cash  prize  of  $250 
for  making  a  shift  solenoid  tester  and  general  function 
tester  to  check  shifting  circuits  on  1000, 7400,  and  9000 
series  buses.  Anthony  Citro,  car  repairer.  Forest 
Park,  earned  $100  for  developing  a  jack  to  install 
blower  motors  and  shxmts  into  rapid  transit  cars. 

A  cash  award  of  $75  was  given  to  Terry  Bemero, 
electrical  worker,  Skokie  Shop,  for  suggesting  that 
CTA  make  its  own  wiring  harnesses  for  2400  series 
rapid  transit  cars  rather  than  buy  them.  John  Vidas, 
mechanic.  South  Shops,  received  $50  for  devisuig  a 
new  procedure  for  installing  control  arm  bushings  into 
CTA  autos,  and  an  equal  amount  was  earned  by  John 
Cannella,  day  foreman.  Congress,  for  developing  a 
frame  to  allow  one  man  to  install  blower  fan  units 
safely  into  rapid  transit  cars. 

Over  the  past  several  months,  the  Suggestion  Plan 
has  distributed  Honorable  Mention  cash  awards  of  $10 
each  to  Richard  Pytlewicz,  system  safety  monitor. 
Safety;  Lonester  Cowens,  rail  service  supervisor. 
Rail  District  South;  Joan  Lomax,  central  files  co- 
ordinator, Forms/Records  Management;  and  Amy 
Horn,  travel  information  representative.  Consumer 
Services. 

Other  $10  winners  included  Joe  Howard,  conductor, 
South  Section;  drivers  Rudy  Boffro  (Forest  Glen)  and 
Phyllis  McCoy  (Lawndale);  Daniel  Hart  and  Michael 
Keele,  electrical  workers  at  Skokie  and  South  Shops, 
respectively;  Harold  Haarz,  bus  repairer.  Forest 
Glen,  and  Lawrence  Jareckas,  machinist.  South  Shops. 

Dianne  Weier,  varilypist.  Forms  Design,  received 


A  plaque  from  the  National  Association  of  Suggestion  Systems  was  presented  to  Norman  Millies 
(second  from  left),  signal  maintainer,  West  Shops,  by  Bill  Piatt,  director.  Job  Classification,  Human 
Resources,  at  ceremony  attended  by  Tom  Wolgemuth  (left),  manager.  Maintenance,  and  Ted 
Szewc,  supervisor.  Signal,  Radio  &  Telephone  Maintenance. 


Charles  Small  (left),  electrical  worker.  South  Shops,  accepts  a  check 
for  $250  from  Frank  Venezia,  superintendent.  Bus  Shops,  for  his 
award-winning  suggestion  involving  the  development  of  a  circuit  tester 
for  buses. 


$70  in  cash  for  two  Honorable  Mentions  in  addition  to 
one  she  was  awarded  earlier  in  1980,  while  both  Ken- 
neth Pott,  painter  at  South  Shops,  and  Russ  Wamstedt, 
retired,  each  earned  $45  for  their  first  two  Honorable 
Mentions  of  the  year.  William  Wilson,  night  foreman. 
North  Avenue,  received  a  $20  safety  award  and  an  ad- 
ditional $35  for  a  second  Honorable  Mention. 


MARCH,  1981 


I 


Phillip  Davila  (North  Park  garage) 
received  a  "salute"  from  Mrs. 
Victor  Hirsch,  of  North  Sheridan 
Road,  who  said  it  was  "a  pleasure 
to  ride  with  him"  on  his  #136 
Sheridan/LaSalle  Express  bus. 
"He  Is  a  credit  to  the  CTA.  He 
Is  a  sensitive,  polite,  courteous 
man.  Never  offers  any  comment 
that  wouldn't  be  suited  to  a 
gentleman.  He  Is  prompt,  and 
you  could  set  your  clock  by  his 
pickup.  He  brings  his  bus  to 
the  curb,  and  waits  when  he  sees 
some  elderly  person  coming  to 
the  bus.  He  always  says,  'Be 
careful'  and  'Have  a  good  day.'  " 


John  Schoeps  (North  Section) 
was  the  conductor  of  a  Ravens- 
wood  train  that  Marie  Franclscus, 
of  Cornelia  Avenue,  took  down- 
town from  a  crowded  station  at 
Southport.  "On  the  train  was 
a  most  pleasant,  courteous  and 
patient  conductor.  With  the 
cold  weather  and  grumpy  riders, 
he  had  every  reason  to  be  the 
same.  But  he  waited  for  the  few 
stragglers  running  up  the  stairs 
and  didn't  dose  the  doors  In 
their  faces,  and  was  most  pleas- 
ant to  everyone.  More  ex- 
periences like  this  would  make  It 
easier  to  accept  the  80-cent 
fare.    He  Is  to  be  congratulated." 


commendation  corner 


Eldred  Hall  (North  Park  garage)  was  called  "one  of  the 
kindest,  most  compassionate,  alert,  and  hard-working  bus 
operators  in  CTA  service"  by  Louise  (Goodrich,  of  South 
Oakley  Avenue,  who  was  a  rider  on  his  #49  Western  bus. 
"He  is  exceptionally  courteous  and  goes  out  of  his  way  in 
the  performance  of  his  duties.  One  evening  he  assisted  a 
blind  passenger  who  had  boarded  the  wrong  bus.  He  curbed 
his  bus  and  placed  her  in  the  right  position  to  catch  the  bus 
she  needed.  This  driver  is  truly  an  asset  to  your  company. 
As  a  daily  rider,  it  makes  me  feel  good  to  know  there  is  still 
concern  for  the  rider." 

Samuel  Lambert  (77th  Street  garage)  is  the  driver  of  a 
#28  Stony  Island  bus  that  Janis  Jarvon,  of  Emerald  Avenue, 
rides  on  Sundays.  "He  is  always  cheerful,  and  Ukes  to 
brighten  up  passengers  if  they  look  like  they're  down.  One 
day  he  really  had  to  have  patience  due  to  the  fact  that  the 
bus  had  gotten  crowded,  and  there  were  two  blind  people 
who  got  on  by  mistake.  When  the  driver  got  to  63rd  Street, 
he  put  the  blind  people  on  a  Drexel/Hyde  Park  bus,  which  I 
thought  was  very  courteous  of  him.  I  am  very  glad  to  see 
the  CTA  pitch  in  and  help." 

Henderson  Williams  (Forest  Glen  garage)  was  praised  by 
Roman  Kopec,  of  North  Hermitage  Avenue,  for  the  way  he 
handled  riders  on  his  #81  Lawrence  bus.  "He  assisted  an 
elderiy,  handicapped  lady  aboard,  and  then  very  courteously 
requested  a  youngster  to  vacate  the  seat  reserved  for  the 
elderly  so  she  could  sit  down.  He  saw  a  teenager  smoking 
in  the  rear  of  the  bus  and  courteously  asked  him  to  put  it 
out,  which  resulted  in  immediate  compliance.  When  a  group 
of  Hispanic  matrons  boarding  with  pre-school  children 
momentarily  blocked  exiting  riders,  he  again  controlled  the 
situation,  and  no  one  lost  their  composure." 

Charles  Roberts  (North  Park  garage)  caught  the  attention 
of  Robert  Limoges,  of  Wheeling,  for  his  "exemplary  conduct" 
while  driving  a  #11  Lincoln  bus.  "He  unfailingly  shows  a 
sincere  concern  for  the  safety,  well-being,  and  convenience 
of  his  passengers.  He  will  wait  for  those  who  are  running  for 


the  bus  from  a  side  street,  yet  he  manges  to  stay  close  to 
schedule.  He  also  acts  courteously  toward  other  drivers  on 
the  street.  His  treatment  of  passengers  is  friendly  and  cour- 
teous, and  is  consistent  regardless  of  the  sex,  age,  or  race  of 
the  person  involved.  He  is  an  outstanding  driver." 

Jean  Cage  (Limits  garage)  is  "extraordinary"  in  the  eyes 
of  NataUe  Styer,  of  Deerfield,  who  was  a  rider  on  her  #36 
Broadway  bus.  "She  is  competent  and  dedicated  to  her 
job  -  -  seeing  that  people  who  needed  help  were  assisted, 
keeping  her  eyes  open  to  every  situation,  etc.  Thanks  to  her, 
my  sister  and  I  avoided  a  potential  pickpocket  whom  she  had 
her  eyes  on  in  the  rearview  mirror.  She  had  us  change  our 
seats,  although  at  the  time  we  didn't  know  why,  and  we  are 
very  grateful.  In  these  days  when  so  many  don't  seem  to 
care,  she  was  like  a  breath  of  fresh  air,  restoring  our  faith 
in  human  nature." 

DeWitt  Coleman  (Archer  garage)  was  commended  for 
"his  fine  performance  and  professional  attitude"  by  Mildred 
Oberszkalski.  of  Bridgeview,  a  regular  morning  rider  on  his 
#99  Stevenson  Express  bus.  "He  is  not  only  a  fine  pro- 
fessional in  what  he  does,  but  seems  to  be  sincerely  con- 
cerned with  his  passengers'  safety  and  comfort.  He  is  very 
dependable,  and  we  can  always  count  on  arriving  at  our 
destinations  on  time.  But  most  important  of  all,  he  never 
fails  to  be  pleasant  and  offer  a  smUe,  which  is  especially  nice 
first  thing  in  the  morning,  considering  it  may  be  your  only 
pleasant  experience  of  the  day." 

Willie  James  (North  Park  garage)  was  the  subject  of  a 
letter  from  Mrs.  M.  J.  Kelsey,  of  Granville  Avenue,  who  was 
a  rider  on  his  #151  Sheridan  bus.  "Seldom  do  1  write  a 
letter  of  commendation  or  otherwise,  but  I  must  tell  you 
what  a  pleasure  it  was  to  ride  his  bus.  He  was  unfailingly 
polite  to  everybody,  old  or  young,  black  or  white.  He 
answered  all  questions  for  information  in  an  understandable 
manner  and  patiently,  no  matter  how  involved  the  questions. 
He  called  out  the  stops  clearly,  and  he  knew  them  all.  I  hope 
to  have  other  pleasant  rides  with  #5399." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


other  operating  employees  re- 
ceiving commendations  recently 
were: 

Shahid  Abdullah,  77th  Street; 
Maria  Ace vedo.  North  Section;  and 
Porfirio  Andino,  Forest  Glen. 

Eddie  Baines,  Lawndale;  Pedro 
Balderas  and  Aubrey  Brown,  both 
of  North  Park;  Richard  Bender  and 
Michael  Bowman,  both  of  Forest 
Glen;  and  Edward  Bibbs,  North 
Avenue. 

John  Cameron,  Ashland  Termi- 
nal; Sergio  Candelaria,  Limits; 
Nathan  Clark,  North  Avenue;  and 
Valerie  Coleman,  52nd  Street. 

Raymond  Dreier,  North  Avenue; 
Marcelo  Droira,  Forest  Glen;  and 
Thomas  Dunn,  Archer, 

William  Echols,  77th  Street. 

Hubert  Fincher  and  Willard 
Frieb,  both  of  North  Park;  and 
Karl  Fleming,  77th  Street. 

Ernest  Garland,  Ashland  Term- 
inal; Leonard  Gibbs  EI  and  Juan 
Graciani,  both  of  North  Park; 
George  Grafer,  Forest  Glen;  Keith 


Griffin,  69th  Street;  and  Terrence 
Griffin,  Archer. 

Georgia  Harris  and  Joe  Hodge, 
both  of  North  Park;  and  John  Har- 
vey and  Joseph  Henderson,  both  of 
52nd  Street. 

Frank  James  and  Edgar  Jeffrey, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  Boyd  John- 
son, North  Avenue;  Ducloux  John- 
son, 52nd  Street;  Sandra  Johnson, 
69th  Street;  and  Michael  Jordan, 
North  Park. 

Karie  Kareem  and  Charles  Kin- 
nard,  both  of  North  Park;  Assunta 
Kaya,  Forest  Glen;  and  John 
Kirsch,  Howard/Kimball. 

Clifford  Last,  Ricardo  Leiva, 
and  Teresa  Lopez,  all  of  Forest 
Glen;  and  Sammy  Lee  Jr.,  Howard/ 
Kimball. 

Dora  Martin  and  Manharlal 
Mody,  both  of  Forest  Glen;  Al- 
fredo Mascorro,  North  Avenue; 
Ellis  May,  Archer;  William  Mc- 
Cotiy  Jr.,  69th  Street;  Minnie  Mc- 
Gee,  Lawndale;  and  Roland  Micha- 
lak, West  Section. 


Carlos  Ortiz,  Howard/Kimball. 

John  Paczkowski,  Archer;  and 
Harold  Pierce  Sr.,Aida  Pleas,  and 
Gordon Purtell,  all  of  Forest  Glen. 

Annie  Rice,  Limits;  Andrew 
Robinson,  Howard/Kimball;  and 
Toval  Rolston,  Forest  Park. 

Clara  Sala,  West  Section;  Thom- 
as Shera,  Central  Assignment  Of- 
fice; James  Simpson,  North  Park; 
Jackie  Smith  and  Robert  Surita, 
both  of  77th  Street;  Robert  Smith, 
Forest  Glen;  Ruth  Smith,  North 
Avenue;  and  William  Spencer, 
Archer. 

Owen  Teriy,  North  Park;  and 
Johnny  Trice,  Limits. 

Arturo  Valdez,  North  Park. 

Jimmie  Walker,  Elbert  Wat- 
kins,  and  James  White,  all  of 
North  Avenue;  Willie  Wilkes, 
North  Park;  and  Ethel  Wilson, 
Archer. 

Jacques  Yezeguielian,  Forest 
Glen;  and  Carrieatta  Young,  52nd 
Street. 

Joseph  Zukerman,  North  Park. 


promotions 


W.  Edw.  Nash,  assistant  su- 
perintendent. Service,  South  Sec- 
tion, since  1976,  has  been  named 
superintendent.  Agent  Supervisors, 
Near  North.  Nash,  who  joined  CTA 


as  an  extra  trainman  in  1949, 
served  as  switchman  and  tower- 
man  before  being  selected  super- 
visor. West  District,  in  1959.  He 
became  a  traffic  supervisor  in 
1960,  district  supervisor  in  1969, 
and  district  superintendent  in  1972. 
Nash  and  his  wife,  Blanche,  have 
two  sons  and  two  daughters,  and 
live  in  Park  Manor  on  the  South 
Side. 

William  Moore,  former  man- 
agement professional  intern  in 
both  the  Service  and  Personnel 
sections  of  the  Transportation  De- 
partment, has  been  appointed  as- 
sistant superintendent.  Near  South. 
New  as  station  clerks  in  Trans- 
portation are  Brendan  Gregg, for- 
mer travel  information  repre- 
sentative. Consumer  Services,  and 
Reuben  Thomas,  former  driver, 
Lawndale. 

In  other  job  reassignments, 
Michael  Brogan,  former  general 
ledger  systems  coordinator,  Fi- 
nancial     Services,     has     become 


senior  budget  analyst.  Budget,  and 
James  Fiorito,  former  accounting 
specialist,  Financial  Services, 
has  been  named  project  controller. 
Grant  Programming.  Richard 
Sandberg,  former  program  de- 
velopment analyst.  Grant  Pro- 
gramming, is  now  capital  pro- 
gram coordinator.  Engineering. 

William  Barber  and  Albert 
Samaska  Jr.,  both  machinists, 
have  been  reassigned  from  South 
Shops  to  Plant  Maintenance.  Jesus 
Nunez,  former  car  servicer,  Wil- 
son, has  been  selected  assembler 
helper,  Skokie  Shop.  Mattie  Per- 
kins, former  car  servicer,  Des- 
plaines,  has  become  switchboard 
operator.  Consumer  Services/ 
Customer  Relations. 

Marsha  Robinson,  former 
clerk/stenographer.  Insurance  & 
Pensions,  is  now  stenographer. 
Operations  Planning.  Amarilis 
Figueroa,  formerly  unassigned. 
Human  Resources,  has  been  chosen 
typist,  Insurance  &  Pensions. 


MARCH,  1981 


Reason  to  celebrate 


10  ceieoraie 

1980  was  the  safest  year  in  CTA  history 

's   have   a   maior  in-         i 7""^ ~~~~ rr 


Instructors  have  a  major  in- 
fluence on  the  way  bus  operators 
and  trainmen  operate  their  equip- 
ment, so  it  should  be  no  surprise 
that  when  1980  was  found  to  be  the 
safest  year  in  CTA  history,  the 
Instruction  Area  of  the  Trans- 
portation Department  saw  reason 
to  celebrate. 

Bob  Desvignes,  area  superin- 
tendent. Instruction,  made  sure  all 
85  instructors  were  invited  to  a 
coffee  and  rolls  get-together  at 
the  Instruction  "school"  at  Limits 
garage  so  he,  James  Blaa,  man- 
ager. Transportation,  and  others 
could  express  their  personal 
thanks  for  a  job  truly  well  done. 

The  final  figures  show  that 
there  were  14  per  cent  or  1,280 
fewer  traffic  and  passenger  ac- 
cidents in  1980  than  in  CTA's 
previously  safest  year — 1976.  In 
all,  there  were  7,551  accidents 
per  133,843,000  miles  of  bus  and 
rail  operation  in  1980,  for  an  ac- 
cident frequency  rate  of  only  5.7 
per  100,000  miles — down  12  per 
cent  from  1976. 

It  was  in  1980  that  Bus  Instruc- 
tion instituted  a  task  force  with 
the  goal  of  concentrating  on  par- 
ticularly hazardous  streets  to  ob- 
serve and  instruct  operators  on 
how  to  avoid  accidents.  Instructors 
also  strove  to  ride  as  observers 
with  every  operator  or  trainman 
at  least  twice  and  preferably  four 
times  during  the  year. 

"The  emphasis  on  observation 
and  the  task  force  concept  ap- 
parently paid  off,"  Desvignes  said 
in  reflecting  upon  the  year's  suc- 
cess. 'We're  also  seeing  a  better 
attitude  among  operators  and  a 
lower  turnover  of  both  operators 
and  instructors,  which  means  we're 
getting  more  experienced  people 
out  on  the  streets." 

Charles  Hodges,  one  of  the  57 
bus  instructors  imder  the  super- 
vision of  Paul  Kadowaki,  super- 
intendent, noted,  "One  of  the  things 
we  worked  on  most  this  past  year 
was  attitude.  Once  you  have  the 
proper  attitude,  your  performance 


On  hand  for  the  "Safest  Year"  celebration  at  the  Training  Center  were  (standing,  left  to  right): 
Lonnie  Hill,  superintendent,  Training  Center;  Bob  Desvignes,  area  superintendent.  Instruction; 
bus  instructors  Thomas  Artison  and  IVIaurice  O'Donnell  Sr.;  James  Blaa,  manager.  Transportation; 
Paul  Kadowaki,  superintendent.  Bus  Instruction;  and  bus  instructors  Joe  Lasinski,  Dan  Noncek, 
and  John  Hoff  Jr. 


Almost  all  bus,  rail,  and  agent  instructors  were  at  the  Training  Center  for  the  pep  talk,  coffee,  and 
rolls  provided  by  the  Instruction  Area  in  appreciation  for  their  role  in  making  1980  CTA's  safest 
year  ever.  Joining  them  at  right,  front  row,  is  Claude  Stevens,  principal  safety  analyst.  Trans- 
portation Safety. 


will  be  better,  and  you'll  even  feel 
better.  When  you're  fighting 
everybody — on  the  street  or  in  the 


bus — you're  much  more  tired   at 
the  end  of  the  day." 

Joe  Lasinski,  instructor.  South, 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


safety  awards 


Public  safety  awards  for  the 
fourth  quarter  of  1980  were  won 
by  Lawndale  garage  and  Congress 
terminal.  Lawndale  took  first 
place  with  a  traffic  accident  fre- 
quency rate  that  was  6  per  cent 
lower  than  the  system-wide  aver- 
age, and  a  passenger  accident 
rate  35  percent  lower.  Both  rates 
are  based  on  100,000  miles  of 
operation. 

Among  rail  terminals.  Con- 
gress earned  its  second  award  of 
1980  with  a  combined  traffic  and 
passenger  accident  frequency  rate 
that  was  53  per  cent  less  than  the 
system-wide  average.  The  fourth 
quarter  award  was  also  the  21st 
such  win  by  Congress  in  the  20 
years  since  inception  of  the  Pub- 
lic Safety  awards  program. 


Ray  Colello  (left),  superintendent,  Lawndale,  prepares  to  accept  fourth  quarter  Public  Safety 
award  from  Tom  Boyle,  manager.  Safety,  at  ceremony  attended  by  Harry  Reddrick  (second  from 
left),  director.  Transportation  Personnel,  and  Clark  Carter,  assistant  superintendent,  Lawndale. 


During  Public  Safety  award  ceremonies  at 
Congress  terminal,  motorman  Edward  Mulvi- 
hill  (left),  and  conductor  Rosie  Lofton  re- 
ceived outstanding  employee  certificates  from 
James  Blaa  (second  from  left),  manager. 
Transportation,  and  congratulations  from 
Mike  Veltri,  superintendent,  Congress/Douglas. 


added,  "Courtesy  controls  the  at- 
mosphere on  your  bus.  And  any 
operator  who  is  courteous  to  his 
passengers  will  be  a  safe  driver 
as  well." 

Wilson  Hart  Jr.,  one  of  a  team 
of  25  rail  instructors  reporting 
to  Bob  Janz,  superintendent,  said, 
"We're  out  now  in  greater  num- 
bers making  observations.  We 
can  tell  where  a  motorman  may 
need  extra  instruction  by  the  feel 
of  the  train  as  much  as  by  visual 


observation.  We'll  let  a  motor- 
man  or  conductor  know  what's 
wrong  when  we  reach  the  end  of  the 
run  so  they  can  correct  their  mis- 
takes right  away." 

Henry  Hooks,  rail  instructor. 
North,  pointed  out,  "We  used  to 
say,  'Don't  do  it,'  when  we  were 
trying  to  instruct  an  operator. 
Now  we  go  into  detail  and  explain 
why  something  should  or  shotold  not 
be  done.  Also,  most  operators  look 
to    instructors    now    as    friends. 


They    know  we're   there  to  help 
them." 

Arthur  Bennett,  key  instructor 
at  the  Training  Center,  stunmed 
up  the  philosophy  behind  instruc- 
tion technique  when  he  said, 
"You've  got  to  have  the  proper 
attitude  toward  other  people  and 
your  job.  Without  that,  you  can't 
get  anywhere.  I  tiy  to  make  sure 
our  instructors  stress  attitude  and 
courtesy  as  a  top  priority  for  all 
operators." 


MARCH,  1981 


Painting  is 
first  love  for 
talented  driver 


There  is  nothing  more  splendid  than 
an  accomphshed  work  of  art,  nor  any- 
thing more  satisfying  to  an  artisan  than 
to  be  lost  in  his  work. 

Randolph  George  Robinson's  home 
on  south  Harvard  Avenue  is  a  gallery 
of  beauty,  which  represents  hours  of 
solitude  spent  in  Robinson's  basement 
studio  where  he  paints  images  of  life 
onto  canvas. 

Although  he  never  finished  high 
school,  Robinson  is  a  multifaceted 
talent.  He  is  an  accomphshed  photog- 
rapher, a  musician,  a  poet,  and  has 
tried  Itis  hand  at  short  story  writing. 
He  is  also  a  skOled  carpenter  as  evi- 
denced by  much  of  the  remodeUng  in 
his  home,  including  his  studio.  How- 
ever, Robinson's  first  love  is  painting. 

He  picked  up  his  first  paint  brush 
38  years  ago,  eight  years  before  he  be- 
gan driving  a  CTA  bus.  "I  was  intro- 
duced to  painting  by  Allen  C.  Smith, 
another  painter  who  also  drives  a  bus," 
said  Robinson. 

"I  met  Smitty  when  we  were  both 
assigned  to  the  477th  Bomber  Group 
at  Godman  Field,  Kentucky,  where 
we  served  under  Colonel  B.  O.  Davis 
Jr.  (now  a  retired  Air  Force  General)," 
said  Robinson. 

"He  was  such  a  good  artist  that  the 
unit  picked  him  to  paint  designs  on 
our  aircraft.  After  we  got  to  be  friends, 
he  encouraged  me  to  take  up  painting," 
said  Robinson. 

In  1947,  a  year  after  leaving  the 
Army  Air  Corps,  Robinson  studied  sign 
painting  at  Superior  Sign  School,  a 
Chicago  institution  that  closed  long 
ago.  "It  was  one  of  the  best  schools 
in  the  business,"  Robinson  recalled. 

Four  years  later,  he  joined  the 
CTA,  but  continued  to  paint  in  his 
spare  time.  Later  on,  his  creative 
genius  led  to  experiments  in  oil  paint- 
ing. 

Most  notable  among  his  works  of 
reaUst  themes,  which  may  be  seen 
decorating  the  walls  throughout  his 
home,  is  a  painting  of  the  late  Rev. 
Dr.  Martin  Luther  King,  Jr.  looking 
over  into  "the  promised  land"  from  a 
mountain  top.  In  another,  the  civil 
rights  leader  is  depicted  as  the  drum 
major  leading  the  parade  of  life.  "Dr. 
King  always  talked  about  being  the 
drum  major.  I  have  simply  tried  to 
show  him  in  that  role  in  this  work," 
said  the  bus  driver  artist. 

His  paintings  also  include  a  life 
style  portrait  of  himself  and  his  six 
children  together  as  a  musical  aggrega- 
tion. Robinson  plays  the  clarinet, 
piano  and  guitar,  and  his  children  are 
also   amateur   musicians.      "When   my 


Alone  in  his  studio,  Randolph  George  Robinson  (inset)   brings  his  images  to  life  on  canvas. 


children  were  quite  young,  I  bought 
them  musical  instruments  as  a  means 
of  keeping  them  busy.  It  cost  me  a 
lot  of  money,  but  it  saved  me  a  lot  of 
money  as  well,"  said  Robinson. 

His  seemingly  tireless  energy  keeps 
him  busy  creating.  During  a  layover, 
he  spends  his  time  writing  poetry.  At 
other  times,  he's  thinking  about  a  work 
of  art  and  deciding  how  to  put  it  on 


canvas. 

"I  am  never  bored  witli  what  I  do. 
I  enjoy  painting,  and  I  do  it  strictly  for 
my  own  enjoyment.  I  never  sell  my 
work,"  he  said. 

A  widower,  the  58-year-old  Robin- 
son shares  his  comfortable  bungalow 
with  his  children  and  his  mother-in- 
law.  He  is  assigned  to  the  77th  Street 
garage,  only  minutes  from  his  home. 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Robinson's  painting  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Martin  Luther  King 
Jr.,  (opposite  page)  depicts  the 
slain  civil  rights  leader  as  a 
drum  major  leading  the  parade 
for  social  justice.  •  Dr.  King's 
oft  quoted  1968  speech  is  also 
demonstrated  (left)  as  he  looks 
from  the  mountain  top.  • 
(Clockwise,  from  right)  "The 
Clarinet  Player,"  a  glass  etching, 
represents  the  artist  himself. 
He  plays  the  clarinet,  guitar 
and  piano.  •  The  full  length 
painting  of  the  late  Mrs.  Jean 
Robinson,  wife  of  the  bus 
driver  artist,  has  a  prominent 
place  among  his  works  in  the 
family  room.  •  One  of  his  few 
abstracts,  Robinson  calls  this 
conversation  piece  "Oblivion." 
•  Robinson's  conception  of 
travel  between  life  and  death 
to  the  world  beyond. 


MARCH,  1981 


ABOVE:  Contractor's  crane  whittles  down 
bay  of  70-year-old  Kedzie  garage.  Contractor 
said  he  had  buyers  all  over  the  country  for 
old  garage's  bricks  known  to  builders  as 
"Old  Chicago  bricks"  and  used  for  decorative 
purposes.  LEFT:  All  bus  movement  within 
the  garage  will  be  by  left  hand  turns  as  shown 
in  this  interior  view  of  the  building. 


Kedzie  is  first  in 

Bid  opening  has  been  scheduled 
for  late  April  on  the  multi-million 
dollar  Kedzie  garage  facility  at 
South  Kedzie  between  Jackson 
boulevard  and  West  Van  Buren 
street. 

The  new  structure,  slated  for 
completion  in  1984,  will  replace 
the  old  Kedzie  carhouse  which  was 
erected  on  the  same  site  in  1910, 
and  demolished  in  July  1980  due  to 
its  obsolete  facilities  and  struc- 
tural deterioration. 

The  new  garage  will  be  a  more 
comfortable  facility  with  modem 
equipment  for  employees  which  is 
expected  to  increase  efficiency  for 
both  the  Transportation  and  Main- 
tenance departments. 

All  maintenance,   parking,  and 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


A  view  of  the  proposed  Kedzie  garage  looking  west  from  Kedzie  avenue. 


All  buses  will  enter  and  exit  the  garage  from  Kedzie  avenue. 


second  generation  garages 


ABOVE:  Model  of  new  Kedzie  garage  as  seen  from  Jackson 
boulevard.  All  buses  will  be  parked  inside  of  garage  to  help 
prolong  vehicle  life, save  energy, and  provide  ease  of  maintenance. 
Building  will  have  staff  offices  and  employee  facilities. 


other  service  functions  of  vehicles 
will  be  contained  within  the  new 
garage,  thereby  reducing  noise  and 
exhaust  pollution  levels  in  the  im- 
mediate residential  area.  In  ad- 
dition, all  movement  within  the 
garage  will  be  accomplished  by  left 
turns  which  CTA  engineers  said 
will  insure  maximum  safety. 

F.  H.  Petzold,  CTA  project 
manager  for  the  new  garage,  said 
that  indoor  parking  will  eliminate 
the  need  for  idling  of  engines  dur- 
ing winter  months,  thus  netting  a 
substantial  saving  of  fuel  consump- 
tion, as  well  as  the  elimination  of 
noise.  The  garage  is  designed  to 
accommodate  250  vehicles,  and 
650  personnel.  The  garage  design 
was  managed  by  George  Millonas, 


manager.  Engineering,  and  Chris 
Kalogeras,  director,  plant  main- 
tenance. 

Another  environmental  benefit 
of  the  new  garage  will  stem  from 
the  electrical  and  mechanical 
heating  and  ventilation  system 
designed  to  save  energy.  Petz- 
old said  exhaust  air  will  be 
channeled  to  a  system  which 
will  extract  heat  from  exhaust  air 
and  then  use  it  to  preheat  outside 
air  brought  into  the  building.  Such 
a  recovery  system  will  mean  a 
saving  of  energy,  Petzold  said. 

The  new  garage  will  include  an 
80,000-gallon  imderground  diesel 
fuel  storage  facility.  The  build- 
ing's drainage  system  will  also  be 
separated     into     sanitary,     roof 


drainage,  and  shop  floor  drainage 
systems.  The  latter  will  be 
treated  to  meet  established  stand- 
ards for  discharge  to  the  city 
sewer  system. 

The  garage  will  include  offices 
for  the  superintendent  and  assist- 
ant superintendent,  the  area  su- 
perintendent, a  report  room,  gen- 
eral clerk's  area,  a  small  class- 
room, district  office,  instructor's 
office,  medical  examining/all- 
purpose  room,  and  a  space  for  the 
credit  union. 

A  safety  feature  in  the  new 
garage  will  be  the  inclusion  of 
several  independent  sprinkler 
systems  throughout  the  building  as 
well  as  a  deluge  system  which, 
when   activated,    would    flood    the 


MARCH,  1981 


13 


The  Van  Buren  street  facade  compliments  the  neighborhood  by  appear- 
ing to  be  a  series  of  separate  buildings,  rather  than  a  block-long  mono- 
lithic structure. 


entire  bus  service  area.  Petz- 
old  said  the  Kedzie  garage  ex- 
ceeds the  requirements  set  by  the 
Chicago  Fire  Prevention  Bureau, 
and  the  City  of  Chicago. 

Harold  H.  Geissenheimer,  Gen- 
eral Operations  Manager,  said, 
"We  have  worked  very  hard  with 
our  consultants  to  develop  a  garage 
that  is  operationally  efficient, 
provides  improved  facilities  for 
our  employees,    and  is  a  signifi- 


cant addition  to  the  neighborhood." 
Geissenheimer  said  that  be- 
cause buses  at  Kedzie  will  be 
parked  in  an  enclosed  facility  they 
will  be  warmer,  and  will  lose 
minimum  time  leaving  the  garage 
during  the  winter  months,  thus 
bringing  improved  seini.ce  to  more 
than  200,000  west  and  south  side 
riders  daily. 

Construction  of  the  new  Kedzie 
garage  was  given  priority  in  rec- 


ommendations from  DeLeuw 
Gather  and  company,  consulting 
engineers  and  planners,  in  their 
bus  garage  standardization  and  re- 
habilitation study  done  for  the  CTA. 
The  facility  was  designed  by 
Lester  B.  Kiiight  and  Associates, 
Inc.  The  new  building  is  being 
funded  by  the  Illinois  Department 
of  Transportation,  and  the  Urban 
Mass  Transportaticm  Administra- 
tion. 


Patricia  Neeka,  16,  daughter  of  Stanley 
Neeka,  superintendent  of  architectural  draft- 
ing in  the  Plant  Engineering  Department, 
helped  serenade  President  Reagan  at  the  White 
House  April  2  as  a  member  of  the  Boling- 
brook  High  School  Marching  Band. 

The  band  was  one  of  50  which  visited  the 
White  House  in  Washington  before  partici- 
pating in  the  capital's  annual  Cherry  Blossom 
Festival.  Miss  Neeka,  a  flutist  in  the  145- 
member  band,  helped  raise  about  $30,000 
to  cover  the  band's  travel  and  accommodation 
expenses. 


Laurie  Rowbottom,  18,  a  senior  at  Rolling 
Meadows  High  School,  and  daughter  of 
Harold  Rowbottom,  special  projects  repre- 
sentative. Street  Traffic  section.  Operations 
Planning  department,  was  winner  of  the 
National  Honor  Society's  Leadership  award. 

School  officials  making  the  announcement 
last  month  said  the  award  was  presented  to 
Miss  Rowbottom  for  the  second  quarter  In 
recognition  of  her  outstanding  work  as 
editor  of  the  student  newspaper.  The  Pacer. 

The  honoree's  name  was  engraved  on  a 
special  plaque  which  is  on  display  in  the 
school  library.  She  will  also  receive  a  small 
trophy  at  the  General  Award's  Night  program 
set  for  May  7. 

Miss  Rowbottom  is  an  Illinois  State  scholar, 
and  plans  to  pursue  studies  In  journalism. 


1 

1 

s 

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n 

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r 

.     :•'-- 

1 

Mario  Tricoci,  travel  information  repre- 
sentative. Is  proud  of  his  bachelor  son,  Mario 
J.,  who  helped  deliver  a  baby  on  Valentine's 
day  in  Forest  Park. 

The  younger  Tricoci,  26,  is  a  member  of 
the  Forest  Park  fire  department.  He  and  his 
partner,  Don  Cheval,  were  summoned  to  the 
home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Daniel  Sievert  on  the 
morning  of  February  14,  where  Mrs.  Sievert 
was  giving  birth. 

Tricoci,  who  has  received  training  as  a 
paramedic,  assisted  the  new  mother  and  her 
newborn  son,  Joshua. 

Joshua  is  the  Sievert's  first  child  and, 
according  to  records,  the  first  child  delivered 
by  members  of  the  Forest  Park  fire  depart- 
ment. 

Mother  and  child  were  taken  to  Loyola 
hospital  by  the  Forest  Park  fire  department, 
where  both  were  pronounced  in  good  con- 
dition. 


u 


CIA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Damaged  girder  replaced  on  North-South  route 


About  50  structural  workers 
from  West  Shops  replaced  a  dam- 
aged 15-ton  steel  girder  on  the 
North-South  'L'  route  bridge  at 
16th  and  State  streets  on  the  last 
two  weekends  in  February. 

The  project  halted  through  ser- 
vice on  the  Howard-Englewood- 
Jackson  Park  route  while  the 
damaged  girder  was  removed  on 
the  first  weekend  and  the  new 
girder  was  bolted  into  place  on 
the  second  weekend. 

'L'  riders  were  shuttled  on 
CTA  buses  between  35th  and 
Roosevelt  stations  during  the 
structural  repair  work. 

The  girder,  measuring  72  feet 
long  and  six  feet  high,  was  dam- 
aged on  August  11,  1980,  by  an 
oversized  oil  rig  being  hauled  on  a 
Soo  Line  railroad  flatcar  on  the 
Illinois  Central  Gulf  railroad 
tracks  which  pass  under  the  CTA's 
bridge. 

Temporary  shoring  under  the 
bridge  provided  secure  support 
until  the  new  girder  was  fabri- 
cated. The  new  girder  was  hauled 
by  truck  to  the  CTA's  North-South 
elevated  route  at  Cermak  road. 

Workers  there  helped  move  the 
huge  steel  component  from  the 
street  to  CTA  flatcars  with  the  aid 
of  a  giant  crane  for  the  three- 
quarter  mile  trip  to  the  bridge. 

The  damaged  girder  previously 
was  hauled  by  the  flatcars  to  Cer- 
mak and  placed  on  a  truck  by  the 
big  crane. 

Directing  the  work  of  the  50 
men  from  various  West  Shops 
sections  were  James  Johnson, 
unit  supervisor,  structural  maint- 
enance; Patrick  McCarthy,  su- 
pervisor, tracks  and  structures; 
Stanley  Kaderbek,  civil  engineer, 
and  William  Strozewski,  general 
foreman,  iron  workers. 


New  girder,  measuring  72-feet  long  and  six- 
feet  high,  was  bolted  into  place.  Through 
service  on  North-South  'L'  route  was  inter- 
rupted on  two  weekends  for  the  project. 
Shuttle  buses  served  'L'  riders  between 
Roosevelt  and  35th  street  stations  during 
repair  project.  In  background  is  a  train  on 
Lake-Dan  Ryan  route  which  was  not  in- 
terrupted. 


Cut-out  portion  of  damaged  15-ton  girder  on  North-South  'L'  route  bridge  at  16th  and  State 
streets  is  lifted  out  of  place  for  removal  from  location.  Steel  girder  was  damaged  last  summer  by 
an  over  sized  oil  rig  hauled  by  flat  car  on  the  railroad  under  the  CTA  bridge. 


MARCH,  1981 


15 


ZAP  Awards 


Vehicle  Maintenance  crews  at 
Forest  Glen  ended  1980  just  as 
they  began  it — by  winning  first 
place  in  the  quarterly  Zero  Ac- 
cident Program  (ZAP)  safety  con- 
test among  garages.  Forest  Glen 
also  took  a  second  place  ZAP 
award  during  the  second  quarter  of 
the  year.  Beverly  came  in  second 
during  the  fourth  quarter. 

First  place  in  rail  terminal 
competition  was  taken  by  Wilson 
Shop.  Second  place  went  to  98th 
Street,  which  managed  to  win  a 
prize  during  each  period  of  1980, 
including  first-place  finishes  in 
the  first  and  third  quarters. 

Other  ZAP  award  winners  in  the 
final  quarter  of  1980  were  Mech- 
anical Area  at  South  Shops  and  Ve- 
hicle Overhaul  at  Skokie  Shop. 


Looking  like  he's  just  survived  a  long  drought,  Jim  Plomin  (right),  day  foreman,  accepts  Wilson 
Shop's  first  quarterly  safety  award  in  many  moons  from  Jim  Dudley,  supervisor.  Maintenance 
Safety. 


George  Wylie  (right),  acting  unit  supervisor. 
Vehicle  Overhaul,  holds  plaque  presented 
to  him  by  Stu  Maginnis,  director.  Mainten- 
ance Support  Services,  for  his  area's  first- 
place  finish  in  the  safety  contest  at  Skokie 
Shop. 


Jim  Forrestal  (left),  unit  supervisor,  checks 
to  make  sure  they  spelled  Mechanical  Area 
correctly  on  plaque  he  received  from  Jim 
Pankonen,  director.  Vehicle  Maintenance, 
after  his  crew  won  fourth  quarter  safety 
award  in  competition  among  units  at  South 
Shops. 


16 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Sharing  the  spotlight  with  Matt  Coyle  (center),  superintendent,  Rail 
Terminals,  are  car  repairers  (left  to  right)  John  Neely,  Mike  Cochran, 


James  Ogletree,  and  Charles  Nelson,  who  display  gift  certificates. 


Trying  harder  but  enjoying  a  second-place 
finish  In  the  ZAP  contest  with  undiminished 
enthusiasm  are  (left  to  right)  Beverly  combi- 
nation clerk  Charles  Modock  Jr.  and  bus 
repairers  Jack  Gavin  and  Gerald  Dziuba. 


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First  place  in  the  ZAP  contest  among  garages 
for  the  fourth  quarter  of  1980  went  to 
Forest  Glen,  where  gift  certificates  were  won 
by  bus  repairers  (left  to  right)  Gus  Sanfllippo, 
Jerry  Rochette,  Bob  Heneghan,  and  Andy 
Fagiolo. 


MARCH,  1981 


17 


New  cafeteria  offers 
pleasant  dining 
atmosphere 

"We  have  planned  the  new  CTA  cafeteria  service 
and  facility  in  the  Merchandise  Mart  so  that  all  CTA 
employees  who  work  in  the  Mart,  or  who  are  visiting 
the  Mart,  will  be  attracted  to  its  varied  menu,  at- 
tractive prices,  and  pleasant  decor,"  said  Roger  D. 
Wood,  manager.  Management  Services. 

The  new,  enlarged  cafeteria  is  operated  by  the 
Tri-B  Vending  Service  company  of  Chicago  vmder  a 
10-year  non-subsidized  contract  with  the  CTA. 

"The  vendor  has  also  provided  all  of  the  furnish- 
ings, and  helped  finance  the  enlargement  of  the  cafe- 
teria site.  After  10  years,  the  cafeteria's  furnish- 
ings and  equipment  revert  to  the  CTA,"  Wood  said. 

Under  terms  of  the  agreement,  Tri-R  Vending  will 
not  raise  the  prices,  or  lower  the  quantity  of  serv- 
ings without  the  approval  of  the  CTA.  Tri-R  Vending 
was  among  seven  vendors  investigated  by  Management 
Services. 

The  new  cafeteria's  oyster  white  walls  with  burnt 
orange,  brown,  and  gold  accents  in  the  soffets,  tables, 
chairs,  floor  tiles,  and  carpeting  create  a  pleasant 
atmosphere  for  enjoying  a  limch  or  coffee  break. 

"The  Tri-R  menu  will  be  on  a  four-week  cycle," 
Wood  explained.  "They  will  not  repeat  main  entrees 
more  often  than  every  four  weeks  so  as  to  provide  an 
attractive  and  varied  menu  for  the  cafeteria's  daily 
clientele." 

Also,  Tri-R  has  assumed  full  responsibility  for 
proper  preparation,  handling,  and  service  of  break- 
fast and  limcheon  meals,  and  for  providing  24-hour 
vending  machine  service  in  the  cafeteria. 

Daily  menus  include  a  variety  of  salads,  sand- 
wiches, fresh  and  frozen  vegetables  and  main  entrees. 
Bread  and  butter  will  be  included  in  the  prices  of 
most  meals. 

Entrees  include  roast  roxmd  of  choice  beef  au  jus, 
braised  short  ribs  of  beef  jardiniere,  chili  con  came 
over  elbow  macaroni,  broiled  brisket  of  beef,  potted 
Swiss  steak,  yankee  pot  roast,  hot  beef  sandwich  with 
natural  gravy,  porcupine  meat  balls,  spaghetti  with 
meat  sauce,  and  beef  chop  suey  with  rice,  to  name  a 
few. 

Also,  a  variety  of  soups,  cold  desserts,  pies,  pud- 
dings, and  cookies  are  available. 

Fun  food  items  include  deep  dish  pizza,  egg  rolls, 
tamales,  tacos,  burritos,  enchiladas,  and  quiche, when 
specially  featured. 

Fresh  fruit  and  a  selection  of  dietary  and  health 
foods  are  part  of  the  daily  menu. 

Special  promotional  meals  will  be  served  near  or 
on  holidays,  and  occasionally  during  the  regular  work 
week,  to  create  added  menu  interest. 

The  new  cafeteria  seats  230  diners  in  3,900  square 
feet  of  space.     The  former  cafeteria  accommodated 


150  operators  eligible  to 
compete  in  Bus  Roadeo 

The  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  eligibUity  committee  received 
333  applications  from  operators  wishing  to  compete  in  the 
CTA  Bus  Roadeo.  The  committee  found  150  of  the  appli- 
cants eligible  to  compete  in  the  contest.  The  following  is 
a  listing  by  Garage  of  the  number  of  applications  received 
and  the  number  of  apphcations  approved. 


Operators 

Operators 

Garage 

That  Applied 

Eligible 

to  Compete 

Beverly 

15 

8 

77th 

35 

21 

69th 

6 

4 

52nd 

25 

6 

Archer 

12 

10 

Lawndale 

16 

8 

North  Avenue 

87 

33 

Limits 

45 

23 

North  Park 

65 

21 

Forest  Glen 

27 

16 

Total 


333 


150 


During  the  week  of  March  15,  the  operators  participated 
in  the  first  phase  of  the  competition,  a  written  test  concern- 
ing defensive  driving,  standard  operating  procedures,  and 
equipment  troubleshooting. 

134  diners.  The  new  facility  also  has  a  reserved 
dining  room  for  catered  parties  and  meetings,  and  the 
Tri-R  staff  can  provide  catering  service  for  such 
gatherings.  Wood  said. 


18 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


BRIDGET  T.  BARRETT,  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section,  Emp.  1-16-60 
JAMES  BROZ,  Carpenter  Foreman, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  3-27-58 
JOSEPH  J.  BULIK,  Inspector, 

Blue  Island,  Emp.  11-1-72 
JOHN  A.  CANNELLA,  Foreman, 

Desplaines,  Emp.  5-20-+6 
JOHN  J.  CICHORSKI,  Chauffeur, 

Utility,  Emp.  10-2340 
RICHARD  W.  GAVRYS,  Signal  Maint., 

West  Shops,  Emp.  2-2-50 
CLIFFORD  L.  HOWARD,  Janitor, 

Maintenance.  Emp.  9-2447 
JOSHUA  JAMES,  Mechanic. 

South  Shops,  Emp.  12-2248 
JOHN  C.  KOHLER,  Chauffeur, 

Utility.  Emp.  2-28-50 
JOHN  J.  MC  DERMOTT,  Machinist, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  2-28-5 1 
EDWARD  F.  MENZEL,  Lineman, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  10-1647 
PATRICK  QUINLIVAN.  Bus  Repairer, 

Beverly,  Emp.  10-1047 
GENEVIEVE  S.  RUSIN.  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section,  Emp.  9-2244 
ALOIS  F.  RYKACZEWSKl,  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section.  Emp.  8-3-53 

DISABILTTY  RETIREMENTS 

WILLIAM  A.  ATHANS,  CoUector, 

Howard/KimbaU,  Emp.  1 1-10-67 
EDWARD  H.  DILLINGHAM  III,  Operator, 

Limits,  Emp.  5-18-70 
GEORGE  E.  HENKE,  Rail  Clerk, 

Howard/Kimball,  Emp.  10-28-63 
WILLIAM  F.  MINCEY,  Box  Puller, 

North  Park,  Emp.  8-21-51 
LE  ROY  O.  NELSON,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  4-22-54 
ELSIE  V.  OLSON,  Ticket  Agent, 

North  Section.  Emp.  3-29-67 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  i\/larch 


40  years 


Alexander  Fritzler 

North  Park 


John  E.  Cannon 

Accounting 


Robert  S.  Shea 

North  Avenue 


William  J.  Rappold 

Control  Center 


35  years 


Leroy  E.  Conklin,  North  Park 
John  S.  Fietko,  Archer 
Fred  H.  Frieb,  West  Section 
Joseph  L.  Grojean,  Bus  Service 
Alex  C.  Johnson,  Transportation 
Frank  Katkus,  Forest  Glen 
John  F.  Leahy,  Control  Center 
William  K.  Mobley,  Administration 
Victor  J.  Priolo,  Limits 
Malcolm  Simpson,  Maintenance 
Walter  IVI.  Zawacki,  Maintenance 
Thaddeus  Zdeb,  Forest  Glen 
Francis  E.  Zeiger,  Beverly 


30  years 


John  F.  Bork,  Forest  Glen 
Rufus  E.  Cleveland,  Congress 
Patrick  J.  Clifford,  Grant  Property 
Herbert  D.  Dillard,  Ashland/95th 
Edward  T.  Dural,  Maintenance 
Carl  R.  Hickman,  Training  Center 
Olson  Jackson,  North  Avenue 
John  J.  Milan,  Douglas 
Benjamin  Perkins,  77th  Street 
David  Smith,  Stores  South 
Jerome  T.  Walker,  Ashland/95th 


25  years 


George  W.  Frailey,  Maintenance 


Alfred  Berry,  Maintenance 
Willie  L.  Burch,  District  C 
John  D.  Davis,  Print  Shop 
Elwood  Flowers,  Ashland/95th 
Earl  H.  Haskell,  98th  Shop 
Perry  W.  Liddell,  Maintenance 
Pedro  R.  Ramos,  Maintenance 
Luis  Velez,  Maintenance 


iint  3VCEis/i:oR>i.A.i^/a: 

DAVID  BENSON,  38,  South  Section, 

Emp.  4-23-64.  Died  1-17-81 
JOSEPH  B.  BRADTKE.  83,  Howard, 

Emp.  24-27,  Died  1-7-81 
LESTER  K.  BREITWEISER,  84, Transportation, 

Emp.  12-16-24,  Died  1-9-81 
WALTER  CICIURA,  61 .  North  Park, 

Emp.  1-13-71.  Died  1-21-81 
HERBERT  COBB,  5 1 ,  Beverly, 

Emp.  10-26-53.  Died  2-1-81 
BRUNO  B.  CZANSTKOWSKI,  72,  Electrical, 

Emp.  11-9-31,  Died  1-24-81 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  34 


Number  3 


Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA 

by  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 

Manager. 

Editorial    and    graphics    by    the    Public    Affairs 

Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager. 

Director  of  Publications:  Jack  Sowchin 
Production  Assistant:  Editorial  Assistant: 

Mel  Alexander  Rick  Willis 

Contributing  Writers:  Elda  Leal, 
Jeff  Stern,  Don  Yabush 
Produced    by    the   Administrative   Services    Unit, 
Charles  T.  Zanin,  Director. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  S2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


JOHN  S.  DANEK,  71,  South  Section. 

Emp.  9-645.  Died  1-10-81 
RAYMOND  J.  DROPE  JR..  66.  77th  Street. 

Emp.  4-242.  Died  1-1-81 
NORA  D.  ELWARD.  81 ,  Transportation, 

Emp.  10-2043,  Died  12-14-80 
LESTER  B.  FARBER,  79,  Electrical, 

Emp.  1-2543,  Died  1-9-81 
HUGH  FISHER,  89,  Stores, 

Emp.  4-7-13,  Died  1-1-81 
PATRICK  FITZGERALD,  79,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  2-1 1-27,  Died  1-29-81 
JOHN  P.  GILLESPIE,  87,  Schedule, 

Emp.  12-9-19,  Died  1-31-81 
FRANK  GUTTl  LLA,  8 1 ,  BuUding, 

Emp.  4-2043,  Died  1-27-81 
STEVEN  W.  HANDY,  70,  Transportation, 

Emp.  8-2245,  Died  1-7-81 
ALVIN  J.  HOOKER,  83,  Shops  &  Equipment, 

Emp.  12-31-24,  Died  1-14-81 
ANDREW  F  HUEMMER,  7 1 ,  Archer, 

Emp.  9-342,  Died  1-23-81 
BYRON  E.  ISEMINGER,  73,  Beverly, 

Emp.  10-19-33,  Died  1-18-81 
KENNETH  W.  JOHNSON,  74,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  5-2947.  Died  1-24-81 
SVEN  A.  JOHNSON,  79,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  6-1243,  Died  1-13-81 
PERICLES  JONES,  91 ,  North  Section 

Emp.  2-2845,  Died  5-1 1-80 
CHARLES  T.  KEHOE.  82,  South  Section, 

Emp.  9-24-26,  Died  1-10-81 
ROOSEVELT  KELLY,  63,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  10-15-51,  Died  1-25-81 


STANLEY  R.LUKASZEWSKl,  68, Maintenance, 

Emp.  4-2842.  Died  1-24-81 
CHARLES  A.  MATTHES,  78,  Archer, 

Emp.  12-3-24,  Died  1-25-81 
JOHN  J.  MC  CARTHY,  74,  Transportation, 

Emp.  2-26-34,  Died  1-23-81 
THOMAS  J.  MC  GRANE,  72,  South  Section, 

Emp.  11-10-36.  Died  12-30-80 
CHARLES  PORTER.  57.  Maintenance, 

Emp.  4-24-74,  Died  1-22-81 
ANGELO  P.  PRASSOS,  87,  Archer, 

Emp.  8-5-23,  Died  1-19-81 
THOMAS  E.  PURTELL,  82,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  10-9-22,  Died  1-19-81 
JOSEPH  M.  SCHALER,  8 1 ,  North  Section, 

Emp.  9-16-22.  Died  12-31-80 
MICHAEL  SCHURKO.  79,  Archer, 

Emp.  3-20-28,  Died  11-10-80 
CLARENCE  W.  SINES,  70,  Transportation. 

Emp.  11-3044.  Died  11-16-80 
ALBIN  B.  SKONIECZNY,  7 1 ,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  9-342.  Died  1-26-81 
THOMAS  L.  SORRISSO.  76,  Track, 

Emp.  7-1 742,  Died  1-8-81 
ANDREW  R.  STOLTMAN,  74,  Transportation, 

Emp.  10-5-36,  Died  1-12-81 
AGNES  E.  SULLIVAN,  79,  Transportation, 

Emp.  4-2343,  Died  1-21-81 
MICHAEL  SULLIVAN.  85,  Transportation, 

Emp.  3-15-26.  Died  1-8-81 
ADAM  H.  WAAS,  7 1 ,  West  Section, 

Emp.  9-2340,  Died  1-3-81 
HERBERT  L.  WILSON,  77,  North  Park, 

Emp.  2-6-30,  Died  1-26-81 


MARCH,  1981 


19 


Transit  News  mailing  enters  computer  age 


Beginning  with  this  issue.  Transit  News  is  con- 
verting to  a  computerized  addressing  system  for 
magazines  mailed  to  employees.  If  you  do  not  re- 
ceive your  Transit  News  in  the  mail,  you  must  make 
sure  that  CTA  has  your  correct  home  mailing  address. 

If  the  address  listed  on  your  recently  mailed  W-2 
Income  Tax  form  is  not  your  correct  home  address, 
please  fill  out  CTA  Form  8431,  Employee  Change  of 
Address,  to  insure  that  the  company  has  your  correct 
address  and  that  you  will  receive  all  important  mail, 
including  the  Transit  News. 

CTA  Form  8431,  Employee  Change  of  Address,  can 
be  obtained  from  your  superintendent  or  department 


head,  and  it  must  be  submitted  every  time  you  change 
your  address  as  soon  as  you  know  that  you  are  going 
to  move.  This  will  insure  that  the  change  is  made  by 
the  time  you  move  into  your  new  residence. 

This  new  addressing  system  is  a  cooperative  effort 
of  the  Administrative  Services  Unit,  the  CTA  Data 
Center,  and  Public  Affairs,  and  it  will  insure  that 
Transit  News  is  mailed  with  the  most  up-to-date  and 
complete  address  list  possible. 

In  the  near  future,  we  will  also  begin  computer 
addressing  of  Transit  News  for  retirees,  but  the  list 
of  paid  subscribers  will  continue  to  be  maintained 
manually. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT  No.   8021 
CHrCAGO.   ILL. 


-Sn. 


Security  videotape    ^^^  ^^ 
premieres  for  bus  operators 

AiOfv  (^\)JLKo}'i<-   VaiV^i^.^^  >'>/b«|/-i?#v), 

The  :^ord  Granada  was  tailing  the  eastboimd  bus 
along  79th  street  as  it  lumbered  in  heavy  traffic. 

Obviously  impatient,  the  motorist  blew  his  horn  in- 
cessantly as  he  began  to  weave  alongside  the  bus,  oc- 
casionally pulling  out  to  peek  around  its  comer,  hop- 
ing for  a  chance  to  zip  past  it  soon. 

The  Ford,  a  toy-sized  vehicle  in  comparison  to  the 
bus,  was  traveling  so  close  that  it  looked  like  it  might 
smash  into  the  bus  at  any  moment. 

As  the  operator  of  the  bus  pulled  to  the  curb  at 
Union  street  to  discharge  passengers,  the  car  swerved 
in  front  of  the  larger  vehicle,  blocking  its  path.  The 
motorist,  now  in  a  rage,  hauled  his  200-plus  pounds 
out  of  the  car  hurling  insults.  Brandishing  a  big, 
heavy  flashlight,  he  rushed  around  to  the  operator's 
side  of  the  bus  and  viciously  smashed  the  window. 

As  the  operator  ducked  to  protect  his  face  from 
flying  glass,  the  angry  motorist  rushed  to  the  door 
where  he  boarded  to  attack  the  operator...  . 

What  would  you  have  done  if  you  had  been  the  bus 
operator? 


Pickpockets  like  nothing  better  than  a  crowded  bus  stop.  Work- 
ing as  a  team,  bus  instructor  Clarence  Junkins  passes  the  wallet 
of  an  unsuspecting  rider,  played  by  Erv  Harris  of  Training/ 
Development  programs,  to  Willie  Herron,  also  a  bus  instructor. 
Others  in  the  scene  are:  Sam  Johnson,  bus  instructor  (seated); 
Jim  Kinahan;  Daisy  Valdez;Linda  Martinez  and  Deb  Cash. 

Fortunately,  this  videotaped  vignette  was  only  a 
re-enactment  based  on  case  studies  of  incidents  which 
required   CTA  employees  to  deal  with  such  situations. 

After  many  months  of  planning  and  evaluation,  the 
Transportation  department,  with  the  aid  of  the  Train- 
ing/Development programs  section.  Human  Resources 
department,  has  a  security  orientation  program  de- 
signed especially  for  bus  operators. 

It  provides  them  with  alternative  courses  of  action 
in  critical  situations  that  run  the  gamut  from  sharing 
the  streets  with  impatient  motorists  to  being  victim- 
ized by  armed  robbers.  Six  vignettes  are  included  in 
this  new  segment. 

Thejjus  operator  security  orientation  is  the  second 
s\je^J^  a  program  designed  to  inform  employees  about 

(Continued  Page  2) 


~U: 


:-/l. 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

APRIL,  1981 


Margie  Laboy,  a  member  of  the  pickpocket  team,  sets  up  the  victim, 
played  by  Erv  Harris,  as  she  drops  her  change  on  the  floor  of  the 
bus  .  .  . 


.  .  .  and  Clarence  Junkins  makes  a  clean  lift  of  Erv's  wallet  as  they 
board  a  bus  at  Clark  and  Wisconsin.  Driver  must  decide  what  action  to 
take  as  crime  against  a  passenger  is  committed. 


the  general  CTA  security  policy. 
A  previous  orientation  designed  for 
ticket  agents  was  released  follow- 
ing a  pilot  review  last  summer.  A 
pilot  program  is  also  being  con- 
ducted at  77th  Street  and  North 
Avenue  garages  for  the  bus  secu- 
rity orientation  before  it  is  re- 
leased to  garages  system-wide. 

Although  there  are  no  right  or 
wrong  answers  to  be  derived  from 
the  security  orientation,  bus  op- 
erators participating  in  the  pilot 
program  have  suggested  responses 
for  each  situation  which  are  as 
varied  as  the  situations  them- 
selves. 

Discussion  concerned  such 
common  occurrences  as  a  rider 
refusing  to  pay  a  fare  after  pre- 
senting a  transfer  which  was  five 
hours  late.  Should  an  operator 
make  an  issue  of  the  matter  or 
forget  about  it?  An  incident  of 
this  nature  is  minor  compared  to 
what  happens  in  the  next  vignette 
as    two  armed   robbers  board   a 


westbound  Roosevelt  road  bus  at 
Jefferson. 

The  alert  operator  manages  to 
trip  the  silent  alarm  as  the  gun- 
man watching  her  diverts  his  at- 
tention momentarily  to  one  of  the 
passengers.  The  operator's  calm 
coUectiveness  enables  her  to  ac- 
curately recall  the  description  of 
the  two  offenders,  as  well  as  the 
getaway  vehicle  waiting  for  them. 

In  another  scene,  the  operator 
of  an  eastboimd  Grand  avenue  bus 
is  observed  in  his  handling  of  a 
problem  with  a  drunk  who  wakes 
up  making  threatening  remarks 
after  realizing  that  he  has  gone 
past  his  intended  stop. 

Other  segments  deal  with  pick- 
pockets and  the  operator' s  respon- 
sibility for  extending  emergency 
aid  when  a  member  of  the  public 
needs  assistance.  All  of  these 
re-enactments  are  tailored  es- 
pecially for  CTA  bus  operators, 
although  the  CTA  security  pro- 
gram could  be  a  model  for  other 


transit  properties  since  it  is  the 
first  of  its  kind  in  the  nation,  ac- 
cording to  CTA  Chairman  Eugene 
M.  Barnes. 

The  frequency  of  such  inci- 
dents as  depicted  in  the  videotape 
and  discussed  in  small  group  ses- 
sions, as  well  as  the  growing 
public  concern  for  the  safety  of 
riders  on  public  transportation, 
has  prompted  an  even  greater  em- 
phasis on  transit  security. 

The  program  is  being  struc- 
tured to  comply  with  the  mandates 
of  Illinois  House  Bill  1804,  which 
requires  security  orientation  and 
training  for  public  transportation 
employees.  Any  necessary  re- 
visions in  the  bus  security  ori- 
entation will  be  made  as  it  is 
evaluated. 

William  Thompson,  assistant 
superintendent  for  instruction, 
said  that  employees  have  responded 
enthusiastically  to  the  pilot  pro- 
gram at  77th  Street.  "We  want 
our  people  to  know  that  they  are 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Drunks  can  be  a  problem  as  demonstrated  by  William  Mooney,  acting 
superintendent,  Planning/Programs,  Transportation  department.    The 


wary  passenger  is  Lena  Phillips,  Training/Development  programs. 


not  alone  when  they  are  out  on  the 
streets,"  Thompson  said.  He 
added  that  the  security  orientation 
is  not  designed  to  discuss  rules 
and  regulations,  but  courses  of 
action  open  to  bus  operators  in 
real  life  situations. 

Amalgamated  Transit  Union 
Local  241  President  John  Wea— 
therspoon  called  the  bus  security 
orientation  a  "good  constructive 
program."  Weatherspoon  gave  the 
program  his  endorsement  after 
reviewing  ito 

CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M. 
Barnes,  himself  a  former  bus  op- 
erator, introduces  the  segment  for 
bus  operators  emphasizing  the 
importance  of  the  program  to  the 
security  of  the  employee  and  the 
safety  of  CTA  riders. 


Lynn  Drake  of  Training/Development  pro- 
grants,  is  the  irate  motorist  taking  his  ven- 
geance as  he  smashes  the  window  of  this  east- 
bound  79th  street  bus  during  filming  of  bus 
operator  security  orientation  videotape. 


APRIL,  1981 


A  first  class 
production 


Although  the  Training/Development 
programs  section  of  Human  Resources 
is  not  exactly  in  the  motion  picture  or 
television  industry,  CTA  employees  are 
getting  a  first-class  videotape  from  a 
team  that  put  heart  into  the  recent 
"Bus  Operator  Security"  tape. 

The  tape  itself  hardly  gives  a  clue 
about  the  real  work  that  went  into  the 
production  of  this  instructional  tool 
now  being  used  by  the  Transportation 
department  in  a  pilot  program. 

Martha  Koch,  communications  co- 
ordinator for  Training/Development, 
who  acted  as  director  of  the  videotape 
portion  of  the  Bus  Operator  Security 
program,  said  although  the  videotape 
runs  just  27  minutes  with  only  six 
scenes,  the  production  spanned  a 
much  longer  period  of  time. 

The  need  to  shoot  the  same  scene 
from  several  different  angles,  un- 
favorable weather  conditions,  sched- 
uling of  necessary  equipment,  and 
retakes  all  contributed  to  the  time 
spent. 

The  cast,  assembled  from  all  areas 
of  the  CTA,  brought  out  their  hidden 
talent  to  become  convincing  actors 
and  actresses. 

Performing  as  seasoned  veterans, 
they  were  frequently  asked  to  repeat 
action  until  the  right  take  was  ob- 
tained. While  it  meant  constantly 
standing  only  inches  away  from  hot 
TV  lights  of  1000  watts,  members  of 
the  cast  worked  with  a  spirit  of  co- 
operation and  fun. 

The  crew  borrowed  an  electrical 
generator  from  Utility  at  West  Shops 
which  provided  the  power  necessary 
for  the  television  lights.  Electrician 
Tony  Rigler,  who  retired  in  Novem- 
ber, helped  the  crew  pull  the  more 
than  12,000  watts  of  electricity  from 
the  generator  which  was  necessary  for 
videotaping. 

The  camera  was  able  to  get  a  "bird's 
eye  view"  of  79th  street,  thanks  to 
an  aerial  basket,  called  the  cherry 
picker,  which  was  also  borrowed  from 
Utility.  From  the  air,  viewers  of  the 
program  will  see  a  tailgater,  played 
by  Lynn  Drake,  of  Training/Develop- 
ment, close  on  the  bumper  of  a  bus 
which  is  being  driven  by  a  worried 
operator,  Maurice  Willis. 

To  illustrate  the  taUgater's  vantage, 
the  camera  was  mounted  on  the  front 
bumper  of  a  station  wagon  and  was 
anchored  by  a  special  camera  support 
which  was  designed  and  built  by 
Vehicle  Maintenance. 

Bus    Instructors    Willie   Herron  and 


Clarence  Junkins  were  the  pickpockets 
in  the  "Crime  Against  a  Passenger" 
segment  of  the  tape,  while  bus  opera- 
tor Margie  LaBoy  acted  as  the  passen- 
ger decoy.  The  trio  performed  the 
"hit"  on  victim  Ervin  Harris,  a  training 
aids  technician  in  Training/Develop- 
ment. The  scene  was  shot  at  the  bus 
turnaround  near  Clark  and  Wisconsin. 

During  the  taping  of  the  "Fare 
Dispute"  scene  at  Chicago  State  Uni- 
versity, cameraman  Michael  McNamara 
was  strapped  into  an  electronic  device 
called  a  "steadicam,"  a  large  mechani- 
cal spring-loaded  "arm"  which  supports 
the  weight  of  a  camera,  a  heavy  steel 
box  housing  a  television  monitor  and 
camera  controls,  and  a  body  unit  of 
steel  and  padding  which  securely 
buckles  the  whole  thing  to  the  camera- 
man. 

Actors  used  in  this  scene  are  stu- 
dents in  television  from  Gordon  Tech- 
nical high  school  who  were  interested 
in  learning  about  video  production. 

The  "Minimal  Threat"  scene  with 
acting  superintendent  WUliam  Mooney 
of  the  Transportation  department,  is 
perhaps  the  one  scene  that  would  cause 
the  motion  picture  industry  to  give 
the  videotape  a  rating  of  "PG." 

Mooney  played  the  drunk  who  gave 
the  bus  operator  a  hard  time.  A  good 
method  actor,  his  costume  was  the 
epitome  of  clothing  worn  by  a  charac- 
ter of  that  ilk.  On  his  way  to  shoot 
the  scene,  Mooney  stopped  long 
enough  to  smear  mud  on  his  clothing, 
rip  his  shirt,  and  stuff  an  empty  Uquor 
bottle  into  his  back  pocket  for  a  little 
reality. 

His  big  frame  was  slouched  in  a  seat 
as  though  he  were  asleep.  His  gruff 
manner,  and  a  few  choice  words  for 
the  operator  made  it  a  most  believable 
scene. 

The  "Armed  Robbery"  scene  was 
reported  to  be  the  longest  and  most 
complicated  one  in  the  whole  program. 
Moses  Ashley  and  Rosemary  Barnett 
of  the  Transportation  department,  and 
Ron  Scott  of  Training/Development, 
were  the  culprits  in  this  night  scene. 
Ashley  and  Scott,  packing  handguns, 
boarded  at  Roosevelt  and  Jefferson 
where  they  "robbed"  the  passengers, 
also  played  by  CTA  employees.  Bar- 
nett drove  the  getaway  car. 

In  one  shot,  the  camera  was  placed 
in  the  middle  of  Roosevelt  road  to  get 
a  wide  angle  shot  of  the  bus  at  the  stop. 
Dialogue  from  inside  the  bus  had  to  be 
microphoned,  and  cables  strung  out  to 
the  tape  recorder,  which  was  also  out 
in  the  street  near  the  camera. 

Sound  man  Tony  Ambut,  Training/ 
Development,  performed  some  classic 
audio  feats.    Ambut  placed  two  micro- 


Michael  Babiarz  (right),  a  television  student  at 
Gordon  Technical  high  school,  argues  with 
bus  operator  Carmen  Betances  (above)  about 
a  late  transfer  in  the  fare  dispute  scene.  Others 
are  soundman  Tony  Ambut,  left,  and  director 
Martha  Koch. 


phones  in  position  to  pick  up  the  voice 
of  tlie  bus  operator,  Dianna  Owens, 
as  well  as  the  voices  of  all  the  passen- 
gers. 

Other  feats  required  Ambut  to  hold 
a  microphone  from  the  back  of  a  mov- 
ing station  wagon  with  one  hand  while 
holding  on  with  the  other,  cUmb  to 
the  top  of  the  bus  and  tape  micro- 
phones to  the  exit  doors,  and  crawl 
under  a  car  to  catch  the  sound  of  its 
motor  idling. 

On  the  last  night  of  taping  the 
robbery  scene,  Koch  said  an  in-service 
bus  passed  the  location  of  the  video- 
taping and  passengers  were  sure  they 
were  witnessing  a  real  crime  in  action, 
although  all  operators  on  Roosevelt 
road  had  been  forwamed. 

"The  passengers  only  had  eyes  for 
the  .38  Smith  and  Wesson  pistols," 
said  Koch. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Long  hours, 
enthusiastic  efforts, 
produce  tape 

"The  combined  efforts  of  many  peo- 
ple from  several  departments  were  the 
key  to  our  success  in  producing  the 
videotape  portion  of  the  Bus  Operator 
Security  program,"  commented  Robert 
Bizar,  superintendent,  Administrative 
Training/Training  Services  in  the  Train- 
ing/Development programs  section  of 
the  Human  Resources  department. 

Bizar,  who  acted  as  production  co- 
ordinator, added  that  the  video  produc- 
tion crew  and  all  others  concerned 
devoted  long  hours  and  unwavering 
enthusiasm  to  this  special  project. 

Others  in  the  Training/Development 
section  team  were  supervisor.  Trans- 
portation Training,  Bill  Sholdice,  who 
was  the  project  manager  for  the  entire 
program,  and  also  co-producer  of  the 
videotape  with  superintendent.  Opera- 
tions Training,  Ron  Baker;  communica- 
tions coordinator  Martha  Koch,  video 
crew   director;  procedures/training  co- 


ordinator Michael  McNamara,  camera- 
man; and  communications  coordinator 
Tony  Ambut,  audio  technician.  Elec- 
trician Anton  Rigler,  a  lineman  from 
the  Plant  Maintenance  department, 
was  also  a  member  of  the  production 
crew.   Rigler  retired  in  November. 

Members  of  the  cast  were:  Thomas 
Anderson,  Methods/Standards;  Moses 
Ashley,  rail  instruction;  and  Robert 
Aviles,  North  Avenue. 

Rosemary  Barnett,  Transportation, 
Methods/Standards;  Carmen  Betances, 
North  Park ;  Constance  Brabec,  Security 
(Blue  Island); and  Gary  Butler,  Security. 

Alice  Carter,  Lawndale;  Robert 
Chambers,  Control  Center;  Allen  Cor- 
bin,  77th  Street;  Lawrence  Craig, 
Archer; and  Richard  Crites,  Limits. 

F.  Lynn  Drake,  Training/Develop- 
ment Programs. 

Walter  Falls,  52nd  Street;  and 
Cynthia  Florence,  Near  North  Area. 

Joseph  Gonzalez,  North  Avenue; 
Robert  Graham,  Rail  Instruction;  and 
Delores  Griffin,  Lawndale. 

Erv  Harris,  Training/Development 
Programs;  and  Willie  Herron,  Limits 
Training  Center. 

R.  C.  Jackson,  Security;  Clarence 
Junkins,  Training  Center;    and  Candido 


Jimenez,  Security. 

James  Kinahan,  Training/Develop- 
ment Programs. 

Margie  LaBoy,  North  Avenue;  and 
Shelby  Lester,  52nd  Street. 

Linda  Martinez,  Training/ Develop- 
ment Programs;  Shirley  McClure,  Trans- 
portation; Robert  Miller,  Archer;  Ron- 
ald Mitchell,  69th  Street;  William 
Mooney,  Transportation,  Methods/ 
Standards;  William  Moore,  Far  South 
Area;  and  Betty  Morris,  West  Section. 

Anthony  Novakovich,  Security. 

Dianna  Owens,  North  Park. 

Lena  Phillips,  Training/Development 
Programs;  and  Edward  Poche,  Dis- 
trict B. 

John  Ramirez,  North  Park;  and 
Eugenio  Rivera,  North  Avenue. 

Ronald  Scott,  Training/Development 
Programs. 

Martin  Troglia,  Limits. 

Daisy  Valdez,  Administrative  Ser- 
vices. 

John  Wallace,  Control  Center;  Ezel 
Wiley,  Archer;  Willard  Willette,  Archer; 
Maurice  WUlis,  North  Park;  and  Austion 
WoolfoUc,  Archer. 

James  Yancey,  52nd  Street. 

Non-CTA  cast  members  included: 
Bill  Artz  and  Michael  Babiarz,  Gordon 
Technical  high  school;  Deb  Cash, 
Northwestern  University;  and  Chicago 
PoUce  Officers  Agene  Beach  and  Max 
Navia. 

CTA  personnel  who  assisted  in  the 
development  and  production  of  the 
security  program  in  various  other 
capacities  were:  Julius  Brazil,  Ad- 
ministrative Services. 

Raymond  Colello,  Kedzie;  and  Wil- 
liam Crocker.  Maintenance. 

Robert     Desvignes,    Transportation. 

Norman  Herron  Jr.,  Transportation; 
and  Elonzo  Hill,  Transportation. 

Sam  Felton  Johnson,  Bus  Instruction 
(South). 

Paul  Kadowaki,  Transportation. 

Michael  LaVelle,  Transportation;  and 
Melvin  Link,  Bus  Instruction  (North). 

Earline  McGee,  69th  Street;  Virginia 
McGraw,  Operations;  Terrence  McGui- 
gan.  Vehicle  Maintenance;  Janet 
McI^in,  Security;  Edward  Mitchell, 
Transportation;  and  Walter  D.  Moore, 
Maintenance. 

John  Perkins,  Limits  Training  Center. 

Vito    Racanelli,   Plant   Maintenance. 

Richard  Schneider,  Vehicle  Mainten- 
ance (Skokie);  and  Jack  Sowchin, 
External  Affairs. 

William  Thompson,  Bus  Instruction 
(South). 

Frank  Venezia,  Vehicle  Maintenance 
(South  Shops). 

Paul  Wallace,  Security;  Len  Wiksten, 
Plant  Maintenance;  and  Richard  Willis, 
External  Affairs. 


APRIL,  1981 


Training  complies 
with  State  law 

The  CTA's  Security  Training 
program  is  believed  to  be  the  first 
of  its  type  in  the  public  transpor- 
tation industry. 

The  program  was  designed  to 
comply  with  the  Public  Transit 
Employee  Training  Programs  Act, 
a  new  Illinois  law  sponsored  by 
Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  when 
he  was  a  member  of  the  State 
General  Assembly. 

The  law  requires  security  ori- 
entation and  training  for  all  public 
transportation  operating  employ- 
ees in  seven  areas  which  include 
assaults  upon  personnel,  crimes 
against  passengers,  recognition  of 
dangerous  behavior,  hostage 
situations,  commimication,  identi- 
fication of  assailants,  and  em- 
ployee fear. 

The  CTA  Security  Training 
program  could  serve  as  a  model 
for  other  transit  properties,  par- 
ticularly since  similar  legislation 
has  recently  been  introduced  in 
the  U.S.  Congress  by  Represen- 
tative Elizabeth  R.  Holtzman  (D- 
N.Y.)  indicating  that  security 
training  may  soon  be  required  of 
all  mass  transit  carriers  in  the 
country. 

A  committee  on  CTA  security 
orientation,  headed  by  Robert 
Kren,  administrative  special  as- 
sistant to  Chairman  Barnes,  and 
comprised  of  representatives 
from  various  departments,  has 
planned  separate,  but  parallel 
programs  for  ticket  agents,  bus 
operators,  and  trainmen. 

Kren  said  the  pilot  program  for 
ticket  agents  introduced  last  sum- 
mer was  the  instrument  used  to 
validate  the  training.  Discussion 
leaders  for  the  program,  as  well 
as  for  the  current  bus  operator 
security  program,  were  chosen 
from  the  ranks  of  Transportation 
department  employees  who  have 
had  several  years  of  experience. 

Changes  in  the  ticket  agent  pro- 
gram were  made  as  a  result  of  in- 
put from  employees  who  partici- 
pated in  the  pilot  program.  Like- 
wise, the  participation  of  emplpy- 


William  Moore  plays  the  hit-and-run  victim  in  this  late  night  scene  on  "Community  Responsibility" 
from  the  Bus  Operator  Security  orientation  videotape.  Moore,  a  member  of  the  Transportation 
department,  is  an  assistant  superintendent.  Near  South  Area. 


ees  is  vital  to  the  bus  operator 
segment  to  assure  that  the  pro- 
gram is  realistic  and  relevant, 
Kren  noted. 

Discussion  in  each  orientation 
is  based  on  audio-visual  presen- 
tations and  printed  materials.  An 
exercise  in  identification  of  as- 
sailants is  also  conducted. 

The  audio- visual  materials 
used  include  videotapes  in  which 
several  incidents  involving  CTA 
employees  have  been  recreated. 
A  general  information  brochure  on 
security  equipment  and  personnel, 
and  a  new  form,  the  "Offender 
Description  Card,"  were  also  de- 
veloped. 

After  viewing  a  videotape  re- 
enactment  of  an  armed  robbery, 
participants  in  the  orientation  are 
asked  to  complete  the  Offender 
Description  Card.  Information  on 
the  cards  is  then  compared  with  a 
detailed  videotaped  description  of 
the  offender. 


The  pilot  program  for  presen- 
tation to  bus  operators  is  approx- 
imately two  and  a  half  hours  long, 
depending  upon  the  length  of  dis- 
cussion by  participants. 

The  videotapes  for  both  ticket 
agents  and  bus  operator  segments 
were  produced  entirely  in-house. 
The  scripts  were  based  on  CTA 
and  Chicago  Police  department 
reports. 

Videotape  filming  and  editing, 
composition  and  recording  of  the 
musical  score,  and  sound  mixing 
were  accomplished  by  CTA  per- 
sonnel. The  cast  was  composed 
almost  entirely  of  CTA  employees 
with  some  assistance  from  mem- 
bers of  the  Chicago  Police  depart- 
ment and  students  from  Gordon 
Technical  high  school. 

Bus  operators  are  encouraged 
to  participate  in  the  pilot  program, 
and  assist  the  committee  in  its 
evaluation.  A  third  segment  is 
being  planned  for  trainmen. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Chairman's  report 

Security  training, 
Federal  budget  cuts 

We  are  very  proud  of  the  fine  bus  operator  security 
training  program  developed  by  the  Training/Develop- 
ment programs  section  of  our  Human  Resources  de- 
partment. 

We  want  to  encourage  all  of  our  bus  operators  to 
take  an  active  part  in  this  pilot  program  which  was 
tailored  especially  for  them.  Preceding  pages  in  this 
issue  of  the  Transit  News  present  in  detail  this  sec- 
ond phase  of  an  excellent  security  training  program, 
which  we  believe  to  be  the  first  of  its  type  in  the  pub- 
lic transportation  industry. 

We  have  every  reason  to  anticipate  that  the  CTA 
will  be  a  model  for  other  transit  properties.  The  CTA 
security  training  program  was  designed  to  comply  with 
an  Illinois  law  which  we  sponsored  during  our  tenure 
in  the  General  Assembly.  Similar  legislaticai  recently 
introduced  in  the  U.S.  Congress  further  suggests  that 
security  training  may  indeed  soon  be  required  of  mass 
transit  carriers  nationwide.  We  are  proud,  there- 
fore, to  be  trend  setters  in  transit  security  training  for 
the  rest  of  the  country. 

As  a  former  bus  operator  myself,  I  am  well  aware 
of  the  importance  of  safety  and  security  to  our  em- 


U.S.  Department  of  Transportation  Secretary  Drew  Lewis  (center) 
discusses  transit  issues  with  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  (left) 
and  other  transit  officials  in  a  meeting  in  Washington. 

ployees.  Likewise,  we  cannot  over-emphasize  its 
importance  to  our  riders.  Certainly,  this  program 
needs  your  input  and  your  evaluation  to  assure  its 
relevance. 

Meanwhile,  I  would  like  to  share  with  you  our  re- 
cent ejqierience  in  Washington  as  we  met  with  the 
newly  appointed  Secretary  of  Transportation,  Drew 
Lewis,  to  discuss  President  Reagan's  proposed  budget 
cuts  for  transit. 

We  shared  with  Mr.  Lewis  and  other  federal  of- 
ficials our  concerns  regarding  the  impact  of  such  cuts 
on  the  entire  industry,  and  particularly  the  CTA.  The 
CTA  presently  receives  about  $60  million  in  operating 
assistance  annually  from  the  federal  government. 
Loss  of  this  money  would  place  an  even  larger  funding 
burden  on  our  financial  situation. 

We  also  expressed  our  concern  that  the  President's 
budget  reductions  could  jeopardize  the  planned  ex- 
tension of  the  proposed  rapid  transit  line  to  the  south- 
west side  of  Chicago  if  capital  funds  are  curtailed. 

However,  we  were  assured  by  Secretary  Lewis  that 
engineering  and  technical  studies  should  go  forward 
for  rail  projects,  such  as  the  southwest  side  rail  ex- 
tension, in  anticipation  of  future  funds  becoming  avail- 
able. 

Contrary  to  the  rationale  of  the  President's  budget 
cuts,  federal  support  for  mass  transit  is  an  investment 
in  a  crucial  component  of  our  urban  business  activity. 


APRIL,  1981 


Reuben  Fleming  (52nd  Street 
garage)  was  observed  by  Mrs. 
Bernyce  Clark,  of  Drexel  Boule- 
vard, who  said  she  was  a  regular 
evening  rider  on  his  #1  Drexel/ 
Hyde  Park  bus.  "This  young 
man  has  a  very  courteous  atti- 
tude toward  everyone  who 
boards  his  bus,  and  he  always 
has  a  smile.  He  shows  patience 
in  giving  directions,  and  if  he 
sees  someone  running  for  the 
bus,  he  will  stop  a  second  to 
wait  for  them.  I  commend  him 
as  being  'Mr.  Courteous,'  and 
consider  him  an  excellent  exam- 
ple for  his  coworkers.  May  we 
have  more  like  him?" 


Amy  Augustus  (La wndale  garage) 
was  praised  by  Mrs.  S.  Laitsch, 
of  Cicero,  for  her  courtesy  while 
driving  a  #25  West  Cermak 
bus.  "I  had  the  good  fortune 
to  be  a  passenger  on  a  CTA  bus 
driven  by  a  young  woman  who 
was  not  only  an  expert  driver, 
but  the  most  courteous, friendly, 
smiling,  and  helpful  driver  that  I 
have  seen  in  a  long  time.  Her 
job  is  not  an  easy  one  because 
I'm  sure  that  many  passengers 
are  not  easy  to  be  pleasant  to, 
but  she  certainly  'killed  them 
with  kindness.'  She  is  a  credit 
to  your  company  image." 


commendation  comer 


Ronald  Hackworth  Jr.  (Archer  garage)  was  complimented 
by  Catherine  Murphy,  who  works  on  South  Riverside  Plaza 
and  was  a  rider  on  his  #61  Archer/Franklin  Express  bus. 
"This  morning  started  out  rainy,  and  the  bus  was  packed 
with  wet  people.  Normally,  in  a  situation  like  this,  everyone 
on  the  bus  would  be  grumpy  and  complaining.  However, 
driver  #7492  was  especially  considerate  to  people,  and  made 
everyone  feel  better.  Because  of  his  pleasant  attitude,  every- 
one was  joking  instead  of  complaining.  He  started  my  morn- 
ing out  right,  and  probably  other  people  were  in  a  better 
mood,  too,  due  to  his  friendliness." 

Mohamed  Yousef  (Limits  garage)  impressed  Mary  Barkley, 
of  Annandale,  Minnesota,  with  his  courtesy  and  patience 
while  driving  a  #145  Wilson/Michigan  bus.  "One  night 
while  in  Chicago  recently  on  a  business  trip,  I  was  lost  in 
the  city.  Your  driver  #7815  explained  to  me  where  I  was 
and  how  to  reach  my  destination.  Not  only  was  he  pleasant 
to  me,  but  he  seemed  considerate  of  all  the  passengers  in 
general.  His  attitude  is  an  asset  to  the  CTA  and  the  city 
of  Chicago." 

Raymond  Mieszowski  (North  Park  garage)  was  admired 
by  Diane  Miller,  of  Columbia  Avenue,  for  the  way  he  handled 
an  abusive  passenger  on  his  #96  Lunt/Touhy  bus.  "A  woman 
passenger  climbed  onto  the  bus  and  began  to  insult  the  CTA, 
the  services  available  through  the  CTA,  and  the  bus  driver. 
Your  driver  #4547  continued  to  be  courteous  through  a 
barrage  of  verbal  abuse.  Certainly  no  one  deserves  this  type 
of  treatment.  His  impressive  conduct  was  a  credit  to  your 
organization  and  an  example  of  fine  personal  integrity." 

Herbert  Bryant  (77th  Street  garage)  caught  the  attention 
of  Danny  Velazquez,  of  Cambridge  Avenue,  who  considers 
himself  "lucky  to  have  him"  on  the  #8  Halsted  route. 
"Always,  in  rain,  shine,  sleet,  snow,  whatever  the  weather,  he 
is  a  pleasure  to  ride  with.  He  cheers  one  up  almost  imme- 
diately upon  entering  the  bus.  He  is  thoughtful,  kind,  and 
considerate  of  his  passengers,  and  is  patient.    He's  never  in 


too  big  of  a  hurry  'to  keep  on  schedule'  that  he  can't  wait 
a  moment  if  he  sees  someone  running  to  catch  the  bus. 
To  us  regulars,  such  a  wonderful  attitude  is  greatly  appre- 
ciated and  admired." 

John  Lenore  (North  Avenue  garage)  won  the  approval 
of  Alice  McCormack,  of  Melrose  Street,  who  is  an  early 
morning  rider  on  his  #  77  Belmont  bus.  "He  always  has 
a  smUe,  and  his  regulars  riders  greet  him  with  a  'Good 
morning."  You  can  always  depend  on  him  to  be  on  time. 
He  will  even  look  for  you  if  you're  not  at  your  stop,  and 
wiD  wait  if  he  sees  you  trying  to  cross  the  street.  He 
drives  carefully  and  seems  to  enjoy  his  job.  I  wish  more 
of  the  drivers  were  like  him." 

Larry  Malone  (Archer  garage)  was  the  driver  of  a  #62 
Archer  bus  that  Donna  Baker,  of  West  48th  Street,  took 
downtown  one  Saturday.  "I  boarded  the  bus  at  Archer 
and  Kostner,  and  had  the  pleasure  of  riding  with  one  of 
the  most  courteous  drivers  I  had  ever  had.  What  impress- 
ed me  most  was  his  patience  and  pleasent  manners  with  the 
elderly  people  boarding  the  bus.  He  would  wait  for  them 
to  board  the  bus,  talk  pleasently  to  them  when  they  asked 
for  the  20th  time  what  street  we  were  stopping  at  next, 
and  when  they  left  the  bus,  he  waited  quietly  while  it  took 
them  a  little  extra  time  to  make  the  stairs." 

Pearlie  WUhams  (North  Park  garage)  was  commended 
by  Marshall  Sutton,  who  has  offices  on  North  Michigan, 
for  the  way  she  handled  a  #147  Outer  Drive  Express  bus. 
"The  driver  was  extremely  courteous  to  everyone  who 
entered  of  left  the  bus,  despite  the  bad  weather.  She 
was  kind  enough  to  puU  into  the  curb  for  passengers  to 
get  on  and  off.  She  at  one  time  avoided  a  car  that  skidded 
crosswise  directly  in  front  of  the  bus,  and  in  all,  at  no  time 
was  she  jolting  the  passengers  around  by  starting  or  stop- 
ping too  quickly.  All  this  goes  to  show  that  we  do  have 
some  fine  individuals  driving  for  the  CTA." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


other  operating  employees  re- 
ceiving commendations  recently 
were: 

Willie  Allen,  Archer;  Jose  Al- 
meida, Forest  Glen;  and  Nelson 
Anderson,  Ashland  Terminal. 

Pedro  Balderas,  North  Park; 
Fitz  Bariffe,  Limits;  Rosarita 
Betts,  North  Avenue;  Susan  Bras- 
ewicz.  Archer;  and  Albert  Brown, 
52nd  Street. 

Jean  Cage  and  Marvin  Coving- 
ton, both  of  Limits;  Tomas  Cintron 
and  Andrew  Correa,  both  of  North 
Park;  and  Tyree  Cobb  Jr.,  Forest 
Glen. 

Jose  Davila,  North  Avenue;  and 
Wilfred  Dupree,  North  Park. 


James  Fitzgerald  and  Allan 
Frazier,  both  of  Limits. 

Joseph  Gale,  Forest  Glen;  and 
Fahmi  Ghouleh,  Limits. 

Melton  Harris  and  Chester 
Hendrix,  both  of  77th  Street;  Peg- 
gy Haymon,  West  Section;  Herbert 
Hodge  and  Ollie  Hoskins,  both  of 
Archer;  and  Joe  Hodge  and  James 
Howland,  both  of  North  Park. 

Marlene  landolo,  North  Park. 

Zeke  Jagst,  Walter  Jentsch, 
Charles  Johnson,  and  Arthur  Joy, 
all  of  North  Park;  and  George 
Jones,  North  Avenue. 

Jose  Leiva  and  Herman  Loza- 
da,  both  of  Forest  Glen;  Tilmon 
Lloyd  Jr.,  Lawndale;  and  Marcos 


Luevano  Jr.,  Archer. 

Earl  Miles,  Lawndale;  Newton 
Mojica,  Forest  Glen;  and  Ardis 
Morris  III,  Howard /KimbalL 

Frederick  Pepke,  Limits;  and 
James  Pruett  Jr.,  77th  Street. 

Edward  Sanello  and  Willie 
Stewart,  both  of  North  Avenue; 
Frederick  Schein,  Howard/Kim- 
ball; Learline  Shaw,  69th  Street; 
Michael  Shelton,  52nd  Street;  J.C. 
Skipper  Jr.  and  Glenn  Steude,  both 
of  North  Park;  Eleanor  Smiley, 
West  Section;  Linda  Stewart,  77th 
Street;  and  Edward  Strugalla, 
Lawndal&o 

Fernando  Torres,  Lawndale. 

Arturo  Valdez,  North  Park. 

Jimmie  Walker,  North  Avenue; 
Lonnie  Walker,  77th  Street;  and 
Gary  Williams,  North  Park. 


promotions 


Joseph  Grojean,  former  assistant 
superintendent,  District  B,  has  been 
appointed  superintendent.  District  D, 
Transportation.  Grojean,  who  joined 
the  Chicago  Surface  Lines  as  a  streetcar 
conductor  at  Blue  Island  in  1946, 
became  a  bus  operator  at  Archer  in 
1947,  and  was  named  supervisor.  Dis- 
trict A,  in  1959.  He  served  as  relief 
district  supervisor  in  1970  before 
being  selected  district  supervisor  in 
1972  and  assistant  superintendent  in 
1974.  Grojean  and  his  wife,  Anna 
Rita,  have  two  sons  and  a  daughter, 
and  make  their  home  in  Orland  Park. 

J.  C.  White,  assistant  superintendent 
at  77th  Street  since  1978,  has  been 
named  superintendent,  69th  Street 
garage.  White  began  his  transit  career 
as  a  bus  operator  at  77th  Street  in 
1947.  He  became  a  supervisor  in 
District  B  in  1960,  and  an  instructor. 
Surface,  in  1968.  In  1947,  White 
was  selected  assistant  superintendent. 
Far  South  Area,  and  in  that  capacity 
served  at  69th  Street,  Beverly,  and 
77th  Street  garages.  White  and  his 
wife,  Emily,  are  the  parents  of  two 
daughters  and  a  son,  and  live  in  the 
Chatham  community  on  the  South 
Side. 

In  other  job  reassignments,  John 
Meneghini,  former  buyer,  has  been 
chosen  supervisor.  Buyers,  Materials 
Management.  June  Lett,  former 
stenographer.  Vehicle  Maintenance  - 
South  Shops,  is  now  executive  secre- 
tary. Consumer  Services. 

Charles    Taylor,    former    operator. 


Joseph  Grojean 

69th  Street,  and  Charles  Smith,  former 
ticket  agent.  West  Section,  have  been 
selected  travel  information  representa- 
tives. Consumer  Services  -  Customer 
Relations.  In  Operations  Planning, 
Vernon  Coleman  has  been  promoted 
from  traffic  clerk  to  principal  traffic 
clerk.  Schedules,  while  Neal  St.  John 
has  moved  from  junior  transit  tech- 
nician to  transit  technician  111. 

Three  new  money  handlers  have 
been  named  by  Treasury  -  Central 
Counting:  James  Williams  Jr.  and 
Thomas  Robinson,  both  former  opera- 
tors, 77th  Street;  and  Jackie  Brecken- 
ridge,  formerly  unassigned,  Human 
Resources  -  Employment  &  Placement. 
In  Vehicle  Maintenance,  Rafael  Reyes, 
former  bus  repairer.  North  Avenue, 
has  been  chosen  bus  and  truck  mechan- 
ic apprentice,  South  Shops. 


J.  C.  White 

Sean  Scott,  former  terminal  com- 
bination clerk.  Vehicle  Maintenance  - 
Methods  &  Standards,  is  now  field 
audit  clerk,  Financial  Services  -  In- 
ternal Auditing.  New  as  utility  clerks, 
Materials  Management,  are  former 
clerk  typists  Henrine  Robertson  (Human 
Resources  -  Employment  &  Placement) 
and  Sharon  Kollaritsch  (Operations 
Planning). 

Joanne  Boettin,  former  accounts 
payable  clerk,  Financial  Services  - 
Materials  &  Payables,  is  now  office 
equipment  clerk.  Management  Ser- 
vices -  Administrative  Services.  Walter 
Lemons  Jr.,  former  operator.  Limits, 
has  been  named  transportation  clerk. 
Transportation.  Graciela  Gallardo, 
former  utility  clerk,  Insurance  & 
Pensions,  has  become  clerk.  Human 
Resources  -  Medical. 


APRIL,  1981 


Rocky  Mountain  artist 
paints  Chicago  canyons 


Don  Van  Horn  is  an  artist  living  in  the  shadows  of 
the  towering  Rocky  mountains  in  Colorado  Springs 
where  he  is  a  biology  professor  at  the  University  of 
Colorado. 

With  all  that  splendid  scenery  around  him.  Van 
Horn  dreams  of  the  time  when  he  can  again  visit  the 
man-made  canyons  of  Chicago  and  capture  "the  spirit, 
the  energy,  and  artistic  beauty  of  the  CTA's  Loop 
elevated  stations  and  structure,"  that  keeps  calling 
him  away  from  Colorado. 

On  his  last  visit  to  Chicago,  Van  Horn  presented 
the  CTA  with  photos  of  five  of  his  paintings  that  he 
completed  on  his  visits  over  the  years. 

"Maybe  it  takes  an  artist's  perception,  especially 
one  who  is  visiting  and  not  involved  in  earning  a  living 
at  the  time,  to  appreciate  the  Loop  structure,"  Van 
Horn  said. 

"In  its  own  way,  the  Loop  'L'  ranks  alongside  of 
San  Francisco's  cable  cars,  the  Paris  Metro,  and 
Boston's  streetcars  as  being  fascinating  to  artists," 
he  said.  Van  Horn  takes  slide  photos  and  paints  from 
them. 

"Because  the  photos  and  paintings  range  from  1962 
to  the  present,  some  of  the  paintings  may  look  dif- 
ferent.    That's  because  the  stations'  color  schemes 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Opposite  top:  Painting  of  'L  '  tracks  on  Wabash  avenue  looking 
south  from  Randolph  street.  Van  Horn  painted  29  by  22-inch  water 
color  in  January,  1980, from  a  May  28,  1979,slide.  Painting  was  accept- 
ed for  Rocky  Mountain  National  Watermedia  exhibit  and  received  a 
top  award.  This  painting  was  also  exhibited  in  the  Springfield,  II. ,  Fine 
Arts  Association  show. 

Opposite  bottom:  Water  color  of  Madison/Wabash  station  looking 
west  from  Michigan  avenue.  Van  Horn  took  photo  in  1962,  completed 
30  by  22-inch  canvas  in  May,  1976.  Painting  won  first  prize  in  Rocky 
Mouirtain  National  Watermedia  Exhibition  in  1977. 

Above:  Water  color  measuring  18  by  14-inches  of  Quincy /Wells  station 
looking  south  along  Wells  street  from  Adams  street. 

Top  Right:  Madison/Wabash  station  looking  south  along  Wabash 
avenue  to  Madison  street.  Water  color  was  completed  in  January, 
1980,  accepted  in  show  by  Watercolor,  USA,  1980,  and  sold  to  a 
patron. 

Bottom  Right:  The  La  SalleA/an  Buren  station  looking  south  on 
LaSalle  street.  Water  color  was  painted  during  July  and  August,  197EI 
and  has  been  traded  by  Van  Horn. 


may  have  changed." 

Writing  from  his  home  in  Colorado  Springs,  Van 
Horn  said  he  is  "currently  working  on  a  painting  of 
the  Quincy/Wells  'L'  station  (as  viewed  east  along 
Quincy  street  from  Franklin)  and  thus  far  it  looks 
like  it  should  turn  out  well. 

"I  am  hopeful  of  making  a  spring  trip  (May)  to 
Chicago.. o"  he  added. 


APRIL,  1981 


Employees  honored  with  'A  Day  in  CTA' 


six  employees  cited  for  outstanding  performance  were  April 
honorees  with  'A  Day  in  CTA.' 

The  honorees'  visit  to  the  general  office  included  attending  a 
board  meeting,  a  visit  to  the  control  center,  the  travel  center 


and  other  departments,  a  picture-taking  session,  lunch  at  the 
Merchandise  Mart's  M&M  Club,  and  a  roundtable  discussion  with 
management.  Each  employee  also  received  a  certificate  of  ap- 
preciation. 


Lois  Faqua 

Lois  Faqua,  bus  operator  assigned  to 
Beverly  garage,  was  honored  with  'A  Day 
in  CTA'  for  her  excellent  record  of  pro- 
viding riders  with  safe  and  courteous  ser- 
vice. 

"I  really  appreciated  the  visit  to  the 
control  center  because  it  helped  me  to 
understand  the  communication  system,  and 
revealed  just  how  quickly  the  CTA  can  be 
in  touch  with  its  operators.  Before  my 
visit,  I  had  an  entirely  different  concept  of 
how  things  are  done." 


Ivory  Davis 

Ivory  Davis,  a  rail  supervisor  assigned 
to  the  South  Rail  District,  was  feted  for 
his  quick  response  when  a  fire  developed 
imder  a  car  of  a  Dan  Ryan  train  while  he 
was  riding  in  the  head  car.  Davis  man- 
aged to  get  to  a  passenger  door,  pull  the 
emergency  handle  and  assist  passengers  to 
safety. 

"I  enjoyed  the  whole  day  spent  in  the 
general  office,"  said  Davis,  who  added  that 
he  especially  enjoyed  attending  the  board 
meeting.  "Everybody  should  have  such  an 
opportunity.  I  think  it  would  boost  morale." 


James  O.  Hannah 

James  O.  Hannah,  rail  janitor  at  Lake/ 
Randolph  station,  distinguished  himself  by 
an  act  of  heroism  in  which  he  apprehended 
a  man  who  snatched  a  purse  from  an  elder- 
ly woman  at  the  Lake/Randolph  mezzanine 
in  the  Washington  station  of  the  State  Street 
subway.  Thanks  to  Hannah,  the  purse  was 
returned  and  the  suspect  arrested. 

"I  enjoyed  everything,  and  I  appreciate 
the  fact  that  management  is  honoring  us. 
As  for  what  I  did  to  be  honored,  I  just 
didn't  have  time  to  think  about  it.  The 
lady  was  screaming,  and  I  came  to  her 
aid.  I  enjoy  working  for  the  CTA,"  he 
added. 


Kevin  O'Connor 
Kevin  O'Connor,  a  bus  serviceman  as- 
signed to  North  Avenue  garage,  distin- 
guished himself  with  an  excellent  work 
record.  "I  enjoyed  the  whole  day,  and  I 
appreciate  the  hcjiors  given  us.  I  especial- 
ly enjoyed  visiting  the  control  center,  and 
all  of  the  other  activities." 


Anthony  Rojas 

Anthony  Rojas,  a  car  repairman  at  98th 
Street  shop,  was  treated  to  'A  Day  in  CTA' 
to  give  him  an  opportunity  to  see  a  different 
aspect  of  the  CTA  qjeration. 

A  recent  member  of  the  CTA  family, 
Rojas  said,  "I  enjoyed  the  visit  to  the  con- 
trol room." 


Jose  Roman 

Jose  Roman,  a  conductor  assigned  to 
Kimball  terminal,  was  recommended  to 
spend  'A  Day  in  CTA'  because  of  his  ex- 
cellent work  record,  his  attention  to  duty 
and  courtesy  to  CTA  riders. 

"I  enjoyed  the  entire  day  spent  in  the 
general  office,"  commented  Roman. 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Welcome  to  a  new  citizen 

Lawrence  S.  Paek,  community  news  representative  in  the 
Public  Affairs  department,  celebrated  St.  Patrick's  Day, 
1981,  by  becoming  an  American  citizen.  Paek,  who  came  to 
Chicago  from  South  Korea  in  1975,  received  his  papers  at 
a  ceremony  in  the  Dirksen  Federal  Building  presided  over  by 
U.S.  District  Court  Judge  James  B.  Moran. 

Until  March  17,  Pack's  first  name  had  been  Sok,  and  his 
wife,  who  has  taken  the  name  Judy,  was  called  Ok.  "We 
decided  to  take  the  opportunity  (of  the  swearing  in)  to  be- 
come a  little  more  American,"  Paek  said.  "You  can  imagine 
the  confusion  my  wife's  first  name  has  caused.  I  picked 
'Lawrence'  because  it  was  the  name  of  an  American  soldier 
who  helped  me  in  Korea." 

Paek,  43,  was  bom  and  raised  in  Pyong  An  Bookdo  pro- 
vince, which  is  now  part  of  North  Korea.  During  the  mass 
flight  of  refugees  caused  by  the  Korean  War,  he  became 
separated  from  his  family,  and  hasn't  seen  his  parents  or 
younger  brother  or  sister  since.  He  spent  his  last  16  years 
in  Korea  working  as  a  civUian  in  public  affairs  and  press 
relations  for  the  U.S.  Army's  2nd  Infantry  Division. 

A  miracle  of  sorts  has  brought  added  joy  to  the  Park 
Ridge  home  where  Paek  lives  with  his  wife  and  three  children. 
After  years  of  trying  to  contact  an  older  brother  he  had  not 
heard  from  since  World  War  II,  Paek  received  a  letter  from 
him  recently,  indicating  he  has  spent  all  the  intervening  years 
working  in  Harbin.  China. 


With  communication  apparently  made  possible  by  im- 
proved relations  between  China  and  the  U.S.,  Lawrence  Paek 
now  hopes  to  find  a  way  to  share  the  benefits  of  American 
citizenship  with  his  brother,  Sok  Chin  Paek,  by  having  a 
family  reunion  on  the  free  soO  of  his  adopted  homeland. 


Raleigh  Mathis  elected  to  board 
of  National  Conference 
of  Christians  and  Jews 

Raleigh  Mathis,  man- 
ager, Security  depart- 
ment, recently  was  elect- 
ed to  the  board  of  the  Na- 
tional Conference  of 
Christians  and  Jews 
(NCCJ),  Chicago  and  Illi- 
nois region,  at  a  meeting 
in  the  Palmer  House. 

Also  elected  to  the 
board  with  Mathis  were 
Judge  Jerome  Lemer, 
Cook  County  Circuit 
court;  Harold  L.  Miller, 
board  chairman.  First 
Condominium  Develop- 
ment CO.;  and  Richard  D.  Ostrow,  managing  partner, 
Seyfarth,  Shaw,  Fairweather  &  Geraldson. 

Following  his  election,  Mathis  was  the  guest 
speaker  at  the  joint  meeting  of  the  NCCJ  Midlands 
chapter  and  the  Omaha  Bar  Association  in  their 
"Issues  in  Justice  Seminar"  held  in  Omaha,  Nebraska. 

Marian  Bergersen,  Midlands  chapter  regional 
director,  expressed  her  organization's  appreciation 
in  a  letter  to  Chairman  Eugene  Barnes. 

"We  would  like  to  extend  to  you  and  to  the  Chicago 
Transit  Authority  our  sincere  thanks  for  sharing 
Raleigh  Mathis  with  us,"  Bergersen  wrote.  "He  is  an 
eloquent  and  sincere  speaker  who  is  at  his  best  when 


Procurement  engineer  Kahn 
to  get  MBA  degree 

I.  A.  (Al)  Khan,  pro- 
curement engineer  for 
Materials  Management, 
has  completed  require- 
ments for  the  Master  of 
Business  Administration 
degree,  majoring  in  fi- 
nance at  Loyola  Univer- 
sity. 

He  will  be  awarded  the 
degree  at  the  university's 
May  commencement  ex- 
ercise. Khan  also  holds 
a  certificate  as  a  Certi- 
fied Purchasing  Manager 
which  he  earned  in  1979, 

two  years  after  he  joined  the  CTA  as  a  buyer.  He  was 
promoted  to  procurement  engineer  last  year. 

Khan  holds  bachelor  of  science  degrees  in  mech- 
anical engineering  and  mathematics,  both  earned  at 
Madras  LTniversity,  India.  He  studied  production 
management  for  18  months  in  Czechoslovakia. 

Khan  and  his  family  which  includes  his  wife,  Nas- 
reen,  an  11-year-old  son,  and  a  4-year-old  daughter, 
came  to  the  United  States  in  1973,  and  later  became 
naturalized  citizens. 

reacting  spontaneously.  The  response  of  those  groups 
and  individuals  who  had  an  opportunity  to  participate 
in  discussion  with  Raleigh  was  extremely  pesitive." 


APRIL,  1981 


13 


CTA  receives 
lighting  award 

Robert  Turek  (left),  executive  vice  presi- 
dent. Electric  Association  of  Chicago, 
presents  association's  annual  Award  of 
Merit  for  Lighting  Excellence  to  the  CTA. 
Accepting  the  award  are  Joseph  Siegal 
(center),  superintendent,  power  and  wiring, 
and  Patrick  Murphy,  supervisor,  wiring  and 
design,  both  of  the  Engineering  department. 
Award  was  made  at  April  1  CTA  Board 
meeting. 

The  award  honors  the  CTA  for  its  new 
lighting  installations  at  the  Lake  street 
'  L '  stations  at  State,  Clark,  Clinton, 
Ashland,  and  Halsted  and  Ravenswood 
'  L  '  stations  at  Chicago  and  the  l^rchandise 
Mart.  Siegal  and  Murphy  led  the  team  that 
designed  and  installed  the  new  lighting 
systems.  Turek  said  it  was  the  first  time 
the  CTA  won  the  award  in  its  17-year 
history. 


The  third  group  to  complete  an  eight-week  Material  Handling  and 
Warehousing  course  sponsored  by  Materials  Management  department 
includes,  standing  (from  left):  Charles  Bennett,  stock  derk.  South 
Shops;  Lee  Walker,  stock  clerk.  Merchandise  Mart;  Donnelly  Miles, 
stock  clerk.  South  Shops;  Eugene  Eason,  laborer.  Lower  Yard;  Eugene 
Magad,  course  instructor;  S.  T.  Lucas,  mobile  equipment  operator. 
Stores    North;    Douglas    Muller,   stock   clerk,   Skokie   Shop;  Andrew 


Cunningham,  stock  clerk.  South  Shops;  Donna  O'Connor,  secretary. 
Merchandise  Mart,  and  John  Murray,  laborer.  Lower  Yard.  Seated 
(from  left):  Henry  Farley,  special  projects  analyst.  Stores  North; 
Charles  Ripke,  special  projects  analyst.  Stores  South;  Anthony 
DiGiovanni,  order  control  clerk.  Merchandise  Mart;  Daniel  McRed- 
mond,  laborer,  Skokie  Shop;  Kenneth  McCrea,  stock  clerk.  South 
Shops,  and  Yvonne  Ward,  procurement  analyst.  West  Shops. 


Useful  information 

Partial  view  of  popular  U.S.  Government 
Printing  Office  bookstore  in  room  1463  in 
Dirksen  Federal  Building,  219  S.  Dearborn 
St.  The  store  is  open  from  8  a.m.  to  4  p.m., 
Monday  through  Friday.  More  than  2,000 
low  cost  publications  are  available  in  the 
store.  The  GPO's  23,000  other  publications 
may  be  ordered  at  the  store,  said  Mrs.  Vivian 
Searles,  bookstore  manager. 

The  publications  in  the  book  store  range 
over  a  wide  variety  of  subjects.  For  instance, 
there's  Money  Saving  Main  Dishes,  48  pages, 
80  cents;  Research  on  the  Effects  of  Tele- 
vision Advertising  on  Children,  229  pages, 
$5.50;  The  Green  Scene  -  Care  and  Mainten- 
ance of  Common  Household  and  Office 
Plants,  60  pages,  $1.20;  Railroad  Maps  of  the 
United  States,  112  pages,  $2.60;  Where  to 
Write  for  Marriage,  Divorce,  Birth  and  Death 
Records  in  the  United  States,  $1.25  for  each 
subject;  and  The  Black  Presence  in  the  Era 
of  the  American  Revolution,  1770-1800, 
70  pages,  $2.85. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


no&sso 


Driving  competition  for  115  people  who  have  suc- 
cessfully completed  the  written  test  will  be  conducted 
April  26,  and  May  3  at  77th  Street  and  Forest  Glen 
garages. 

First  place  trophies  for  winners  in  the  garage 
competitions  will  be  presented  at  each  garage  at  a 
later  date.  Each  participant  will  also  receive  a 
certificate  as  well  as  movie  theater  tickets.  Roadeo 
finals  are  slated  for  August  23  at  Soldier  Field. 

Foadeo  update  information  will  continue  to  be 
posted  at  each  garage  throughout  the  event. 


Atlanta  fund  drive 

The  urge  to  help  bring  to  an  end  the  string  of  more 
than  20  child  murders  in  Atlanta  prompted  four  CTA 
women  to  conduct  a  fund  drive  among  their  fellow  em- 
ployees. 

From  March  5  to  March  13,  the  women  collected 
$1,239  which  was  sent,  by  checks,  to  the  Atlanta 
Missing  Children's  fund  to  be  used  by  Atlanta  officials 
in  the  search  for  those  responsible  for  the  attacks  on 
the  children  of  that  Georgia  city. 

The  women  are  Ms.  CoUette  Edmonds,  clerk,  Man- 
agement Services  department;  Ms.  Bosemary  Bamett, 
special  assistant  to  the  manager,  Transportation  de- 
partment; Ms.  Kim  Roach,  clerk,  Claims  department, 
and  Mrs.  Jean  Redd,  secretary.  West  Shops. 

Each  donor  received  green  and  black  lapel  ribbons 
to  signify  their  concern  for  the  Atlanta  tragedies, 

Ms.  Edmonds  said  she  decided  to  help  when  her 
husband,  Walter,  sent  a  check  to  the  fund. 

"I  felt  sure  there  were  many  people  at  the  CTA 
who  felt  the  way  I  did  about  these  crimes,  and  I  men- 
tioned it  to  the  other  women  who  joined  in  the  effort. 
We  all  say  'thank  you  for  your  concern'  to  those  who 
gave,"  Ms.  Edmonds  said. 


These  three  Forest  Glen  operators  are  pictured  on  the  sunny  beach  in 
Acapuico,  Mexico.  It  is  an  annual  trel(  for  them  and  their  wives  who 
vacation  there  each  February.  They  are  (left  to  right):  George  Duszyn- 
ski,  Anthony  DeMayo  and  John  Kurinec. 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  Barnes  recently  cut  the  yellow  ribbon  officially 
opening  CTA's  new  cafeteria  in  the  Merchandise  Mart.  Joining  Chair- 
man Barnes  in  the  brief  ceremony  are  (from  [eft)  Ms.  Joby  Berman, 
manager.  External  Affairs  division;  Paul  Kole,  manager.  General  Finance 
division;  Ernest  Sawyer,  special  assistant  to  the  Chairman;  Roger  Wood, 
manager.  Management  Services  department,  and  General  Operations 
Manager  Harold  H.  Geissenheimer. 


APRIL,  1981 


15 


CTA  Sports 


77th  Street  and  Lawndale  champions 


The  1980-81  CTA  Basketball 
League  ended  its  season  on  Fri- 
day, March  6,  at  Washington  Park 
Fieldhouse  with  the  77th  Street 
Streakers  meeting  North  Avenue 
for  the  championship. 

Qilminating  a  very  exciting 
season  in  which  13  teams  parti- 
cipated, the  league  was  divided 
into  two  divisions — American  and 
National.  Coordinator  for  the 
league  was  Will  Williams. 


The  77th  Street  team,  coached 
by  Henry  Ragsdale,  provided  the 
fans  with  an  exciting  champion- 
ship game.  The  Streakers  were  in 
fine  form  beating  North  Avenue  by 
a  score  of  65-55.  Tyrone  Brown 
of  the  Streakers  was  voted  "Most 
Valuable  Player"  for  the  tourna- 
ment. 

In  the  playoffs  for  the  cham- 
pionship in  the  Volleyball  League, 
Lawndale,   which   had    not   lost   a 


game  during  the  regular  season, 
was  the  ultimate  winner.  In  the 
playoffs  they  lost  their  first  game 
to  308,  but  in  the  final  game  to 
determine  the  champion,  Lawndale 
beat  308  by  a  score  of  15-8. 

All  games  were  played  at 
Washington  Park  Fieldhouse. 
Dianna  Caston  was  the  coordinator 
for  the  league  in  which  ei^t  teams 
participated. 


THE  CHAMPS:  The  77th  Street  Streakers 
are,  kneeling  (left  to  right):  superintendent 
J.  C.  White,  John  Ross,  Henry  Ragsdale,  Ty- 
rone Brown  and  Dwight  Rogers.  Standing 
(left  to  right):  John  Riouse,  Wade  Jones, 
Clarence  Davis,  Paul  Campbell,  Mickey 
Harris,  Earl  Pope,  Eugene  Tate,  M.  Lambert 
and  McClinton  Porter,  superintendent,  77th 
Street. 


Big  John  Riouse  (54),  77th  Street,  and  Willie  Baker  (1),  North  Avenue, 
jump  for  tipoff  in  championship  game. 


North  Avenue's  Mike  Reynolds  (13),  and  Rick  James  (44),  77th  Street, 
battle  for  rebound  as  Mickey  Harris  and  Paul  Campbell  look  on. 


16 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


THE  CHAMPS:  The  Lawndale  volleyball 
team  are  (seated):  Richard  Williams.  Kneel- 
ing (left  to  right):  Vera  Tucker,  Julia  Adams 
and  Hugh  McGee.  Standing  (left  to  right): 
Assistant  superintendent  Clark  Carter,  Carol 
Turner,  Malbernice  Simmons,  Johnny  Moore, 
Johnny  Sherrod,  Doris  Nailor,  Johnny  Cole- 
man, Mary  Rodgers  and  Alfonso  Brooks.  Not 
pictured  are  Dorothy  Bentley  and  Jeanette 
Millanes. 


Above  left:  Richard  Williams,  Lawndale, 
takes  a  sitting  position  as  he  watches  his  shot 
go  over  the  net.  Al  Brooks  (left)  and  John 
Koldan  watch  the  action. 

Above:  Debbie  Jones,  308,  returns  a  shot  as 
John  Koldan  (5),  Jose  Neris  (12)  and  Alvin 
Martin  take  in  the  action. 


Left:  Crystal  Stevenson  (13),  and  Richard 
Williams  battle  for  the  shot  at  the  top  of 
the  net. 


APRIL,  1981 


17 


A  streetcar  family  looks  back 


Streetcars  were  the  mainstay  of 
public  transportation  in  Chicago  for 
more  than  60  years,  and  contributed 
greatly  to  the  development  of  the  city 
by  providing  convenient,  low-cost  tran- 
sit between  residential  neighborhoods 
and  business  and  industrial  districts 
throughout  the  area. 

Harry  Daniel  Soreghen  Jr.,  who 
retired  from  CTA  in  1977  after  40 
years'  service,  was  part  of  a  transit 
family    that    helped    build    muscle    in 


the  "City  of  the  Big  Shoulders"  by 
carrying  generations  of  Chicagoans  to 
their  jobs  on  public  conveyances.  His 
grandfather,  Daniel  Soreghen,  began 
operating  horsecars  on  Sedgwick  Street 
in  1879. 

Harry's  father,  Harry  Sr.,  operated 
streetcars  and  work  equipment  for  the 
Chicago  Railways  Co.,  the  Chicago 
Surface  Lines,  and  CTA  from  1908 
until  his  retirement  in  1952.  A  photo- 
graphic record  of  the  traction  vehicles 


that  he  and  other  family  members 
served  on  has  been  reproduced  here 
as  a  reminder  of  Chicago's  legacy  of 
street  transportation. 

Harry  Soreghen  Jr.  joined  the  Sur- 
face Lines  as  a  shop  and  equipment 
clerk  at  North  Avenue  in  1937,  and 
became  a  streetcar  motorman  in  1941. 
He  later  served  as  a  supervisor  and 
drove  one  of  the  first  radio  cars  in  the 
Loop.  He  operated  buses  from  1952 
until  he  became  a  medical  technician 
in  1963.  Harry  and  his  wife,  Marion, 
live  in  the  Forest  Glen  neighborhood 
on  the  Northwest  Side. 


Harry  Soreghen  Jr. 

Looking  out  the  back  of  this  Chicago  Union 
Traction  Co.  mail  car  at  Lawndale  is  conduc- 
tor Robert  McLean,  who  later  became  Harry 
Soreghen  Jr.'s  father-in-law. 


Above  left:  Harry  Soreghen  Sr.  (right)  operated  this  open  Chicago 
Railways  Co.  streetcar  on  Montrose  between  Broddway  ana  Knox 
Avenue,  where   this  picturb  mias  taken. 

Above:  In  this  summertime  1909  shot,  Soreghen  (right)  waits  for  water 
from  a  hydrant  to  fill  the  3,000-gallon  tank  on  a  sprinkler  car  that  was 
used  to  wet  down  streets  that  had  not  yet  been  paved. 

Left:  Around  1915,  Soreghen  (right)  operated  this  "bowling  alley" 
streetcar  on  Montrose  for  Chicago  Railways.  The  car  got  its  nickname 
from  the  arrangement  of  the  seats,  which  faced  inward  from  the  win- 
dows. 


78 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


iint  is/l:e:is/lcd:e^xj^is/l 


DOMINICK  ANDRIACCHI,  Box  Puller, 

Archer,  Emp.  5-10-45 
EDWIN  ARMSTRONG,  Conductor, 

South  Section,  Emp.  8-3-53 
CHARLES  GERARD,  Machinist, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  6-21-46 
STANLEY  GRZYWNA,  Mechanic, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  10-24-47 
LLOYD  HOLMGREN,  Towerman, 

Jefferson  Park,  Emp.  1-28-48 
HENRY  KOLAR,  Bus  &  Truck  Spec, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  3-16-53 
EDWARD  KUROWSKI,  Machinist, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  11-24-41 
JOHN  F.  UPKA,  Unit  Supervisor, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  5-8-50 
HENRY  MALCZEWSKI,  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  4-4-55 
JAMES  MATTHEWS,  Conductor, 

North  Section,  Emp.  3-2-50 
WILLL\M  O'BRIEN,  Operator, 

Beverly,  Emp.  7-19-48 
ASHER  REID,  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section,  Emp.  11-16-50 
WILLIAM  RYE,  Supervisor, 

District  A,  Emp.  4-21-58 
MILES  WESELY,  Switchman, 

Douglas  Park,  Emp.  1-20-48 
GILBERT  WILSON,  Conductor, 

Howard,  Emp.  3-20-42 


DISABUTY  RETIREMENTS 

EMANUEL  BLUE  Jr.,  Chauffeur, 

Utility,  Emp.  7-27-64 
WILLLi\M  BRIGHT,  Car  Servicer, 

Howard,  Emp.  7-26-66 
ROBERT  McNEIL,  Janitor, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  1-21-76 
ALEJANDRO  REYES,  Bus  Servicer, 

52nd  Street,  Emp.  5-8-70 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  34 


Number  4 


Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA 

by  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 

Manager. 

Editorial    and    graphics    by    the    Public    Affairs 

Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager. 

Director  of  Publications:  Jack  Sowchin 
Production  Assistant:  Editorial  Assistant: 

Mel  Alexander  Rick  Willis 

Contributing  Writers;  Elda  Leal, 
Jeff  Stern,  Don  Yabush 
Produced    by    the  Administrative   Services  Unit, 
Charles  T.  Zanin,  Director. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  alt  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others.  $2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


JOHN  ALTENBACH,  73,  North  Park, 

Emp.  11-24-36,  Died  1-1-81 
WALTER  AMBROSE,  72,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  4-26-45,  Died  2-8-81 
SIDNEY  ANDERSON,  75,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  12-18-33,  Died  2-23-81 
IVY  BLOYD,  94,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  9-11-22,  Died  2-3-81 
ARTHUR  BRINDLEY,  71,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  1-31-34,  Died  2-26-81 
W.  J.  BROPHY,  68,  South  Section, 

Emp.  6-2-42,  Died  2-5-81 
JOHN  BURKE,  78,  Limits, 

Emp.  2-19-35,  Died  2-20-81 
PETER  CARPING,  77,  Utility, 

Emp.  4-23-28,  Died  2-21-81 
CHARLES  ELLIOTT,  87,  North  Section, 

Emp.  8-15-18,  Died  2-18-81 
JOHN  FOLEY,  61 ,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  6-9-58,  Died  2-10-81 
FRANK  GRIES,  73,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  2-24-43,  Died  2-16-81 
WALTER  HALLFORD,  74,  Shops  &  Equip. 

Emp.  2-16-35,  Died  2-14-81 
JAMES  JOEFFREY,  68,  General  Office, 

Emp.  6-20-76,  Died  2-11-81 
ALFRED  KALISZ,  57,  North  Park, 

Emp.  4-9-51,  Died  2-19-81 
EDWARD  KOLAR,  73,  West  Section, 

Emp.  10-28-24,  Died  2-14-81 
STEVE  KOZMA,  72,  West  Section, 

Emp.  4-8-29,  Died  2-5-81 
ANTON  KRUCKY,  93,  Devon, 

Emp.  12-21-43,  Died  2-1-81 


VITO  LORUSSO,  81,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  2-17-43,  Died  2-23-81 
JOHN  McGEE,  76,  Skokie  Shop, 

Emp.  4-10-29,  Died  2-12-81 
KATHLEEN  McINERNEY,  84,  South  Sect., 

Emp.  7-14-39,  Died  2-23-81  ' 
MARIE  McINERNEY,  74,  Loop, 

Emp.  6-2-36,  Died  2-4-81 
PATRICK  McQUAID,  75,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  8-31-36,  Died  2-10-81 
PETER  MIASO,  70,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  4-28-43,  Died  2-18-81 
GRACE  MOUNTS,  65,  West  Section, 

Emp.  5-23-59,  Died  2-25-81 
ROBERT  MUMBOWER,  38,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  5-13-76,  Died  2-13-81 
JOHN  O'CONNOR,  84,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  1-22-23,  Died  2-19-81 
JOSEPH  OLBRECHT,  91,  Transportation, 

Emp.  5-9-16,  Died  1-22-81 
MARK  PARE,  78,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  10-3-21,  Died  2-1-81 
FRANK  PISCITELLO,  89,  Way  &  Structs., 

Emp.  5-12-36,  Died  2-13-81 
EDWARD  RICKER,  74,  Beverly, 

Emp.  3-6-29,  Died  2-7-81 
GERARD  ROSSELJONG,  52,  North  Park, 

Emp.  5-20-60,  Died  2-4-81 
WILLIAM  SAUNDERS,  78,  61st  Street, 

Emp,  10-26-29,  Died  2-15-81 
ANTHONY  SWEENEY,  85,  Surface, 

Emp.  7-27-21,  Died  2-11-81 
JAMES  WATT,  82,  South  Section, 

Emp.  8-13-26,  Died  2-3-81 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  April 


40 
years 


Lester  R.  Rage 

Forest  Glen 


35  years 


Elmer  F.  Briskey,  North  Avenue 
James  H.  Burklow,  Insurance 
Vernon  Coleman,  Schedules 
Patrick  J.  Garrity,  Forest  Glen 
Arthur  G.  Maxwell,  Maintenance 
Orlando  J.  Menicucci,  Howard/Kimball 
Ray  A.  Spakowski,  North  Avenue 
Frank  Spitalli,  Utility 
Herbert  A.  Strauch,  Archer 
Russell  C.  Strohacker,  District  B 
Francis  A.  Swiontek,  Forest  Glen 
John  E.  Theis,  South  Shops 
James  H.  Walsh,  Labor  Relations 


30  years 


25  years 


Louis  F.  Berry,  North  Avenue 
Elijah  Brown,  Maintenance 
George  A.  Lahorl,  77th  Street 
Charles  W.  Hodges,  Instruction 
Lawrence  E.  May,  Ashland/95th 
Zane  S.  McBay,  Relief  Clerk 
Carlos  R.  Pitts,  Maintenance 


Sammie  L.  Anderson,  Instruction 
Harvey  G.  Bey,  Lawndale 
Donald  E.  Crandall,  Electrical 
Clinton  Donley,  61st  Street 
Howard  J.  Gobernatz,  Electrical 
Chester  T.  Mazur,  Methods/Standards 
James  L.  McCarty,  77th  Street 
Richard  F.  Morrow,  77th  Street 
George  N.  Robinson,  77th  Street 
Theodore  Vernon,  Ashland/95th 
Herbert  H.  Williams,  77th  Street 


Woodrow  Wallace,  Forest  Park 
Doris  Yost,  Payroll 


APRIL,  1981 


19 


WANTED 


for  the  June  issue  of  TRANSIT  NEWS: 

Pictures  of  high  school  or  college  students 
graduating  in  1981  who  are  sons  or 
daughters  of  CTA  employees. 

All  pictures  must  be  taken  by  a  profes- 
sional photographer  and  MUST  be  wallet 
size.  On  the  back  of  the  picture,  please 
provide  the  student's  full  name  and  school 
as  well  as  the  employee's  name  and  work 
location.   Pictures  will  be  returned. 

Please  submit  pictures  to:  CTA  TRANSIT 
NEWS,     Merchandise     Mart,     Room     742, 
Chicago,  IL  60654. 
Deadline    for    Pictures    -    May    15,    1981 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555.  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Addfess  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT  NO.   8021 
CHICAGO.   ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRARY 
NORTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EVANS  TON,  IL         60201 


TN 


JUL 


New  rapid  transit  cars 

make  debut  on  Loopwckf HWEsiEirSfiiiT^ 


Mayor  Jane  M.  Byrne  cuts  the  ribbon  marking  the  debut  of  the  first 

V  two  of  3DD  new  rapid  transit  cars  (2600-series)  to  be  delivered  to  the 

CTA.  Arhong  dignitaries  aboard  the  train  were  CTA  Chairman  Eugene 

M.  Barnes,  left,  and  William  I.  Wilson,  General  Manager  of  the  Railway 

pany,  Philadelphia,  manufacturers. 


Mayor  Jane  M.  Byrne  and  CTA  Chairman  Eugene 
M.  Barnes  introduced  the  first  of  two  of  the  2600- 
series  CTA  rapid  transit  cars  with  an  inaugural  ride 
around  the  Loop  on  April  3. 

The  mayor  officiated  at  the  ribbon  cutting  cere- 
mony as  the  train  was  pulled  into  the  platform  at 
Randolph  and  Wells,  where  both  she  and  Chairman 
Barnes  greeted  Chicagoans  who  were  on  hand  to  in- 
spect the  new  cars. 

The  CTA  has  purchased  300  of  the  lightweight,  air- 
conditioned  cars  at  a  total  cost  of  $133,288,500.  Fund- 
ing for  the  new  cars  is  being  provided  by  federal  and 
state  governments,  with  80  per  cent  coming  from  the 
Urban  Mass  Transportation  Administration  of  the  U.S. 
Department  of  Transportation,  and  20  per  cent  from 
the  Illinois  Department  of  Transportation. 

More  than  a  third  of  the  money  for  the  purchase 
was  provided  for  in  the  transportation  agreement 
negotiated  between  Mayor  Byrne  and  Governor  James 
R.  Thompson  in  the  summer  of  1979. 

"My  administration  is  committed  to  improving 
Chicago's  excellent  and  vital  mass  transportation," 
Mayor  Byrne  said.    "The  purchase  of  these  new  rapid 


transit  cars  is  just  one  of  many  significant  actions  we 
are  taking  to  upgrade  the  city's  transportation  net- 
work. In  the  very  near  future,  work  will  begin  which 
will  modernize  the  Loop  elevated  and  renovate  the 
State  street  subway.  Along  with  equipment  and  struc- 
tural improvements,  there  also  will  be  continuing 
improvements  for  rider  security  and  comfort." 

The  first  four  of  the  new  rapid  transit  cars  will 
tmdergo  two  months  (600  hours)  of  testing  in  revenue 
passenger  service  prior  to  the  start  of  delivery  of  the 
other  cars.  The  delivery  of  the  remaining  296  cars 
will  begin  in  the  fall  of  this  year  and  is  expected  to  be 
completed  early  in  1984. 

CTA  Chairman  Barnes  said,  "The  delivery  of  these 
300  cars  will  give  CTA  riders  a  total  of  812  air- 
conditicHied  cars, which  is  more  than  two-thirds  of  the 
total  active  fleet.  The  new  cars  will  replace  those  that 

(Continued  Page  2) 


y 


eta 


EEQISIKIIIZS 

FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 
MAY,  1981 


are  over  30  years  old  and  will  provide  additional  cars 
for  the  O'Hare  rapid  transit  extension  being  built  by 
the  City  of  Chicago. 

"The  cars  have  been  designed  with  the  passenger's 
safety  and  comfort  in  mind,"  Barnes  said. 

Built  by  The  Budd  company  of  Philadelphia,  the 
cars  have  stainless  steel  exteriors  accented  by  red, 
white,  and  blue  striping,  as  a  reminder  of  the  colors 
of  our  nation  and  the  City  of  Chicago. 

The  interiors  have  a  dusky  walnut  woodgrain  pat- 
tern on  the  lower  side  walls,  beige  upper  walls,  and 
off-white  ceilings. 

The  seats  have  brown  and  orange  padded  cushions 
in  contoured  fiberglass  shells.  Each  pair  of  cars  has 
92  seats,  and  each  "A"  car  of  the  two-car  pair  has 
one  seat  which  folds  to  accommodate  a  wheelchair. 

Harold  H.  Geissenheimer,  General  Operations 
Manager,  said  the  wheelchair  locks  automatically 
when  it  is  backed  into  the  locking  device.  The  device 
is  equipped  with  an  easy  release  handle  which  is  acti- 
vated when  it  is  lifted.  A  wheelchair  access  logo  is 
displayed  both  on  the  inside  and  outside  of  the  car. 

Geissenheimer  added  that  current  construction  of 
elevators  at  such  key  stations  as  Loyola,  Granville, 
Desplaines,  Western  on  the  Ravenswood,  79th  street 
and  proposed  stations  in  the  Loop,  Polk  street,  and  the 
O'Hare  extension  will  provide  easy  access  to  rapid 
transit  service  for  handicapped  persons. 


Sliding  doors  provide  50  inches  of  clearance  for 
boarding  and  alighting.  On  the  outside  of  each  car 
are  four  speakers,  and  there  are  six  ceiling  speakers 
inside  the  cars. 

Other  features  of  the  new  cars  include  substantial- 
ly reduced  noise  and  vibration  levels,  and  an  air  com- 
fort system  designed  to  maintain  a  temperature  of 
65  degrees  in  winter  and  72  degrees  in  summer. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Top  left:  Robert  Aldworth,  graphics  design  supervisor,  and  IVIargaret  Maier, 
graphics  designer,  tal<e  the  motorman's  view  as  the  train  stands  at  Randolph 
and  Wells  before  departing  for  its  inaugural  run  around  the  Loop.  The  two 
Operations  Planning  employees  were  primarily  responsible  for  the  sign  on 
front  of  train  heralding  the  first  of  the  new  cars. 

Bottom  left:  Chairman  Barnes  assists  Mayor  Byrne  in  removing  ribbon  from 
the  new  rapid  transit  car. 

Above:  The  first  of  the  2600  series  rapid  transit  cars  shown  here  on  the 
Lake  Street  route  have  begun  two  months  (600  hours)  of  testing  in  revenue 
service. 

Below:  Chairman  Barnes  and  General  Operations  Manager  Harold  H. 
Geissenheimer  examine  seat  which  folds  giving  access  to  wheelchair  locking 
device,  and  folds  back  to  provide  normal  seating  (right  photo). 


MAY.  1981 


Meeting  to  discuss  plans  for  tlie  1981  APTA  convention  in  Chicago  are  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M. 
Barnes  (left);  Arthur  Teele  Jr.  (right),  UMTA  administrator;  Clarence  M.  Pendleton  Jr.  (left,  rear). 
Chairman,  San  Diego  (Cal.)  Transit  Corporation,  and  Ernest  R.  Sawyer  (right,  rear).  Chairman 
Barnes'  administrative  assistant. 


Gathered  in  the  Johnson  Publishing  Company's  offices,  820  S.  Michigan  Av.,  on  April  9  were 
(from  left):  Danny  Lawwon  of  Marketing  Sales  Unlimited,  Houston,  Texas;  Tom  Neusom,  Chair- 
man, Southern  California  Rapid  Transit  District,  Los  Angeles;  CTA  Chairman  Barnes;  Chairman 
Pendleton  of  San  Diego;  John  Johnson,  president,  Johnson  Publishing  Company;  Ernest  Sawyer, 
Chairman  Barnes'  administrative  assistant;  the  Rev.  Jerry  A.  Moore  Jr.,  vice  chairman,  Washington 
(D.C)  Metropolitan  Area  Transit  Authority;  UMTA  Administrator  Teele,  and  John  F.  Potts,  senior 
vice  president,  ATE  Management  &  Service  Company,  Washington. 


Chairman's  report 

Bus 
Roadeo 

Seldom  has  there  been  a  program 
more  beneficial  to  CTA  and  its  em- 
ployees than  the  Bus  Roadeo  which  we 
are  now  conducting. 

I  am  very  proud  of  the  men  and 
women  who  have  taken  the  time  and 
interest  to  be  a  part  of  this  fine  pro- 
gram, and  I  congratulate  them  for 
their  participation  and  extend  to  them 
my  support.  I  wish  each  of  the  partici- 
pants the  best  of  success  in  this  effort. 
It  was  an  honor  for  each  contestant  to 
be  selected  because  the  criteria  for 
participation  required  an  excellent 
work  record. 

The  Bus  Roadeo  is  an  opportunity 
for  CTA  bus  operators  to  demonstrate 
their  skills  and  to  build  esprit  de  corps. 
Surely  the  competition  will  promote  a 
sense  of  professionalism  on  the  part  of 
every  CTA  contestant.  The  results  of 
this  Bus  Roadeo  will  prove  to  be  far- 
reaching  in  terms  of  testing  the  skills 
of  our  bus  operators  in  open  compe- 
tition in  both  practical  and  academic 
performance. 

The  Bus  Roadeo  is  also  a  good  way 
to  determine  just  how  we  measure  up 
against  transit  companies  across  the 
nation.  We  all  look  forward  to  giving 
our  utmost  support  to  the  operator 
who  wins  the  local  competition  on 
August  23,  and  we  know  that  this 
operator  will  represent  the  CTA  very 
well  at  the  APTA  International  Bus 
Roadeo  in  October. 

I  am  extremely  proud  to  have 
initiated  CTA  competition  in  the  Bus 
Roadeo  during  this  administration,  and 
I  am  grateful  for  the  support  of  our 
Local  241,  ATU,  in  helping  us  establish 
this  first  for  CTA. 

I  am  particularly  proud  of  our  own 
Bus  Roadeo  committee  which  has 
worked  so  very  hard  to  accomplish  the 
Bus  Roadeo,  as  well  as  the  slate  of 
volunteers  who  continue  to  sacrifice 
their  weekends  to  serve  as  judges  for 
this  event. 

Perhaps,  most  important  of  all,  is 
the  fact  that  the  Bus  Roadeo  demon- 
strates to  our  passengers,  through  the 
publicity  generated,  that  we  have  an 
ongoing  commitment  to  continuously 
improve  ourselves  and  the  service  we 
provide. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


eta 

f-  BUS 


The  preliminary  driving  com- 
petition for  the  CTA  Bus  Roadeo 
was  held  at  77th  Street  and  Forest 
Glen  garages  on  two  consecutive 
Sundays,  April  26  and  May  3.  Bus 
operators,  who  had  successfully 
completed  written  testing  in  March, 
competed  on  a  course  which  re- 
quired precision  driving  and 
maneuvering  of  their  vehicles.  A 
full  report  on  the  Bus  Roadeo  will 
be  featured  in  the  June  issue  of 
Transit  News,  including  award 
presentations  to  garage  winners 
and  selection  of  the  20  finalists 
who  will  compete  in  the  CTA  Bus 
Roadeo  finals  at  Soldier  Field  on 
August  23. 


MAY,  1981 


Bartholomew  Wurtzebach  of 
North  Section  was  the  con- 
ductor on  an  Evanston  Express 
train  that  Walter  Suhaka,  of 
Prospect  Heights,  rode  down- 
town one  day  while  visiting 
Chicago.  "I  was  not  accustomed 
to  the  routes  available  for  my 
return  to  Evanston.  I  asked  the 
conductor  for  directions.  He  was 
very  helpful  and  courteous,  not 
only  to  me,  but  to  other  people 
on  the  train  that  seemed  to  be 
confused.  I  also  noticed  that 
when  he  spoke  into  the  public 
address  system,  he  took  his  time 
to  speak  clearly.  I  understood 
every  word  that  was  said  and 
knew  when  to  get  off.  I  think  he 
should  be  commended  for  his 
super  performance." 


Wylie  Webb  (77th  Street  garage) 
is  appreciated  by  Catherine 
Piaskowy,  of  Green  Bay  Avenue, 
a  frequent  rider  on  his  #30 
South  Chicago  bus.  "In  all  the 
years  I've  been  one  of  his 
passengers,  I  know  I  could 
always  rely  on  him  to  be  right 
on  time,  regardless  of  the 
weather,  and  sure  of  a  pleasant 
ride  to  69th  Street.  It's  a  plea- 
sure to  encounter  someone  with 
a  cheerful  word  for  each  passen- 
ger every  morning.  I'm  sure  all 
who  ride  with  him  feel  as  I  do. 
This  driver  has  been  doing  a 
super  public  relations  job  for 
the  CTA.  He  should  be  very 
highly  praised  for  helping  to 
improve  the  CTA  image." 


commendation  corner 


George  Neal  (North  Park  garage)  was  thanked  for 
his  "alertness  and  concern"  early  one  evening  by 
Mae  Callahan,  a  rider  on  his  #147  Outer  Drive  Ex- 
press bus  who  works  on  West  Monroe  Street.  "As  I 
was  boarding  the  bus,  a  girl  pushed  ahead  of  me,  el- 
bowing me  to  one  side,  and  then  hollered  to  someone 
on  the  sidewalk.  At  this  point  the  driver  called  to  me 
that  a  man  was  taking  my  purse.  I  immediately 
grabbed  for  the  purse;  then  the  girl  dashed  off  the 
bus,  and  she  and  the  man  rushed  away.  There  was  no 
policeman  aroimd  at  the  time.  Without  the  assistance 
of  the  driver,  I  no  doubt  would  have  lost  my  purse." 
#### 

Ephriam  Mauldin  (69th  Street  garage)  was  called 
"one  of  the  best  drivers  I  have  had  the  privilege  to 
ride  with"  by  Loretta  Sweeten,  of  South  Paulina  Street, 
who  was  a  rider  on  his  #63  63rd  bus.  "He  is  con- 
siderate, courteous  and  friendly.  He  waits  for  the 
senior  citizens  ahd  has  a  very  good  relationship  with 
teenage  riders,  which  is  a  feat  only  a  few  can  claim. 
Public  transportation  is  vital  to  me,  as  I  don't  drive. 
Some  mornings  when  I  don't  feel  like  going  to  work, 
his  'Good  morning'  seems  to  make  the  day  a  little 
brighter.  He  generates  a  good  feeling  in  everyone,  and 
it  is  a  pleasure  to  ride  with  him." 
#### 

John  Brugess  (Limits  garage)  provided  service  on 
his  #36  Broadway  bus  that  was  "so  outstanding  that  I 
thought  you  should  know  about  it,"  wrote  Janet  Rig- 
gans,  of  North  Dearborn  Street.  "He  was  courteous 
and  polite  to  everyone,  and  in  many  cases  said  'Thank 
you.'  When  needed,  he  told  passengers  just  how  to 
reach  their  destinations — where  to  transfer  and  the 
number  of  the  bus  they  should  take — and  he  clearly 
called  the  streets." 

#### 

Sylvester  Ermon  (77th  Street  garage)  was  described 


as  a  "dedicated  and  committed  employee"  by  Mrs. 
Anna  Robinson,  of  South  LaSalle  Street,  who  was  a 
rider  on  his  #29  State  bus.  "I  saw  in  the  performance 
of  his  duties  many  beautiful  lessons  being  taught  by 
him.  The  young  were  taught  to  pay  their  way  and  not 
to  cheat.  The  seniors  were  given  that  special  some- 
thing that  makes  them  feel  they  are  still  cared  about 
by  society.  The  handicapped  were  helped.  The  'not 
too  sure'  were  assured  they  were  not  really  lost.  All 
in  all,  he  is  a  great  driver." 
#### 

Charles  Young  (West  Section)  made  an  impression 
on  Mrs.  Diane  Zydlo,  of  North  Keeler  Avenue,  for  the 
way  he  kept  riders  informed  during  a  delay  on  a 
Congress-Milwaukee  train.  "He  announced  there 
would  be  a  delay  and  reported  the  time  we  were  sitting 
every  five  minutes.  When  the  problem  was  over,  our 
conductor  annoimced  that  we  would  be  leaving  mo- 
mentarily. We  made  two  stops,  and  at  Lake  Transfer 
he  announced  that  the  train  would  be  going  express  to 
Logan  Square.  He  apologized  for  this  inconvenience, 
and  wished  everyone  getting  off  a  pleasant  day,  any- 
way. He  was  a  very  kind  and  considerate  man.  He 
smiled  a  lot,  and  was  very  pleasant  in  the  face  of 
adversity." 

#### 

Lenzie  Alford  (North  Avenue  garage)  was  com- 
plimented by  Betty  Hawkins,  of  Sedgwick  Street,  for 
his  courtesy  while  driving  a  #72  North  bus.  "He  is  so 
very  nice  to  everyone,  yoimg  and  old,  male  and  fe- 
male. Whatever  questions  you  have  he  answers.  He 
always  looks  into  his  miiTor  to  make  sure  everybody 
is  on  his  bus  before  he  drives  off.  And  he  is  always 
there  (on  time).  I  wish  there  were  more  like  him. 
Most  of  all,  I  like  the  way  he  treats  the  older  people. 
It  means  so  much  to  them.  With  the  fare  being  so 
high,  kindness  means  so  much." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


other  operating  employees  re- 
ceiving commendations  recently 
were: 

Maria  Agnew,  Limits;  and  Len- 
zie  Alford,  North  Avenue. 

Fatima  Beymuhammed,  Archer; 
Joe  Brlonez,  Forest  Glen;  Imelda 
Brown,  North  Park;  and  Earl  Bur- 
ress,  69th  Street. 

Jean  Cage,  Sergio  Candelaria, 
and  Queen  Childs,  all  of  Limits; 
Leroy  Carr  and  William  Cummins, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  John  Chand- 
ler, 77th  Street;  and  Andrew  Cor- 
rea,  North  Park. 

Melvin  Davis,  Forest  Glen; 
Jerry  Dubin,  North  Avenue;  Lola 
Ducree,  North  Section;  and  Wil- 
fred Dupree,  North  Park. 

Patricia  Edwards,  77th  Street. 

Henry  Fields,  North  Avenue; 
and  David  Foster,  77th  Street. 

Leon  Gaddyand  Columbus  Gray 
Jr.,  both  of  69th  Street;  Tyrone 
Garrett  and  Abraham  Garron  Jr., 


both  of  Archer;  Milton  Gaylord 
and  Edgar  Griffin  Jr.,  both  of 
North  Avenue;  and  B.  T.  Gregory, 
North  Park. 

Hugh  Haynes,  North  Avenue; 
Cecelia  Hendrickson  and  Large 
Hooker,  both  of  Forest  Glen;  Joe 
Horace,  77th  Street;  and  James 
Howland,  North  Park. 

Ryuji  Inada,  North  Park. 

Gene  Jackson,  77th  Street;  and 
William  Johnson  Jr.,  52nd  Street. 

Robert  Lay,  Limits;  Nathaniel 
Lee  Jr.,  Ashland  Terminal;  Ricar- 
do  Leiva,  Forest  Glen;  and  William 
Lowery,  77th  Street. 

John  Mahnke  and  Joseph  Mitria, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  Joseph  Ma- 
loney,  Archer;  Adolph  Marth,  An- 
gel Martinez,  Victor  Matos,  Angel 
Mojica,  and  Bobby  Myles,  all  of 
North  Park;  Larita  McFall,  West 
Section;  Earl  Mealing  Jr.,  Limits; 
and  Arthur  Mines  Sr.,  Beverly. 

Martha  Pace  and  Orval  Porter, 


both  of  Lawndale;  Van  Penn  Jr., 
North  Avenue;  John  Planthaber, 
Forest  Glen;  Thornton  Poole, 
North  Section;  and  Alvin  Potts  Jr., 
52nd  Street. 

Billy  Ragsdale  and  Alvin  Ross 
Jr.,  both  of  52nd  Street;  William 
Ramos,  North  Park;  George  Ri- 
vera, Lucy  Rivera,  Severo  Rod- 
riguez, and  Robert  Rook,  all  of 
Forest  Glen;  and  Jose  Roman, 
Howard/Kimball. 

Kenneth  Simpson,  North  Park; 
Dennis  Smith,  Howard /Kimball; 
Harrison  Smith,  Archer;  Joe 
Spears,  Forest  Glen;  Barbara 
Sullivan,  North  Avenue;  and 
Thomas  Swoope,  77th  Street. 

Owen  Terry,  North  Park;  and 
Edward  Tribue  Jr.,  Ashland 
Terminal. 

Mitchell  Van  Cleave  and  Clar- 
ence Van  Middlesworth,  both  of 
North  Park. 

Dorothy  Walton,  Limits;  Quen- 
tin  Wilmingtcxi,  North  Park;  and 
Howard  Wilson,  Forest  Glen. 


promotions 


Claire  Glenn,  director  of  Fi- 
nancial Reporting  &  Analysis, 
Financial  Services,  since  1977, 
has  been  appointed  assistant 
comptroller.  Accounting  &  Analy- 
sis. Glenn  joined  CTA  as  an  ac- 
coimting specialist  in  1974, moving 
to  director,  Financial  Analysis, 
later  the  same  year.  She  pre- 
viously was  director  of  accounting 
for  the  City  of  Chicago's  Depart- 
ment of  Public  Works.  Glenn  and 
her  husband,  Frederick,  have  two 
sons  and  make  their  home  in  Ar- 
lington Heights. 


In  Treasury-Central  Counting, 
Robert  McCombs,  former  money 
handler,  has  been  named  assistant 
superintendent.  Central  Counting. 
In  Vehicle  Maintenance,  Michael 
Hennessy  has  been  promoted  from 
assistant  garage  foreman,  77th 
Street,  to  unit  si^jervisor.  Bus 
Garages  North. 

James  Whittley,  former  senior 
storekeeper.  Materials  Manage- 
ment-Stores, is  now  supervisor. 
Storerooms,  Stores-West.  New  in 
Materials  Management  as  pro- 
curement engineers  are  Zaven 
Guediguian,  former  industrial 
engineer.  Plant  Maintenance,  and 
Henry  Deutsch,  former  methods 
&  standards  engineer.  Vehicle 
Maintenance- Skokie  Shop. 

Marguerite  Longo,  former 
stenographer.  Operations  Plan- 
ning, has  been  selected  confiden- 
tial office  assistant,  Engineering, 
the  same  position  that  Joanne 
Pietrowski  has  attained  in  Human 
Resources-Employment  after  pre- 
viously serving  there  as  recep- 
tionist. 

Husein  Suleiman,  former  bus 
operator.  Forest  Glen,  has  been 
chosen  bi-lingual  travel  informa- 
tion    representative.     Consumer 


Services-Customer  Relations. 
Carl  Brown,  former  ticket  agent. 
West  Section,  is  now  station  clerk, 
Transportation-Bus  System. 

Joseph  Larry,  former  bus  op- 
erator, 77th  Street,  has  been  ap- 
pointed bus  &  truck  mechanic  ap- 
prentice. South  Shops,  while  Mau- 
rice Sims,  former  operator,  Bev- 
erly, has  become  a  carpenter  at 
Skokie  Shop.  Also  at  Skokie  Shop, 
John  Ferlito,  former  trackman. 
Plant  Maintenance,  is  now  serving 
as  unit  exchange  clerk. 

Patricia  Banks,  former  ticket 
agent.  West  Section,  has  been  se- 
lected medical  technician.  Human 
Resources-Medical.  In  other 
Human  Resources  reassignments, 
Corrine  Camasta  has  moved  from 
call  director  operator  to  place- 
ment clerk,  Employment  &  Place- 
ment, while  Karen  Bankston,  for- 
mer typist,  Transportation-Des- 
plaines,  has  become  utility  clerk. 
Employment  &  Placement. 

Donald  Person,  former  bus 
servicer.  Forest  Glen,  has  been 
named  payroll  clerk,  Financial 
Services- Payroll.  Virginia  Wolfe, 
former  clerk  typist,  Datacenter, 
is  now  typist.  Operations  Planning- 
Schedules. 


MAY.  1981 


Employees  honored  with  'A  Day  in  CTA' 


Six  employees  cited  for  outstanding  performance  were 
May  honorees  with  "A  Day  in  CTA." 

The  honorees"  visit  to  the  general  office  included  attend- 
ing a  board  meeting,  a  visit  to  the  control  center  and  the 


travel  information  center  as  well  as  other  departments,  a 
picture-taking  session,  lunch  at  the  Merchandise  Mart  M&M 
Club,  and  a  round-table  discussion  with  management.  Each 
employee  also  received  a  certificate  of  appreciation. 


Stanley  Cureton 

Stanley  Cureton,  who  joined  CTA 
in  1979,  has  also  earned  three  commen- 
dations in  connection  with  property 
and  life  saving  deeds,  including  his 
heroic  action  in  rescuing  a  person  from 
the  tracks  at  Belmont  station  last  year. 

Said  Cureton,  "I  appreciated  the 
opportunity  to  attend  the  CTA  board 
meeting  for  a  personal  view  of  how  the 
company's     business     is     conducted." 


Nathan  Roudez 
Nathan  Roudez,  a  District  D  bus 
supervisor,  hailed  the  occasion  to  visit 
the  general  office  as  "...  a  welcome 
opportunity  to  understand  more  about 
the  technical  aspects  of  people  moving 
people."  Roudez,  who  joined  CTA  in 
1968,  said  he  found  the  travel  infor- 
mation center  "...a  fascinating  place 
full  of  mini-second  replays  of  valuable 
information." 


Joan  Sagalow 
"I  appreciated  the  opportunity  to 
visit  the  control  center  as  well  as  the 
travel  information  center,"  said  Joan 
Sagalow,  a  foot  collector  from  Howard 
terminal.  Ms.  Sagalow  joined  the  CTA 
in  1979  and  has  distinguished  herself  in 
a  very  short  time  with  an  outstanding 
work  record  and  attention  to  duty 
while  providing  security  and  transport 
of  CTA  cash  receipts. 


Earl  Miles 
Lawndale  bus  operator  Earl  Miles 
said  he  found  every  aspect  of  his  day  at 
the  Merchandise  Mart  outstanding.  "I 
particularly  enjoyed  the  opportunity  to 
attend  the  board  meeting,"  said  Miles 
who  was  interviewed  on  a  special 
report  by  WMAQ-TV's  "On  Q"  re- 
porter on  April  4.  Miles  was  also  fea- 
tured last  December  on  WBBM-TV's 
"Two  on  Two." 


Joe  Busoemi 
Trackman  Joe  Buscemi  who  joined 
CTA  21  years  ago  said,  "I  enjoyed 
everything.  It  was  all  special  to  me." 
Buscemi  has  a  near  perfect  work 
record,  and  is  a  dedicated  and  consci- 
entious employee.  He  is  known  by 
many  in  the  Maintenance  department 
as  a  "one  man  track  gang." 


Juan  Gonzalez 

Juan  Gonzalez  whose  team  work 
with  Stanley  Cureton  in  extinguishing 
smoldering  debris  at  Wilson  Shop  and 
averted  a  possible  disaster  in  January, 
was  also  among  the  honorees. 

"I  have  enjoyed  this  day,  but  most 
of  all  I  have  enjoyed  visiting  the  travel 
information  and  control  centers,"  said 
Gonzalez,  an  employee  of  three  years 
service  who  was  recently  assigned  to 
Howard.  He  has  received  three  com- 
mendations for  outstanding  perform- 
ance. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


other  operating  employees  re- 
ceiving commendations  recently 
were: 

Maria  Agnew,  Limits;  and  Len- 
zie  Alford,  North  Avenue. 

Fatima  Beymnhammed,  Archer; 
Joe  Brionez,  Forest  Glen;  Imelda 
Brown,  North  Park;  and  Earl  Bur- 
ress,  69th  Street. 

Jean  Cage,  Sergio  Candelaria, 
and  Queen  Childs,  all  of  Limits; 
Leroy  Carr  and  William  Cummins, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  John  Chand- 
ler, 77th  Street;  and  Andrew  Cor- 
rea.  North  Park. 

Melvin  Davis,  Forest  Glen; 
Jerry  Dubin,  North  Avenue;  Lola 
Ducree,  North  Section;  and  Wil- 
fred Dupree,  North  Park. 

Patricia  Edwards,  77th  Street. 

Henry  Fields,  North  Avenue; 
and  David  Foster,  77th  Street. 

Leon  Gaddyand  Columbus  Gray 
Jr.,  both  of  69th  Street;  Tyrone 
Garrett  and  Abraham  Garron  Jr., 


both  of  Archer;  Milton  Gaylord 
and  Edgar  Griffin  Jr.,  both  of 
North  Avenue;  and  B.  T.  Gregory, 
North  Park. 

Hugh  Haynes,  North  Avenue; 
Cecelia  Hendrickson  and  Large 
Hooker,  both  of  Forest  Glen;  Joe 
Horace,  77th  Street;  and  James 
Howland,  North  Park. 

Ryuji  Inada,  North  Park. 

Gene  Jackson,  77th  Street;  and 
William  Johnson  Jr.,  52nd   Street. 

Robert  Lay,  Limits;  Nathaniel 
Lee  Jr.,  Ashland  Terminal;  Ricar- 
do  Leiva,  Forest  Glen;  and  William 
Lowery,  77th  Street. 

John  Mahnke  and  Joseph  Mitria, 
both  of  Forest  Glen;  Joseph  Ma- 
loney,  Archer;  Adolph  Marth,  An- 
gel Martinez,  Victor  Matos,  Angel 
Mojica,  and  Bobby  Myles,  all  of 
North  Park;  Larita  McFall,  West 
Section;  Earl  Mealing  Jr.,  Limits; 
and  Arthur  Mines  Sr.,  Beverly. 

Martha  Pace  and  Orval  Porter, 


both  of  Lawndale;  Van  Penn  Jr., 
North  Avenue;  John  Planthaber, 
Forest  Glen;  Thornton  Poole, 
North  Section;  and  Alvin  Potts  Jr., 
52nd  Street. 

Billy  Ragsdale  and  Alvin  Ross 
Jr.,  both  of  52nd  Street;  William 
Ramos,  North  Park;  George  Ri- 
vera, Lucy  Rivera,  Severe  Rod- 
riguez, and  Robert  Rook,  all  of 
Forest  Glen;  and  Jose  Roman, 
Howard/Kimball. 

Kenneth  Simpson,  North  Park; 
Dennis  Smith,  Howard /Kimball; 
Harrison  Smith,  Archer;  Joe 
Spears,  Forest  Glen;  Barbara 
Sullivan,  North  Avenue;  and 
Thomas  Swoope,  77th  Street. 

Owen  Terry,  North  Park;  and 
Edward  Tribue  Jr.,  Ashland 
Terminal. 

Mitchell  Van  Cleave  and  Clar- 
ence Van  Middle  sworth,  both  of 
North  Park. 

Dorothy  Walton,  Limits;  Quen- 
tin  Wilmingtcm,  North  Park;  and 
Howard  Wilson,  Forest  Glen. 


promotions 


Claire  Glenn,  director  of  Fi- 
nancial Reporting  &  Analysis, 
Financial  Services,  since  1977, 
has  been  appointed  assistant 
comptroller,  Accoimting  &  Analy- 
sis. Glenn  joined  CTA  as  an  ac- 
counting specialist  in  1974,  moving 
to  director,  Financial  Analysis, 
later  the  same  year.  She  pre- 
viously was  director  of  accounting 
for  the  City  of  Chicago's  Depart- 
ment of  Public  Works.  Glenn  and 
her  husband,  Frederick,  have  two 
sons  and  make  their  home  in  Ar- 
lington Heights. 


In  Treasury- Central  Counting, 
Robert  McCombs,  former  money 
handler,  has  been  named  assistant 
superintendent.  Central  Coimting. 
In  Vehicle  Maintenance,  Michael 
Hennessy  has  been  promoted  from 
assistant  garage  foreman,  77th 
Street,  to  unit  svpeivisor,  Bus 
Garages  North. 

James  Whittley,  former  senior 
storekeeper.  Materials  Manage- 
ment-Stores, is  now  supervisor, 
Storerooms,  Stores- West.  New  in 
Materials  Management  as  pro- 
curement engineers  are  Zaven 
Guediguian,  former  industrial 
engineer.  Plant  Maintenance,  and 
Henry  Deutsch,  former  methods 
&  standards  engineer.  Vehicle 
Maintenance-Skokie  Shop. 

Marguerite  Longo,  former 
stenographer,  C^erations  Plan- 
ning, has  been  selected  confiden- 
tial office  assistant.  Engineering, 
the  same  position  tiiat  Joanne 
Pietrowski  has  attained  in  Human 
Resources-Emplojrment  after  pre- 
viously serving  there  as  recep- 
tionist. 

Husein  Suleiman,  former  bus 
operator.  Forest  Glen,  has  been 
chosen  bi-lingual  travel  informa- 
tion     representative.      Consumer 


Services-Customer  Relations. 
Carl  Brown,  former  ticket  agent. 
West  Section,  is  now  station  clerk, 
Transportation-Bus  System. 

Joseph  Larry,  former  bus  op- 
erator, 77th  Street,  has  been  ap- 
pointed bus  &  truck  mechanic  ap- 
prentice. South  Shops,  while  Mau- 
rice Sims,  former  operator,  Bev- 
erly, has  become  a  carpenter  at 
SkoMe  Shop.  Also  at  Skokie  Shop, 
John  Ferlito,  former  trackman. 
Plant  Maintenance,  is  now  serving 
as  unit  exchange  clerk. 

Patricia  Banks,  former  ticket 
agent.  West  Section,  has  been  se- 
lected medical  technician,  Hiunan 
Resources-Medical.  In  other 
Human  Resources  reassignments, 
Corrine  Camasta  has  moved  from 
call  director  operator  to  place- 
ment clerk.  Employment  &  Place- 
ment, while  Karen  Bankston,  for- 
mer typist,  Transportation-Des- 
plaines,  has  become  utility  clerk. 
Employment  &  Placement. 

Donald  Person,  former  bus 
servicer.  Forest  Glen,  has  been 
named  payroll  clerk,  Financial 
Services- Payroll.  Virginia  Wolfe, 
former  clerk  typist,  Datacenter, 
is  now  typist.  Operations  Plannlng- 
Schedules. 


MAY,  1981 


Employees  honored  with  'A  Day  in  CTA' 


Six  employees  cited  for  outstanding  performance  were 
May  honorees  with  "A  Day  in  CTA." 

The  honorees'  visit  to  the  general  office  included  attend- 
ing a  board  meeting,  a  visit  to  the  control  center  and  the 


travel  information  center  as  well  as  other  departments,  a 
picture-taking  session,  lunch  at  the  Merchandise  Mart  M&M 
Club,  and  a  round-table  discussion  with  management.  Each 
employee  also  received  a  certificate  of  appreciation. 


Stanley  Cureton 

Stanley  Cureton,  who  joined  CTA 
in  1979,  has  also  earned  three  commen- 
dations in  connection  with  property 
and  life  saving  deeds,  including  his 
heroic  action  in  rescuing  a  person  from 
the  tracks  at  Belmont  station  last  year. 

Said  Cureton,  "I  appreciated  the 
opportunity  to  attend  the  CTA  board 
meeting  for  a  personal  view  of  how  the 
company's     business     is     conducted," 


Nathan  Roudez 
Nathan  Roudez,  a  District  D  bus 
supervisor,  hailed  the  occasion  to  visit 
the  general  office  as  "...  a  welcome 
opportunity  to  understand  more  about 
the  technical  aspects  of  people  moving 
people."  Roudez,  who  joined  CTA  in 
1968,  said  he  found  the  travel  infor- 
mation center  "...a  fascinating  place 
full  of  mini-second  replays  of  valuable 
information." 


Joan  Sagalow 
"I  appreciated  the  opportunity  to 
visit  the  control  center  as  well  as  the 
travel  information  center,"  said  Joan 
Sagalow,  a  foot  collector  from  Howard 
terminal.  Ms.  Sagalow  joined  the  CTA 
in  1 979  and  has  distinguished  herself  in 
a  very  short  time  with  an  outstanding 
work  record  and  attention  to  duty 
while  providing  security  and  transport 
of  CTA  cash  receipts. 


Earl  Miles 
Lawndale  bus  operator  Earl  Miles 
said  he  found  every  aspect  of  his  day  at 
the  Merchandise  Mart  outstanding.  "I 
particularly  enjoyed  the  opportunity  to 
attend  the  board  meeting,"  said  Miles 
who  was  interviewed  on  a  special 
report  by  WMAQ-TV's  "On  Q"  re- 
porter on  April  4.  Miles  was  also  fea- 
tured last  December  on  WBBM-TV's 
"Two  on  Two." 


Joe  Buscemi 
Trackman  Joe  Buscemi  who  joined 
CTA  21  years  ago  said,  "I  enjoyed 
everything.  It  was  all  special  to  me." 
Buscemi  has  a  near  perfect  work 
record,  and  is  a  dedicated  and  consci- 
entious employee.  He  is  known  by 
many  in  the  Maintenance  department 
as  a  "one  man  track  gang." 


Juan  Gonzalez 

Juan  Gonzalez  whose  team  work 
with  Stanley  Cureton  in  extinguishing 
smoldering  debris  at  Wilson  Shop  and 
averted  a  possible  disaster  in  January, 
was  also  among  the  honorees. 

"I  have  enjoyed  this  day,  but  most 
of  aU  I  have  enjoyed  visiting  the  travel 
information  and  control  centers,"  said 
Gonzalez,  an  employee  of  three  years 
service  who  was  recently  assigned  to 
Howard.  He  has  received  three  com- 
mendations for  outstanding  perform- 
ance. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Congratulations, 
Explorers 

Congratulations  are  in  order  for 
138  young  men  and  women  who  com- 
pleted a  special  Explorer  Scouting 
program  on  April  1 5 .  The  high  school 
students  developed  career  awareness 
through  firsthand  experience  in  auto 
mechanics,  welding,  electricity,  and 
carpentry-all  under  the  careful  guid- 
ance of  30  volunteer  advisors  from 
South  Shops  (see  Transit  News.  March, 
1981). 

The  focal  point  of  the  program  was 
the  construction  of  an  articulated 
mini-bus.  The  beautifully  detailed 
replica  of  CTA's  'Big  Bend'  buses,  made 
from  scrap  and  donated  materials,  is 
powered  by  a  one-cylinder  gasoline 
engine  and  features  operational  head- 
lights, tailUghts,  turn  signals,  and  side 
marker  lights.  The  students  also  refur- 
bished two  motorized  shop  carts 
donated  by  vendors,  decorating  one 
with  a  scalloped  paint  job  and  cus- 
tomizing the  other  with  a  body 
fabricated  from  sheet  metal  to  resemble 
the  front  end  of  a  Flxible  bus.  And, 
working  in  the  sUk  screen  shop,  the 
students  produced  T-shirts  bearing  the 
Explorer  Scout  logo  and  a  drawing  of 
an  articulated  bus  as  a  memento  of  the 
program. 

After  certificates  were  presented  to 


Top  Photo:  Explorer  Scouts  display  their  workmanship  before  receiving  graduation  certificates 
from  General  Operations  Manager  Harold  H.  Geissenheimer,  seated  in  articulated  mini-bus.  Seated 
in  the  shop  cart  at  right  are  District  General  Manager  Derek  C.  Fisk,  London  Transport,  and  his 
wife,  Audrey,  who  were  visiting  CTA  facilities. 

Above:  Members  of  the  project  organizing  committee  were  (left  to  right):  Willie  Wong,  unit  super- 
visor, bus  garages;  Dick  Schneider,  area  superintendent,  automotive  vehicle  maintenance;  Tom 
Wolgemuth,  manager.  Maintenance;  Frank  Venezia,  superintendent,  bus  shops;  Explorer  Executive 
Robert  Battle  ill,  and  Frank  Sprovieri,  carpenter  leader.  South  Shops. 
Below:  A  team  of  30  South  Shops  employees  advised  the  scouts  throughout  the  program. 


the  students  and  advisors,  everyone 
enjoyed  hamburgers  and  soft  drinks  in 
the  South  Shops  lunch  room. 

Representing  CTA  Chairman 
Eugene  M.  Barnes,  General  Operations 
Manager  Harold  H.  Geissenheimer 
thanked  the  scouts  and  volunteer 
advisors  for  their  participation  and 
said,   "CTA  is  proud  to  have  partici- 


pated in  this  worthwhile  program, 
which  provided  practical  training  and 
career  motivation  to  a  fine  group  of 
young  people." 

Attending  the  graduation  as  guents 
of  Mr.  Geissenheimer  during  their  visit 
to  CTA  were  Watling  District  (London 
Transport)  District  General  Manager 
Derek   C.    Fisk   and   his  wife  Audrey. 


MAY,  1981 


Superior  Public  Service  Award  winners 


Two  CTA  employees  were 
among  12  persons  honored  at  the 
13th  Annual  Superior  Public  Ser- 
vice Awards  luncheon  on  April  30 
in  the  Palmer  House. 

They  are  Len  Wiksten,  director. 
Plant  Maintenance,  Maintenance 
department,  named  Outstanding 
Executive  Employee,  and  Thomas 
E.  Alfred,  vehicle  maintenance 
systems  clerk.  South  Shops,  named 
Outstanding  Clerical  Employee. 

The  annual  competition  is  held 
for  employees  of  the  City  of  Chi- 
cago, County  of  Cook,  Chicago 
Park  District,  Metropolitan  Sani- 
tary District,  City  Colleges  of 
Chicago,  the  Chicago  Board  of 
Education,  Chicago  Housing  Au- 
thority, and  the  Chicago  Transit 
Authority. 

Two  other  CTA  employees  re- 
ceived certificates  as  finalists. 
They  are  Claude  R.  Stevens  Jr., 
principal  safety  analyst.  Support 
Services  Section,  Transportation 
department,  a  finalist  in  the  Public 
Safety  Category,  and  Willie  Law- 
ler  Jr.,  bus  operator,  52nd  Street 
garage.  Transportation  depart- 
ment, a  finalist  in  the  General 
Services  Category. 


Top  right:  Len  Wiksten,  director.  Plant  Main- 
tenance, Maintenance  department,  accepts 
"Outstanding  Executive  Employee"  plaque 
from  Barbara  Proctor,  president.  Proctor  & 
Gardner  Advertising  Company,  at  13th  Annu- 
al Public  Service  Awards  luncheon  April  30 
in  Palmer  House. 

Center:  Thomas  E.  Alfred  (left),  vehicle 
maintenance  systems  clerk.  South  Shops, 
displays  his  "Outstanding  Clerical  Employee" 
plaque  with  E.  J.  Evans,  supervisor.  Office 
Procedures  &  Budget,  South  Shops.  Evans 
submitted  Alfred's  name  in  nomination  for 
the  coveted  award. 

Bottom  right:  Harold  Geissenheimer  (left). 
General  Operations  Manager,  and  Nick 
Ruggiero  (right),  CTA  Board  member 
representing  Chairman  Barnes,  join  Willie 
Lawler  Jr.,  bus  operator,  52nd  Street  garage 
(left  of  Ruggiero),  and  Frenchie  Ellis,  princi- 
pal safety  analyst,  substituting  for  Claude  R. 
Stevens  Jr.,  principal  safety  analyst,  who  was 
unable  to  attend  the  awards  luncheon.  Lawler 
and  Stevens  received  finalist  certificates  in 
the  competition. 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


M 


Congratulations, 
Explorers 


Congratulations  are  in  order  for 
1 38  young  men  and  women  who  com- 
pleted a  special  Explorer  Scouting 
program  on  April  15.  The  high  school 
students  developed  career  awareness 
through  firsthand  experience  in  auto 
mechanics,  welding,  electricity,  and 
carpentry-all  under  the  careful  guid- 
ance of  30  volunteer  advisors  from 
South  Shops  (see  Transit  News.  March, 
1981). 

The  focal  point  of  the  program  was 
the  construction  of  an  articulated 
mini-bus.  The  beautifully  detailed 
replica  of  CTA's  'Big  Bend'  buses,  made 
from  scrap  and  donated  materials,  is 
powered  by  a  one-cylinder  gasoline 
engine  and  features  operational  head- 
Ughts,  taillights,  turn  signals,  and  side 
marker  lights.  The  students  also  refur- 
bished two  motorized  shop  carts 
donated  by  vendors,  decorating  one 
with  a  scalloped  paint  job  and  cus- 
tomizing the  other  with  a  body 
fabricated  from  sheet  metal  to  resemble 
the  front  end  of  a  Flxible  bus.  And, 
working  in  the  silk  screen  shop,  the 
students  produced  T-shirts  bearing  the 
Explorer  Scout  logo  and  a  drawing  of 
an  articulated  bus  as  a  memento  of  the 
program. 

After  certificates  were  presented  to 


Top  Photo:  Explorer  Scouts  display  their  workmanship  before  receiving  graduation  certificates 
from  General  Operations  Manager  Harold  H.  Geissenhelmer,  seated  In  articulated  mini-bus.  Seated 
in  the  shop  cart  at  right  are  District  General  Manager  Derek  C.  Fisk,  London  Transport,  and  his 
wife,  Audrey,  who  were  visiting  CTA  facilities. 

Above:  Members  of  the  project  organizing  committee  were  (left  to  right):  Willie  Wong,  unit  super- 
visor, bus  garages;  Dick  Schneider,  area  superintendent,  automotive  vehicle  maintenance;  Tom 
Wolgemuth,  manager.  Maintenance;  Frank  Venezia,  superintendent,  bus  shops;  Explorer  Executive 
Robert  Battle  III,  and  Frank  Sprovieri,  carpenter  leader.  South  Shops. 
Below:   A  team  of  30  South  Shops  employees  advised  the  scouts  throughout  the  program. 


the  students  and  advisors,  everyone 
enjoyed  hamburgers  and  soft  drinks  in 
the  South  Shops  lunch  room. 

Representing  CTA  Chairman 
Eugene  M.  Barnes,  General  Operations 
Manager  Harold  H.  Geissenhelmer 
thanked  the  scouts  and  volunteer 
advisors  for  their  participation  and 
said,   "CTA  is  proud  to  have  partici- 


pated in  this  worthwhile  program, 
which  provided  practical  training  and 
career  motivation  to  a  fine  group  of 
young  people." 

Attending  the  graduation  as  guents 
of  Mr.  Geissenhelmer  during  their  visit 
to  CTA  were  WatUng  District  (London 
Transport)  District  General  Manager 
Derek   C.    Fisk   and   his  wife  Audrey. 


MAY,  1981 


Superior  Public  Service  Award  winners 


Two  CTA  employees  were 
among  12  persons  honored  at  the 
13th  Annual  Superior  Public  Ser- 
vice Awards  luncheon  on  April  30 
in  the  Palmer  House. 

They  are  Len  Wiksten,  director. 
Plant  Maintenance,  Maintenance 
department,  named  Outstanding 
Executive  Employee,  and  Thomas 
E.  Alfred,  vehicle  maintenance 
systems  clerk.  South  Shops,  named 
Outstanding  Clerical  Employee. 

The  annual  competition  is  held 
for  employees  of  the  City  of  Chi- 
cago, County  of  Cook,  Chicago 
Park  District,  Metropolitan  Sani- 
tary District,  City  Colleges  of 
Chicago,  the  Chicago  Board  of 
Education,  Chicago  Housing  Au- 
thority, and  the  Chicago  Transit 
Authority. 

Two  other  CTA  employees  re- 
ceived certificates  as  finalists. 
They  are  Claude  R.  Stevens  Jr., 
principal  safety  analyst.  Support 
Services  Section,  Transportation 
department,  a  finalist  in  the  P>ublic 
Safety  Category,  and  Willie  Law- 
ler  Jr.,  bus  operator,  52nd  Street 
garage.  Transportation  depart- 
ment, a  finalist  in  the  General 
Services  Category. 


Top  right;  Len  Wiksten,  director.  Plant  Main- 
tenance, IVIaintenance  department,  accepts 
"Outstanding  Executive  Employee"  plaque 
from  Barbara  Proctor,  president.  Proctor  & 
Gardner  Advertising  Company,  at  13th  Annu- 
al Public  Service  Awards  luncheon  April  30 
in  Palmer  House. 

Center:  Thomas  E.  Alfred  (left),  vehicle 
maintenance  systems  clerk.  South  Shops, 
displays  his  "Outstanding  Clerical  Employee" 
plaque  with  E.  J.  Evans,  supervisor.  Office 
Procedures  &  Budget,  South  Shops.  Evans 
submitted  Alfred's  name  in  nomination  for 
the  coveted  award. 

Bottom  right:  Harold  Geissenheimer  (left). 
General  Operations  Manager,  and  Nick 
Ruggiero  (right),  CTA  Board  member 
representing  Chairman  Barnes,  join  Willie 
Lawler  Jr.,  bus  operator,  52nd  Street  garage 
(left  of  Ruggiero),  and  Frenchie  Ellis,  princi- 
pal safety  analyst,  substituting  for  Claude  R. 
Stevens  Jr.,  principal  safety  analyst,  who  was 
unable  to  attend  the  awards  luncheon.  Lawler 
and  Stevens  received  finalist  certificates  in 
the  competition. 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Maintenance 
gears  up  for 
'Big  Bend'  buses 

The  Maintenance  department 
has  started  gearing  up  for  the  ar- 
rival of  the  125  "Big  Bend  "  buses 
in  1982  on  order  from  the  M.A.N. 
Truck  and  Bus  Corporation  with 
U.S.  headquarters  in  Southfield, 
Mich.,  and  a  manufacturing  plant 
in  Cleveland,  North  Carolina. 

"We  want  to  have  our  mainte- 
nance instructors  and  training 
materials  completely  up  to  date 
when  these  new  buses  arrive," 
said  Stuart  Maginnis,  director, 
support  services.  Maintenance 
depaiimient. 

Sixteen  persons  took  part  in  a 
nine-day  maintenance  and  repair 
training  program  in  the  Mainte- 
nance Training  Center.  The  ses- 
sions were  conducted  by  Eric 
Horder  and  Wilfried  Klauer, 
MJ^..N.  service  representatives, 
for  seven  days.  For  two  days,  the 
participants  were  instructed  by 
Phil  Sandburg  of  the  Trane  com- 
pany on  air  conditioning,  and  Tom 
Phillips  of  the  Wabasto  company  on 
heating  of  the  big  buses. 

The  16  persons  were:  Mainte- 
nance Training  Center  instructors 
Richard  Cacini,  Roger  Clemens, 
Michael  Dain,  Kenneth  Polan, 
Richard  Guinn,  Jamie  Morales, 
Redus  Miller,  and  John  Thompson. 

Also,  bus  repairmen  James 
Miller  (77th  Street  garage);  Rick 
Meyer  (North  Park  garage),  and 
Antone  Shimkus  (Archer  garage); 
James  Klnahan,  training  coordina- 
tor, and  Lena  Phillips,  transit 
professional  trainee.  Training/ 
Development  programs,  both  of 
the  Human  Resources  department; 
Jerry  Killman,  technical  service 
technician,  Methods  and  Standards 
section,  and  Jim  Haworth,  field 
service  engineer,  both  of  the 
Maintenance  department,  and 
Clarence  Riley,  equipment  tech- 
nician, Engineering  department. 

During  the  nine-day  program, 
the  participants  were  urged  to  ask 
all    questions    regarding   various 


Above:  Rick  Meyer  (from  left).  North  Park  garage  bus  repairer;  Wilfried  Klauer,  M.A.N,  service 
representative;  James  Miller,  77th  Street  garage  bus  repairer,  and  Eric  Horder,  M.A.N,  representa- 
tive, discuss  draining  six  gallon  capacity  automatic  transmission  of  "Big  Bend"  bus  in  training 
session  in  Maintenance  Training  Center. 

Below:  Redus  Miller  (from  left).  Maintenance  Training  Center  instructor;  Wilfried  Klauer,  M.A.N, 
service  representative;  Richard  Guinn  and  Roger  Clemens,  Maintenance  Training  Center  instruct- 
ors, and  Lena  Phillips,  transit  professional  trainee.  Human  Resources  department,  go  over 
procedures  for  muffler  installation  on  big  buses. 


aspects  of  the  maintenance  and 
operation  of  the  buses  from  the 
road  to  the  roof,  from  bumper  to 
bumper. 


The  CTA's  current  fleet  of  20 
M.A.N,  buses  are  kept  at  77th 
Street,  North  Park,  and  Archer 
garages. 


MAY,  1981 


Scouting  is 
a  family  affair 


Bus  operator  Leonard  E.  Sims 
is  a  dedicated  member  of  the  Boy 
Scouts  of  America,  and  10  other 
members  of  his  family  are  also 
affiliated  with  theB.S.A.'s  Midway 
district  and  with  Boy  Scout  Troop 
500,  headquartered  in  St.  Peter's 
Lutheran  church,  7400  S.  Michigan 
av. 

Sims,  34,  is  a  line  instructor 
at  the  North  Avenue  garage.  He 
has  been  employed  by  the  CTA  for 
11  years. 

He  has  been  in  the  Boy  Scouts 
for  20  years.  Sims  joined  as  an 
eight-year-old   Cub  Scout  Bob  Cat 


and  remained  in  Scouting  for  a 
number  of  years, dropped  out,  then 
returned. 

At  present,  Sims  is  commis- 
sioner of  the  Midway  district  com- 
prised of  74  Boy  Scout  troops  and 
Cub  Scout  packs,  with  a  member- 
ship of  more  than  1,200  South  Side 
yoimgsters. 

Like  many  adult  scout  leaders, 
Sims  has  come  up  through  the 
ranks.  Along  the  way  he  has 
garnered  many  of  Scouting' s  high- 
est honors  for  his  excellent  work 
and  leadership,  as  a  scout  and  as 
an  adult  leader. 

He  has  served  as  cubmaster, 
scoutmaster,  camping  chairman. 
Explorer  Scout  advisor,  and  scout 
commissioner. 

Sims  has  recently  earned  the 
Silver  Beaver  badge,  the  Chicago 
Area  Council's  highest  award,  and 
the  B.S.A.  Wood  badge. 

Although  he  serves  as  district 
commissioner,  Sims  stays  close  to 
Troop  500  where  he  serves  as 
scoutmaster. 

This  troop,  according  to  the 
B.S.A.'s  Chicago  Area  Council,  is 
considered  among  the  highest 
ranking  troops  in  the  council. 

"Getting  members  of  my  family 
interested  in  scouting  wasn't  very 
difficult,"  Sims  said.    "Once  they 


saw  my  enthusiasm  for  scouting, 
they  became  attracted  to  the  many 
different  activities  for  adults  that 
scouting  has  to  offer." 

Sims'  wife,  Essie,  is  a  district 
imit  commissioner;  his  parents, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Leonard  Sims,  are 
committee  members  for  Troop 
500;  his  sister,  Mrs.  Barbara 
Lockett,  is  a  troop  commissioner; 
his  other  sister,  Charlesetta,  is  a 
district  unit  commissioner;  his 
brother,  Myron,  is  a  troop  adult 
leader;  Myron's  wife,  Denise,  is  a 
district  unit  commissioner;  his 
daughter,  Monica,  is  an  Explorer 
Scout;  and  his  son,  Edward,  and  his 
nephew,  Michael,  are  Life  Scouts, 
one  rank  below  the  coveted  title  of 
Eagle  Scout. 

Sinis  has  received  yet  another 
honor  for  his  scouting  leadership. 

He  has  been  named  scoutmaster 
for  the  National  Jamboree  troop 
of  the  Chicago  Area  Council.  He 
will  be  one  of  eight  adult  leaders 
and  72  Jamboree  troop  scouts  to 
participate  in  the  10th  National 
Scout  Jamboree  at  Fort  Hill, 
Fredericksburg,  Virginia,  July  29 
to  August  5. 

More  than  300,000  scouts  and 
adult  leaders,  from  all  50  states 
and  world-wide  scouting  associa- 
tions, will  take  part  in  the  event. 


Hospital  volunteer 
earns  3000  hour  pin 

Weekends  for  Sophie  Reynolds  of  the  Schedule  de- 
partment are  dedicated  to  hospital  volimteer  work.  In 
the  past  10  years  she  has  devoted  nearly  4,000  hours 
of  service  at  Holy  Cross  Hospital, 

Her  volimteer  service  which  began  September  21, 
1971,  earned  her  the  3000  Hour  Golden  Pin  which  was 
presented  at  the  hospital's  annual  February  Sweet- 
heart Sunday  program  in  honor  of  volunteers. 

Working  a  six  and  a  half  hour  volunteer  day,  Sophie 
begins  each  Saturday  at  Holy  Cross  at  2:30  p.m.  on 
the  Information  desk  where  she  hands  out  passes  to 
visitors,  answers  telephones  and  delivers  flowers, 
candies  and  other  gifts  to  patients.  She  also  helps  by 
serving  as  a  translator  for  Polish  speaking  patients 
and  visitors. 

"I  look  forward  to  my  volunteer  work  on  weekends, 
because  I  feel  that  no  amovmt  of  money  for  any  job 
would  give  me  the  satisfaction  which  I  have  enjoyed 
throughout  the  years  at  the  hospital,"  commented 
Sophie. 


A  member  of  the  Holy  Cross  Hospital  staff  pins  a  corsage  on  Sophie 
Reynolds  of  the  CTA  Schedule  department  who  was  among  honorees 
at  the  hospital's  annual  Sweetheart  Sunday  program.  Mrs.  Reynolds 
received  the  3,000  hour  pin  for  accumulated  hospital  service  since 
September  21,1971. 

Hospital  service  is  not  the  first  time  Sophie  Rey- 
nolds has  ever  volunteered  for  duty.  In  1943,  she 
raised  her  hand  in  allegiance  and  defense  of  the  na- 
tion as  a  member  of  the  U.S.  Navy  where  she  served 
for  two  and  a  half  years. 

Sophie,  who  joined  the  CTA  on  August  1,  1973,  is 
the  mother  of  two  sons  and  has  five  grandchildren. 
Her  son,  Michael,  is  a  stock  clerk  in  Storeroom  57 
at  South  Shops. 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Frenchie  Ellis  has  role 
in  stage  production 


Hometown  ties  and  CTA  talent 
were  combined  in  a  play  produced 
recently  that  has  a  message  for 
everyone.  The  Greenville  Mis- 
sissippi Club  of  Chicago  staged  the 
play  as  one  of  several  fund- 
raising  events  held  each  year  to 
provide  scholarships  for  Green- 
ville high  school  graduates  going 
on  to  college. 

Frenchie  Ellis,  principal  safety 
analyst,  Methods/Standards, 

Transportatiai  department,  not 
only  acted  in  the  play,  but  also 
helped  design  and  build  the  set. 
Ellis  studied  drama  at  Colimibia 
College  after  joining  CTA  more 
than  30  years  ago,  but  this  was  his 
first  stage  role.    "It  was  a  lot  of 


work  and  took  a  lot  of  time,  but  I 
enjoyed  it,"  he  said. 

Christine  Houston,  former  CTA 
ticket  agent  and  now  a  full-time 
TV  playwright  working  for  Norman 
Lear  Productions,  wrote  and 
directed  the  play,  which  was  en- 
titled "I  Love  You  Nana."  Houston, 
whose  husband,  Ike,  is  a  motor- 
man,  West  Section,  did  the  play  as 
a  favor  to  Claydia  Phillips,  a  friend 
and  one-time  teacher  at  Kennedy 
King  College,  who  had  the  starring 
role. 

The  theme  of  "I  Love  You  Nana" 
concerns  the  tendency  of  young 
people  to  forget  about  older  fam- 
ily members  and  to  want  to  push 
them  aside.  It  presents  the  mes- 
sage that,  regardless  of  how  old  a 
person  gets,  he  can  always  find  a 
way  to  help  a  younger  person,  and 
should  be  a  welcome  member  of 
any  family. 

"I  don't  want  to  run  your  life," 
one  of  the  older  players  says  in  a 
key  line,  "I  just  want  to  be  a  part 
of  it." 

Ellis  said  the  play,  which  was 
presented  twice  in  the  Greenville 
group's  clubhouse  on  West  119th 
Street,  drew  a  capacity  crowd,  and 
provided  over  $900  for  the  club's 
scholarship  fund.  He  said  it  may 
be  produced  again  later  this  year 
in  Chicago  and  Gary. 


Violette  Brooks 
joins  library 


Former  Leo  High  School  librarian 
Violette  Brooks  has  joined  the 
staff  of  the  CTA  library  in  the 
Merchandise  Mart.  She  holds  a 
bachelor  of  arts  degree  from  Illi- 
nois State  University  at  Normal,  a 
master  of  arts  degree  from  Gov- 
ernors State  University  at  Park 
Forest  South,  111.,  and  is  a  mem- 
ber of  both  the  American  and  Illi- 
nois Library  Associations.  Ms. 
Brooks  is  membership  chair- 
person of  the  Children's  Reading 
Round  Table,  an  organization 
which  promotes  reading  among 
children  and  adolescents.  She  is 
a  volunteer  with  the  Chicago  Urban 
League  as  well  as  the  NAACP,  and 
is  a  member  of  the  women's 
chorus  of  the  St.  Mark  United 
Methodist  Church  of  Chicago.  She 
is  also  the  resource  person  for  the 
church  school. 


Bob  Chambers  (left),  controller,  gave  a 
special  briefing  on  CTA  control  room  pro- 
cedures to  visitors  from  the  Industrial 
College  of  the  Armed  Forces  who  parti- 
cipated in  a  special  CTA  Technical  Insti- 
tute recently.  The  military  students  were 
reviewing  the  operation  of  several  transpor- 
tation agencies  across  the  country  as  part 
of  a  special  curriculum  on  transportation 
which  is  offered  at  the  College  located  in 
Washington.  Attending  the  briefing  were 
(from  left):  Colonel  Norbert  D.  Grabowski 
and  Lieutenant  Colonel  George  B.  J.  Dibble, 
U.S.  Army;  Lieutenant  Colonel  John  W.  Haley 
and  Colonel  Stanley  J.  Glod,  U.S.  Army 
Reserve;  George  J.  Donovan,  GS-15,  U.S. 
Navy,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Rudolph  H. 
Ehrenberg,  U.S.  Army. 


MAY,  1981 


13 


Machine  shop  foreman  installed  as  lodge  officer 


Ernest  L.  Johnson,  CTA  ma- 
chine shop  foreman,  South  Shops, 
has  been  installed  as  Worshipful 
Master  of  Garden  City  Lodge  No. 
59,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons. 

Johnson,  who  is  a  32nd  degree 
mason,  is  also  a  member  of  the 
Arabic  Temple  Shrine  No.  44, 
Knight  Templar,  Royal  Arch,  Royal 
and  Select  Masters;  president  of 
the  choir  at  Mt.  Olive  AME  church 
where  he  also  serves  as  a  steward, 
member  of  Gresham  Community 
Coimcil,  and  a  first  sergeant  with 
the  U.S.  Army  Reserve.  He  also 
holds  the  position  of  captain  of  the 
Arabic  Temple  No.  44  Drill  Patrol. 

Other  CTA  employees  elected 
to  office  with  Johnson  were  James 
R.  House,  foreman,  Skokie  Shops, 
Junior  Warden,  and  Lawrence  A. 
Watts,  operator,  69th  Street  ga- 
rage, secretary. 

Garden  City  Lodge  No.  59, 
which  received  its  charter  in  1900, 
has  been  the  Masonic  home  for 
numerous  CTA  employees  for 
many  years.  Current  members 
include  Tobbie  P.  Gowans,  black- 
smith. South  Shops,  worshipful 
master  from  1976  to  1977;  Levell 
Nichols,    foreman.    South    Shops; 


Installed  as  officers  of  Garden  City  Lodge  No.  59,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons  were  (from  left): 
Marvin  Ward,  Senior  Warden;  Ernest  L.  Johnson,  machine  shop  foreman.  South  Shops,  Worship- 
ful Master,  and  James  House,  foreman,  Skokie  truck  shop.  Junior  Warden. 


Charles  Dickerson,  electrician. 
South  Shops;  Levell  Stewart,  mech- 
anic. South  Shops;  Juan  McClellan, 
operator,  77th  Street  garage; 
Thomas  Washington,  operator, 
69th    Street    garage,   and    Walter 


King,  carpenter.  West  Shops. 

Worshipful  Master  Johnson  re- 
sides on  the  South  Side  with  his 
wife,  Pauline,  and  two  daughters, 
Cilicia  Ann  and  Luctricia  Marie, 


Robert  Martinez,  North  Park  garage  bus  operator,  holds  plaque  pre- 
sented to  him  by  the  Chicago  Police  department  for  his  three  years  of 
participation  in  the  police  department's  Beat  Representative  program  in 
the  14th  District.  Program  volunteers  work  closely  with  the  police 
department  at  the  community  level  in  the  prevention  of  crime.  On  hand 
for  the  presentation  were  (from  left):  Erskine  Moore,  director.  Beat 
Representative  program;  Sergeant  Ben  Martinez,  Chicago  Police  Depart- 
ment Public  Relations,  14th  District;  Martinez;  Sera  Cruz,  coordinator. 
Beat  Program,  14th  District;  and  Ira  Harris,  Deputy  Superintendent, 
Bureau  of  Community  Services,  Chicago  Police  department.  Martinez 
joined  the  CTA  in  December,  1975. 


Do 


il  ^ww  yyc  QQQ  c 


Bode  Obafunwa,  chairman  of  the  Lagos  (Nigeria)  State  Metro  Line, 
pauses  for  a  look  at  substation  supervisory  control  units  during  a  recent 
CTA  visit.  Conducting  the  tour  through  the  control  center  were  Jerry 
Johnson  (left),  superintendent,  control  center,  and  Harold  H.  Geissen- 
heimer  (right)  General  Operations  Manager. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


EDWARD  J.  COLLINS,  Painter, 

Skokle  Shop,  Emp.  9-18-53 
VERNON  W.  DIETRICH,  Conductor, 

Douglas,  Emp.  11-28-45 
IRA  FARMER  Sr.,  Carpenter, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  2-17-55 
JESSIE  GILLIAM,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  4-7-48 
WILMA  C.  HASS,  Ticket  Agent, 

North  Section,  Emp.  7-1-67 
CLARENCE  M.  HEARNS,  Conductor, 

South  Section,  Emp.  10-13-48 
JOHN  W.  JAMES,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  1-13-47 
EDWIN  C.  KENNEDY,  Carpenter, 

Skokle  Shop,  Emp.  9-22-50 
CHESTER  T.  MAZUR,  Combination  Clerk, 

Harlem  Shop,  Emp.  4-9-51 
JAMES  L.  Mccarty,  operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  4-3-51 
ALBIN  PAWLICKI,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  2-18-57 
DONALD  E.  STUCKENBERG,  Box  Puller, 

Archer,  Emp.  7-13-59 
MARION  SUTHERLAND,  Keypunch  Opr., 

Datacenter,  Emp.  3-19-59 


DISABIUTY  RETIREMENTS 

BENJAMIN  JACOBS,  Operator, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  7-1-68 
JOSEPH  J.  KASPER,  Bus  &  Truck  Mech., 

South  Shops,  Emp.  3-31-69 


Service  anniversaries  in  IVIay 


40  years 


Nick  K.  Simonetti 

South  Shops 


Chester  C.  Zielinski 

South  Shops 


Sigtnund  E.  Dobosiewicz 

Electrical 


Jerry  P.  Dubin 
North  Avenue 


Elmer  P.  Aust,  Maintenance 


iisT  nvcEnvcoR.i.A.nvn 


BARBARA  ANDERSEN,  84,  Claim, 

Emp.  3-7-18,  Died  2-24-81 
HARRY  ASHER,  62,  Jefferson  Park, 

Emp.  1-25-46,  Died  4-10-81 
WALTER  BAROWSKY,  72,  Beverly, 

Emp.  11-11-27,  Died  3-6-81 
VALENTINE  BLICKHAHN,  89,  Limits, 

Emp.  2-20-43,  Died  3-14-81 
EDWARD  BOEHM,  78,  West  Section, 

Emp.  7-2-20,  Died  3-28-81 
PATRICK  CARROLL,  91,  61st  Street, 

Emp.  4-1-20,  Died  3-29-81 
ELMER  CHAPMAN,  78,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  1-8-34,  Died  3-23-81 
MAURICE  CONNORS,  59,  Treasury, 

Emp.  1-23-46,  Died  3-6-81 
ARTHUR  DAVIS,  53,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  7-2-56,  Died  3-15-81 
ELLIS  HANDLEY,  88,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  8-13-13,  Died  3-22-81 
OSCAR  HERRING,  44,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  3-14-77,  Died  4-13-81 
THEODORE  HUBBARD,  56,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  2-22-54,  Died  4-1-81 
EUGENE  LACY,  64,  North  Park, 

Emp.  1-9-58,  Died  3-27-81 
WILLIAM  LANE,  58,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  8-1-57,  Died  3-5-81 
PHILLIP  LEAHY,  58,  Schedules, 

Emp.  7-1-41,  Died  3-19-81 


HOWARD  LOWING,  70,  North  Section, 

Emp.  8-19-36,  Died  3-30-81 
JAMES  MOSS,  56,  South  Section, 

Emp.  12-10-48,  Died  3-23-81 
MARVIN  MULCONREY,  80,  Archer, 

Emp.  5-5-21,  Died  3-28-81 
FRANCIS  NEUBAUER,  64,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  7-6-48,  Died  3-10-81 
ALFRED  NORRIS,  71,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  8-28-41,  Died  3-18-81 
HAROLD  PEDERSEN,  84,  West  Section, 

Emp.  3-17-14,  Died  3-2-81 
FRANCIS  PIERSON,  75,  Beverly, 

Emp.  10-26-28,  Died  3-15-81 
THOMAS  RAMON,  50,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  3-17-77,  Died  3-25-81 
WALTER  REYMOND,  82,  Kimball, 

Emp.  12-30-44,  Died  3-31-81 
JOSEPH  SCHUMACHER,  88,  South  Sect., 

Emp.  8-4-13,  Died  1-27-81 
WALTER  SERZOW,  83,  Skokle  Shop, 

Emp.  1-1-25,  Died  3-3-81 
JOSEPH  SULLIVAN,  74,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  11-7-44,  Died  3-29-81 
MICHAEL  VIRGILIO,  72,  Engineering, 

Emp.  7-17-35,  Died  2-26-81 
JOHN  WAGNER,  80,  West  Section, 

Emp.  7-26-18,  Died  3-9-81 
WALTER  W.  WARNER,  78,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  10-6-27,  Died  3-1-81 


35  years 


James  F.  Brennan,  Schedules 
Robert  J.  Busam,  Forest  Glen 
Edwin  S.  Celovsky,  Lawndale 
Anthony  M.  DeMayo,  Forest  Glen 
Sam  J.  Girard,  Forest  Glen 
Elmer  C.  Johnson,  Kimball 
John  Kippes,  North  Park 
Edward  C.  Korbus,  Archer 
John  A.  Kurinec,  Forest  Glen 
Nick  D.  Lacorcia,  Stores  North 
George  G.  Noonan,  North  Park 
George  F.  Ochotnecki,  Lawndale 
Vito  L.  Palumbo,  Maintenance 
Sheldon  M.  Rita,  Harlem 
Robert  C.  Sosnowski,  52nd  Street 
Joseph  G.  Steinbach,  Archer 
Mathew  Szarek,  Utility 
John  F.  Tiffy,  Central  Bus  District 
Wylie  D.  Webb,  77th  Street 
George  J.  Welling,  Beverly 
Edwin  T.  Wojdyla,  District  D 
Eugene  A.  Wrobel,  Schedules 
Frank  A.  Wsol,  Far  South  Area 
John  Zupko,  Near  North  Area 


30  years 


Joseph  E.  Atkins,  52nd  Street 
Carl  J.  Bradley,  Ashland/95th 
Walter  Campbell,  77th  Street 
Calvin  L.  Coursey,  Electrical 
K.  C.  Davison,  Ashland/95th 
Richard  H.  Hammonds,  Maintenance 
Benny  J.  Herron,  Lawndale 
Robert  N.  Hormel,  Electrical 
George  M.  Isdale,  Utility 
William  F.  Jones,  Maintenance 
Gerald  Mallory,  District  A 
James  Mincey  Jr.,  District  A 
William  Monroe,  Beverly 
Frank  Riley  Jr.,  77th  Street 
Gabriel  G.  Schiazza,  District  D 
Ray  L.  Smith,  98th  Shop 
Chester  Urban,  Schedules 
Tellis  Walker  Jr.,  Instruction 
Samuel  E.  Williams,  52nd  Street 
Gordon  Woods,  Lawndale 


25  years 


Myrtle  M.  Apitz,  West  Section 
Luther  L.  Gaston,  Electrical 
Sam  Johnson,  North  Avenue 
Michael  Leavy,  Howard/Kimball 
Caesar  Trent,  Beverly 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  34 


Numbers 


Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA 

by  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 

Manager. 

Editorial    and    graphics    by    the    Public    Affairs 

Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager. 

Director  of  Publications:  Jack  Sowchin 
Production  Assistant:  Editorial  Assistant: 

Mel  Alexander  Rick  Willis 

Contributing  Writers:  Elda  Leal, 
Jeff  Stern,  Don  Yabush 
Typesetting  and  printing  provided  by  the  Manage- 
ment Services  Department. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  $2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago. 
Illinois  60654.  .^Mtl 


MAY,  1981 


15 


Coffee  Pars 
promote  safety 

Coffee  Pars  have  been  part  of 
the  Safety  tradition  at  CTA  for 
many  years.  They  have  helped  to 
make  it  a  winning  tradition  by 
providing  an  incentive  to  produce 
a  good  safety  record. 

In  March  1981,  77th  Street  ga- 
rage set  a  new  all-time  low  for  the 
number  of  traffic  and  passenger 
accidents  in  any  month.  77th 
Street  joins  Beverly  and  Limits 
garages  who  accomplished  this 
feat  in  February  1981. 

The  Safety  department  buys 
coffee  for  all  operating  personnel 
whenever  a  garage  or  terminal 
establishes  a  new  accident  low. 
This  minute  expenditure  has  paid 
off  in  reduced  claim  costs.    Last 


Tom  Boyle,  manager.  Safety,  points  to  sign  congratulating  77th  Street  garage  for  establishing  a 
new  all-time  low  traffic  and  passenger  accident  record  at  their  garage  during  March,  1981.  Bus 
operators  enjoying  coffee  provided  by  the  Safety  department  are  (left  to  right):  Homer  Wilkerson, 
Walter  Kenerson,  James  Clark,  Robbie  Johnson  and  Frederick  Burkes. 


year  (1980)  nine  bus  garages  and 
two  rail  terminals  established 
new  accident  low  pars.    These  ac- 


complishments were  instrumental 
in  establishing  the  CTA's  safest 
year  in  1980. 


CHICAGO  TRAMSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555.  Chicago.  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   No.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRARY 
NORTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUi'] 
EVANSTON,  IL         60201 


TN 


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>f^ 


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Q  TRANSPORTATION  LIBRARY 
AUG  0  4  198] 
N0RTHWEST£I<?3  UNiVERSITV 


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The  back  half  of  the  Bus  Roadeo  course  at  77th  Street. 
Buses  demonstrate  (from  background)  the  right  turn, 
curbing,  'Y'  backing  maneuver,  left  turn,  and  discretionary 
stop. 


A  forest  of  orange  pylons  cast  an  eerie  reflected 
glow  in  the  dim  light,  and  the  crisp  early  morning  air 
was  charged  with  anticipation.  The  day  of  the  com- 
petition was  at  hand. 

Volunteer  judges  from  every  division  of  the  com- 
pany, wearing  bright  blue  and  white  hats,  took  their 
positions,  and  the  contest  was  about  to  begin. 

As  the  contestants  approached,  the  driving  course 
defined  by  the  pylons  began  to  appear  much  more 
difficult,  because  all  the  competitors  were  driving 
40-foot  CTA  buses.  During  these  two  Sundays  (April 
26  and  May  3)  at  Forest  Glen  and  77th  Street  bus 
garages,  101  of  the  CTA's  finest  bus  operators  would 
compete  in  the  first  annual  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  Contest. 

All  the  operators  had  survived  a  difficult  selection 
procedure.  A  thorough  records  review  had  narrowed 
the  field  from  333  applicants  to  155  contestants  with 
excellent  driving  records.  During  the  week  of  March 
15,  a  difficult  written  test  concerning  defensive  driv- 
ing, CTA  standard  operating  procedures,  and  equip- 
ment troubleshooting  had  left  101  operators  eligible 


for  competition. 

Although  time  would  be  a  factor  on  the  driving 
course,  much  more  importance  was  given  to  pre- 
cision driving.  Contestants  were  penalized  for  going 
off  course,  touching  pylons  or  tennis  balls,  and  making 
more  shifts  than  necessary  to  complete  each  ma- 
neuver correctly.  There  was  a  seven  minute  time 
limit,  but  the  time  clock  only  ran  when  the  buses  were 
in  motion,  since  contestants  were  often  required  to 
stop  while  the  accuracy  of  their  maneuvers  was 
measured. 

Most  of  the  contestants  easily  completed  the  first 
two  maneuvers,  a  serpentine  or  zig-zag  and  an  offset 
street.  Both  maneuvers  required  precise  changes  of 
direction  with  close  vehicle  clearance. 

(Continued  Page  2) 


y 


eta 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

JUNE,  1981 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  visited  the 
two  Roadeo  locations  and  met  with  Roadeo 
Committee  members.  Chairman  Barnes  mea- 
sures the  clearance  at  the  back  of  the  bus  in 
the  left-hand  'Y'  maneuver.  Observing,  from 
left,  are  Willie  Wong,  assistant  manager  of  the 
77th  Street  competition;  Paul  Kadowaki, 
Roadeo  co-chairman;  Norm  Herron,  assistant 
manager,  77th  Street  competition;  Bill  Thom- 
pson, manager  of  the  77th  Street  competition; 
Elonzo  Hill,  Roadeo  co-chairman;  Ed  Mit- 
chell, director  of  Support  Services;  John  Mc- 
Lain,  assistant  chairman.  Equipment  Sub- 
committee; Barnes;  James  Blaa,  manager. 
Transportation,  and  Bob  Desvignes,  Awards 
and  Finance  Subcommittee  chairman. 

eta  svs 


Next,  the  rear  dual  clearance 
maneuver  proved  to  be  very  diffi- 
cult. Contestants  were  required 
to  drive  the  bus  so  that  the  right 
rear  dual  wheels  would  pass  be- 
tween two  rows  of  five  tennis  balls, 
and  the  space  between  the  two  rows 
was  only  slightly  larger  than  the 
width  of  a  set  of  rear  dual  wheels. 

A  demanding  right  turn  with 
minimum  clearance  then  led  to  a 
curbing  or  passenger  stop.  The 
contestants  had  to  drive  around 
5  5-  gallon  drums  representing  a 


parked  vehicle  and  curb  the  bus 
within  the  distance  of  a  simulated 
bus  stop.  Front  wheel  clearance 
from  the  curb  had  to  be  6  inches 
or  less,  rear  wheel  clearance  15 
inches  or  less. 

The  next  challenge  was  the  right 
half  of  the  'Y'  backing  maneuver. 
Contestants  drove  their  buses  just 
past  two  rows  of  closely  spaced 
pylons  which  extended  out  from  the 
course  at  a  right  angle  to  the 
right,  backed  their  buses  in  a  right 
turn  to  enter  between  the  rows  of 
pylons,  and  stopped  with  the  back 
of  their  buses  within  36  inches  of 
an  end  pylon  centered  between  the 
two  rows.  During  the  driving  com- 
petition many  pylons  were  dis- 
placed and  points  lost  at  the    'Y' 


problem,  and  it  was  not  unusual  to 
see  a  bus  backing  up  with  four  or 
five  pylons  compressed  between 
the  rear  bumper  and  rear  wheels. 

After  carefully  exiting  the  right 
hand  'Y' ,  contestants  negotiated 
a  minimum  clearance  left  hand 
turn  and  circled  around  the  back 
half  of  the  course.  Then  they  per- 
formed a  second  curbing  and  a  left 
hand    'Y'  maneuver. 

Leaving  the  left  hand  Y'  ,  the 
run  to  the  finish  was  all  that  re- 
mained. The  contestants  acceler- 
ated to  a  required  minimum  speed 
of  20  m.p.h.,  as  measured  by  a 
Cook  County  Sheriff's  policeman's 
radar  gun.  They  entered  the  de- 
creasing clearance,  two  rows  of 
pylons  which  began  widely  spaced 


Judy  and  Robert  Reno,  both  laborers  at  South  Shops,  measure  curbing  clearance. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


ABOVE:  Craig  Lang  (second  from  right),  assistant  manager  of  the  Forest  Glen  competi- 
tion, leads  judges  to  assigned  positions  on  Roadeo  course.  RIGHT:  Mary  Manoni,  Roadeo 
Committee  secretary/scorekeeper,  and  Elliot  Linne,  assistant  superintendent,  Congress- 
Douglas,  register  contestants  at  scoring  table. 


but  converged  in  a  'V  toward  the 
end  pylon,  where  a  judgement  stop 
was  required  within  6  inches  of 
the  end  pylon. 

After  all  the  pylons  were  col- 
lected and  the  scores  were  tallied, 
20  operators  emerged  as  winners 
of  the  preliminary  driving  com- 
petition. (Winners  and  their  com- 
ments are  featured  on  pages  6  and 
7.)  They  will  compete  at  the  CTA 
Bus  Roadeo  Finals  at  Soldier  Field 
on  August  23. 

At  the  finals,  the  first  place 
winner  will  receive  a  trophy  and 
an  all  expense  paid  trip  for  two  to 
ToroQto,  Canada.  This  operator 
will  also  be  CTA's  representative 
at  the  American  Public  Transit 
Association's  (APT A)  International 
Bus  Roadeo,  which  will  be  held  in 
the  Chicago  area,  October  8-10,  In 
conjunction  with  the  APT  A  Con- 
vention. 

The  second  place  winner  will 
receive  a  trophy  and  a  $500  U.S. 
Savings  Bond,  and  will  take  the 
place  of  the  winner  if  the  winner  is 
not  available  for  the  International 
Bus  Roadeo. 

The  third  place  winner  will  re- 
ceive  a  trophy   and   a   $200  U.S. 


Luther  Lewis,  top  winner  at  Beverly  garage 
with  595  points,  displays  his  first  place  plaque 
as  his  wife,  Dorothy,  and  children,  Lateki  and 
Soraya,  share  the  spotlight.  Standing  with  the 
honoree  and  his  family  are  Transportation 
Manager  James  Blaa,  left,  and  Director  of  Per- 
sonnel, Transportation,  Harry  Reddrick. 


Savings  Bond. 

The  fourth  place  winner  will  re- 
ceive a  trophy  and  a  $100  U.S. 
Savings  Bond. 

The  20  winners  of  the  pre- 
liminary driving  competition  will 
receive  a  pair  of  dinner-theatre 
tickets  and  a  CTA  Bus  Roadeo 
commemorative  belt  buckle  and 
belt.  Also,  the  10  winners  from 
these  20  who  had  the  highest  score 
from  each  of  CTA's  10 bus  garages 
have  each  received  a  First  Place 
Winner-Garage  plaque. 

The  operators  who  competed  in 
the  preliminary  driving  competi- 
tion have  each  received  a  pair  of 
motion  picture  theatre  tickets,  a 
Special  Recognition  certificate, 
and  a  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  hat. 


The  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  Com- 
mittee, headed  by  co-chairmen 
Paul  KadowaM  and  Elonzo  Hill, 
also  presented  mementos  to  all  of 
the  volunteers  who  donated  their 
time  to  the  Roadeo  as  Committee 
members,  subcommittee  chair- 
men, judges,  scorekeepers,  and 
workers  at  the  Bus  Roadeo  events. 
These  included  CTA  Bus  Roadeo 
hats  and  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  Judge 
belt  buckles.  (See  "Putting  it  all 
together"  on  page  5.) 

A  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  awards 
dinner  will  be  held  on  October  2, 
at  the  M&M  Club  in  the  Mer- 
chandise Mart,  where  the  Winning 
Circle  20  and  the  1st  through  4th 
place  winners  in  the  CTA  Bus 
Roadeo  Finals  will  be  honored. 


JUNE,  1981 


Bill  Thompson  (4th  from  right), 
manager  of  the  77th  Street  com- 
petition, leads  contestants  on  a 
walk  through  the  course. 


Louis    Bieniek,  instructor.  Forest  Glen,  logs  in  starting  order  numbers 
which  were  drawn  from  a  hat  by  contestants. 


Melvin  Link,  manager  of  the  Forest  Glen  competition,  gives  last  minute 
briefing  to  contestants. 


Clarence  Junkins  (left)  issues  equipment  to  judges  Robert  Reno, 
laborer.  South  Shops,  and  Beverly  Jackson,  employee  counselor. 
Human  Resources. 


Art  Bennett,  instructor.  Limits  Training  Center,  and  Anita  Curtis, 
director.  Employment  and  Placement,  were  scorekeepers  at  77th 
Street. 


FAR  LEFT:  Joe  Daquilante  (left),  assis- 
tant superintendent.  Control  Center,  and 
Ken  Polen,  instructor.  Maintenance  Train- 
ing Center,  measure  clearance  from  pylon 
at  discretionary  stop  at  end  of  course. 
LEFT:  Radar  speed  checks  of  the  ap- 
proach to  the  discretionary  stop  (mini- 
mum 20  m.p.h.)  were  provided  by  Ser- 
geant Manfred  W.  Braun  and  other  mem- 
bers of  the  Cook  County  Sheriff's  Police 
Department. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Putting  it 
all  together 

Putting  a  Bus  Roadeo  together  requires 
people  who  know  how  to  organize  and  in- 
struct which  is  why  Elonzo  Hill  and  Paul 
Kadowaki  were  selected  as  co-chairmen  of  the 
Bus  Roadeo  committee. 

Hill  is  superintendent  of  the  training 
center  at  Limits  garage,  and  Kadowaki  is 
superintendent  of  bus  instruction.  Support 
Services  Director  Edward  Mitchell  who  re- 
commended the  appointments  to  Transpor- 
tation Manager  James  Blaa,  praised  the  two, 
along  with  Robert  Desvignes,  area  superin- 
tendent of  instruction,  for  the  superb  manner 
in    which    they   handled    their    assignments. 

As  finance  and  awards  subcommittee 
chairman,  Desvignes  was  responsible  for  the 
prizes  awarded  to  winners  as  well  as  caps, 
belts,  buckles  and  other  paraphernalia  that 
went  to  all  Roadeo  participants. 

Other  subcommittee  chairmen  were: 
Wilham  Mooney,  volunteers;  Norman  Herron, 
information  and  pubUcity;  Kelsey  King, 
material  and  equipment,  assisted  by  John 
McClain:  Mike  Lacriola  and  Mel  Link,  co- 
chairmen,  entry  and  eligibility;  William 
Thompson,  site  committee;  Louis  Sanford, 
assistant,  finance  and  awards;  Mary  Manoni, 
recording  secretary.  Ronald  Baker,  Robert 
Bizar  and  Jack  Sowchin  were  also  commit- 
tee members. 

"Anytime  there  is  a  job  that  somebody 
wants  to  pass  on  to  someone  else,  they 
usually  call  on  Junior  to  do  it.. .take  out  the 
garbage,  run  an  errand,  etc,"  said  Mitchell. 

"At  CTA,  Support  Services  is  Junior. 
We  are  the  glue  that  holds  everything  else 
together.  We  are  about  the  business  of  taking 
care  of  business,  and  we  had  a  lot  of  very  fine 
people  who  helped  us  put  this  Roadeo  to- 
gether," he  added. 

In  the  Transportation  department  kudos 
also  went  to  Transportation  Manager  James 


Blaa  who  initiated  the  idea,  and  Harry  Red- 

drick,  director,  personnel. 

A  total  of  93  volunteer  judges  from  a 
variety  of  CTA  work  locations  joined  the 
Roadeo  committee  in  helping  to  make  the 
event  a  success.  The  list  includes:  Walter 
Alexander,  assistant  superintendent/controller 
I,  Transportation;  Robert  Barnes,  Mainten- 
ance; John  Batzel,  controller.  Transportation; 
Howard  Benn,  supervisor,  Facihties  Planning, 
Operations  Planning;  Robert  Bravi,  assistant 
superintendent/controller  I,  Transportation; 
Robert  Brown,  laborer,  Maintenance;  Richard 
Cacini,  instructor,  Maintenance;  McRayfield 
Caldwell,  assistant  superintendent/controller 
I,  Transportation,  and  Dan  Chorak,  instructor, 
Maintenance. 

Other  judges  were:  Anita  Curtis,  director, 
Human  Resources;  Beverly  Jackson,  Human 
Resources;  Joe  Daquilante,  assistant  superin- 
tendent. Transportation;  Juanita  Eden, 
Human  Resources;  Lampton  Evans,  assistant 
superintendent/controller  I,  Transportation; 
Michael  Flores,  bus  operator;  Tessa  Gaines, 
assistant  superintendent,  Transportation;  John 
Gaul,  planner  II,  Operations  Planning;  Jim 
Gebis,  motor  vehicle  equipment  engineer, 
Engineering.  Another  member  of  the  Engine- 
ering department  working  as  a  judge  was 
Craig  Lang,  project  plan/budget  coordinator. 

Other  Maintenance  department  personnel 
were:  George  Greco,  Maintenance  training 
specialist;  Leon  Griffith,  South  Shops;  Rich- 
ard Guinn,  instructor;  Al  Haas,  unit  super- 
visor; Delord  Hatcher,  painter  and  finisher, 
"A"  leader;  Diane  Hyman,  Jerry  Killman, 
South  Shops;  Tom  Kohler,  electrical  en- 
gineer; William  Lambert,  unit  supervisor, 
bus  garages;  Robert  Lee,  field  services  en- 
gineer; Gordon  Maly,  unit  supervisor,  in- 
struction; Peter  Manos,  industrial  engineer 
III;  Matt  Mantia,  unit  supervisor;  Terry 
McGuigan,  superintendent,  bus  garages;  Don 
Moy,  architectural  engineer  II;  Robert 
O'Donley,  technical  services;  Walter  Paszyna, 
technical  draftsman;  Ken  Pott,  James  Rappe- 
port.    Judy    Reno,    Robert    Reno;    Richard 


Schneider,  area  superintendent.  Automotive 
Vehicle  Maintenance;  Ed  Schumaker, 
Methods/Standards,  engineer  II,  and  John 
Seay. 

Maintenance  department  also  included: 
Joe  Simonetti,  Nick  Simonetti,  unit  super- 
visor, South  Shops;  Frank  Sprovieri;  Frank 
Venezia,  superintendent,  bus  shops;  William 
Wilson,  foreman,  52nd  Street  garage,  and 
Willie   Wong,  unit   supervisor,  South  Shops. 

Others  from  the  Transportation  depart- 
ment were:  Aaron  Henderson,  assistant 
superintendent/controller  I;  Patricia  Hodges, 
assignment  agent;  Kelsey  King,  Methods/ 
Standards  analyst;  Michael  Lacriola,  superin- 
tendent. Limits;  Daryl  Lampkins,  assistant 
superintendent/controller  I;  Mel  Link,  assis- 
tant superintendent,  instruction.  North  Ave- 
nue; Elliot  Linne,  assistant  superintendent. 
Near  North  area;  Henry  Mosby,  laborer, 
Utility;  Charles  O'Connor,  Alfred  Pierce, 
William  Piatt,  Walter  Thomas,  Daniel  Villan- 
ueva,  Floyd  Williams,  Thomas  Wilson,  Miles 
Smith,  and  Anthony  Smith,  all  assistant 
superintendent/controller  I.  Others  were  Nor- 
man Herron,  assistant  superintendent.  Limits 
Training  Center;  Louis  Sanford,  analyst;  Ed 
Henry,  superintendent,  Safety;  William  Shol- 
dice,  supervisor,  Training/Development  pro- 
grams; Steve  Stark,  Operations  Planning; 
Marilyn  Mancini,  executive  secretary.  Chair- 
man's office,  and  Mary  Manoni,  analyst, 
Training/Development  programs,  score 
keeper. 

Instructors  who  were  involved  were: 
Thomas  Artison,  Art  Bennett,  Joseph  Ben- 
nett, Lou  Bieniek,  Sal  CarbonelU,  Prestal 
Carnes,  Charles  Clark,  Elijah  Coleman,  Karen 
Eden,  Wilbert  Gerrish,  Willie  Herron,  Charles 
Hodges,  Frank  Jones,  Harvey  Jones,  Wilham 
Jones,  Samuel  Johnson,  Clarence  Junkins, 
Bart  Kamtak,  Richard  Lane,  Joseph  Lasin- 
ski,  Arthur  Lee,  Theodore  Mack,  EUice  Mar- 
shall, John  McClain,  Billy  McKnight,  William 
Nash,  Lee  Oak,  John  Perkins,  Allen  Summer- 
set, Joseph  Valrierra,  Edward  Watkins,  Myron 
Woods,  and  John  Woodson. 


Kelsey  King,  assistant  manager  of  the  Forest  Glen  competition  and 
Equipment  and  Material  Subcommittee  chairman.  Insured  that  there 
would  be  enough  of  everything,  from  pylons  and  tennis  balls  to  pencils 
and  scratch  pads,  to  keep  the  Roadeo  going. 


Jim  KInahan  (left),  technical  training  coordinator,  Training/Develop- 
ment programs,  works  as  a  scorekeeper  with  score  marshalls  Wilbert 
Gerrish,  rail  Instructor,  and  Karen  Eden,  agent  Instructor,  both  of  the 
Transportation  department. 


JUNE,  1981 


^ 

^^K^    5^79^ 

9 

V/^^ 

^ 

H- 

^x"" 

Orval  Porter  —  Lawndale  (Fin- 
ished first  with  639  points)  "Its 
beautiful  to  be  in  the  top  20.  It 
was  a  tough  course,  but  a  good 
driver  could  handle  it." 


Eddie  Johnson  —  77th  Street 
(Finished  second  with  605 
points)  'The  Roadeo  is  a  good 
morale  booster.  It  gives  the  em- 
ployee a  target  to  shoot  for,  and 
it  makes  everybody  work  to 
keep  their  record  dean." 


Winning  Circle  '20' 

Best  in  CTA 
Bus  Roadeo  winners 


"I  think  anything  we  can  do  to  get  recognition  for  our  employees 
is  good.  I  hope  we  will  make  an  outstanding  showing  at  the  inter- 
national competition." 

-James  Blaa,  Manager,  Transportation 

"It  was  wonderful  to  see  the  operators'  families  and  friends  en- 
couraging them  throughout  the  Bus  Roadeo  competition.  We 
hope  to  see  a  large  turnout  at  Soldier  Field  on  August  23  when 
the  best  of  CTA  vie  for  the  championship." 

-Harold  H.  Geissenheimer,  General  Operations  Manager 


Robert  Richardson  —  North 
Park  (Finished  third  with  603 
points)  "I  entered  this  contest 
with  the  confidence  that  I  could 
win  with  God's  help." 


Luther  Lewis  —  Beverly  (Fin- 
ished fourth  with  595  points) 
"Although  it  was  a  very  chal- 
lenging obstacle  course,  I  put 
God  first  in  my  endeavors, 
hoping  to  place  in  the  top  20 
and  take  the  number  one  garage 
prize." 


Willie  Whisenton  —  Limits  (Fin- 
ished fifth  with  585  points) 
"We  should  have  more  activi- 
ties of  this  type.  This  is  a  real 
morale  booster  and  definitely 
something  to  which  we  can  look 
forward." 


Gilbert  Singleton,  Jr.  —  Archer 
(Finished  sixth  with  580  points) 
"I  think  the  Roadeo  is  a  great 
idea,  and  I'm  looking  forward  to 
being  first  in  the  next  competi- 
tion." 


Tommy  Ross  —  Forest  Glen 
(Finished  seventh  with  575 
points)  'This  was  really  a  great 
challenge  and  very  interesting. 
I'm  looking  forward  to  the 
August  23  competition." 


Lee  Hazelwood,  Jr.  —  77th 
Street  (Finished  eighth  with  569 
points)  "The  Roadeo  is  an  idea 
that  gives  the  operators  incen- 
tive. We  need  more  of  this  be- 
cause it's  good  for  morale,  and  its 
good  public  relations." 


Edward  Urbanski  —Archer  (Fin- 
ished ninth  with  566  points) 
"Being  in  the  Roadeo  is  an 
honor.  I  appreciate  the  chance 
to  represent  the  garage,  and  I'm 
looking  forward  to  further  parti- 
cipation." 


Martin  Troglia  —  Limits  (Fin- 
ished 10th  with  558  points) 
"You  really  find  out  what  you 
know  about  a  bus  in  an  event 
like  this.  It's  one  heck  of  a  good 
course.  I  thought  I'd  be  in  the 
top  20  because  I  take  pride  in 
my  job." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


"It  was  a  dream  come  true,  and  it  was  nice  to  see  our  operators 
participating  in  the  Roadeo  and  enjoying  the  competition.  It 
was  also  good  to  have  so  many  volunteers  from  various  depart- 
ments demonstrating  CTA  teamwork." 

-Paul  Kadowaki,  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  Co-Chairman 

"Our  objectives,  which  were  to  recognize  the  operator,  increase 
morale,  and  promote  safety  and  professionalism,  have  been 
accomplished  beyond  our  most  optimistic  expectations." 

-Elonzo  Hill,  CTA  Bus  Roadeo  Co-Chairman 

"I'm  very  proud  of  our  people  and  appreciate  their  efforts  in 
meeting  the  stringent  requirements  qualifying  them  for  the 
Roadeo,  and  for  their  outstanding  performance.  Thanks  for 
making  us  look  good." 

Harry  Reddrick,  Director  Personnel/Transportation 

"You'd  have  to  participate  in  order  to  appreciate  what  they  went 
through." 

Edward  Mitchell,  Director,  Support  Services 


Jonas  Barnett-Lawndale  (Finish- 
ed 11th  with  552  points)  "I  en- 
joyed participating  in  the  Roa- 
deo. The  'Y'  backing  was  about 
the  toughest  part,  but  it  was 
good  experience.  I  look  for- 
ward to  the  final  competition." 


James  Sernek  —  Archer  (Fin- 
ished 12th  with  549  points) 
"The  bus  Roadeo  means  that 
management  is  recognizing  us 
which  makes  the  operators  feel 
important.  I  look  forward  to  the 
next     level     of     competition." 


Jessie  Witherspoon  —  52nd 
Street  (Finished  13th  with  547 
points)  "Besides  being  a  lot  of 
fun,  the  bus  Roadeo  helps  to 
improve  driving  habits,  and 
makes  you  more  alert.  I  believe 
in  trying  everything  for  improve- 
ment. If  one  guy  can  do  it,  so 
can  I." 


Booker  Bolton  —  North  Avenue 
(Finished  14th  with  546  points) 
"We  should  have  been  doing 
this  a  long  time  ago  because 
competition  is  something  we 
always  need.  This  is  really  a  lot 
of  fun." 


James  Mayes  -  69th  Street 
(Finished  15th  with  542  points) 
"The  Roadeo  is  really  nice.  It 
takes  the  support  of  your  wife 
to  be  successful  in  an  event  like 
this.  I  plan  to  go  all  the  way." 


Fred  Bassett  —  North  Avenue 
(Finished  16th  with  540  points) 
"This  is  one  of  the  greatest 
events  that  ever  happened  at 
CTA.  I  have  wanted  to  get  in- 
volved in  a  bus  Roadeo  since  I 
first  read  about  it  in  the  union 
paper  in  1979.  I  think  its  a  great 
motivator." 


Marilyn  Reyes  —  North  Park 
(Finished  17th  with  539  points 
tying  with  18th  place)  "I  en- 
tered with  confidence  that  I 
would  be  a  winner.  I'm  looking 
forward  to  the  August  23  com- 
petition with  a  view  to  being  a 
winner." 


Curtis  Pollard  -  52nd  Street 
(Finished  18th  with  539  points) 
"This  is  really  a  great  idea.  It 
might  help  some  people  strai- 
ghten up  a  bit." 


Harvey  Becker  —  North  Avenue 
(Finished  19th  with  538  points) 
"The  Roadeo  is  an  interesting 
experience.  I'm  enthusiastic 
about  the  next  round  of  com- 
petition." 


David  James,  Jr.  -  North  Ave- 
nue (Finished  20th  with  535 
points)  "It  was  a  challenge  and 
a  real  honor  to  compete  with 
people  who  have  been  around 
for  a  while.  I'm  a  new  comer 
with  three  years  in  the  com- 
pany." 


JUNE,  1981 


Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  (extreme  left),  APTA  vice  president. 
Governmental  Affairs,  looks  on  approvingly  as  APTA  President  Leo- 
nard Ronis  (right)  presents  transit's  case  before  U.S.  Senate  subcom- 

Chairman's  Report 

APTA  recommends 
block  grant 

There  have  been  many  anxious  moments  in  the  wake 
of  speculation  on  the  plight  of  public  transportation, 
particularly  as  it  relates  to  the  CTA.  At  the  same 
time,  continuing  efforts  are  being  made  to  find  relief. 

Most  recently,  the  American  Public  Transit  As- 
sociation, where  I  serve  as  vice  president  for  Gov- 
ernmental Affairs,  appeared  before  the  Senate  sub- 
committee on  Housing  and  Urban  Affairs.  Our  pur- 
pose was  to  serve  notice  of  the  damage  being  done  to 
the  public  transit  system  and  to  warn  of  its  certain 
collapse  should  Congress  push  through  major  Trans- 
portation Act  amendments  that  would  curtail  the  fund- 
ing of  operating  expenditures. 

Fare  hikes  alone  will  not  pay  the  rising  costs, 
neither  will  shifting  the  tax  burden  achieve  the  de- 
sired   result.     Public    transit,  like  police,  fire  pro- 


mittee  on  Housing  and  Urban  Affairs.  Other  APTA  officials  were  (left), 
John   C.   Pingree,  Salt   Lake  City,  and  William  Blue  of  Flint,  Mich. 


tection,  sanitation,  and  public  schools,  is  provided  as 
a  service  and  should  be  funded  as  such. 

Accordingly,  APTA  recommends  that  Craigress 
adopt  a  block  grant  approach  to  the  distribution  of  both 
capital  and  operating  assistance.  Not  only  would  this 
method  of  fimding  provide  the  CTA  flexibility  to  de- 
termine how  the  money  is  spent,  but  it  is  also  in  keep- 
ing with  the  philosophy  of  the  Reagan  Administration. 

The  new  attitude  is  to  let  State,  local  and  other  unit 
governments  work  out  their  own  problems  without  in- 
terference from  the  federal  level. 

Surely  it  is  very  baffling  to  all  of  us,  but  to  ponder 
the  situation  only  adds  grey  hair  which  hardly  helps 
anyone.  I  am  urging  each  of  you  to  continue  in  the  ex- 
cellent cooperative  and  constructive  spirit  in  which 
you  have  carried  on  since  the  crisis  developed. 

As  men  and  women  of  the  CTA,  let  us  conserve  our 
energies  and  employ  them  for  the  more  useful  purpose 
of  continuing  to  provide  the  best  possible  service  to 
the  riding  public. 

Crisis  may  come,  and  crisis  may  go,  but  one  thing 
is  certain,  "People  moving  people"  means  we'll  always 
need  you  to  make  it  work. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Employees  honored  with  *A  Day  in  CTA' 


Homage  was  paid  to  six  employees  with  'A  Day  in  CTA' 
as  they  visited  the  general  office  and  received  special  recog- 
nition from  the  CTA  board  at  its  regular  June  session. 

The  six  were  treated  to  a  visit  to  the  control  center, 
travel  center  and  other  CTA  departments,  a  picture-taking 
session,  lunch  at  the  Merchandise  Mart's  M&M  Club,  and  a 
round  table  discussion  with  management. 


Among  the  employees  were  three  maintenance  personnel 
assigned  to  Limits  garage  who  alerted  the  occupants  of  a 
burning  building  and  helped  them  evacuate  safely.  The  fire 
occurred  on  May  7  at  approximately  2:45  a.m.  as  CTA 
acting  foreman  Thomas  Pemberton  was  checking  buses 
parked  on  the  Limits  lot.  Three  other  honorees  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Transportation  department. 


Thomas  Pemberton 

Thomas  Pemberton,  acting  foreman 
of  the  Automotive  Vehicle  Mainten- 
ance section  of  the  Maintenance  depart- 
ment, joined  CTA  in  1973. 

"Most  people  in  the  garage  never 
get  to  see  how  this  system  really  works. 
The  most  interesting  aspect  of  visiting 
the  general  office  was  the  control 
center.  It's  interesting  to  know  how  it 
works." 


Patricia  Williams 


Bus  Operator  Patricia  Williams  of 
North  Park  garage,  given  recognition 
for  the  competent  manner  in  which  she 
assisted  a  rider  whose  purse  was  stolen 
on  her  Sheridan  Road  bus  on  April  24, 
was  intrigued  by  the  "close-knit"  com- 
munications between  departments  in 
the  general  office.  Noted  Ms.WilUams, 
"All  the  departments  are  working  toge- 
ther to  help  operating  employees  do 
their  jobs  better." 


"It  felt  good  standing  up  before  the 
audience  at  the  board  meeting.  Just  the 
fact  that  somebody  said  thank  you  for 
a  good  job  was  really  a  good  feeling.  I 
appreciated  it." 


Dwyer  Williams 

"We  are  a  team  that  enjoys  working 
together.  I  think  the  most  interesting 
thing  about  being  here  however,  is 
meeting  the  people  who  are  really  over 
the  Maintenance  department.  I  also 
appreciated  the  board  meeting  because 
after  wit!»8sing  what  went  on,  one 
realizes   that   it   is  pot  all  glamour." 


Bus  Operator  Robert  Martinez, 
North  Park  garage,  is  also  a  beat  repre- 
sentative for  the  Chicago  PoUce  depart- 
ment's 14th  District.  He  was  honored 
recently  by  the  PoUce  department  for 
his  outstanding  work  in  .the  com- 
munity. Martinez  was  amazed  by  the 
number  of  daily  calls  handled  in  the 
Travel  Information  center,  and  im- 
pressed by  controllers'  efforts  to  work 
with  bus  operators.  "A  lot  of  good 
things  are  going  on  in  the  Mart  which 
all  of  the  operating  employees  should 
be  able  to  see,"  said  Martinez. 


Rafael  Presto 
Rafael  Presto,  a  conductor  at  54th 
on  the  Douglas,  chased  would-be 
robbers  recently  as  they  left  his  train, 
causing  them  to  drop  the  wallet  they 
had  taken.  Impressed  by  opportunities 
for  advancement.  Presto  said,  "I've 
seen  so  many  people  who  started  as  bus 
operators  or  trainmen,  and  have  now 
worked  their  way  up.  With  hard  work, 
you  can  be  anywhere  you  want  to  be 
in  the  company." 


JUNE,  1981 


Earl  Miles  (Lawndale  garage) 
should  be  commended  for  "his 
excellent  service"  while  driving  a 
#58  Ogden/Randolph  bus,  ac- 
cording to  Kevin  Foster,  of 
West  End  Avenue.  "The  minute 
anyone  boarded  his  bus,  he 
would  greet  them  in  a  friendly 
manner.  He  would  talk  to  the 
passengers,  trying  to  cheer  them 
up,  and  on  a  day  as  hot  as  this, 
we  needed  all  the  cheering  up 
we  could  get.  This  driver  seems 
to  care  how  his  passengers  feels, 
and  he  apologized  for  two  things 
he  had  absolutely  no  control 
over  --  the  bumps  in  the  road 
and  the  heat  on  the  bus.  This 
showed  he  did  indeed  want  to 
give  the  public  the  best  possible 
service." 


Roland  Michalak,  agent  at  Jack- 
son in  the  State  Street  subway, 
was  praised  for  his  quick  offer 
of  assistance  by  Raymond  Fried- 
lander,  of  Lunt  Avenue,  who 
suffered  a  circulatory  accident 
near  his  ticket  booth.  "He  was 
helpful,  courteous  and  tactful. 
He  offered  me  his  chair,  called 
the  paramedics,  and  I  waited 
seated  until  the  ambulance  ar- 
rived to  take  me  to  the  hospital. 
After  several  days  in  the  hos- 
pital, I  was  sent  home  to  re- 
cover. I  just  want  to  tell  you 
how  grateful  I  am  to  the  agent 
who  perhaps  saved  my  life  in 
this  emergency.  It  is  good  to 
know  in  these  times  that  there 
are  some  great  people,  too,  in 
this  world." 


commendation  corner 


Tereso  Morquecho  (North  Park  garage)  won  the  approval 
of  Ruth  Schaeffer,  of  North  Lake  Shore  Drive,  for  his  action 
in  helping  a  pedestrian  who  fell  on  the  street  near  his  #151 
Sheridan  bus.  "At  Oak  and  Michigan,  an  elderly  lady  attemp- 
ting to  cross  the  street  lost  her  footing  and  fell  into  the  path 
of  oncoming  traffic.  Most  people  went  about  their  business 
without  stopping  to  lend  a  hand.  Your  driver  brought  the  bus 
to  a  halt,  stepped  off,  and  very  carefully,  with  compassion, 
lifted  the  lady  to  her  feet,  stopped  traffic,  and  with  the  help 
of  another  gentleman,  saw  her  safely  to  the  other  side  of  the 
street." 


Lawrence  Jackson  (North  Section)  was  the  conductor  of 
an  Englewood/Howard  train  that  Anne  Cambal,  of  Evanston, 
was  riding  one  afternoon.  "A  man  with  a  child  sleeping  next 
to  him  woke  the  child  and  beat  him.  Some  of  the  passengers 
tried  to  stop  the  beating,  but  the  man  failed  to  respond 
normally.  The  conductor  arrived  quickly,  and  he  calmly  tried 
to  prevent  the  man  from  further  abusing  the  boy.  He  also 
radioed  for  the  police.  He  made  further  efforts  to  distract  the 
man  and  held  the  train  until  the  police  arrived.  I  believe  his 
quick-thinking  actions  should  be  recognized." 


Bobby  Bradley  (52nd  Street  garage)  was  complimented 
by  Nancy  Ross,  of  Everett  Avenue,  for  his  consideration 
when  she  fainted  on  his  #6  Jeffery  Express  bus.  "The  bus 
was  hot  and  crowded.  I  was  standing  at  the  front  near  the 
driver.  As  we  entered  Balbo  from  Lake  Shore  Drive,  I  knew 
I  was  going  to  faint.  I  told  the  driver,  and  he  quickly  pulled 
over  to  get  me  some  air.  The  next  thing  I  remember,  I  was 
lying  on  the  grass  next  to  the  bus.  The  driver  used  his  brief- 
case for  a  pillow  under  my  head,  and  he  stayed  with  me  until 
the  ambulance  came.  He  was  very  conscientious  and  showed 
a  genuine  interest  in  my  well-being." 


Jacques  Yezeguielian  (Forest  Glen  garage)  was  thanked 
by  Mary  Krai,  of  Delphia  Street,  for  helping  her  mother  on 
his  #64  Foster/Lawrence  bus.  "While  she  was  paying  her 
fare  at  Jefferson  Park,  she  was  jostled  by  a  young  man  who 
got  on  and  was  asking  directions.  After  he  got  off,  my 
mother  noticed  that  her  change  purse  was  missing.  She  re- 


ported this  to  the  driver,  who  went  with  her  to  the  next  bus, 
where  the  suspected  man  had  taken  a  seat.  He  told  the  man 
to  give  my  mother  her  purse,  which  amazingly  he  did.  Your 
driver  should  be  commended  for  extending  himself  beyond 
his  duties  and  helping  a  senior  citizen." 


Nathaniel  Lee  Jr.  (South  Section)  was  the  conductor  of  a 
Lake/Dan  Ryan  train  that  Mrs.  T.  W.  CasseU,  of  Oak  Park, 
rode  one  day  to  the  Loop.  "This  young  man  brings  many 
smiles  to  his  riders'  faces,  and  creates  an  air  of  camaraderie 
on  the  train  with  his  passengers.  He  is  courteous  and  plea- 
sant, and  informs  his  passengers  of  the  condition  of  the  plat- 
forms -  shppery  when  wet,  etc.  He  gives  a  time  report,  and, 
above  all,  thanks  his  passengers  for  riding  the  CTA.  He  cer- 
tainly can  set  a  precedent,  and  if  more  conductors  responded 
in  kind,  the  public  would  be  better  served." 


James  Ball  (Lawndale  garage)  impressed  Predrag  Ivan- 
ovich,  of  South  St.  Louis  Avenue,  with  the  way  he  handled 
riders  on  his  #60  Blue  Island/26  bus.  "He  asked  every  rider 
paying  with  a  dollar  bill  to  unfold  it.  He  told  a  passenger  who 
boarded  with  a  lighted  cigarette  that  smoking  was  not  per- 
mitted on  the  bus,  and  the  passenger  complied.  He  told  a 
rider  who  came  from  the  back  of  the  bus  requesting  a  trans- 
fer that  transfers  are  issued  only  at  the  time  of  boarding  and 
paying  the  fare.  When  a  lady  boarded  with  a  transfer  and 
asked  for  it  back,  he  told  her  'Lady,  you  have  only  three 
minutes  until  it  expires,'  but  gave  it  back." 


John  Zupko  (North  Section)  made  it  "a  pleasure  to  ride 
the  Evanston  Express,"  according  to  Gary  Schmitz,  who 
works  on  North  Michigan  Avenue.  "What  made  the  ride 
special  was  the  conductor's  pleasant  manner,  sense  of  humor, 
and  obviously  genuine  affection  for  his  riders.  When  one 
rider,  especially  pleased  by  his  attitude,  asked  why  he  went 
out  of  his  way  for  people,  he  responded  that  with  fares  going 
up,  he  felt  it  was  only  proper  that  he  make  a  special  effort  to 
treat  his  riders  with  kindness.  He  again  demonstrated  his 
compassion  by  stopping  the  train  as  it  left  the  Merchandise 
Mart  to  give  a  small  boy  the  glove  he  left  behind." 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Charles  Agnew,  Forest  Glen 
John  Alessi,  Forest  Glen 
Nelson  Anderson,  Ashland 

Sandor  Barath,  District  D 

Adello  Bianchini,  Howard/Kimball 

Robbie  Brown,  Limits 

Jean  Cage,  Limits 
Sergio  Candelaria,  Limits 
Byung-Yup  Choi,  North  Park 
John  Christner,  Forest  Glen 
Patricia  Cobb,  North  Park 
Jacqueline  Cousin,  Archer 

Martin  Damore,  Douglas/Congress 
Rogers  Dean,  Lawndale 
Guillermo  DelRio,  North  Park 
aarence  Dougan,  Beverly 
Herman  Duffin,  Forest  Glen 

Sylvester  Ermon,  77th  Street 
David  Evans,  North  Park 

James  Gaines,  52nd  Street 
James  Gordon,  Ashland 
George  Grafer,  Forest  Glen 
Gary  Gray,  Howard/Kimball 
Keith  Griffin,  69th  Street 
Terrence  Griffin,  Limits 
Mary  Guice,  North  Park 

Sharon  Hampton,  South  Section 
Willie  Hampton,  Lawndale 
Chester  Harris,  North  Park 
Georgia  Harris,  North  Park 
John  Harris,  Lawndale 
Walter  Harris,  North  Park 
Willie  Harria  Jr.,  North  Avenue 


Lawrence  Hart,  North  Avenue 
CeceUa  Hendrickson,  Forest  Glen 
Therese  Hennessy,  Forest  Glen 
Peyton  Hightower,  77th  Street 
Ralph  Howard,  North  Avenue 

Michael  Jackson,  69th  Street 
Ronald  Jackson,  77th  Street 
Zeke  Jagst,  North  Park 
Willie  Johnson,  North  Avenue 

William  Knight,  North  Park 
Michael  Kozlowski,  North  Park 
Robert  Kremer,  North  Park 

Ricardo  Leiva,  Forest  Glen 
John  Lemond,  North  Park 
Robert  Longbey,  69th  Street 
Rafael  Lopez,  Forest  Glen 

Edwin  Mahan,  Howard/KimbaU 
Michael  Maines,  Forest  Glen 
Kevin  Majors,  North  Park 
Madaline  Martin,  North  Park 
Robert  Martinez,  North  Park 
James  McDonald,  Lawndale 
Valray  Mcintosh,  Beverly 
A.  D.  Merrick,  North  Avenue 
Lianne  Merrill,  69th  Street 
Edgar  MolUnedo,  North  Park 
Abraham  Morgan,  North  Avenue 
Sylvester  Morgan,  69th  Street 

Daniel  Olvera,  Limits 
Willie  Otis,  District  A 

Billy  Ragsdale,  52nd  Street 
Clyde  Randolph,  52nd  Street 
Joseph  Reed,  Plant  Maintenance 


Employees  who  received  commendations 
during  the  last  month. 

Leon  Richmond,  Lawndale 
Sherman  Robinson,  North  Avenue 
Ivan  Rodez,  Limits 
David  Rosenthal,  North  Park 

Michael  Shelton,  North  Park 
Kenneth  Simpson,  North  Park 
Herbert  Slack,  North  Avenue 
Robert  Smith,  77th  Street 
WilUe  Stubbs,  Lawndale 

Wendell  Talbert,  North  Park 
Edward  Tierney,  West  Section 
Emilio  Torres,  Limits 
Wilson  Torres,  Limits 

Arturo  Valdez,  North  Park 
Mitchell  VanCleave,  North  Park 
Garrett  Vaught,  77th  Street 

Darold  Wardlow,  Limits 
Fredrick  White,  North  Park 
Ceo  la  Williams,  52nd  Street 
Henderson  Williams,  Forest  Glen 
Russell  WilUams,  Ashland 
Isaiah  Williams  Jr.,  Archer 

Janie  Yarbrough,  Lawndale 


We  apologize  to  bus  operator  Michael 
Shelton,  North  Park,  who  received 
commendations  during  February,  1981 
and  July,  1980.  His  name  was  inadver- 
tently omitted  from  the  commendation 
list  in  those  issues. 


promotions 


Jack  Cannon,  former  position  control  analyst, 
Human  Resources-Job  Classification,  has  been  ap- 
pointed supervisor,  Human  Resources  Information 
Center.  In  TransportaticBi,  two  former  management/ 
professional  interns  have  been  promoted  to  assistant 
superintendents:  Walter  Alexander  is  now  assigned 
to  District  C  Service,  while  Joseph  Grady  reports  to 
the  area  superintendent.  Far  South,  Personnel. 

In  other  job  reassignments,  Rudy  Mendez,  former 
human  relaticms  specialist,  Human  Resourcfes-Human 
Relations,  has  been  named  labor  relations  repre- 
sentative. Labor  Relations;  and  in  Human  Resources- 
Job  Classification,  Tomoko  Smart  has  moved  from 
position  control  clerk  to  position  control  analyst. 

Patricia  Flynn,  former  secretarial  stenographer. 
Materials  Management,  is  now  confidential  office  as- 
sistant. Human  Resources-Training/Development 
Programs.  New  as  confidential  office  assistant. 
Human  Resources-Employment  &  Placement,  is 
Diana  Blaino,  former  utility  clerk,  Law/Claims. 

Three  new  station  clerks   have  been  selected  for 


Transportation- Bus  Systems:  Henry  Billups  Jr., 
former  bus  operator,  Archer;  Harry  Boris,  former 
street  collector.  Limits;  and  Richard  Gooden,  former 
operator,  Beverly.  Worthetta  Evans,  former  key- 
punch operator,  Datacenter,  has  been  named  data 
entry  &  control  clerk.  Operations  Planning-Schedules. 

At  South  Shops,  Walter  Brown  has  been  promoted 
from  bus  &  truck  mechanic  helper  to  bus  &  truck 
mechanic.  New  at  South  Shops  as  a  utility  clerk  is 
Maureen  Shore,  former  typist.  Materials  Manage- 
ment-Stores. Now  serving  as  utility  clerk,  SkoMe 
Shop,  is  Ann  Marie  Wolf,  former  typist.  Management 
Services-Administrative  Services. 

In  Financial  Services-Materials  &  Payables, 
Ruthie  McPhee  has  moved  from  payables  utility  clerk 
to  accoimts  payable  clerk.  Lawrence  Tischer,  former 
stock  clerk.  Materials  Management- Stores,  is  now 
money  handler,  Treasury-Central  Coimting. 

Amarilis  Figueroa,  former  typist.  Insurance  & 
Pensions,  has  been  named  technical  training  clerk, 
Human  Resources-Training/Development  Programs. 
Carmen  Parker,  former  typist.  Insurance  &  Pensions, 
has  been  selected  utility  clerk  in  the  same  section. 
Margarita  Garcia,  former  clerk  typist.  Transporta- 
tion, has  been  chosen  typist,  Disurance  &  Pensions. 


JUNE,  1981 


CRAIG  I.  ADKIi. 

De  LaSalle  Inst. 

Ruth  Adkins 

Archer 


KAREN  L.  ADKINS 

U  of  I  Med.  Ctr. 

Ruth  Adkins 

Archer 


TAEKO  R.  AMMONS 

Morgan  Park  H.S. 

Bernard  Ammons 

Engineering 


LAURA  BALAZS 

Streamwood  H.S. 

Gordon  Balazs 


NANCY  BARKER 

Arlington  H.S. 

Allan  Barker 

Engineering 


CAROL  A.  SEAL 

Lindblom  H.S. 

Isaac  S.  Seal 

General  Operations 


LESLIE  L.  BEAL 

Lindblom  H.S. 

Isaac  S.  Beal 

General  Operations 


KATHLEEN  BOYLE 

MarillacH.S. 

Tom  Boyle 

Safety 


Gallery  of  June 

Graduates 
In  CTA  Families 

Here  are  the  proudest  pictures 
of  the  year  identified  by  name, 
school,  parents  and  parent's 
CTA  work  location. 


NECOLE  BROWN 

Fenger  H.S. 

Preston  Brown 

West  Shops 


KIMBERLY  BROWNE 

Spellman  College 

Carolyn  Browne 

Stenographies 


ROY  CAMERON  JR 

KATHARINA  CARBONELLI 

ROBERT  CARBONELLI 

Corliss  H.S. 

St.  Genevieve 

Prosser  H.  S. 

Roy  Cameron  Sr. 

Sal  Carbonelli 

Sal  Carbonelli 

District  B 

North  Park 

North  Park 

DARRYL  CLARK 
Evanston  H.S. 
Juanita  Clark 


ELAYNE COLEMAN 

Hillcrest  H.S. 

Sylvia  Coleman 

Law 


GLORIA  COTTON 

Proviso  East  H.S. 

Charles  Cotton 

Jefferson  Park 


CARMELITA  COUSIN 

Tilden  H.S. 

Jacqueline  Cousin 

Archer 


WALTER  W.  COX 
Brother  Rice 
George  Cox 
West  Shops 


THERESA  DAVIS 
Mother  McAuley 


STEPHAN  DONOHUE 

Jacobs  H.S. 

John  J.  Donohue 

Security 


WILLIAM  EVANS 

Bogan  H.S. 

Edward  Evans 

South  Shops 


YVONNE  M.  EVANS 

Bowen  H.S. 

David  Evans  Jr. 

Howard 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


KIMBERLY  FRANKS 

TERESA  GARDNER 

SHARON  GREENWOOD 

PATRICIA  HESTER 

ANNA  HOFF 

CATHY  IRWIN 

South  Shore  H.S. 

Aquinas  H.S. 

Chicago  Vocational 

Loyola  U. 

Thornwood  H.S. 

Mother  Guerin 

Paul  D.  Franks 

John  Gardner 

William  Greenwood 

John  J.  Hester 

Paul  Rozek 

Joseph  InA'in 

77th  Street 

Archer 

Archer 

North  Park 

Datacenter 

South  Shops 

FAITH  M.  JANUARY 

DOROTHY  M.JONES 

ROBERTA  M.JULUN 

JEFFREY  KACMAREK 

MARK  KADOWAKI 

DEBORAH  J.  LAZZARA 

Lindblom  H.S. 

St.  Francis  DeSales 

Kenwood  Academy 

St.  Laurence  H.S. 

Loyola  U. 

Michael  Reese  N.  S. 

Riley  January 

Paul  Jones 

Robert  Julun 

George  Kacmarek 

Paul  Kadowaki 

Joseph  B.  Lazzara 

South  Shops 

West  Shops 

Bus  Service 

Utility 

Instruction 

Archer 

1 

^ 

h"- 

w 

LYNNE  LAZZARA 

STEVEN  LAZZARA 

VIVIAN  LONG 

MARY  K.  MANONI 

REGINA  MARSHALL 

DANIEL  MCDONAGH 

Loyola  U. 

Kennedy  H.S. 

Indiana  U. 

Triton  College 

St.  Francis  DeSales 

Gordon  Tech. 

Joe  Lazzara 

Joseph  B.  Lazzara 

Richard  Long  Jr. 

Mary  H.  Manoni 

Sinnie  Marshall 

T.  J.  Mc  Donagh 

Grant  Program 

Archer 

District  C 

Trng./Devlpmt. 

Jefferson  Park 

Rail  North 

CHARISSEMCGHEE 

Oberlin  College 

Earl  J.  Mc  Ghee 

Security 


YVONNE  MCGHEE 

Fenger  H.S. 

Cleophus  Mc  Ghee 

77th  Street 


CLAUDETTE  MC  WILLIAMS 

P.L.  Julian  H.S. 

Ernestine  Mc  Williams 

North  Section 


MELVIN  MILLER  JR. 


Melvin  Miller  S 
69th  Street 


NICOLETTE  MILLER 
Taft  H.S. 
Nick  Miller 
District  D 


CHIVETTE  MITCHELL 

Hyde  Park  Academy 

Richard  Mitchell 

Schedules 


JUNE,  1981 


13 


SANDY  MOORE 

CAROLYN  MUNYER 

RAYMOND  NICHOLS 

MARY  A.  POPEK 

Westinghouse  H.S. 

Good  Counsel  H.S. 

Calumet  H.S. 

Proviso  East  H.S. 

Johnny  Moore 

George  Munyer 

William  Nichols 

Tnomas  G.  Popek 

Lawndale 

Security 

Control  Center 

Engineering 

BOBBY  L.  REEVES  JR. 

Corliss  H.S. 

Barbara  Reeves 

Training  Center 


FERN  M.  RILES 

Maria  H.S. 

Lawrin  Riles  Sr. 

District  B 


NGELA  RIVERS 

LAURIE  ROWBOTTOM 

PAULA  Y.  SANDERS 

SCOTT  SCHAAF 

CARLYNSCHWAMB 

TRISHASHELTON 

Willibrod  H.S. 

Rollmg  Meadows  H.S. 

Benton  Harbor  H.S. 

Argo  H.S. 

Luther  North  H.S. 

Mather  H.S. 

Jonathan  Rivers 

Harold  Rowbottom 

Taylor  N.  Sanders 

Cornelius  Schaaf 

Donna  Schwamb 

Daniel  Shelton 

52nd  Street 

Street  Traffic 

77th  Street 

54th  Shop 

Grant  Programs 

North  Avenue 

PAULA  A.  SHERIFF 

MARY  SIMPSON 

KARYN  L.  STEWARD 

BRIDGETTSTINSON 

MARY  ANN  SUERO 

CRAIG  SWINDELL 

Western  III.  U. 

Resurrection  H.S. 

Dunbar  H.S. 

Paul  Robeson  H.S. 

U  of  1  Circle 

Oak  Park/River  Forest 

Sarah  Woodard 

Malcolm  Simpson 

Delores  0.  Brooks 

Hank  Stinson 

Nick  Suero 

R.  0.  Swindell 

Security 

West  Shops 

Claims 

Beverly 

Desplaines  Shop 

Signal  Design 

JULIETTE  VALERIANO 

TINAE.  VELTRI 

KAREN  WHITAKER 

ADRIENNE  WILLIAMS 

KIMBERLY  A.  WILLIS 

KIOTHA  WILSON 

Maria  H.S. 

Trinity  College 

U.  of  Illinois 

Mother  of  Sorrow 

Queen  of  Peace  H.S. 

Curie  H.S. 

Jose  Valeriano 

Mike  Veltri 

McDay  Whitaker 

Alton  Williams 

Edward  Willis 

Ethel  Wilson 

Archer 

Congress/Douglas 

77th  Street 

Near  South  Area 

District  C 

Archer 

14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


safety  awards 


Public  safety  awards  for  the  first  quarter  of  1981 
went  to  the  Lawndale  garage  and  the  Harlem-Lake 
terminal. 

Lawndale  won  the  coveted  award  over  nine  other 
garages  for  the  second  quarter  in  a  row,  having  cap- 
tured the  traveling  plaque  for  the  last  quarter  of  1980. 

The  Lawndale  drivers  compiled  a  traffic  accident 
frequency  rate  of  4.70  accidents.  This  was  eight  per 
cent  lower  than  the  system  rate  of  5.11.    The  passen- 


ger rate  of  0.61  accidents  was  39  per  cent  lower  than 
the  system  rate.  Both  figures  are  based  on  100,000 
miles  of  driving. 

Among  the  rail  terminals,  Harlem-Lake  won  top 
honors  for  the  first  quarter  of  this  year.  The  com- 
bined traffic  and  passenger  accident  frequency  rate 
was  54  per  cent  lower  than  the  system-wide  average 
for  the  90-day  period. 

The  terminal  had  86  accident-free  days  during  the 
quarter  and  its  combined  traffic  and  passenger  acci- 
dent rate  was  the  best  in  the  rail  system. 

The  latest  award  was  the  18th  for  Harlem-Lake 
since  the  public  safety  award  program  began  in  1961. 


LEFT:  Ray  Colello  (in  sport  coat),  superin- 
tendent, Lawndale  garage,  is  joined  by  other 
garage  employees  in  displaying  Public  Safety 
Award    won    for    the    first    quarter,    1981. 


BELOW:  Tom  Boyle  (light  suit),  manager. 
Safety,  presents  Public  Safety  Award  for  first 
quarter,  1981,  to  Stan  Christ,  superintendent, 
Harlem-Lake,  in  the  rail  terminal's  train  room. 


JUNE,  1981 


75 


ZAP  Awards 


Winning  can  be  contagious — just 
ask  the  Rail  Vehicle  Maintenance 
employees  at  the  54th  Maintenance 
terminal  and  the  Rail  Vehicle 
Maintenance  employees  atthe  61st- 
Racine  Maintenance  terminal. 

The  Rail  Vehicle  repair  em- 
ployees at  the  terminals  shared 
first  place  honors  in  the  Vehicle 
Maintenance  Zero  Accident  Pro- 
gram for  the  first  quarter  of  1981. 

The  employees  of  the  54th 
Maintenance  terminal  had  no  ac- 
cidents in  the  first  three  months  of 
this  year.  The  employees  at  the 
61st-Racine  Maintenance  termi- 
nal had  the  lowest  accident  ratio 


in  the  same  period. 

The  last  time  54th  Maintenance 
terminal  employees  were  in  first 
place  was  in  the  first  quarter  of 
1979.  The  61st-Racine  employees 
won  first  place  honors  in  the  sec- 
ond quarter  of  1980. 

Runner-up  to  the  co-winners 
was  Harlem  terminal.  Eight  Rail 
Vehicle  Maintenance  terminals 
take  part  in  the  quarterly  safety 
contest. 

The  Rail  Vehicle  Overhaul  area 
of  Skokie  Shc^  continued  its  win- 
ning way  by  coming  in  first  for 
this  year's  first  quarter  ZAP 
competiticm.  This  area  also  was 
in  first  place  for  the  last  quarter 
of  1980. 

In  the  bus  garages  competition 


the  77th  Street  garage  came  in 
first  in  the  ZAP  competition.  The 
employees  at  the  77th  Street  ga- 
rage last  savored  first  place  suc- 
cess in  the  second  quarter  of  1980 
in  the  competition  among  10  bus 
garages.  Beverly  garage  came  in 
second. 

At  the  giant  77th  Street  garage 
complex  the  Unit  Rebuild  area  won 
first  place  in  the  bus  shops  ZAP 
ccmtest  for  the  first  quarter  of 
this  year. 

The  Track  &  Structures  group 
of  the  Plant  Maintenance  Power 
and  Wayarea  won  the  semi-annual 
ZAP  safety  award.  In  the  Build- 
ings and  Grounds  area.  General 
Maintenance  won  the  semi-annual 
ZAP  award. 


Nick  Simonetti,  unit  supervisor,  unit  rebuild  area,  bus  shops,  shows 
employees'  first  place  ZAP  award  for  first  quarter,  1981,  competition 
they  won. 


LEFT:  George  Haenisch  (left),  superintendent,  rail  vehicle  shops,  presents  safety  award  for  first 
quarter,  1981,  to  George  Wylle,  blacksmith  foreman,  who  Accepted  the  award  in  behalf  of  rail 
vehicle  overhaul  area  employees  In  Skokie  Shop.  ABOVE:  John  Malloy,  day  foreman,  54th  Ave- 
nue rail  vehicle  maintenance  terminal,  displays  ZAP  certificate  for  first  place,  first  quarter  com- 
petition of  1981  won  by  all  employees  of  his  area.  George  Klein,  car  repairer  (at  Malloy's  right), 
displays  a  $40  gift  certificate  for  a  pair  of  Leigh  safety  shoes  he  won  in  a  raffle.  To  Malloy's  left 
is  James  Dudley,  supervisor.  Safety,  Maintenance  department. 


16 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Walter   Hallford  (in  light  colored  suit),  superintendent.  Buildings  and 
Grounds,  Plant  Maintenance,  presents  semi-annual  first  place  award  to 


Joseph  Fucarino,  unit  supervisor,  general  maintenance. 


Members  of  Skokie  Shop's  rail  vehicle  over- 
haul area  show  their  pleasure  at  winning  the 
top  honor  in  safety  at  the  informal  award 
ceremony. 


Spencer  Bennett  (right),  77th  Street  garage 
day  foreman,  accepts  first  place  ZAP  certifi- 
cate won  in  first  quarter,  1981  competition 
by  garage  employees,  from  Terry  Muellner, 
unit  supervisor,  Vehicle  Maintenance. 


Trackman  Richard  Liaca  (left),  iron  worker 
foreman  Barty  Greco  (center),  and  trackman 
Pete  Byrne  display  the  semi-annual  first  place 
safety  award  won  by  the  employees  in  the 
track  and  structure  area  of  the  Plant  Mainten- 
ance section. 


JUNE,  1981 


17 


Accepting  plaques  from  the  Greater  Chicago  Safety  Council  for  an  im- 
proved safety  record  and  low  accident  frequency  in  1980  are,  from  left, 
Tim  Hall,  assistant  superintendent.  North  Park;  Alex  Johnson,  area 
superintendent,  central  personnel;  Jim  Blaa,  manager.  Transportation; 
Jim  Roche,  director.  Utility;  Mack  Porter,  superintendent,  77th  Street 
garage;  J.  C.  White,  superintendent,  69th  Street  garage;  David  Martin, 
area  superintendent.  Near  North;  Mike  Lacriola,  superintendent. 
Limits  garage;  Bill  Moser,  area  superintendent.  Far  North;  Joe  Stein- 

Safety  Council  honors  CTA 

The  Greater  Chicago  Safety  Council  has  given 
recognition  to  all  10  of  the  CTA's  bus  garages  and  its 
Transportation  Utility  section  for  their  improved 
safety  record  and  low  accident  frequency  in  1980. 

It  was  the  first  time  in  CTA's  history  that  all  bus 
garages  have  accomplished  such  a  record  in  the  same 
year.  Their  combined  efforts  helped  CTA  establish 
its  safest  year  ever. 

Plaques  were  presented  to  representatives  of  the 


bach,  superintendent.  Archer  garage;  Ward  Chamberlain,  area  superin- 
tendent. Near  South;  Vic  Johnson,  superintendent.  North  Park  garage; 
Frank  Wsol,  area  superintendent.  Far  South;  E.  C.  White,  superinten- 
dent, 52nd  Street  garage;  Ray  Colello,  superintendent,  Lawndale 
garage;  Burnett  Henderson,  superintendent,  Beverly  garage;  Hugh 
Masterson,  superintendent.  Forest  Glen  garage;  Tom  Boyle,  manager. 
Safety,  and  Bob  Desvignes,  superintendent.  Instruction,  Transporta- 
tion department. 

various  garages  and  the  Utility  section  on  May  11  at 
the  coimcil's  annual  awards  dinner  which  was  held  in 
the  Great  Hall  of  the  Pick-Congress  Hotel.  In  ad- 
dition, plaques  were  awarded  to  four  non-operating 
areas  (Rail  Vehicle  Terminals,  Rapid  Transit  Trans- 
portation, Surface  Transportation,  and  General  Of- 
fice) for  an  overall  reduction  in  Industrial  accident 
frequency. 

The  Greater  Chicago  Safety  Council  promotes 
safely  among  all  oi^anizations  operating  large  fleets 
of  vehicles  within  the  Chicago  area. 


West  Section 
motorman 
receives  degree 


Robert  McClure  Jr. 

A  West  Section  motorman  was 
graduated  from  Kennedy-King  Col- 
lege with  an  associate  of  arts 
degree  in   sociology  during  com- 


mencement exercises  last  month. 

The  ceremony  culminated  three 
years  of  academic  study  towards 
the  AA  degree  for  Robert  Mc- 
Clure Jr.,  a  CTA  employee  since 
1969.  McClure  also  is  associate 
pastor  of  Emerald  Avenue  Church 
of  God  where  his  ministry  is  de- 
voted primarily  to  coimseling.  He 
has  frequently  received  special 
church  recognition  for  participat- 
ing in  seminars  and  workshops  for 
counselors. 

Rev.  McClure  esqjects  to  con- 
tinue his  academic  pursuits 
towards  a  bachelor  of  arts  degree 
in  sociology,  and  ultimately  an 
MA  degree  in  theology.  He  is 
currently  enrolled  in  a  theology 
correspondence  course  at  Gulf 
Coast  Bible  college,  Houston, 
Texas. 

McClure' s  wife,  Shirley,  is  an 
assistant  superintendent  assigned 
to  the  director  of  personnel. 
Transportation  department. 


Donna  L.  Cooper,  the  daughter  of  Allen  L. 
Cooper,  bus  repairman  at  Beverly  garage,  was 
admitted  to  the  Illinois  State  Bar  last  month. 
Miss  Cooper  received  her  jurist  doctorate 
from  DePaul  University  Law  school,  and 
holds  a  bachelor  of  science  degree  in  speech 
from  Northwestern  university. 


18 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


A  proud  father,  a  proud  grandfather 


Edward  Levandowski  Jr.,  an 
instructor  at  Lawndale's  Main- 
tenance Training  Center,  has  been 
the  epitome  of  a  proud  father  since 
the  recent  accomplishments  of  his 
9-year-old  daughter,  Deanna,  and 
7-year-old  son,  Eddie. 

The  pride  is  shared  of  course, 
by  the  children's  grandfather,  Ed- 
ward Levandowski  Sr.,  superin- 
tendent of  Central  Counting  at  77th 
Street. 

Deanna,  a  fourth  grader  at 
Sunnyside  school,  Berkeley,  was 
the  recent  winner  of  a  cultural 
arts  award  and  has  been  chosen 
to  represent  the  Berkeley  school 
district  in  the  Illinois  Conference 
of  Parents  and  Teachers  Cultural 
Arts  competition  with  her  poem  of 
"What  a  Family  Means  to  Me." 

Meanwhile,  son  Eddie,  a  first 
grader,  brought  home  prizes  for 
the  whole  family   after  a  day  at 


Bozo's  Circus.  His  cache  included 
four  tickets  for  activities  at  Wis- 
consin Dells,  four  tickets  for  a 
Chicago  Sting  Soccer  game  at 
Comiskey  Park,  a  bike,  a  $50  bill, 
and  an  assortment  of  toys  and 
electronic    games.      He    also    re- 


ceived  a   gift  certificate   from  a 
hair  stylist. 

The  boy  was  selected  to  be  on 
the  show  in  a  random  drawing  after 
he  was  invited  to  accompany  a 
friend  to  the  popular  televised 
event. 


Purchasing  Council  awards  certificate  for  minority  activities 


The  Chicago  Regional  Pur- 
chasing Council  ^ave  special  rec- 
ognition to  the  CTA  at  its  annual 
Buyers  Award  diimer  in  April. 

Ms.  Olivia  Bradley,  market 
research  analyst  in  the  Purchas- 
ing department,  and  the  depart- 
ment's council  representative, 
accepted  the  certificate  on  behalf 
of  the  CTA  for  its  effort  to  pro- 
mote minority  businesses. 

The  certificate  reads   that  the 


CTA  as  a  member  of  the  CRPC  is 
"illustrating  its  corporate  com- 
mitment to  promote  and  support 
the  participation  of  minority 
business  enterprises  in  the  econ- 
omicc  mainstream  of  corporate 
purchasing  in  the  Chicago  Metro- 
politan Area." 

Since  1977,  the  Purchasing  de- 
partment has  participated  in  the 
Transportation  Subcovmcil  of  the 
CRPC,    which  develops   minority 


owned  and  operated  companies  to 
provide  materials  and  services 
needed  to  operate  transportation 
companies. 

Minority  bidding  on  CTA  pro- 
posals has  also  tripled  since  CTA 
began  participating  in  the  Chicago 
Business  Opportunity  Fair  spon- 
sored by  CRPC.  The  fair  is  de- 
signed to  bring  corporate  pur- 
chasing agents  and  qualified  ven- 
dors together. 


Lt.  Paul  Wallace 

elected  president 

of  justice 
association 


"^^M 

;-    / ' 

Lt.  Paul  Wallace,  Security  de- 
partment, has  been  elected  national 
president  of  the  American  Crimi- 
nal Justice  Association— Lambda 
Alpha  Epsilon— at  the  association's 
annual  convention  recently  held  at 
Sam  Houston  State  university, 
Huntsville,  Texas. 

The  American  Criminal  Justice 
Association  is  headquartered  in 
Sacramento,  Cal.,  and  was  founded 
in  1937.  Lt.  Wallace  has  been  an 
association  member  for  10  years. 

The  association  promotes  pro- 
fessionalism through  education 
and  training  in  the  field  of  crimi- 
nal justice. 


JUHE,  1981 


19 


Theodore  "Cap"  Manuel,  a  Human  Resources/ 
Job  Classification  personnel  analyst,  and  a 
staff  sergeant  in  the  U.S.  Air  Force  Reserve, 
has  been  named  noncommissioned  officer 
in  charge  of  the  Contracting  Section  with  the 
928th  Tactical  Airlift  Group  at  O'Hare  Field. 
The  section,  which  includes  a  contingent  of 
civilian  personnel  as  well  as  Air  Force  reser- 
vists, handles  all  purchasing  under  $10,000 
with  the  exception  of  aircraft  parts.  Sergeant 
Manuel  was  recently  awarded  the  Air  Force 
Meritorious  Service  Medal  with  one  oak  leaf 
cluster.  He  holds  a  bachelor  of  science  degree 
in  organizational  behavior/personnel  from 
Northwestern  University.  He  was  employed 
by  CTA  as  a  bus  operator  in  1973  and  as- 
sumed duties  as  a  traffic  checker  In  1977. 
Manuel  was  appointed  personnel  analyst  last 
year. 


Ernie  Banks 
releases  record 

CTA  Board  Member  Ernie  Banks, 
Baseball  Hall  of  Famer  turned  banker, 
has  released  a  single  on  the  Wanna 
Records     label     called     "Teamwork." 

Working  with  new  Chicago  talents. 
Banks  has  made  "Teamwork"  the  name 
of  the  game  as  well  as  the  song. 

Vocals,  appropriately  enough,  were 
provided  by  the  "Luva  Bulls"  and  the 
"Honey  Bears,"  cheerleaders  for  the 
Chicago  Bulls  and  the  Chicago  Bears, 
assisted    by    the    Cliicago-based   group 


"Spirit."  Contributing  a  few  "Hey- 
Heys"  was  Jack  Brickhouse,  long-time 
friend  and  associate  of  Banks. 

When  asked  why  he  chose  to  work 
on  a  recording.  Banks  said,  "I  want  to 
lend  my  success  to  what  Chicago  has 
to  offer.  There  is  so  much  talent  right 
here,  if  we  can  pull  some  of  it  out  - 
well,  that's  just  great!"  Lewis  Pitzele, 
president  of  Wanna  Records,  Inc., 
agreed  with  Banks  that  the  area  talent 
needs  to  be  recognized  and  nurtured, 
and  said,  "It's  time  that  entertainment 
capabilities  of  our  area  flourish  here 
rather  than  migrate  to  Los  Angeles  or 
New  York.  I  think  Ernie  wants  this  as 
much  as  I  do." 


Dianne  Weier  dons  a  Hawaiian  lei  as  42 
friends  and  coworkers  feted  her  at  a  farewell 
party  recently  in  the  M&M  Club.  The  Forms 
Design  section  employee  said  goodbye  to 
Chicago  as  she  headed  for  the  Hula  State  to 
start  a  new  career.  Serving  on  the  special 
committee  to  wish  her  adieu  were,  from  left, 
Mary  Boski,  director,  Forms/Records  Manage- 
ment; Dianne,  Linda  Lundberg,  Materials 
Management;  Adele  Monson,  Forms  Design; 
Carol  Hardy,  Human  Relations,  Darlene 
Tribue,  Budget;  Marti  Hallock,  Materials 
Management;  Nancy  Kurowski,  Job  Classifi- 
cation; Barbara  Parker,  and  Judy  Weier, 
Comptroller. 


20 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Archer  Bandits 
1980-81 
bowling  champs 

The  77th  Street  Operators 
Bowling  League  ended  its  1980-81 
bowling  season  with  the  Archer 
Bandits  as  the  number  one  team. 

In  second  place  were  the  69th 
Street  Raiders,  with  the  Pin  Bust- 
ers and  Boozers  finishing  third 
and  fourth,  respectively. 

League  president,  Booker 
Byers,  expressed  his  thanks  to  all 
the  teams  participating  for  an  ex- 
cellent season. 


THE  CHAMPS:     Proudly  displaying  their  first-place  trophies  are,  from  left,  Herbert  Hodge,  Tal- 
madge  Ireland,  Horace  Kemp,  Donald  Grant  and  James  Coleman. 


69TH  STREET  RAIDERS:  From  left  are 
Thurman  "Termite"  Collier,  Ron  Wheatly, 
Leon  Harris  and  Elvin  Simpson.  Team  mem- 
bers Lorenzo  Ballard  and  Norwood  Duff 
were   not   present   when   picture   was  taken. 


PIN   BUSTERS:      From   left  are   Wilson   Washington,   Rufus  Meeks, 
Kathy,  standing  in  for  C.  V.  Johnson,  Luther  Lee  and  Tex  Battles. 


BOOZERS:  From  left  (standing)  are  Charles  Parham,  Elijah  Coleman, 
Jomo  Kenyatta,  James  "Rip"  Person  and  Wade  Simmons.  Kneeling  is 
Jimmie  Beatty. 


JUNE,  1981 


21 


Labor  Relations'  Walsh  retires  after  35  years 


James  H.  Walsh,  superintendent, 
Grievance/Arbitration  Processes,  was 
the  guest  of  honor  at  a  retirement  cele- 
bration held  in  the  CTA  board  room  at 
the  Merchandise  Mart. 

CaUing  it  an  ambivalent  occasion. 
Labor  Relations  Manager  Leon  Wool 
said,  "It  is  ambivalent  because  we  are 
happy  for  Jim  in  his  retirement,  yet  we 
are  saddened  by  the  fact  that  he  is 
leaving  us." 

More  than  75  persons  attended  the 
celebration  where  the  guest  of  honor 
was  presented  with  monetary  and  mer- 
chandise gifts.  He  was  accompanied  by 
his  wife,  Josephine,  and  a  son,  James 
R.Walsh  of  Warrenville. 

CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes, 
recalling  that  the  CTA  had  recently 
hosted  a  meeting  of  APTA  officials, 
told  Walsh  and  his  well  wishers,  "The 
leadership  and  experience  that  people 
come  here  to  see  is  found  in  people 
like  Jim.  We  appreciate  your  efforts 
and  the  fine  dedication  which  you  have 
contributed  in  your  35  years  of  service 
to  the  CTA." 

Walsh  who  retired  June  1 ,  began  his 
career  on  April  29,  1946  as  a  77th 
Street  motorman.  A  former  infantry 
officer,  he  was  recalled  to  active  mili- 
tary service  in  1949  with  the  rank  of 
first  lieutenant. 

He  returned  to  the  CTA  in  1951  as 
a  bus  operator  assigned  to  Beverly  Gar- 
age and  in  1957  was  promoted  to 
supervisor.  District  A,  Transportation. 
For  the  next  20  years  his  career  soared 
through  various  assignments  from  in- 
structor    to     station     superintendent. 

He  joined  the  Labor  Relations  sec- 


Family  and  friends  came  to  say  thanks  for  a  job  well  done.  From  left.  Chairman  Barnes,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Walsh,  and  their  son,  James  R.,  and  CTA  Board  Member  Howard  Medley. 


tion  on  January  1,  1978  as  a  represen- 
tative and  was  named  superintendent 
on  May  6,  1979. 

General  Operations  Manager  Harold 
H.  Geissenheimer,  in  his  congratulatory 
remarks  to  Walsh  said,  "What  is  good 
for  the  CTA  is  good  for  the  employee, 
and  what  is  good  for  the  employee  is 
good  for  the  CTA.  What  you  have  done 
in  your  capacity  in  Labor  Relations  is 
to  bring  the  two  together,  and  it  is 
very  much  appreciated." 

James  Blaa,  manager  of  Transpor- 
tation, said, "The  Transportation  depart- 


ment was  fortunate  to  have  had  the  dis- 
tinguished service  rendered  by  Jim. 
When  I^bor  Relations  borrowed  him 
from  us  we  didn't  think  they  would 
keep  him,  but  we  knew  that  he  would 
do  a  good  job  for  them." 

Walsh  will  continue  to  make  his 
home  in  Worth,  111.,  and  plans  to  devote 
time  to  traveUng,  playing  the  organ  and 
golfing.  Other  members  of  the  Walsh 
family  include  daughters  Theresa  of 
Kingston,  Jamaica,  Mary  Louise  of 
Palos  Hills,  Joanne  of  Houston,  and 
Barbara  of  Worth. 


ABOVE:  Labor  Relations  Manager  Leon  Wool  presents  official  retirement  papers  to  Jim  as  he  ends 
35  years  of  service  with  the  CTA.  Standing  with  the  honoree  is  his  wife,  Josephine. 
RIGHT:  Mementoes  of  a  fine  career  were  presented  to  Jim  by  his  co-workers. 


22 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


FRANK  BONK,  Signal  Maintainer, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  1-28-46 
FRED  FRIEB,  Ticket  Agent, 

North  Section,  Emp.  3-11-46 
FLOYD  GRAJEK,  Box  Puller, 

Beverly,  Emp.  10-20-47 
GEORGE  HARDY,  Operator, 

Beverly,  Emp.  2-4-57 
FLORENCE  PARROTT,  Ticket  Agent, 

North  Section,  Emp.  10-5-53 
JOHN  SHANAHAN,  Car  Repairman, 

61st  Street,  Emp.  9-13-50 
JAMES  WALSH,  Grievance  Arb.  Proc. 

Labor  Relations,  Emp.  4-29-46 
JAMES  WATKINS,  Trackman, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  8-18-52 

DISABIUry  RETIREMEfJTS 

JESSE  ROBINSON,  Electrician, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  5-8-70 
CHARLES  WELLS,  Operator, 

Limits,  Emp.  4-3-67 


Service  anniversaries  in  June 


Seniors  plan 
annual  picnic 


The  CTA  Senior  Citizens  Retirement 
Organization  will  hold  its  annual  picnic  on 
August  8  at  National  Grove  #2  located  in 
North  Riverside,  approximately  two  blocks 
west  of  Desplaines  avenue  at  2900  South. 

The  picnic  will  begin  at  9  a.m.  and  end 
at  sunset,  and  it  will  feature  afternoon 
dancing  in  the  pavihon  and  prizes  and 
gifts  for  everyone. 

The  organization  is  non-profit  and  is 
comprised  of  retired  CTA  and  predecessor 
company  employees  whose  membership  of 
nearly  1,500  extends  throughout  Chicago- 
land. 

Anyone  needing  more  information 
about  the  picnic  or  wishing  to  donate 
prizes,  gifts  of  merchandise  certificates, 
or  other  suitable  items  should  write  Jack 
Kalka,  the  picnic  chairman,  at  1546  S. 
Clinton  avenue,  Berwyn,  llhnois  60402. 
or  call  him  at  (312)  484-6610. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  34 


Number  6 


Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the 'CTA 

by  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 

Manager. 

Editorial    and    graphics    by    the    Public    Affairs 

Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager. 

Director  of  Publications:  Jack  Sowchin 
Production  Assistant:  Editorial  Assistant; 

Mel  Alexander  Rick  Willis 

Contributing  Writers;  Elda  Leal, 
Jeff  Stern,  Don  Yabush 
Typesetting  and  printing  provided  by  the  Manage- 
ment Services  Department. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  S2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza.  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicag 
Illinois  60654. 


40  years 


30  years 


Ted  Nadrowski 

Electrical 


George  J.  Macak 

Operations  Planning 


35  years 


Michael  J.  Borcheck,  Forest  Glen 
Clarence  R.  Dougan,  Beverly 
Lloyd  Ferdinand,  52nd  Street 
Joseph  G.  Franchi,  South  Shops 
Dino  Fuggiti,  Electrical 
Ted  J.  Galus,  Forest  Glen 
Henry  G.  Gerali,  Forest  Glen 
William  F.  Glassner,  IVlaintenance 
Clarence  Halbert,  IVlaintenance 
Wayne  A.  Hansen,  IVlaintenance 
Harry  S.  Hawke,  Skokie  Shop 
Patrick  J.  Hoey,  Maintenance 
Rocco  lacullo.  Law 
John  F,  Kelly,  52nd  Street 
Howard  W.  Lodding,  Electrical 
Flarzell  Moore  Sr.,  77th  Street 
Frederick  Moss,  77th  Street 
Richard  T.  Norton,  Electrical 


Delmus  A.  Allen,  Ashland/95th 
John  A.  Bright,  Forest  Park 
Harvey  E.  Brock,  69th  Street 
Charles  B.  Brown,  61st  Street 
Martin  Conneely,  61st  Street 
John  Cook,  61st  Street 
Mitchell  P.  Faczek,  Skokie  Shop 
Willie  Franks,  Maintenance 
Dennis  K.  Gibson,  Ashland/95th 
William  Greer,  77th  Street 
Robert  E.  Hardy,  IVlaintenance 
Herschel  R.  Harris,  77th  Street 
Maxine  E.  Jefferson,  Agents  Office 
Dave  Johnson,  Maintenance 
Melvin  Jones,  Ashland/95th 
Clarence  Junkins,  Instruction 
Alfonsas  Lauras,  Racine 
Thomas  R.  McKeon,  Utility 
George  W.  Nicholson,  98th  Shop 
Patrick  M.  O'Connor,  Wilson 
John  D.  Orange,  61st  Street 
Clarence  N.  Parks  Jr.,  77th  Street 
Tommie  J.  Pertee,  Racine 
William  A.  Szabelski,  South  Shops 
Charles  E.  Walker,  77th  Street 
Houston  H.  Washington,  Ashland/95th 
Frank  S.  Zabrowski,  North  Park 


25  years 


L.  J.  Hampton,  North  Avenue 
Willie  B.  McGee,  Beverly 
Leonard  C.  Moore,  77th  Street 
Willie  V.Webb,  Lawndale 


John  P.  O'Connor,  Operations  Planning 
Joseph  M.  Siegal,  Power/Wiring 
Casmir  J.  Strzynski,  South  Shops 
Edmund  Wojcik,  Howard/Kimball 


irr  3vnE]nvEOi^i.A.3vn 


JOHN  AMBROGIO,  64,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  7-18-57,  Died  4-6-81 
THOMAS  BENNETT,  92,  Way  &  Structures, 

Emp.  7-15-06,  Died  4-22-81 
JOHN  BIELAT,  85,  Rapid  Transit, 

Emp.  10-1-18,  Died  4-12-81 
EVERETT  BRUCKNER,  77,  Stores, 

Emp.  8-29-23,  Died  4-11-81 
WILLIAM  DOHERTY,  77,  South  Section, 

Emp.  10-22-45,  Died  4-28-81 
WILLIAM  DONNELLY,  70,  West  Section, 

Emp.  11-9-36,  Died  4-23-81 
ROBERT  DURFEE,  66,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  7-29-43,  Died  4-28-81 
JAMES  FANTROY,  61,  South  Section, 

Emp.  8-8-68,  Died  4-5-81 
GERTRUDE  HOLBROOK,  85,  West  Section, 

Emp.  5-2-39,  Died  4-25-81 
IRVING  KERSH,  36,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  3-6-67,  Died  4-26-81 
THOMAS  LANIGAN,  75,  Electrical, 

Emp.  3-17-30,  Died  4-19-81 
MICHAEL  LAVELLE,  82,  Beverly, 

Emp.  4-9-43,  Died  4-26-81 
FRANK  LITTLE,  83,  Wilson, 

Emp.  4-20-25,  Died  4-29-81 


WALTER  MAJCHRZAK,  78,  West  Section, 

Emp.  2-4-37,  Died  4-9-81 
THOM'\S  MASON,  78,  Instruction, 

Emp.  12-10-28,  Died  4-3-81 
WILLIAM  METZGER,  79,  Track, 

Emp.  2-3-27,  Died  3-12-81 
FRANK  MORAN,  70,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  8-22-41,  Died  4-27-81 
JOHN  O'CONNOR,  83,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  8-24-20,  Died  4-20-81 
CONNIE  PEOPLES,  61,  Archer, 

Emp.  2-16-45,  Died  4-1-81 
ALBERT  ROSS,  92,  West  Section, 

Emp.  1-14-13,  Died  4-29-81 
BYRON  SLEE,  74,  Limits, 

Emp.  11-4-42,  Died  4-30-81 
RAYMOND  TROY,  64,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  1-6-49,  Died  4-17-81 
NICK  VUKELICH,  90,  Track, 

Emp.  9-6-29,  Died  4-5-81 
MFTCHELL  WARCHOL,  57,  Limits, 

Emp.  11-15-47,  Died  5-4-81 
BERNARD  ZESCH,  75,  Beverly, 

Emp.  12-19-33,  Died  4-20-81 


JUNE,  1981 


23 


The  CTA  Culture  Bus  service  began  its  fifth  year  of  service  on  Memorial  Day,  May  25th, 
serving  29  museums  and  cultural  attractions  on  the  North,  South,  and  West  Sides  of  Chicago. 
The  service  will  operate  on  Sundays,  July  4th,  and  Labor  Day,  Sept.  7th,  through  October 
18th. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago.  Illinois  60654 


Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   No.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRARY 
NORTHWSSTiiRN  UNIVERSITY 
1010  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EVANSTON,  IL         60201 


TN 


C^  ^/^>Y l^^JA^^.  ^ -(%.-.  I  olV\^        4^* 


K-f« 


New  vehicles  will  serve 
mobility  limited  riders 

September  8  is  the  target  date  for  launching  the 
CTA's  pre- scheduled,  door-to-door  service  for  per- 
sons within  the  City  of  Chicago  who  have  severely 
limited  mobility. 

This  special  transportation  service  will  operate 
primarily  with  a  fleet  of  20  mini-buses  (numbered  100 
to  119)  tailored  specifically  for  the  needs  of  the 
handicapped. 

The  mini-buses,  built  by  Superior  Bus  Manufactur- 
ers, are  24  feet  Iraig,  eight  feet  wide,  and  nine  feet 
high.  Each  is  equipped  with  a  special  wheelchair  lift 
which  is  also  used  to  make  access  easier  for  ambu- 
latory persons  not  confined  to  wheelchairs.  The  ve- 
hicle design  section  of  CTA's  Engineering  department, 
headed  by  Bhupindar  Mallhi,  was  responsible  for  the 
design  and  construction  management  of  these  buses. 

Each  mini-bus  will  accommodate  12  passengers 
including  three  in  wheelchairs,  or  15  passengers  with- 
out wheelchairs.  The  manufacturer  has  included  three 
jump  seats  which  may  be  folded  up  to  provide  space 
for  wheelchairs  which  are  then  locked  into  place  by 
special  devices.    Seat  belts,  which  have  also  been  in- 


One  of  the  20  new  mini-buses  to  be  used  in  the  special  transportation 
service  for  handicapped  riders.  QCD    1     fi    1Qft1 

stalled,   are   mandatory^-p^d^;.^^^^  |mr#86^Ty 
chairs. 

The  CTA  purchased  the  20  air-conditioned  buses  at 
a  cost  of  $1,672,000.  Funding  is  being  provided  by  the 
U.S.  Urban  Mass  Transportation  Administration  and 
the  Illinois  Department  of  Transportation.  Funding  is 
anticipated  for  an  additional  20  buses  to  be  purchased 
later  this  year. 

The  inventory  of  equipment  for  the  Special  Ser- 
vices program  will  also  include  several  Fbdble 
3300  series  buses,  previously  used  in  the  regular  CTA 
fleet,  to  be  retrofitted  with  wheelchair  lifts  and  wide 
doors. 

Bus  130,  the  first  in  the  3300  series  to  be  con- 
verted, which  would  normally  provide  seating  for  44 
riders,  has  been  specially  tailored  for  the  handicapped 
and  wiJJ  seat  18  riders  including  seven  in  wheelchairs. 

(Continued  Page  2) 


lIEilMiKIllZS 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 
JULY,  1981 


Willie  Wong,  unit  supervisor,  Maintenance, 
demonstrates  wheelchair  lift  on  mini-bus  for 
Alan  F.  Kiepper  (left).  General  Manager, 
Metropolitan  Atlanta  Rapid  Transit  Authority 
(MARTA);  CTA  General  Operations  Manager 
Harold  H.  Geissenheimer;  CTA  Chairman 
Eugene  M.  Barnes,  and  CTA  Transportation 
Manager  James  Blaa. 


Work  crews  in  the  77th  Street  bus  shops  removed 
all  forward  facing  seats,  made  body  modifications,  cut 
a  larger  entrance  at  the  center  door,  and  installed  a 
Vapor  step  lift  for  wheelchairs.  Jump  seats,  wheel- 
chair locks,  and  seat  belts  were  also  installed  in  the 
Flxible  buses.  Both  the  exterior  and  interior  of  the 
bus  have  been  repainted.  Major  craftsmen  on  the  bus 
modification  team  were:  Frank  Venezia,  superintend- 
ent, bus  shops;  Willie  Wong,  unit  supervisor,  mainte- 
nance; Robert  Lee,  product  engineer;  Robert  McColl, 
carpenter;    Donald  Freebaim,  electrician;  Fred   Or- 


mins  and  Michael  Regan,  mechanics. 

Service  for  the  elderly  and  handicapped  will  be 
available  on  a  pre-scheduled  basis,  Monday  through 
Friday  from  6:30  a.m.  to  9:30  p.m.,  and  Saturdays, 
Sundays  and  holidays  from  9  a.m.  to  5  p.m.,  beginning 
in  Scptemter. 

Operators  for  the  special  service  have  already  been 
selected  and  are  being  trained  to  provide  individualized 
attention  to  the  transportation  needs  of  handicapped 
riders. 


Three  retractable  seats  and  wheelchair  locking  devices  are  provided  in 
each  of  the  minibuses  from  Superior  Bus  Manufacturers. 


Wheelchair  locking  device  with  seat  belt  retractor  provides  maximum 
riding  safety  for  passengers. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Bus  130,  formerly  a  3300  series  FIxible  bus, 
was  refurbished  and  converted  at  South 
Shops  to  accommodate  handicapped  riders. 


Above  and  above  right:  Judy  Benson,  chairperson  for  the  Advisory 
Committee  on  Service  for  the  Disabled,  is  among  the  first  to  try  the 
wheelchair  lift  on  retrofitted  FIxible  Bus  130  on  display  at  the 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza.  Isaac  Beal,  superintendent.  Special  Services, 
observes  while  Rudolph  Roach,  bus  instructor,  monitors  the  operation 
from  inside  the  bus. 


Bottom  right:  Buckling  up  for  safety,  as  demonstrated  by  Hollis 
Hawkins,  a  member  of  the  advisory  committee,  will  be  mandatory  for 
wheelchair  users. 


JULY,  1981 


New  rail  service  instructors  and  their  mentors  paused  briefly  for  the 
photographer.  The  recently  certified  instructors  are,  seated  (from 
left).  Ivory  Davis,  Gerald  West,  Alexander  Chacko,  Lonnle  Perry,  and 
Charles  Young.  Standing  (from  left).  Bob  Janz,  superintendent,  rail  in- 
struction; Elonzo  Hill,  superintendent,  training  center;  Paul  Kadowaki, 
superintendent,   bus   instruction;   Edward    Mitchell,  director,  support 

Rail  instructors  graduate 


Five  employees  received  certificates  July  8  sig- 
nifying the  completion  of  their  training  as  rail  ser- 
vice instructors. 

They  are  Alexander  Chacko,  Lonnie  Perry,  Ivory 
Davis,  Gerald  West,  and  Charles  Young. 

General  Operations  Manager  Harold  Geissenheimer 
congratulated  the  graduates  and  extended  the  best 
wishes  of  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes. 

The  graduation  program,  held  in  the  CTA  Board 
room,  included  guests  of  the  graduates. 

Edward  Mitchell,  director,  support  services. 
Transportation  Department,  acted  as  master  of 
ceremonies. 

The  graduates  marked  the  end  of  their  training  as 
instructors.  They  will  join  an  instructors'  pool  to 
help  train  rail  operating  personnel  at  the  training 
center,  2684  N.  Clark  Street,  as  well  as  In  the  field. 

In   answer   to   the   question,    "What   will    be   your 


services;  Mel  Link,  assistant  superintendent,  bus  Instruction-north;  Bill 
Thompson,  assistant  superintendent,  bus  instruction-south;  Art 
Hubbard,  assistant  superintendent,  rail  instruction;  Norm  Herron, 
assistant  superintendent,  training  center,  and  Ulysses  Coley,  rail  in- 
structor. 


greatest  challenge  as  a  rail  instructor?"  the  five 
graduates  gave  the  following  replies: 

Alexander  Chacko:  "To  use  the  knowledge  I  re- 
ceived in  training  and  to  provide  operating  personnel 
with  the  information  to  help  them  improve  their  ef- 
ficiency." 

Lonnie  Peny  "Making  certain  that  I'm  abreast 
of  the  latest  changes  and  improvements  with  which  to 
help  the  students  and  retrain  current  operating  per- 
sonnel." 

Ivory  Davis:  "This  whole  new  area  will  be  a 
challenge  to  me.  I  want  the  training  I've  received  to 
help  me  to  help  Improve  the  motormen,  conductors, 
switchmen,  and  towermen  who  are  the  operating  per- 
sonnel." 

Gerald  West  "To  be  able  to  deal  with  the  operat- 
ing employees  effectively  and  to  live  up  to  the  poten- 
tial my  Instructors  say  I  have." 

Charles  Young:  "To  pass  on  the  results  of  the  fine 
training  I've  received  to  those  operating  personnel 
who  may  need  some  help  to  more  effectively  perform 
their  duties." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Employees  honored  with  'A  Day  in  CTA' 


A  special  group  of  employees  in  the  Vehicle  Maintenance 
section  at  Archer  Garage  joined  forces  with  management  last 
month  in  giving  special  recognition  to  one  of  their  own  who 
was  honored  among  six  outstanding  employees  selected  for 
'A  Day  in  CTA.' 

Thomas  N.  Puralewski,  a  combination  clerk  at  Archer, 
won  the  admiration  of  bus  servicers  and  repairers  for  his  help 


in  everyday  problems.  To  show  their  appreciation,  a  letter 
of  commendation  signed  by  19  of  his  Vehicle  Maintenance 
coworkers,  was  sent  to  management. 

The  five  other  employees  spending  'A  Day  in  CTA'  were 
honored  for  acts  of  heroism  and  compassion  or  good  job 
performance. 


Although  passengers  on  his  evening  rush 
hour  northbound  train  to  Howard  terminal 
refused  to  get  involved,  motorman  Lawrence 
Jackson  intervened  on  behalf  of  a  small  child 
who  was  being  physically  abused  by  a  male 
passenger. 

"People  were  just  sitting  there  watching 
while  this  man  repeatedly  slammed  this  little 
boy's  head  against  the  window,"  said  Jackson. 
The  child,  about  four  years  old,  was  so 
terrified  he  was  no  longer  crying,  Jackson 
said.  A  veteran  of  six  years  with  CTA, 
Jackson  talked  with  the  man  while  poUce 
were  being  notified.  Officers  later  removed 
the  passenger  from  the  train.  Transportation 
officials  called  Jackson's  response  an  act  of 
compassion. 


Tom  Green,  a  plant  maintenance  em- 
ployee who  joined  CTA  in  October  1966, 
was  working  on  the  station  platform  at 
Washington-Madison  in  the  Dearborn  subway 
when  he  heard  a  rapid  transit  passenger  cry 
out,  "pickpocket." 

Responding  to  the  alarm.  Green  grabbed 
a  man  who  was  trying  to  remove  something 
from  a  purse,  but  a  second  assailant  helped 
the  man  escape.  Meanwhile,  Green,  with  the 
aid  of  others,  restrained  the  second  man, 
holding  him  until  transit  aids  and  police 
arrived.  Green  was  commended  by  the 
Chicago  Police  Department.  "1  appreciate 
the  recognition,"  said  Green.  Regarding 
'A  Day  in  CTA'  Green  said  he  was  impressed 
with  the  board  meeting. 


The  quick  thinking  of  motorman  John 
Lagon,  a  12-year  veteran  of  CTA  service, 
averted  loss  of  life,  or  injury  to  the  occupants 
of  a  burning  building  in  the  1700  block  of 
West  Roscoe  on  the  Ravenswood  rapid 
transit  line. 

Lagon  was  headed  north  at  2  a.m.  on 
June  10  when  he  saw  the  fire.  He  stopped 
his  train  and  began  sounding  his  hom  until 
the  tenants  came  out  to  see  what  the  noise 
was  all  about.  "When  1  saw  people  in  the 
yard  of  the  burning  building,  I  knew  I  had 
accomplished  my  goal,  and  proceeded  on  my 
route,"  said  Lagon.  Neighbors,  including 
North  Park  bus  operator  Vern  FeuUng,  called 
CTA  management  to  express  their  appreci- 
ation for  Lagon. 


Duane  Kuchenny,  a  material  handler 
at  Forest  Glen  Garage,  and  CTA  employee 
of  16  years,  receive.d  a  commendation  from 
the  Internal  Auditing  department  for  keeping 
such  an  adequate  parts  supply  at  Forest  Glen, 
reducing  the  number  of  units  on  hand,  and 
generally  exercising  control  over  his  inventory 
and  stockroom.  "1  was  very  surprised,  but 
very  pleased,"  said  Kuchenny. 


When  Harry  Madix,  a  switchman  at 
Howard  terminal,  saw  smoke  at  4:25  a.m.  on 
April  8  he  knew  there  was  fire,  but  assumed  it 
was  on  a  platform  until  he  realized  it  was 
pouring  from  a  residential  building  adjacent  to 
the  terminal. 

"The  first  thing  1  did  was  make  sure  1 
would  be  able  to  get  out  of  the  building  once 
I  got  inside,"  said  Madix  who  joined  the  CTA 
on  November  29,  1968.  Assured  of  an  escape 
route,  he  rushed  into  the  building  and  began 
alerting  tenants  to  the  danger.  Firemen  were 
called  and  directed  to  the  burning  building  by 
other  terminal  employees. 


Thomas  Puralew/ski  joined  the  CTA  in 
February  1977  and  was  promoted  to  conbi- 
nation  clerk  the  following  year.  He  has  per- 
formed in  this  capacity  at  Archer  Garage  with 
enthusiasm  and  efficiency.  Obviously  sur- 
prised when  informed  about  the  letter  his  co- 
workers had  written  to  commend  'his  per- 
formance, Puralewski  said,  "I  knew  nothing 
about  this.  I  simply  had  no  idea.  I  try  to 
speak  to  everyone,  and  to  be  as  pleasant  as 
I  can." 


JULY,  1981 


Angelo  Sturino  (North  Section) 
was  the  conductor  of  an  Engle- 
wood/Howard  train  that  John 
Dawson  rode  home  from  his 
offices  on  North  LaSalle  Street. 
"He  was  one  of  the  most  articu- 
late announcers  I  have  encoun- 
tered in  many  years  of  riding  the 
CTA.  He  was  very  clear  and 
precise  in  announcing  not  only 
the  stops  and  transfer  points, 
but  also  institutions,  such  as 
DePaul  University,  etc.  He  even 
announced  bus  lines  by  number 
and  route  as  we  approached 
various  stops.  Besides  this, 
when  we  were  delayed  for  a 
short  time,  he  made  the  effort 
of  finding  out  why,  and  then 
apologized  and  explained  to 
passengers." 


Ricardo  Leiva  (Forest  Glen  gar- 
age) was  described  as  "symboli- 
zing the  expression  'good  guy'  " 
by  Janice  Gilbert,  of  Winona 
Street,  who  was  a  rider  on  his 
#92  Foster  bus.  "Not  only  did 
he  drive  well  and  give  those 
aboard  clear  information  about 
stops  and  main  thoroughfares, 
but  he  also  showed  care,  concern 
and  respect  for  everyone  who 
stepped  on  or  off  his  bus.  Many, 
like  me,  who  boarded  the  bus 
feeling  the  stress  of  real 
problems  received  a  smile  and  a 
warm  welcome  that  said,  'Hey, 
life's  not  bad.'  The  'therapy'  to 
passengers  was  evident  in  the 
smiles,  feeling  of  kinship,  and 
conversation  on  the  bus." 


commendation  corner 


Curtis  Anderson  (North  Park  garage)  was  thanked  for  en- 
forcing the  "No  Smoking"  rule  on  his  #152  Addison  bus  by 
Marian  Mross,  of  Cornelia  Avenue.  "On  two  separate 
occasions  he  stood  up  for  company  policy  in  reprimanding 
students  who  were  smoking  in  the  rear  of  the  bus.  He  stood 
his  ground  and  told  them  in  no  uncertain  terms  that  if  they 
persisted  in  smoking  on  liis  bus  they  would  have  to  get  off. 
At  times  I  have  even  seen  adults  flagrantly  violating  the  law, 
and  this  driver  is  to  be  highly  commended,  since  there  are 
many  of  us  who  cannot  tolerate  smoking  for  health  reasons." 


Betty  Spivey  (52nd  Street  garage)  was  applauded  by 
Daryl  Kazmier,  community  education  director  at  a  high 
school  in  Michigan,  who  recently  escorted  a  group  of  20 
people  to  Chicago.  "Since  none  of  us  was  famihar  with  the 
bus  system,  we  had  to  get  all  our  directions  from  bus  drivers. 
All  of  the  drivers  I  encountered  were  polite  and  helpful, 
but  I  wish  to  make  special  note  of  driver  #4499.  She  was 
unusually  courteous  to  everyone  who  boarded  the  (#6 
Jeffery  Express)  bus.  She  spoke  to  each  person,  drove  with 
care,  and  was  particularly  helpful  with  elderly  people.  Keep 
up  the  good  work,  CTA.  I  will  be  back  to  your  fine  city 
again." 


Robert  Miller  (North  Park  garage)  was  commended  by 
David  Hepplewhite,  who  was  taking  a  #135  Wilson/LaSalle 
Express  to  his  offices  on  LaSalle  Street.  "During  the  trip 
downtown,  he  was  attentive  to  people  waiting  as  well  as 
running  to  catch  his  bus,  and  was  thoughtful  about  stopping 
in  a  convenient  spot  for  them.  He  was  courteous  and  profes- 
sional when  checking  fares  or  answering  questions.  He 
responded  to  traffic  in  a  similarly  thoughtful,  professional 
and  courteous  manner,  and  he  made  the  trip  in  good  time. 
I  recently  moved  to  Chicago  to  practice  law,  and  his 
demeanor  and  driving  make  it  a  pleasure  to  ride  the  bus." 


Evon  Barber  (North  Avenue  garage)  impressed  Beulah 
Smith,  of  South  Avers  Avenue,  with  her  concern  for 
passengers  on  her  #53  Pulaski  bus.  "I  noticed  her  pleasant 
smile  and  her  greeting,  "How  are  you?'  I  was  struck  by  this 
universal  kindness,  and  I  began  to  watch  her  with  other 
passengers.  A  young  man  got  up  from  the  back  of  the  bus 


and  sat  down  near  the  door  next  to  a  young  woman  whose 
neck  was  adorned  with  gold  chains.  Quickly  the  driver 
called  the  girl  to  her  side  and  began  to  talk  to  her.  The 
man  saw  he  was  in  the  presence  of  an  alert  bus  driver,  so  he 
got  off.  I  am  sure  this  driver's  kindness  averted  another 
robbery." 


John  Christner  (Forest  Glen  garage)  was  complimented 
by  Dorothy  Urbanski,  of  Elston  Avenue,  who  rode  his  #152 
Addison  bus  with  her  three-year-old  grandson.  "Never  have 
I  had  the  pleasure  of  riding  with  such  a  fine,  young,  courte- 
ous driver.  On  our  ride  I  saw  him  help  a  young  mother  with 
two  small  children.  At  Cubs  Park  he  helped  an  elderly, 
crippled  lady  on  the  bus  and  off  later  at  her  destination. 
His  concern  for  all  his  passengers  boarding  was  something  to 
behold.  As  1  got  off,  I  complimented  him  and  he  answered, 
T  will  not  be  28  years  old  forever!'  Please  let  him  know  he 
is  appreciated." 


Connie  Causey  (Lawndale  garage)  was  praised  for 
"exemplary  conduct"  while  driving  a  #60  Blue  Island/26 
bus  by  Jeffrey  Wien,  of  Harbor  Drive.  "She  is  a  credit  to  the 
CTA,  and  I  would  like  to  nominate  her  as  Best  CTA 
Employee  of  1981.  She  always  has  a  smile,  a  pleasant  word, 
and  an  exceedingly  courteous  code  of  conduct  in  her  re- 
lations with  passengers.  Her  credo  would  appear  to  be 
'Safety,  Courtesy,  and  Service,'  and  she  could  easily  serve  as 
a  model  for  all  CTA  employees.  I  have  never  met  such  a 
pleasant  CTA  employee  who  really  seems  to  hke  her  work 
and  the  pubhc." 


Benjamin  Farfan  (North  Park  garage)  won  the  approval  of 
Edward  Strable,  who  rode  his  #151  Sheridan  bus  to  offices 
on  North  Michigan  Avenue.  "This  driver  showed  he  really 
cared  about  the  load  of  passengers  he  had  on  his  bus.  After 
a  couple  of  unsavory  types  got  on  at  Grand  Avenue,  he  arose 
and  announced  that  there  were  pickpockets  on  board,  and 
we  should  all  watch  our  wallets.  A  moment  later,  when  he 
stopped  at  Ohio,  hi-  told  them  to  get  off  his  bus  or  he  would 
call  the  police.  The  man  who  came  to  the  front  of  the  bus 
swore  at  the  driver  and  got  off.  Your  driver  really  had  guts 
and  should  be  commended." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Marcos  Argudin,  Forest  Glen 

Angel  Beenn,  Archer 
Adonis  Berrios,  Forest  Glen 
Carmen  Betances,  North  Park 
John  Brugess,  Limits 
Raymond  Burkhardt,  Archer 

Jean  Cage,  Limits 
Paul  Campbell,  77th  Street 
John  Christner,  Forest  Glen 
Patricia  Cobb,  North  Park 
Johnnie  Coleman,  L^wndale 
Stephen  Conway,  Archer 
Tyrone  Culbreath,  Beverly 

Jaswant  Dass,  Archer 
Jose  Davila,  North  Avenue 
Robert  Devitt,  North  Park 
Michael  Doss,  Forest  Glen 
Jerry  Dubin,  North  Avenue 

Eddie  Elliott,  77th  Street 
Bruce  Ellison,  North  Park 
Jose  Esteves,  North  Park 

Benjamin  Farfan,  North  Park 


Hubert  Fincher,  North  Park 

Fahmi  Ghouleh,  Limits 

Curtis  Hagans,  77th  Street 
Eldred  Hall,  North  Park 
Mary  HaD,  69th  Street 
August  Hallman,  Forest  Glen 
Lawrence  Hart,  North  Avenue 
OUie  Hoskins,  Archer 
James  Howland,  North  Park 

Marvin  Jackson,  Limits 
Edgar  Jeffrey,  Forest  Glen 

Assunta  Kaya,  Forest  Glen 

Sammie  Lane,  69th  Street 
Giles  Liddell  Jr.,  Limits 

Robert  Martinez,  North  Park 
Willie  Matthews,  North  Park 
Humberto  Monroy,  North  Park 
Frederick  Moore,  North  Park 
Tereso  Morquecho,  North  Park 

Steve  Nicpon,  North  Avenue 


Operating  employees  who  received  com- 
mendations    during     the     last    month. 

John  Paczkowski,  Archer 
John  Parker,  North  Avenue 
Juanita  Parker,  West  Section 
Clarence  Parks  Jr.,  77th  Street 
Charles  Peterson,  77th  Street 
Harold  Pierce  Sr.,  Forest  Glen 
WUlena  Pieison,  North  Avenue 

George  Rojas,  Limits 
Toval  Rolston,  Forest  Park 

Daniel  Sagel,  Forest  Glen 
Bamett  Simmons,  69th  Street 
Wilfred  Spotwell,  North  Park 

Billy  Walker,  Forest  Glen 
Jimmie  Walker,  North  Avenue 
Robert  Washington,  52nd  Street 
Mack  Watkins,  Forest  Park 
James  Wesley,  Forest  Glen 
Henderson  Williams,  Forest  Glen 
Bartholomew  Wurtzebach,  Kimball 

Jacques  Yezeguielian,  Forest  Glen 


promotions 


Gerald  Hoff  has  been  appointed  manager, 
Grant  Programming/Administration.  He  had 
been  director,  Program  Development,  Capital 
Development,  since  joining  CTA  in  1974. 
Hoff,  who  earned  a  master  of  science  degree 
in  Urban  Traffic  and  Transportation  at  North- 
western University  in  1969,  lives  in  Arlington 
Heights  with  his  wife,  Yvonne,  and  their  son 
and  daughter. 

Donald  Lemm,  director  of  Insurance 
since  1975,  has  been  named  director.  Workers' 
Compensation,  Risk  Management.  Lemm 
joined  the  Chicago  Rapid  Transit  Company  as 
a  mail  clerk  in  1942.  He  served  as  payroll 
statistician  and  training  assistant  before 
becoming  a  methods  and  procurement  analyst 
in  1958.  In  1964  he  was  chosen 
administrative  assistant.  Insurance,  and,  in 
1969,  assistant  station  superintendent.  He 
was  administrative  assistant  to  the  chairman 
in  1970  before  being  selected  superinten- 
dent, Insurance  &  Pensions,  in  1973.  Lemm 
and  his  wife,  Ida,  have  two  sons  and  two 
daughters  and  make  their  home  in  Bellwood. 

Michael  Grovak,  former  principal  planner, 
Operations  Planning-Routes  &  Systems,  is 
now  superintendent.  Service  Analysis/Re- 
search, in  the  same  section.  Grovak  became 
a  full-time  CTA  employee  in  1974,  when  he 
was  chosen  senior  transit  planner.  In  1977 
he  was  selected  planning  tecimician,  and,  a 
year  later,  project  planner.  Grovak  lives  on 
the  near  Southwest  side. 

Lester  Smith,  former  workers'  compen- 
sation coordinator.  Risk  Management,  has 
been  appointed  supervisor,  workers'  compen- 
sation, in  the  same  department. 

In  new  positions  as  assistant  superin- 
tendent/controller, Transportation-Personnel, 
are  former  bus  instructor?  Lampton  Evans 
and  Daniel  ViUanueva;  Floyd  Williams,  former 
relief  clerk.  Bus  Systems;  William  Piatt  Jr., 
former    station    clerk.   Archer;   Michael    Mc- 


r 

^ 

^^ ' 

•^ 

V 

r 

■-  7 

A 

^.  % 

Gerald  Hoff 


Donald  Lemm 


Michael  Grovak 


Govern,  former  system  safety  monitor/ 
inspector,  Safety-Inspections/Investigations ; 
William  Jaycox,  former  m/p  intern,  Transpor- 
tation-Personnel; Patricia  Mglej,  former  m/p 
intern.  Plant  Maintenance;  Louis  Sanford, 
former  manpower  planning  and  budget 
analyst,  Transportation-Support  Services;  and 
James  Stephen,  former  field  audit  clerk, 
Financial  Services. 

Six  new  unit  supervisors  of  storerooms 
have  been  selected  in  Materials  Management- 
Stores:  Nick  LaCorcia,  former  senior  store- 
keeper; Henry  Farley,  former  special  projects 
analyst;  Walter  Griffin  Jr.,  Lawrence  Tischer, 
and  Thomas  Marasovich,  all  former  stock 
clerks.  Stores;  and  William  Bailey,  former 
buyer.  Procurement. 

In  Vehicle  Maintenance-South  Shops, 
James  Haworth  Jr.  has  been  promoted  from 
field  service  engineer  to  improvements  engi- 
neer. Nancy  Nagel,  former  supervisor.  Infor- 
mation Services,  Sales/Risk  Management,  has 
become  budget  systems  speciaUst,  Budget. 
James  Mulqueeny,  former  ticket  agent.  West 
Section,  is  now  planner.  Operations  Planning- 
Routes  &  Systems. 

Now   serving   as   janitor  foremen.    Plant 


Maintenance,  are  Samuel  Carter  Jr.  and 
Hayward  Hughes,  both  former  rail  janitors 
in  the  same  department.  New  in  Plant  Mainte- 
nance as  an  ironworker  helper  is  Bernard 
Gilmore,  former  service  truck  chauffeur, 
Transportation-Utility.  John      Kilgore, 

former  bus  operator,  Beverly,  is  now  service 
truck  chauffeur. 

Former  bus  repairers  Nguyen  Dai  (77th 
Street)  and  Juan  Rivera  (Forest  Glen)  are  now 
bus  &  truck  mechanics.  South  Shops.  At 
Skokie  Shop,  Ronald  Gamer  has  moved  from 
shop  tractor  operator  to  unit  exchange  clerk. 

In  Financial  Services-Internal  Auditing, 
Gerald  Wilson  has  been  reassigned  from  audit 
clerk  to  field  audit  clerk.  Benjamin  Gay, 
former  bus  operator,  Archer,  is  now  accounts 
payable  clerk,  Financial  Services,  and  linda 
Coleman,  former  utdity  clerk,  Materials 
Management,  has  been  named  material  control 
clerk.  South  Shops. 

New  as  stenographer.  Operations 
Planning-Routes  &  Systems,  is  Sharlene 
WUkins,  former  utility  clerk,  Law.  Anne 
Bandur,  former  utility  clerk,  Law/Claims, 
is  now  typist,  Management  Services  Adminis- 
trative Services. 


JULY,  1981 


The  fourth  group  to  complete  an  eight-week  Material  Handling  and 
Warehousing  course  sponsored  by  Materials  Management  department 
include  (from  left),  Melvin  Williams,  laborer.  Stores  South;  Nunulu 
Latham  and  Dennis  Kuhn,  stock  clerks.  Stores  South;  Louise  Muhr, 
statistical  analyst.  Merchandise  Mart;  Donald  Dempsey,  project  leader, 
Datacenter;  David  Murry,  stock  clerk.  Stores  South;  Vinko  Djonlich, 
laborer.  Stores  North;  Patricia  Flynn,  secretary.  Merchandise  Mart; 
Cleveland  Bennett,  laborer.  Lower  Yard;  Ralph  Podgorski,  stock  clerk. 


Stores  West;  Thomas  Hall,  laborer.  Merchandise  Mart;  Eugene  Magad, 
course  instructor;  Terry  Shinnick,  laborer.  Lower  Yard;  Ujean  Burnett, 
laborer.  Stores  West;  Willie  Whitaker,  stock  clerk.  Stores  South,  and 
Billy  Moncreif,  stock  clerk.  Stores  North.  Ed  Deles,  unit  supervisor. 
Records  and  Training,  Materials  Management,  coordinator  for  the 
course,  said  that  approximately  90  department  members  are  slated  to 
take  the  course,  which  is  conducted  by  Eugene  Magad  and  Associates, 
consultants  to  the  warehousing  industry. 


It  was  just  like  old  times  as  Warren  G.  Wood  Sr.  (left),  and  Howard 
Bowers  (fourth  from  left),  returned  to  Forest  Glen  garage  to  visit  with 
friends.  Wood,  of  Tuscon,  Arizona,  and  Bowers  of  Mesa,  are  CTA 
retirees.  Recipients  of  the  visit  were  (from  left),  Pat  Garrity,  Ted  Galus 
and  George  Streske. 


1^  mm 

This  is  the  limit -of  trout 
that  is,  caught  by  CTA 
pensioners  Lars  Pearson 
(left),  and  Bill  Miedema 
fishing  in  water  40  feet  deep 
at  Bull  Shoals  Lake  In 
Mountain  Home,  Arkansas. 
Pearson  was  foreman  at 
North  Avenue  and  Lawn- 
dale  garages.  Miedema  Is  a 
former  bus  operator  from 
Forest  Glen  garage. 


Robert  Chambers,  CTA  bus  controller,  ex- 
plains operation  of  the  control  center  to 
visiting  Finnish  transport  officials.  Seated 
at  the  console  is  bus  controller  Robert  Mar- 
ren. 


CIA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Flying  is  a  privilege, 
safe  pastime 

John  Chura  always  dreamed  of  being  a  pilot,  but 
never  did  anything  to  make  the  dream  a  reality  until 
1972  when,  coaxed  by  a  friend,  he  took  a  lesson. 

"The  cost  had  always  been  prohibitive,"  says 
Chura,  director  of  Contract  Construction,  Engineering 
department. 

One  day,  the  friend  made  an  appointment  with  an 
instructor  who  took  Chura  aloft  in  a  single-engine 
two-seater,  giving  the  reluctant  airman  the  most 
frightening  experience  of  his  life.  At  age  43,  he  was 
about  to  start  a  venture  in  which  most  flyers  his  age 
were  already  proficient. 

"Suddenly,  I  wanted  no  part  of  flying,  and  I  was 
quick  to  let  the  instructor  know  that  I  wanted  him  to 
set  us  down  immediately.  I  guess  I  was  too  concerned 
about  it,  but  he  got  me  to  calm  down.  He  let  me  take 
the  controls  and  glide  the  plane;  then  it  didn't  seem 
so  bad,"  recalls  Chura,  who  made  his  first  solo  flight 
10  hours  later. 

Privately,  he  has  accumulated  more  than  1100 
hours  of  flying  time  since  that  first  lesson  nine  years 
ago.  His  experience  includes  flights  across  country, 
at  night,  and  by  instrumentation. 

"Flying  is  a  privilege  and  a  very  safe  pastime,  with 
many  advantages,"  said  Chura  as  he  expressed  his 
enjoyment  of  aviation. 

One  thing  that  makes  flying  so  safe  for  private 
pilots  is  the  Federal  Aviation  Agency's  (FA A)  strict 
requirement  on  annual  inspection  of  aircraft.  A  plane 
is  stripped  of  everything  including  its  seats  and  lining, 
by  a  licensed  mechanic  of  the  FAA  who  goes  over 
every    inch    of    the    aircraft   with   meticulous    care. 


Flights  logged  by  Chura  in  his  multi-engine  Cessna  Skymaster  have 
included  cross  country  trips  to  Florida  and  Canada. 

"Most  accidents  today  are  due  to  human  error," 
claims  Chura. 

He  is  qualified  in  both  single  and  multi-engine  air- 
craft, instrument  rated,  and  is  the  proud  owner  of  a 
Cessna  Skymaster  multi-engine  aircraft. 

Chura  graduated  from  the  University  of  Illinois  at 
Urbana  with  a  bachelor  of  science  degree  in  archi- 
tectural engineering.  A  former  Army  captain,  he 
has  been  employed  by  the  CTA  for  15  years. 

He  and  his  wife,  Jean,  reside  in  south  suburban 
Harvey o  Their  sons,  Kenneth  and  David,  are  students 
at  the  University  of  Illinois  at  Urbana.  Kenneth  re- 
ceived a  bachelor  of  science  degree  in  civil  engineer- 
ing in  June. 


John  Chura  and  a  Rockwell  Commander  single-engine  aircraft  at  Sanger 
Field,  Lansing,  one  of  the  first  aircraft  owned  by  this  pilot  who  is  also 
director  of  Contract  Construction  in  the  CTA's  Engineering  depart- 
ment. 


JULY,  1981 


Riding  tfie  bus 

It's  an 
all-day  trip 
in  West  Africa 


Public  transportation  frequently 
influences  lifestyles,  as  evidenced 
by  the  varied  lifestyles  within  a 
20-mile  radius  of  metropolitan 
Chicago.  The  difference  between 
Chicago  and  its  suburban  neigh- 
bors, which  may  be  attributed  to 
public  transportation,  is  not  near- 
ly as  radical  as  the  difference  one 
CTA  employee  found  in  West  Afri- 
ca. 

Ray  (Rick)  Carter,  a  travel  in- 
formation specialist  who  toured 
the  West  African  nation  of  Togo 
and  neighboring  countries,  said 
that  there  is  plenty  to  see  and 
learn  about  West  African  culture 
and  transportation. 


trrifsde  transport  dePRSSRGERS 


LOME-KPRLIME 
•■  flMOUZOUKOPE 
■■     RGOU 
"     T8EVIE 
••     flCCRfl 
"     RBIOJflN 


iHAi:)  HUIOBUS 


500  F 
/.OOF 
450  F 
150  F 
500  F 


4B5F 
390  F 
435  F 
130  F 
400  F 


BHCHES 


450F 
375F 
425F 
125F 
375F 
6500F 


Expediency  requires  the  tour- 
ist to  take  it  all  in  by  taxi,  the  so- 
called  mini-cab  where  ttie  rider 
may  negotiate  the  fare  before  the 
trip  begins.  Travel  by  bus  is  ad- 
visable only  if  the  rider  is  not  in 
a  hurry.  Most  bus  fleets  offer  a 
variety  of  vehicles  with  equally 
varying  capacities, depending  upon 
the  destination.  Schedules  are 
nonexistent,  and  service  is  relaxed. 

Buses  are  boarded  at  the  main 
terminal,  and  departure  depends 
upon  how  soon  a  bus  is  loaded. 
Carter  said  a  rider  may  arrive  at 
the  terminal  at  3  p.m.  and  not 
leave  before  7  p.m.  On  the  other 
hand,  waiting  time   may   only  be 


20  minutes. 

Riders  take  the  slow  pace  with- 
out fanfare,  using  it  to  their  own 
advantage.  Merchants,  including 
peddlers  hawking  live  poultry,  may 
haul  it  all  by  bus  or  taxi.  Bulky 
items  are  carried  atop  the  vehicle 
on  a  rack,  or  under  canvas.  Many 
spend  the  waiting  period  bartering 
or  making  outright  sales  to  trav- 
elers in  the  open  air  depot.  Other 
wayfarers,  some  with  portable 
stoves  and  other  cooking  equip- 
ment, will  frequently  prepare  their 
meals  in  the  carnival-like  atmos- 
phere. 

Since  countries  of  Western  Afri- 
ca  are   in   such  close  proximity. 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Rick  Carter 

LEFT:  Suggested  tariffs  in  francs  from  Lome, 
Togo's  capital,  to  various  points  interstate,  are 
posted  at  the  open  air  terminal's  entrance. 
The  dollar  is  worth  approximately  245  francs. 

RIGHT:  Waiting  can  be  a  tiresome  all  day 
affair. 


public  transportation  provides  in- 
terstate service  between  Togo, 
Nigeria,  Benin,  Ghana,  Abidjan, 
and  Upper  Volta. 

"Certainly  public  transportation 
in  West  Africa  is  less  than  what 
Americans  have  come  to  expect," 
said  Carter,  who  holds  a  bachelor 


of  science  degree  in  sociology. 
"At  the  same  time.  West  Africans 
are  very  hospitable,  particularly 
in  Togo,  so  one  tends  not  to  dwell 
on  the  relative  inconveniences  en- 
countered. The  people  are  re- 
nowned for  their  kindness, 

"Togo     and     its     neighboring 


countries  offer  discreet  charm  and 
contain  a  scenic  cross-section  of 
all  that  Africa  has  to  offer  the 
visitor,"  he  said.  A  regular  so- 
journer. Carter's  travels  have 
covered  more  than  50,000  air 
miles  to  Europe,  Africa,  and  the 
Caribbean. 


FAR  LEFT:  The  Afrobus,  covering  all  points,  is  a  more  comfortable  ride  for  considerably 
less  fare  than  other  forms  of  transportation. 

LEFT:  No  display  ads  on  buses,  but  .  .   . 

ABOVE:  As  a  carnival-like  atmosphere  looms,  merchants  hawk  their  goods  among  fellow 
travelers. 

RIGHT:  Travelers  enjoy  a  leisurely  stroll  as  departure  is  delayed. 


JULY,  1981 


More  June  Graduates 


GLORIA  J.  ANGELL 

Lake  Park  H.  S. 

Donald  Angell 

Security 


VIKKI  L.  BARNES 
Chicago  State  U. 
Eugene  M.  Barnes 
CTA  Chairman 


GENA  BRADFORD 

Percy  Julian  H.  S. 

Arthur  Bradford 

69th  Street 


WALESKACONCEPCION 

Schurz  H.S. 

Miguel  Concepcion 

North  Park 


HARRIET  COSTABILE 

Morton  East  H.S. 

Sam  Costabile 

West  Section 


LILIANADE  ALBA 

Richards  Vocational 

Electra  De  Alba 

North  Avenue 


CHRISTOPHER  EVANS 

Lmdblom  H,  S. 

Jimmie  L.  Evans 

69th  Street 


SYLVIA  FIELDS 

St.  Ignatius  H.S. 

Mary  Fields 

North  Section 


TERRI  L.JOHNSON 
Corliss  H.  S. 
Mary  Fields 
North  Section 


STEPHANIE  JONES 

Calumet  Park  H.  S. 

Anthony  Jones 

Archer 


DAVID  J.  MARTIN 

Hales  Franciscan 

James  L.  Martin 

South  Shops 


JAMES  L.  MARTIN 
Hales  Franciscan 


SHEILA  R.  MARTIN 

Calumet  H.S. 

Lewis  C.  Martin 

West  Shops 


DENISEMC  LANE 

Lindblom  H.S. 

Jim  Mc  Lane 

61st  Street 


SHAMA  MUSHTAQ 

Roosevelt  H.  S. 

Ahmed  Mushtaq 

North  Park 


RECHARDPEEL 

Robeson  H,  S. 

Ron  Peel 

Schedules 


JAMES  SIMMONS  JR. 

Boston  Univ. 

James  Simmons  Sr. 

61st  Street 


JANET  M.SIMS 

Mother  McAuley 

James  W.  Sims 

District  A 


JOHN  T,  STILES 

Niles  North  H,  S. 

John  F.  Stiles 

Howard 


ROYSZARAFINSKI 

Luther  South  H.S. 

Stan  Szarafinski 

Archer 


CALVIN  THOMAS  JR. 
De  LaSalle  Inst. 
Cecile  Thomas 
South  Section 


CATHERINE  VILLANUEVA 

Schaumburg  H.  S, 

Daniel  Villanueva 

Instruction 


PENNIE  WALLACE 

Kenwood  Academy 

Paul  Wallace 

Security 


KENNETH  WEAVER 

Harlan  H.S. 

James  W.  Weaver 

South  Shops 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Richard  U.  Willis 


Birnest  M.  Hicks 


Employees  earn  degrees 

Two  engineering  department  personnel  and  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Public  Affairs  department  have  earned 
bachelors  or  masters  degrees  this  year  with  the  help 
of  the  CTA's  Tuition  Aid  Plan. 

Richard  U.  (Rick)  Willis,  feature  writer/editorial 
assistant.  Public  Affairs,  earned  a  master  of  arts  de- 
gree in  media  communications  from  Governors  State 
University.  A  bachelor  of  science  degree  in  organi- 
zational behavior/personnel  from  Northwestern  Uni- 
versity  was  awarded  to    signal  designer  Birnest  M. 


Daniel  A.  Badon 


Allan  R.  Barker 


Hicks,  and  a  bachelor  of  arts  degree  in  business  ad- 
ministration from  St.  Xavier  College  was  awarded  to 
equipment  design  draftsman  Daniel  A.  Badon.  More 
than  150  other  employees  are  receiving  tuition  aid  for 
studies  in  a  variety  of  fields. 

Another  member  of  the  Engineering  dspartment, 
electrical  design  engineer  Allan  R.  Barker,  received 
a  master  of  science  degree  in  management  of  public 
services  from  DePaul  University.  Barker  was  the 
recipient  of  a  fellowship  under  the  U.S.  Department  of 
Transportation,  Federal  Highway  Administration  Fel- 
lowship and  Scholarship  program. 


Julius  Mason,  a  CTA  police  officer,  was 
honored  at  a  surprise  party  which  was  given 
in  his  honor  last  month  by  co-workers  at  the 
Merchandise  Mart  as  Mason  and  his  family 
prepared  to  move  to  San  Antonio,  Texas. 
Officer  Mason  joined  the  CTA  Security 
department  in  June,  1977,  after  more  than  13 
years  in  law  enforcement.  He  had  been  as- 
signed to  duty  in  the  CTA  Chairman's  Office 
since  August,  1980. 


Among  the  varied  activities  in  the  Maintenance  Training  Center  at  Lawndale  garage,  maintenance 
workers  are  instructed  in  the  proper  use  of  oxy/acetylene  heating  and  cutting  equipment  by 
members  of  the  MTC  staff.  Instruction  includes  how  to  set  up  equipment,  safety  standards,  the 
proper  method  of  cutting  various  metals,  and  storage.  MTC  staffer  John  Kilstrom,  left,  leads  a 
class  discussion. 


JULY.  1981 


13 


South  Shops'  Pride  Day 

Nearly  1,300  people,  including  CTA  employees, 
their  families  and  friends,  attended  an  Open  House- 
Pride  Day  at  South  Shops  on  Sunday,  May  17. 

An  old  ticket  agent's  bell  counter  was  used  to  check 
in  the  visitors  entering  the  South  Shops'  main  en- 
trance. 

They  toured  the  usually  busy  areas  of  the  sprawling 
facility  along  roped  walkways  to  view  the  work  loca- 
tions and  hear  volimteers  explain  how  the  various  op- 
erations and  crafts  are  conducted  during  working  days. 

Eight  South  Shops  employees  organized  the  Open 
House-Pride  Day  event.  They  are  committee  chair- 
man   Marshall    "Butch"    Coleman,   carpenter;    Terry 


Reilly,  electrician  leader;  Jerry  Walters,  foreman, 
engine  rebuild  area;  Hubert  Thomas, leader,  mechani- 
cal section;  Frank  Gray,  mechanic;  Levi  Vetaw,  car- 
penter, and  Walter  Street  and  Roy  Evans  Sr.,  mechanic 
leaders. 

Forty-four  other  employees  volimteered  their  days 
off  to  help  make  the  event  informative  and  fun  for  the 
families  and  friends  of  South  Shops  workers.  Candy 
the  Clown  was  on  hand  to  give  out  colorful  balloons  to 
the  smaller  visitors. 

Visitors  took  brief  tripsin  an  articulated  bus  on  the 
adjacent  parking  lot  and  viewed  the  two  mini-buses,  the 
new  articulated  model  and  the  older  standard  model, 
both  built  by  explorer  scouts  who  received  guidance 
from  volimteers  at  South  Shops. 


RIGHT:  Tom  Dimikaitus,  electrical  worker 
(behind  workbench),  demonstrates  rewinding 
of  electrical  component  to  visitors. 
BELOW  LEFT:  Carpenters  (from  left)  Robert 
Hargrave,  Terry  Murtaugh,  Roy  Evans  and 
Jeffery  Sweda  view  the  festivities  through  a 
rebuilt  bus  window  frame.  BELOW  RIGHT: 
Marshall  "Butch"  Coleman,  carpenter,  com- 
mittee chairman  (right),  and  Terry  Reilly, 
electrician  leader,  a  member  of  the  planning 
committee. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


TOP,  LEFT  TO  RIGHT:  William  Miller,  body 
shop  foreman,  and  his  wife,  Zenna.  Robert 
Mandujan,  upholsterer,  his  wife,  Juanita, 
and  son.  Marc.  Stuart  Maginnis,  director, 
support  services.  Maintenance  department, 
holds  his  three-year-old  grandson,  Stuart  Kim. 
LEFT:  Casimir  Noga  (left),  sheet  metal 
worker,  and  visitors  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sean  White 
and  their  children.  BELOW  LEFT:  Trying 
out  the  mini-articulated  bus  Is  George 
Pickett,  manager.  Transit  Sales,  M.A.N.  Truck 
and  Bus  Corp.,  Southfield,  Mich.,  builders  of 
the  Big  Bend  buses.  With  Pickett  is  Richard 
Schneider  (center),  area  superintendent, 
automotive  vehicle  maintenance,  and  Harold 
H.  Geissenheimer,  General  Operations  Man- 
ager. BELOW  RIGHT:  Frank  Venezia, 
superintendent.  Bus  Shops,  and  his  wife, 
Mary,  three-year-old  twins  Tony  and  Paul, 
and  eight-year-old  daughter,  AnnMarie. 


JULY,  1981 


15 


^i^« 

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1 

CTA  sports  award  banquet 

The  CTA  social  event  of  the  year  was  the  Sports  Award  Banquet  held 
at  McCormick  Place  on  Saturday,  June  13,  which  was  attended  by  more 
than  200  people. 

CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  addressed  the  audience  and  assured 
them  of  management's  endorsement  of  the  sports  program. 

The  basketball  and  volleyball  programs  are  under  the  guidance  of  Wil- 
son Williams  and  Dianna  Caston,  respectively,  with  Arliss  Jones  as  chief 
consultant. 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  Barnes  addressed  the 
sports  participants  and  congratulated  each  one 
for  a  job  well  done. 


The  77th  Street  garage,  first  place  winners  in  the  basketball  league  are 
pictured  here  displaying  the  station  trophy  presented  to  them.  From 
left,   George   Taylor,   Tyrone   Brown,   Eugene   Tate,  Clarence   Davis, 


Milton  Harris,  Earl  Pope,  John  Riouse,  McClinton  Porter,  superinten- 
dent, 77th  Street  garage,  J.  C.  White,  superintendent,  69th  Street  gar- 
age, and  Henry  Ragsdale. 


ABOVE:  Members  of  the  American  League  all-star  basketball  team  show  off  plaques  presented  to 
them.  From  left,  George  Taylor,  Tyrone  Brown,  Henry  Ragsdale,  John  Riouse  (behind  Ragsdale), 
John  Harvey,  Wade  Jones,  Joe  Milbrook,  Rick  Adams  and  Reggie  Williams.  RIGHT:  Ron  Tuck 
was  master  of  ceremonies  for  the  awards  presentation. 


16 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Members  of  the  National  League  all-star 
basketball  team  display  plaques  they  received 
at  the  awards  banquet.  From  left.  Wade  Sim- 
mons, James  Bonds,  James  Spraggs,  Paul 
Phillips,  Chester  Kidd,  Bennie  Sellers,  Charles 
Hill  and  Larry  McNeil. 


Showing  they  are  number  one,  are  the  Lawndale  garage  volleyball  team. 
Kneeling  are  Walter  Caston,  Clark  Carter,  assistant  superintendent, 
Lawndale,  and  Richard  Williams.   Standing  (from  left),  Johnny  Moore, 


Doris  Nailor,  Julia  Adams,  Johnny  Coleman,  Dorothy  Bentley,  Johnny 
Sherrod,  Mary  Rogers,  Willie  Brewster,  Melbernice  Simmons,  Al 
Brooks,  Vera  Tucker  and  Jeanette  Millines. 


The  Division  308  volleyball  team  displays  the 
second  place  trophies  received  at  the  awards 
presentation.  From  left,  John  Zupko,  super- 
intendent. Agents  Ethel  Spring,  Pat  Hodge, 
Barbara  Smith,  Manuel  Thirston,  Karen 
Flowers,  Crystal  Stevenson,  Jackie  Shannon, 
James  McPhee,  Debbie  Hamlin,  Alvis  Martin, 
Debra  Jones  and  John  Kolden. 


JULY,  1981 


17 


Coordinating  Committee 
elects  Legler 
first  vice  chairman 

Stephen  L.  Legler, 
director,  routes  &  sys- 
tems, Operations  Plan- 
ning department,  has 
been  elected  first  vice 
chairman  of  the  Transit 
Carriers  Coordinating 
Committee. 

The  Transit  Carriers 
Coordinating  Committee 
is  composed  of  repre- 
sentatives from  Chicago 
area  rail  and  bus  oper- 
ators and  federal  and 
state  transportation 

agencies. 

Conmiittee  members  meet  monthly  to  discuss  cur- 
rent transportation  issues  and  coordinate  operations. 
Cyril  Williams,  representative  of  the  Suburban  Trans- 
it System,  was  elected  chairman;  Robert  Marth,  Mil- 
waukee Road  railroad,  second  vice  chairman;  Mike 
Molsky,  Illinois  Central  Gulf  railroad,  treasurer,  and 
Elizabeth  A.  Harper,  Chicago  Area  Transportation 
Study,  secretary. 


Senior  citizen  of  the  year 

Retired  bus  operator  Frank  Machowski  (holding  plaque)  ('70, 
North  Avenue),  was  recently  honored  by  St.  Jerome's  church  in 
Phoenix,  Arizona,  with  its  Senior  Citizen  of  the  Year  award.  Louise 
Grant,  senior  citizen  club  coordinator  of  the  church,  said  Machowski 
was  unanimously  elected  for  the  award  for  1981,  because,  as  an  ardent 
member  of  the  club,  he  had  devoted  many  hours  of  his  time,  and  had 
made  financial  contributions  for  the  benefit  of  club  members. 

Machowski  also  received  an  award  from  the  Foundation  for  Senior 
Adult  Living,  of  Phoenix,  at  the  same  presentation  ceremony. 


Dr.  Irwin's 
incredible  journey 

Dr.  G.  H.  Irwin,  retired  CTA  medical  direc- 
tor, and  former  monthly  columnist  ("Medically 
Speaking")  for  Transit  News,  recently  wrote  a 
book  entitled  "Incredible  Auto  Journey,"  pub- 
lished by  Vantage  Press,  Inc.  Irwin's  book  de- 
tails an  auto  trip  he  and  three  other  young  grad- 
uate physicians  made  in  1922  around  the  peri- 
meter of  the  United  States.  They  journeyed  along 
the  Canadian  border,  the  Atlantic  coast,  the 
Gulf  of  Mexico,  the  Mexican  border,  and  the 
Pacific  coast. 

Dr.  Irwin  retired  from  the  CTA  in  1962,  after 
a  40-year  career  with  CTA  and  its  predecessor 
companies.  He  was  CTA  medical  director  from 
October,  1953,  until  his  retirement  in  Septem- 
ber, 1962. 


Craig  Heatter,  Director  of  Pensions  and  Administration,  accepts  tokens 
of  appreciation  from  the  pensions  staff  presented  by  William  Ashley 
(left),  manager.  Insurance  and  Pensions,  and  Michael  Brennan,  Pensions 
and  Administration  supervisor.  Heatter  recently  left  CTA  to  assume 
duties  as  Administrator  of  Employee  Pensions  for  the  City  of  Dallas, 
Texas. 


Michael  O'Malley,  formerll 
Wilson  Shops,  who  joined 
pensioners  on  July  1, 1971,  after 
30  years  of  service,  visited 
friends  at  the  Merchandise  Mart 
recently  where  he  introduced  his 
3-year-old  grandson,  Kevin.  The 
proud  grandfather  began  his; 
CTA  career  in  1941  as  a  motof- 
man  from  Armitage  barn. 


18 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


DELMVS  ALLEN,  Motorman, 

South  Section,  Emp.  6-25-51 
FRANCIS  HENGELS,  Machinist, 

Skokie  Shop,  Emp.  5-18-71 
JOHN  Mccarty  Jr„  conductor. 

Forest  Park,  Emp.  4-23-48 
EDWARD  MCDONNELL,  Bus  Servicer, 

Limits,  Emp.  7-31-48 
JOHN  MILAN,  Motorman, 

Douglas,  Emp.  3-19-51 
WILLIE  POWELL,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  10-10-47 
MALDWIN  REED,  Operator, 

Beverly,  Emp.  7-3-46 
BRUNO  ROSKLTSZK.A,  Painter, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  11-23-42 
ROBERT  RYAN,  Yard  Foreman, 

Kimball,  Emp.  12-8-47 
STANLEY  SADOWSKI,  Box  Puller, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  8-24-45 
JOSEPH  SANHAMEL,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  9-10-73 
GEORGE  SCHULTZ,  Carpenter, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  10-25-45 
DONALD  SPARKS,  Bus  Repairer, 

North  Park,  Emp.  2-3-51 
ROBERT  WHEELER,  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section,  Emp.  1-3-61 


DISABILrTY  RETIREMENTS 

THEODORE  CARTER,  Operator, 
77th  Street,  Emp.  1-29-68 

JAMES  REGAN,  Electrician  B, 
West  Shops,  Emp.  4-19-71 

ROY  WILLIAMS,  Ticket  Agent, 
South  Section,  Emp.  10-7-70 


We're  sorry  . . . 

In  the  March,  1981,  issue  of  Transit 
News,  we  inadvertently  omitted  the 
name  of  Willard  Frieb,  North  Park, 
who  celebrated  35  years  of  service. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 

Volume  34  Number  7 

Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA 

by  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 

Manager. 

Editorial    and    graphics    by    the    Public    Affairs 

Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager. 

Director  of  Publications:  Jack  Sowchin 
Production  Assistant:  Editorial  Assistant: 

Mel  Alexander  Rick  Willis 

Contributing  Writers:  Elda  Leal, 
Jeff  Stern,  Don  Yabush 
Typesetting  and  printing  provided  by  the  Manage- 
ment Services  Depaitment. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees-  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  S2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  July 


40  years 


30  years 


James  Andriacchi,  Electrical 
Arthur  Bradford,  69th  Street 
Leroy  Bush,  Maintenance 
Harry  L.  Carter,  77th  Street 
Robert  L.  Denton,  77th  Street 
John  A.  Dilworth,  Adm.  Services 
Claude  L.  Dunlap,  61st  Street 
Walter  F.  Gibson  Jr.,  Archer 
Levi  Gipson,  69th  Street 
Cecil  F.  Graves,  Ash!and/95th 
Elcosie  Gresham,  77th  Street 
Willie  Lewis,  Racine 
Clarence  E.  Matthews,  Archer 
John  H.  McGhee,  Lawndale 
Herbert  L.  McKnight,  52nd  Street 
Jammie  H.  Morris,  Howard/Kimball 
Edward  J.  Reason,  Instruction 
Edward  F.  Reaux,  Control  Center 
Ralph  E.  Robinson,  Howard 
Jack  Scurte,  North  Avenue 


Harold  J.  Rowbottom 

Street  Traffic 


25  years 


35  years 


Leroy  J,  Carr,  North  Park 

Jack  R.  Carter,  Archer 

Robert  R.  Crane,  69th  Street 

Sam  Devuono,  Maintenance 

Lois  C.  Jahnke,  Revenue  Accounting 

Raymond  J.  Klaub,  South  Shops 

Robert  W.  Koehler,  Archer 

John  A.  Schwartz,  Howard/Kimball 

Donald  V.  St.  John,  Utility 

William  L.  Thomas,  District  A 

Theodore  F.  Zurek,  Lawndale 


Jonas  N.  Barnett,  Lawndale 
Claude  B.  Conwell,  69th  Street 
Mary  K.  Donohoe,  North  Section 
James  H.  Doss,  77th  Street 
Harry  Garrett,  Central  Counting 
Donald  D.  Grant,  Archer 
Fred  R.  Holden,  Archer 
Hubert  T.  Ligon,  69th  Street 
Rufus  E.  Meeks,  69th  Street 
W.  B.  Moore,  North  Avenue 
Douglas  Price,  77th  Street 
Robert  L.  Ross,  Lawndale 
Willie  C.  Satterfield,  Lawndale 
L.  J.  Simpson,  Lawndale 
Ernest  Tucker,  77th  Street 
Arthur  Williams  Jr.,  Maintenance 
Donald  Z.  Willingham,  Lawndale 


irr  is/l:eiis/lcd:e^x.a^is/l 


LLOYD  ABRAHAMSON,  78,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  6-24-29,  Died  5-14-81 
CARL  ARNESSON,  90,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  8-23-13,  Died  5-30-81 
LENZY  M.  BATTLE,  73,  South  Section, 

Emp.  5-18-51,  Died  5-29-81 
FREDERICK  COCHRANE,  79,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  11-30-25,  Died  5-25-81 
GEORGE  COCKLE,  84,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  4-4-16,  Died  5-19-81 
JOHN  CONWAY,  75,  Electrical, 

Emp.  6-4-26,  Died  5-29-81 
PHILIP  DI  FRANCO,  81,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  6-4-41,  Died  5-10-81 
JOHN  DONOVAN,  75,  Executive, 

Emp.  12-11-26,  Died  5-16-81 
LEROY  DUTTON,  74,  Schedules, 

Emp.  3-2-25,  Died  5-8-81 
JOHN  GIBBONS,  74,  Campaign  Area, 

Emp.  8-20-41,  Died  5-23-81 
ELLSWORTH  GLINES,  79,  North  Park, 

Emp.  2-29-44,  Died  5-30-81 
CHARLES  GRADT,  84,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  12-31-19,  Died  5-12-81 
EDWARD  GULLY,  78,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  3-13-43,  Died  5-2-81 


JOHN  GUZALDO,  69,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  4-14-43,  Died  5-15-81 
EDWARD  HEFFERNAN,  91,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  9-25-20,  Died  5-14-81 
FRANK  JAMROCH,  86,  Limits, 

Emp.  1-6-44,  Died  5-2-81 
JOSEPH  KLIMAS,  82,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  9-10-45,  Died  5-11-81 
ANTON  KOEHLER,  82,  Lawndale, 

Emp.  1-14-26,  Died  5-24-81 
EARL  LITTLEFIELD,  89,  Transportation, 

Emp.  11-22-44,  Died  5-10-81 
WILLIAM  MAEHR,  81,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  9-28-16,  Died  3-21-81 
NEWTON  MEYERS,  75,  Limits, 

Emp.  4-7-43,  Died  5-1-81 
WILLL\M  PEARSON,  71,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  5-27-41,  Died  5-2-81 
SERGIO  RODRIGUEZ,  45,  Labor  Relations, 

Emp.  3-4-74,  Died  6-3-81 
JAMES  SMITH,  49,  Schedules, 

Emp.  5-20-54,  Died  5-20-81 

CLARENCE  THOMAS,  58,  South  Section, 

Emp.  12-22-64,  Died  5-17-81 


JULY.  1981 


19 


eta- 

I'  BUS 


Family  day  planned  for  Bus  Roadeo  final 


Plans  are  set  for  the  CTA  Bus 
Roadeo  final  competition  at  Soldier 
Field  on  August  23  beginning  at  9  a.m. 
Twenty  bus  operators  are  eligible  to 
participate  in  the  contest. 

The  event  is  being  heralded  as  a 
CTA  family  day  of  activities.  Bus 
Roadeo  officials  said  family  members 
and  friends  who  plan  to  see  the  Roadeo 
may  wish  to  bring  box  lunches  for  the 
occasion.  Plans  call  for  providing  free 
beverages  for  all  as  well  as  activities  for 
children. 

The  first  place  winner  will  receive 
a  trophy  and  an  all  expense  paid  trip 
for  two  to  Toronto,  Canada.  This 
operator  will  also  be  CTA's  representa- 
tive at  the  American  Public  Transit 
Association's  (APTA)  International  Bus 
Roadeo,  which  will  be  held  in  the 
Chicago    area,    October    8-1 0^  in   con- 


junction  with   the   APTA  convention. 

The  second  place  winner  will 
receive  a  trophy  and  a  $500  U.S. 
Savings  Bond,  and  will  take  the  place  of 
the  winner  if  that  individual  is  not 
available  for  the  International  Bus 
Roadeo. 

The  third  place  winner  will  receive 
a  trophy  and  a  $200  U.S.  Savings  Bond. 

The  fourth  place  winner  will  receive 
a  trophy  and  a  $100  U.S.  Savings 
Bond.  All  members  of  the  Winning 
Circle  20  and  participants  in  the  final 
competition  will  receive  a  pair  of 
dinner-theatre  tickets  and  a  CTA  Bus 
Roadeo  commemorative  belt  buckle 
and  belt. 

Roadeo  officials  said  that,  prior 
to  the  final  competition,  contestants 
will  have  one  day  to  practice  the 
competition  course. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   No.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRARY 
N0RTHV;3STERN  UNIVERSITY 
1310  HINMAN  AVENUE 
SVAKSTON,  IL         60201 


rMic 


cUx  S7<^y  tj  ^  Ua_^  -V-  ct^'  w+-  ii^^f-^vvt£/cf^ 


CTA  Technical  Institute 

is  a  valuable  learning  experience 


CTA  employees,  proudly  ejqilaining 
and  demonstrating  the  intricacies  and 
responsibilities  of  their  jobs,  have 
made  the  CTA  Technical  Institute  one 
of  the  most  valuable  and  internationally 
rect^nized  learning  experiences  in  the 
transit  industry.  Their  efforts  also  help 
visitors  gain  a  greater  appreciation 
of  the  importance  of  transit  to  the  ur- 
ban economy  and  an  understanding  of 
the  challenges  which  must  be  met  to 
provide  good  service. 

Constant  improvement 

The  47th  Chicago  Transit  Authority 
Technical  Institute,  held  Monday,  July 
13,  throu^  Saturday,  July  18,  1981, 
reflects  a  high  degree  of  sophistication 
resulting  from  years  of  evaluation  and 
ccmstant  improvement.  Lecture  pre- 
sentations, with  CTA  employees  serv- 
ing as  teachers,  have  been  enhanced 
through  the  increased  use  of  audio- 
visual aids  and  the  allocation  of  more 
time  for  questions  and  discussion.  A 
detailed  manual  augments  presenta- 
tions, and  the  schedule  has  been  fine- 
tuned  to  arrange  a  stimulating  balance 
of  lectures,  field  tours,  hands-on  parti- 
cipation, and  informal  activities. 


Lecture  sessions  cover  all  opera- 
tion and  support  functions  from  train- 
ing and  safety  to  capital  development, 
funding,  public  relations,  personnel 
policies,  claim  settlements,  and  many 
others. 

One  of  the  highlights  is  "Once  Upon 
a  Timetable."  This  20-minute  multi- 
media presentation,  conceived  by 
CTATI  Coordinator  Ron  We  slow  and 
produced  by  the  Training/Develop- 
ment programs  section  of  the  Human 
Resources  department,  blends  slides, 
movies,  narration,  and  musical  back- 
ground to  give  an  exciting  historical 
perspective  of  transit  development  in 
Chicago.  Another  highlight  is  a  video- 
tape entitled  "The  Urban  Challenge." 
Through  on-location  scenes  and  intei> 
views  with  commuters  and  local  busi- 
ness leaders  and  transit  experts,  it 
demonstrates  the  value  of  transit  as 
the  lifeblood  of  the  city. 

>■  (Continued  Page  2) 

■  ■     ^^fl    FOR  EMPLOYEES 


Bob  Janz,  superintendent,  rail  in- 
struction, explains  operations  of 
Howard  terminal  and  rail  yard  as 
CTATI  participants  view  the  oper- 
ations from  overhead  pedestrian 
bridge  at  Howard  terminal. 

"/  think  it's  good— CTA 
quality  of  workmanship,  pride 
in  work  -  everybody  trying  to 
do  the  best  possible  job  that 
can  be  done.  The  spirit  says  a 
lot  about  management,  training, 
promotion,  etc. " 

Ann  Johnson 

Manager,  Transportation  Analysis 

&  Support  Services 

Metropolitan  Atlanta 

Rapid  Transit  Authority 

Atlanta,  Georgia 

"Detroit  is  bus-oriented--not 
much  rail,  one  commuter  line. 
Your  overall  program  is  inform- 
ative and  educational.  Em- 
ployee morale  is  high;  attitudes 
were  100%.  Everybody  at  CTA 
is  enthusiastic.  " 

Leon  Terry 

Assistant  Superintendent 

of  Maintenance 

Southeastern  Michigan 

Transportation  Authority 

Detroit,  Michigan 


AND  RETIREES 

AUGUST,  1981 


"This  is  the  greatest  thing 
that  ever  happened  to  me.  I  got 
to  learn  how  all  the  other 
departments  and  people  I  work 
with  fit  into  the  company  .  .  . 
Great  chance  for  our  employees 
to  take  pride  in  their  work  and 
show  people  what  they  're  doing. 
It's  good  to  have  CTA  people 
in  (the  CTA  TI)  because  they 
also  get  involved  in  showing 
off  for  outsiders.  " 

Ronald  Glaser 

Value/Testing  Engineer 

Materials  Management 

Chicago  Transit  Authority 


At  the  South  Shops  bus  maintenance 
facility  (right),  Jim  Forrestal,  unit 
supervisor,  bus  shops  (far  right),  ex- 
plains the  volume  and  types  of  work 
performed  in  the  brake  shop.  In  the 
sign  shop  at  South  Shops  (below), 
painter  Jim  Haynie  demonstrates 
silkscreening  of  CTA  bus  stop  signs 
for  Joe  Magaldi,  Honolulu  DTS 
Services,  and  Ron  Glaser,  CTA 
Materials  Management  department. 


Technical  Institute 

(Continued  from  Front  Cover) 

Participants  also  view  a  training 
videotape  where  bus  operators  discuss 
their  methods  of  "Handling  the  Public" 
and  portions  of  the  "Bus  Operator 
Security"  videotape,  which  is  part  of  a 
security  training  program  for  operat- 
ing employees  pioneered  by  CTA.  Near 
the  end  of  the  week-long  CTATI,  an- 
other multi-screen  slide, presentation 
entitled  "The  Reason  Why"  reinforces 
the  importance  of  transit  in  modem 
society. 

Out  in  the  field 

Extensive  tours  of  maintenance  fa- 
cilities, operating  locations,  and  other 
points  of  interest  have  always  been 
important  features  of  the  CTA  Tech- 
nical Institute. 

In  Maintenance,  special  emphasis 
is  given  to  innovative  improvements 
devised  by  CTA  personnel.  The  de- 
velopment of  new  tools,  modification 
of  shop  equipment  and  vehicle  systems, 
and  the  implementation  of  new  pro- 
cedures have  enabled  the  shops  to  hold 
down  costs  and  increase  productivity. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


"We  in  Miami  think  the 
CTATI  is  a  very  worthwhile 
program.  Most  of  our  upper 
and  middle  level  managers  have 
attended,  and  we  hope  to  have 
all  our  managers  attend. 

"Although  ours  is  a  smaller 
transit  system,  we  can  learn  a 
lot  from  the  CTA,  because  we 
expect  to  expand  our  bus  sys- 
tem and  develop  a  rapid  transit 
system.  " 

Peter  Packer 

Assistant  General  Superintendent 

of  Transportation 

Metro  Transit  Agency 

Miami,  Florida 


At  the  Maintenance  Training  Center, 
John  Thompson  (left),  bus  in- 
structor, explains  maintenance 
troubleshooting  of  bus  rear  door 
system  to  Mary  Lou  Echternach, 
Southern  California  Rapid  Transit 
District;  Joe  Magaldi,  Honolulu  DTS 
Services;  Aimee  Figueroa,  CTATI 
assistant,  and  Calvin  Pittner,  Urban 
Mass  Transportation  Administration, 
Chicago. 


Participants  tour  the  shops  in  small 
groups,  so  there  is  adequate  opportunity 
to  discuss  maintenance  activities  with 
line  supervisors  and  maintenance 
workers.  Hands-on  participation  is 
encouraged  at  the  Maintenance  Train- 
ing Center,  where  CTATI  participants 
trouble  shoot  maintenance  problems  on 
training  equipment  and  mock-ups.  The 
computerized  Vehicle  Maintenance 
System  which  assures  adherence  to 
preventive  maintenance  schedules  is 
also  demonstrated. 

In  Transportation,  the  CTATI  visits 
every  type  of  operating  location  in- 
cluding bus  garages  and  rapid  transit 
terminals,  an  electronic  interlocking 
switch  tower,  and  the  modernized  CTA 
Control  Center. 

Through  practice  operation  of  a  bus 
and  a  rapid  transit  train,  participants 
experience  the  operator's  point  of  view. 
Each  participant  drives  a  40-foot  long 
bus  through  a  braking  (skidding)  ma- 
neuver on  a  wet  surface,  and  a  tight 
zig-zag  course  defined  by  pylons,  re- 
quiring careful  observation  and  good 
judgment.  Practice  train  operation  is 
provided  at  the  SkoMe  Shop  test  track, 
where     each    participant    operates    a 


train  under  the  watchful    eye   of  the 
electronic  cab  signaling  system. 

Other  tour  highlights  Include  a  walk 
through  a  subway  tube,  a  lecture  and 
demonstration  ride  on  the  new  lift- 
equipped  buses  which  serve  mobility- 
limited  riders  in  CTA's  new  Special 
Services  program,  and  a  visit  to  the 
RTA  Travel  Information  Center. 

Bus  Transitways  Tour 

The  new  Bus  Transitways  Tour 
dramatically  demonstrates  CTA's 
heaviest  concentration  of  rush-hour 
bus  ridership.  While  the  CTATI  par- 
ticipants ride  a  chartered  bus  through 
Downtown  Chicago,  Operations  Plan- 
ning personnel  explain  the  development 
and  operation  of  the  State  Street  Trans- 
it Mall,  which  is  limited  to  use  by  CTA 
buses  and  emergency  vehicles,  and  the 
reverse  flow  bus  lanes  in  the  Loop, 
where  CTA  east-west  bus  routes  and 
shuttle  buses  run  in  exclusive  curb 
lanes  in  the  opposite  direction  of  other 
traffic.  These  routes  are  compared 
with  a  ride  on  Michigan  Avenue,  where 
rush-hour  operation  on  a  normal  street 
in  mixed  traffic  is  demonstrated. 

(Continued  Page  4) 


"Most  important  is  the  op- 
portunity to  compare  your  own 
agency  with  another  large  agen- 
cy. People  you  meet  from 
other  agencies  give  you  a  val- 
uable comparison  of  how  the 
agencies  would  handle  problems. 
The  sessions  are  intense  with  a 
tremendous  amount  of  infor- 
mation .  .  .  All  of  us  will  go 
back  with  an  understanding  of 
how  CTA  functions  and  a 
greater  appreciation  of  how 
problems  are  solved.  Friends 
I  have  made  here  will  prove  to 
be  a  valuable  source  of  infor- 
mation exchange.  CTA  staff 
has  been  most  generous  in 
giving  time  and  information. 
I  was  amazed  that  most  social 
conversations  were  transit  re- 
lated--like  working  16  hours 
a  day. " 

Mary  Lou  Echternach 

Community  Relations 

Representative 

Southern  California 

Rapid  Transit  District 

Los  Angles,  California 


AUGUST,  1981 


At  the  Skokie  Shop  rail  vehicle 
maintenance  facility  (above),  George 
Haenisch,  superintendent,  rail  vehicle 
shops,  explains  maintenance  require- 
ments of  a  truck  assembly  for  a  rapid 
transit  car  to  (from  left)  James 
Wilson,  Southeastern  Michigan  Trans- 
portation Authority;  Samuel  Smith, 
CTA  Transportation  department; 
Mary  Lou  Echternach,  Southern 
California  Rapid  Transit  District,  and 
Ron  Glaser,  CTA  Materials  Manage- 
ment department.  Towerman 
Juretta  Shields  (right,  above) 
explains  operation  of  electronic 
interlocking  switch  tower  at  Clark 
Junction. 


"I've  been  looking  forward  to 
this  for  years.    It 's  much  more 
interesting  than  most  academ- 
ically-oriented seminars. . .  Arty- 
one  who  thinks  the  CTATI  is 
easy  is  in  for  a  surprise.     Ten 
to  twelve  hours  with  lunch  and 
a  couple  of  breaks  is  not  easy.  " 
Clark  Schneider 
Chief  Project  Coordinator 
Chicago  Area  Transportation  Study 

"PATCO  is  a  smaller  system 
than  CTA.  rail  only,  and  fully 
automated.  It's  most  inter- 
esting to  learn  about  the  com- 
plex problems  encountered  by  a 
larger  system  that  combines 
bus  and  rail. " 

John  Gary  Tilton 

Sergeant  of  Police 

Port  Authority 

Transit  Corporation 

Camden,  New  Jersey 


Technical  Institute 

(Continued  from  Page  3) 

At  mid-morning  on  Friday,  another 
new  CTATI  innovation  proves  to  be  a 
great  success.  Participants  were  in- 
vited to  tell  about  their  own  transit 
systems.  Some  offer  audio-visual 
presentations,  or  distribute  maps, 
schedules,  publications,  advertising 
materials,  and  souvenirs.  The  Parti- 
cipants' Roundtable  is  another  exciting 
opportunity  to  share  Information,  and 
it  will  continue  to  be  an  important 
feature  of  future  CTATIs. 

Throughout  the  week,  opportunities 
to  meet  informally  with  CTA  manage- 
ment and  staff  are  provided.  Program 
presenters,  tour  guides,  and  managers 
concerned  with  each  day's  events  at- 
tend the  group  limcheons,  and  an  in- 
formal reception  is  held  one  evening 
later  in  the  week. 

Educational  bargain 

The  CTA  Technical  Institute  pays 
for  itself,  and  it's  a  real  bargain.  The 
$500  fee  covers  everything  except  ho- 
tel accommodations  and  non-related 
meals.  A  pass  entitles  participants  to 
ride  CTA  free  during  the  week  of  the 
Institute.  Lodging  is  arranged  at  gov- 
ernment rates  at  one  hotel,  which  re- 
duces costs  and  encourages  group  in- 
teraction during  free  time. 

More  than  800  people  from  around 


the  world  have  attended  the  CTA  Tech- 
nical Institute,  which  has  been  held  at 
least  four  times  per  year  since  1973. 
A  typical  session  is  attended  by  25 
managerial  orprofessional  representa- 
tives from  transit-related  agencies 
nationwide,  Including  operating  prop- 
erties, governmental  units,  suppliers, 
universities,  and  news  media. 

The  diverse  interests  and  back- 
grounds represented  contribute  to  an 
extended  learning  experience,  as  dis- 
cussions of  CTA  procedures  and  prob- 
lems often  stimulate  group  discussion 
of  problems  encountered  throughout  the 
transit  industry.  Both  practical  and 
theoretical  aspects  of  transit  are  dis- 
cussed, examining  the  current  state  of 
the  art,  and  seekingways  to  improve  it. 

The  improvements  in  the  CTATI 
have  largely  been  the  result  of  feed- 
back solicited  from  the  participants. 
Detailed  evaluation  forms  are  com- 
pleted daily,  and  each  participant  re- 
ceives an  overall  evaluation  form  a 
few  weeks  after  the  conclusion  of  the 
program. 

All  CTA  departments  haveshownthe 
utmost  cooperation  in  revising  and  up- 
dating their  presentations.  During  the 
last  two  years,  over  150  improvements 
have  been  made  in  the  program  by 
CTATI  Coordinator  Ron  Weslow  and 
other  members  of  the  Training/De- 
velopment programs  section  of  the 
Human  Resources  department. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Calvin  Pittner  (above  left),  UMTA, 
Chicago,  watches  the  mirrors  as  he 
drives  a  bus  through  a  zig-zag  ma- 
neuver at  North  Avenue  garage,  and 
John  Gary  Tilton  (above).  Port 
Authority  Transit  Corporation, 
Camden,  New  Jersey,  operates  a 
2400  series  rapid  transit  train  on  the 
test  track  at  Skokie  Shop. 


A  35-foot  FIxible  bus,  retrofitted 
with  a  wheelchair  lift  at  South  Shops 
for  use  in  CTA  Special  Services,  is 
viewed  by  (from  left)  Emanuel 
Porter,  CTA  Maintenance  depart- 
ment; Steve  Schlickman,  CTA 
External  Affairs  division;  Mary  Lou 
Echternach,  Southern  California 
Rapid  Transit  District,  and  Thomas 
McNichols,  Regional  Transportation 
Authority,  Chicago. 

Participants  take  a  walking  tour  of 
the  State  Street  subway. 


"I'm  a  Finance  person,  so  I 
don 't  get  out  in  the  field  much. 
This  has  been  one  hell  of  an 
experience.  I'm  impressed  with 
the  size  of  the  Chicago  system 
and  the  dedication  of  CTA 
employees.  They're  proud  of 
their  work  and  sensitive  to 
criticism.  Authority  seemed  to 
be  self-efficient,  not  much  out- 
side help  or  consultants.  The 
CTA  TI  is  excellent,  well  worth 
the  time  and  trouble.  " 

Nate  Adams 

Finance  Manager,  Grants 

Southeastern  Michigan 

Transportation  Authority 

Detroit,  Michigan 


AUGUST,  1981 


.  ^n^o^^^ 


Special  Services 
personnel  receive 
sensitivity  training 

Thirty-five  of  CTA's  bus  oper- 
ators have  been  selected  to  work 
in  the  Special  Services  program, 
which  will  provide  service  for 
severely  mobility-limited  riders. 

Isaac  Beal,  superintendent. 
Special  Sei^ces,  said  that  while 
this  Initial  group  of  operators  is 
being  trained  to  be  sensitive  to  the 
needs  of  disabled  riders,  more 
employees  are  being  selected  for 
the  program. 

The  training  will  enable  the  op- 
erators to  provide  proper  assist- 
ance to  disabled  riders,  based  on 
an  understanding  of  the  special 
needs  caused  by  limited  mobility. 
Operators  are  thoroughly  trained 
in  the  use  of  wheelchair  lifts  and 
wheelchair  securing  devices  on 
board  the  special  vehicles,  and 
various  methods  of  safely  assist- 
ing mobility-limited  patrons  in 
negotiating  stairs,  ramps,  curbs, 
and  other  obstacles.  They  are 
also  familiarized  with  the  loca- 
tions and  accessibility  of  major 
hospitals,  recreational  facilities, 
business  centers  and  other  major 
points  of  interest  throughout  the 
City  of  Chicago. 

Special  Services  personnel  at 
all  levels,  from  bus  operators  to 
superintendent,  have  benefited 
from  the  initial  sensitivity  train- 
ing, which  was  conducted  by  Fred 
Schneider  of  the  Rehabilitation 
Institute  of  Chicago. 

"We  want  to  be  sure  that  each 
individual  understands  every  as- 
pect of  this  service  and  can  step 
in  wherever  needed  to  perform  the 
task  at  hand,  whatever  it  may  be," 
said  Beal.  "For  that  reason,  ev- 
erybody,   regardless    of  position. 


TOP:  Learning  to  maneuver  a 
wheelchair  is  especially  impor- 
tant to  operators  assigned  to 
Special  Services.  Participating  in 
this  training  exercise  are  Frank 
Jones  (in  wheelchair),  and  Wil- 
liam Claiborne,  bus  instructors. 
Observing  are  (from  left) 
Rudolph  Roach,  key  instructor, 
Washington  garage,  and  Harvey 
Kirkpatrick,  bus  instructor. 
RIGHT:  Learning  to  negotiate 
the  curb  with  a  wheelchair  is 
Transportation  Manager  James 
R.  Blaa.  Sharing  the  training 
exercise  are  (from  left),  Isaac 
Beal,  superintendent.  Special 
Services;  Ward  Chamberlain  (in 
wheelchair),  area  superinten- 
dent. Near  South,  and  Harvey 
Kirkpatrick,    bus  instructor. 


has  gone  through  the  same  train- 
ing." 

In  addition  to  the  sensitivity 
training,  operators  are  given  re- 
fresher courses  in  defensive  driv- 
ing techniques,  especially  relat- 
ing to  winter  driving  conditions. 
Practice  bus  operation  is  also 
being  conducted  throughout  the  city 
to  familiarize  the  operators  with 
Chicago's    neighborhoods    and    to 


determine  travel  times  between 
various  points  throughout  the  city. 
After  30  days  of  service,  bus 
operators  will  return  to  the  class- 
room, primarily  to  supply  pro- 
gram feedback.  "We  will  also  be 
looking  at  how  the  operators  are 
dealing  with  the  needs  of  their 
riders  in  specific  difficult  situa- 
tions that  may  be  encountered," 
said  Beal. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Chairman's  Report 

Special  Services 
begins  operation 
in  September 

Thousands  of  severely  mobility 
limited  Chicagoans  will  have  ac- 
cess to  mass  transit  facilities  as 
our  Special  Services  program  be- 
gins operation  in  September. 

This  special  group  of  passen- 
gers will  be  provided  with  a  fleet 
of  20  mini-buses  tailored  specifi- 
cally for  the  needs  of  the  disabled. 
These  buses  are  being  purchased 
with  the  aid  of  federal  and  state 
funds. 

Each  mini-bus  will  be  equipped 
with  a  wheelchair  lift  as  well  as 
other  special  features  to  accom- 
modate those  people  who  in  the 
past  have  not  been  able  to  use 
public  transportation. 

In  addition,  we  are  also  retro- 
fitting three  35-foot  buses  to  in- 
clude lifts  for  wheelchairs.  Our 
mechanics  have  done  an  outstand- 
ing job  of  renovating  these  buses 
to  meet  the  needs  of  this  very 
special  program.  The  fine  display 
of  craftsmanship  by  our  mainte- 
nance staff  has  played  a  very  im- 
portant part  in  the  program's  de- 
velopment. 

Certainly  much  effort  has  been 
applied  to  resolving  the  difficult 
question  of  how  to  best  serve  our 
severely  mobility  limited  custom- 
ers and  improve  accessibility  to 
transportation  in  Chicago. 

The  operators  selected  for  the 
Special  Services  program  are  a- 
mong  the  finest  of  our  Transporta- 
tion department  persamel.  They 
are  dedicated  to  excellence  in  pub- 
lic service,  and  seem  to  have  a 
special  affinity  for  the  require- 
ments of  working  with  these  spe- 
cial passengers. 

Training  for  this  group  of  CTA 
employees,  which  will  enhance 
their  sensitivity  to  the  needs  of  the 
mobility  limited ,  is  already  under- 
way. 

I  am  very  pleased  with  the  de- 
velopment of  the  Special  Services 
program  which  continues  to  have 
high  priority  ui  our  1981  program. 


CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  addressed  the  June  1981  graduating  class  of  Edward  Hartigan 
Elementary  School  on  the  city's  south  side  where  he  shared  the  story  of  his  success  from  bus 
operator  to  CTA  chairman  via  the  state  legislature.  He  assured  the  class  of  70  eighth  graders  of 
even  greater  things  awaiting  them.  "You  must  have  dreams  and  visions,  and  you  must  make  sure 
that  your  dreams  are  high.  Make  them  a  reality  by  making  a  commitment,"  he  said.  Recalling 
that  he  had  graduated  from  elementary  school  36  years  ago,  the  chairman  said,  "Thirty-six  years 
from  now.  Gene  Barnes  having  been  head  of  the  CTA,  or  a  state  representative,  will  seem  small  in 
comparison  to  your  own  accomplishments." 


Harold  H.  Geissenheimer,  General  Operations  Manager  (left),  assisted  by  Harvey  Kirkpatrick,  bus 
instructor,  conducts  a  guided  tour  of  the  CTA  Special  Services  facilities  at  the  Washington  garage 
for  two  members  of  the  Chicago  Area  Transportation  Study  (CATS)  Work  Program  Committee. 
Standing  on  the  lift  of  iJie  Special  Services  bus,  designed  to  accommodate  severely  mobility- 
limited  riders,  are  (from  left)  CATS  Executive  Director  Aristide  Biciunas  and  CATS  Director, 
Systems  Planning,  John  Orzeske.  CATS  previously  coordinated  development  of  an  overall  regional 
plan  for  transportation  of  the  severely  mobility-limited. 


AUGUST,  1981 


Advocates  train 

for  crisis  intervention 

A  woman  returning  to  her  parked  car  is  accosted 
by  a  man  with  a  knife  who  forces  her  to  enter  the  ve- 
hicle and  rapes  her.  Completely  devastated  by  the  ex- 
perience and  fearful  of  the  unknown,  the  victim  does 
not  report  the  incident. 

Statistics  from  the  Federal  Bureau  of  Investigation 
indicate  that  an  incident  of  sexual  assault  is  experi- 
enced by  someone  in  this  country  every  eight  minutes, 
regardless  of  status,  race,  age,  or  location.  Yet  only 
three  out  of  every  10  such  incidents  are  reported.  An 
overwhelming  number  of  these  crimes  of  violence  are 
not  reported  as  a  result  of  the  victim's  misconceptions 
and  fears  of  additional  problems  that  might  be  en- 
coimtered  during  the  aftermath  of  the  Incident, 

Transportation  Manager  James  Blaa,  aware  of  the 
traumatizing  effect  that  sexual  assault  inflicts  upon  the 
victim,  realized  the  need  for  a  more  sensitive  response 
in  the  event  of  an  employee-related  incident.  As  a 
result  of  his  concern,  an  advocacy  program  to  train 
female  employees  to  comfort  and  inform  a  rape  victim 
throughout  the  emotional  crisis  hasbeen  implemented, 
after  18  months  of  research  and  development. 

Assistant  Superintendent  Mary  Beth  Cobleigh,  who 
developed  the  program  mostly  on  her  own  time,  ex- 
plained that  the  CTA  is  providing  a  team  of  sensitive 
volunteer  CTA  women  advocates,  who  will  be  avail- 
able 24  hours  a  day,  to  provide  immediate  response 
to  the  needs  of  the  victim  in  the  event  of  sexual  assault. 

Employees  wishing  to  request  the  services  of  an 
advocate  should  phone  the  CTA  Control  Center,  day  or 
night,  at  664-9815.  The  service  may  also  be  requested 
by  an  employee  to  assist  an  immediate  family  mem- 
ber of  that  employee. 

From  the  moment  of  her  arrival  on  the  scene,  the 
advocate  will  comfort  and  assist  the  victim,  and  act  as 
a  sounding  board  if  the  victim  needs  to  talk.  She  will 
help  the  victim  through  the  traumatic  hours  that  fol- 
low the  assault  by  explaining  necessary  procedures 
and  informing  the  victim  of  the  availability  of  profes- 
sional counseling. 

As  a  sympathetic  intermediary  for  the  victim,  the 
advocate  may  be  required  to  speak  on  the  victim's  be- 
half during  police  investigation,  hospital  procedures, 
or  CTA  administrative  and  supervisory  details. 

The  advocate  may  also  help  the  victim  inform  her 
family  and  answer  any  questions  that  they  may  have 
concerning  subsequent  procedures. 

Expressing  enthusiasm  for  the  program,  Blaa  said, 
"I  have  a  great  concern  for  the  welfare  of  all  CTA 
personnel  and  their  families,  especially  our  Trans- 
portation people  who  are  most  vulnerable." 

The  advocates'  knowledge  and  empathy  are  de- 
veloped through  a  seminar  on  assault  and  rape  con- 
ducted at  the  Limits  training  center  in  conjunction 
with  the  Women's  Services  department  of  the  Loop 
Center  YWCA  of  Metropolitan  Chicago. 


Transportation  Manager  James  Blaa  congratulates  Dickelle  Fonda  (left), 
Barbara  Engel  (second  from  left),  and  Assistant  Superintendent  Mary 
Beth  Cobleigh  at  the  conclusion  of  the  first  three-day  advocate  training 
session. 

Recently,  15  management  and  professional  CTA 
women  attended  the  first  seminar  on  sexual  assault 
conducted  at  Limits.  The  training,  tailored  specifi- 
cally to  the  needs  of  CTA  women,  covered  the  psycho- 
logical impact  of  sexual  assault  on  the  victim,  her 
needs  during  the  aftermath,  the  legal,  medical,  and 
CTA  Involvement,  and  the  availability  of  individualized 
counseling  through  the  Women's  Services  department 
of  the  Loop  Center  YWCA. 

This  three-day  training  program  on  crisis  inter- 
vention was  led  by  Barbara  Engel  and  Dickelle  Fonda 
of  the  Women's  Services  department  of  the  Loop 
Center  YWCA,  which  has  been  actively  working  on  the 
development  of  effective  services  for  rape  victims 
since  1972.  They  now  offer  short  and  long-term 
counseling  for  rape  victims  and  their  families. 


Edward  Alexander,  Jr.,  a  bus  operator  from  77th  street  garage, 
his  wife,  Janet,  and  their  son,  Eddie,  were  guests  on  the 
American  Catholic  television  feature,  "The  Lifeblood  of 
Love:  Communications."  The  program  was  aired  Tuesday, 
August  18  over  Channel  38,  the  Christian  Broadcast  network. 
The  moderator  was  Father  John  Powell,  S.J. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Employees  honored  with  'A  Day  in  CTA' 


Special  recognition  for  outstanding  performance  was 
accorded  to  six  CTA  employees  representing  the  Transpor- 
tation and  Maintenance  departments. 

The  honorees  were  touted  by  management  as  they 
visited  the  general  office,  attended  the  regular  August 
meeting  of  the  CTA  board,  and  toured  the  control  center, 
travel  information  center  and  other  departments.  Other 
highlights  of  the  day  included  a  round  table  discussion  with 


management   and   lunch   at   the   Merchandise   Mart's   M&M 
Club. 

The  group  included  a  modem  day  "Good  Samaritan," 
a  no-nonsense  bus  operator  who  believes  in  discipline  for 
despicable  conduct,  a  repairman  who  returned  a  rider's 
briefcase,  and  three  persons  with  impeccable  work  records 
and  rates  of  efficiency  second  to  none. 


A  former  bus  operator  turned 
product  engineer,  Robert  C.  Lee, 
assigned  to  maintenance  at  South 
Shops,  guided  the  work  crew  that 
retrofitted  Flxible  buses  for  use  in  the 
Special  Services  program  serving 
severely  mobility-limited  riders.  Lee 
has  been  a  member  of  the  CTA  family 
for  16  years.  "A  Day  in  CTA  is  a  good 
way  to  let  employees  see  the  other  side 
of  the  fence,"  said  Lee,  who  was  re- 
cognized for  his  efficiency. 


North  Park  Operator  Antonio 
Jimenez,  a  full  time  temporary  em- 
ployee, came  to  the  recue  as  six  young 
men  were  assaulting  an  elderly  man  on 
June  7,  before  dawn,  near  Belmont 
avenue.  When  Jimenez,  a  graduate 
student  at  Northwestern  University, 
stopped  his  bus,  the  men  backed  away, 
and  their  victim  escaped  to  safety 
aboard  his  bus.  A  citizen's  commen- 
dation led  to  his  recognition.  "I 
would  hope  someone  would  do  the 
same  for  me  if  I  were  in  trouble,"  said 
the  modest  Jimenez. 


Disruption  and  abuse  need  not  be 
tolerated,  as  demonstrated  by  action 
taken  by  Operator  Michael  Doss. 
He  drove  his  bus  load  of  unruly  youths 
to  the  police  station,  as  they  attempted 
to  vandahze  his  bus  and  harrass  other 
riders  in  the  process.  Fines  were  levied, 
and  two  of  the  youths  were  taken  into 
custody,  "I'm  impressed  by  Transpor- 
tation's management  personnel  because 
they  seem  to  really  be  sensitive  to  the 
problems  of  operators,"  said  Doss,  a 
driver  for  1 1  years. 


If,  indeed,  a  good  name  is  to  be 
chosen,  rather  than  great  riches,  West 
Shops  foreman  John  Angel  has  suc- 
ceeded. Since  mere  commendation  was 
an  insufficient  reward  for  his  34  years 
of  outstanding  service,  he  was  feted 
with  "A  Day  in  CTA"  on  his  61st 
birthday.  Said  Angel,  "It  was  inter- 
esting to  see  how  things  work  in  the 
control  center,  and  to  see  all  the 
equipment  that  they  have  for  keeping 
track  of  buses." 


Surprise  was  the  response  of 
Roland  Scheibe,  employee  of  16  years, 
when  his  supervisor  informed  him  of 
the  letter  written  by  a  grateful  rider. 
Scheibe,  a  Desplaines  terminal  car  re- 
pairman, had  returned  the  rider's 
briefcase  after  finding  it  in  the  Des- 
plaines parking  lot.  "I  never  expected 
anything,  but  was  good  to  get  the 
letter,"  said  Scheibe,  who  also  in- 
dicated that  the  highlight  of  his  "Day 
in  CTA"  was  visiting  the  control  center. 


Good  teachers  are  often  forgotten, 
but  not  ticket  agent  MerUne  Mann,  a 
CTA  employee  for  lO'/z  years,  and 
mentor  for  a  younger  employee. 
That  employee's  appreciation  for  Ms. 
Mann's  guidance  during  her  manage- 
ment and  professional  training  led  to 
her  being  an  honoree.  She  was  also 
recognized  for  having  collected  many 
counterfeit  passes,  thus  saving  the 
CTA  many  fares.  "I  feel  good  about 
this  because  it  lets  me  know  that  I've 
helped  someone  who  has  appreciated 
it,"  said  the  West  Section  ticket  agent. 


AUGUST,  1981 


Carol  Miles  (F2nd  Street  garage) 
was  praised  by  Carl  Sylvester,  of 
Coles  Avenue,  for  the  way  she 
handled  her  #1  Drexel/Hyde 
Park  bus.  "The  thing  that  was 
most  remarkable  about  her  was 
the  pleasurable  and  professional 
manner  in  which  she  performed 
her  duties.  She  greeted  all  the 
passengers  with  a  'Good  evening. 
Welcome  aboard,'  and  she 
clearly  announced  every  stop. 
When  passengers  disembarked, 
she  told  us,  'Watch  your  step' 
and  'Have  a  nice  evening.' 
Several  passengers  had  questions, 
and  she  answered  them  in  a  most 
proficient  manner.  A  driver  of 
this  caliber  is  greatly  appre- 
ciated." 


Robert  Devitt  (North  Park  gar- 
age) caught  the  attention  of 
Dorothy  Mason,  who  lives  on 
Broadway  and  was  a  rider  on  his 
#151  Sheridan  bus.  "One  could 
not  help  noticing  his  calm  and 
polite  manner,  especially  to 
senior  citizens.  Also,  the  careful 
way  in  which  he  drove  and 
handled  the  bus.  It  was  a  very 
smooth  ride  from  the  Loop,  and 
a  pleasure.  He  showed  pro- 
fessionalism in  handling  the  bus 
and  in  creating  a  very  good 
atmosphere  among  the  passen- 
gers with  his  friendly  attitude  to 
everyone  getting  on  or  off.  It  is 
people  like  him  that  make  the 
world  a  better  place  for  the  rest 
of  us." 


commendation  comer 


Albert  Gamer  (North  Park  garage)  and  Roosevelt  Conklin 
(Archer  garage)  were  both  complimented  by  Anne  Worobiew, 
of  South  Honore  Street.  After  riding  Gamer's  #151 
Sheridan  bus,  she  said,  "He  is  one  of  the  most  patient, 
pleasant,  good-natured  men  in  the  world.  Eight  out  of  10 
people  asked  questions  getting  on  that  bus,  and  so  many  were 
'  dumb  '  or  obvious.  Yet  he  was  polite  and  pleasant  every 
time."  Regarding  Conklin's  handling  of  a  #94  South  Cali- 
fomia  bus,  she  said,  "After  a  group  of  young  men  got  on, 
something  smelled.  The  driver  stopped  to  let  someone  off, 
left  the  door  open  and  said,  'No  smoking  on  the  bus.'  He 
waited,  just  looking  in  the  mirror.  Then  he  said,  'You'll 
have  to  get  off  if  you  don't  stop  smoking.'  He  got  his  way 
quietly  and  firmly.  I  felt  very  safe  on  his  bus." 

Ivory  Graham  (South  Section)  was  admired  by  Christan 
Moffett,  of  Oak  Park,  "for  the  very  professional  and  re- 
sponsible manner  in  which  she  handled  her  duties"  on  a 
Lake/Dan  Ryan  train.  "Two  men  and  a  woman  with  a  baby 
got  on  and  gave  the  conductor  expired  transfers.  When  the 
conductor  refused  to  accept  them  and  asked  for  fares,  they 
gave  her  verbal  abuse  and  produced  very  large  bOls  which 
could  not  be  changed.  They  began  harassing  us  other  pas- 
sengers for  change.  When  the  conductor  stopped  the  train, 
the  fares  were  finally  produced.  The  conductor  was  courte- 
ous but  firm  in  handling  what  was  an  extremely  tense 
situation." 

Clarence  Richardson  (77th  Street  garage)  was  com- 
mended by  Melody  Nelson,  of  Calumet  Avenue,  for  remain- 
ing cool  while  being  verbally  abused  by  a  rider  on  his  #3 
King  Drive  bus.  "He  was  very  calm,  tried  to  ignore  the 
rider.  All  of  us  passengers  were  disgusted  with  this  drunk 
and  were  waiting  for  someone  to  throw  him  off  the  bus. 
Mr.  Richardson  continued  his  route,  was  pleasant  to  boarding 
passengers,  and  called  out  all  stops.  He  did  his  job  well  con- 
sidering the  unnecessary  stress  he  was  under.  He  did  not  let 
anyone  or  anything  interfere  with  his  responsibility,  and  I 
thought  he  acted  just  beautifully." 

Patrick  Owens  (77th  Street  garage)  was  thanked  by  Ann 
Hoffman,  of  Woodlawn  Avenue,  for  thwarting  the  theft  of 


her  wallet  on  his  #28  Stony  Island  bus.  "A  young  man 
getting  off  the  bus  stole  my  wallet  from  my  purse.  The 
driver  shouted  in  such  a  way  that  the  thief  and  the  rest  of 
the  passengers  froze  where  they  were.  The  thief  was  so 
alarmed  and  unable  to  run  easily,  he  dropped  my  wallet  and 
put  his  hands  up.  My  wallet  with  aU  its  contents  was  re- 
covered intact.  I  feel  it  is  only  proper  to  let  you  know  of  the 
action  the  driver  took  to  prevent  this  crime  and  help  a  pas- 
senger in  a  vulnerable  situation." 

Joseph  Christy  (North  Avenue  garage)  was  noticed  by 
William  Gass,  of  Wabansia  Avenue,  who  was  a  rider  on  his 
#72  North  bus.  "He  is  one  of  the  best  drivers  in  your  whole 
system.  He  knows  how  to  handle  a  bus  -  smooth  stops  and 
no  jerks  on  starting  up.  He  is  courteous  and  pleasant  -  a 
wonderful  driver.  He  is  a  credit  to  the  CTA  and  goes  out  of 
his  way  to  help  his  passengers.  He  waits  for  them  when  he 
sees  them  running  to  catch  his  bus.  He's  a  fine  man." 

Earmon  Davis  (52nd  Street  garage)  "should  be  a  model 
for  all  other  drivers  to  emulate,"  according  to  Gregory 
Lotsman,  of  South  Michigan  Avenue,  an  82-year-old  rider  on 
his  #38  Indiana  bus.  "He  makes  going  to  and  from  work  a 
pleasurable  experience.  He  greets  every  passenger  with  a 
cheerful  'Good  moming.'  He  clearly  and  loudly  announces 
the  stops,  and  offers  sensible  information  about  them.  He 
is  patient,  considerate  and  tolerant  of  the  behavior  of  some 
irritating  passengers,  and  answers  questions  about  directions 
patiently  and  willingly.  He  is  a  boon  to  CTA  and  to  the 
public." 

Fannie  Ross  (Lawndale  garage)  was  thanked  for  her  con- 
cern for  passengers  while  driving  a  #52  Kedzie/California 
bus  by  Loma  Kashne,  of  West  50th  Place.  "The  bus  driver 
was  letting  us  off  (at  63rd  and  Kedzie)  when  she  heard  a  gun- 
shot and  saw  trouble  nearby.  She  immediately  told  us  to  get 
back  on  the  bus,  and  she  called  for  help.  She  should  cer- 
tainly be  commended  for  her  quick  action  and  her  concem 
for  the  riders.  It's  wonderful  to  see  such  interest  in  our 
fellow  Chicagoans.  Normally  we  hear  so  much  bad  and  very 
little   good.      We   appreciate   her  concern  for  our  safety." 


10 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 

Mahmoud  Aminian,  North  Park       Syed  Ismail,  Forest  Glen 


Arthur  Barrios,  Lawndale 
Fred  Bee,  North  Park 
Ionia  Bush,  North  Avenue 


Jean  Cage,  Limits 
Naomi  Caldwell,  77th  Street 
Sergio  Candelaria,  Limits 
Leroy  Carr,  Forest  Glen 
Tyree  Cobb  Jr.,  North  Avenue 
Michael  Cobleigh,  North  Park 
James  Coleman,  Archer 

Eugene  Davis,  Beverly 

Wendell  Edwards,  Limits 

Jewel  Frezell,  North  Park 

Corine  Glaspie,  West  Section 

Michael  Harris,  77th  Street 
Nathaniel  Hawkins  Jr.,  Limits 
Cecilio  Hernandez,  Forest  Glen 


Zeke  Jagst,  North  Park 
Willie  James,  North  Park 
Antonio  Jimenez,  North  Park 

Assunta  Kaya,  Forest  Glen 

President  Laura,  Lawndale 
Robert  Lemke,  Forest  Glen 
Melvin  Little  Jr.,  North  Avenue 
Robert  Lucas,  Lawndale 

Adolph  Marth,  North  Park 
Mario  Merendon,  Forest  Glen 
Angel  Mojica,  North  I'ark 
Edgar  Mollinedo,  North  Park 
Frederick  Moore,  North  Park 
Leonard  Morris,  69th  Street 
Alice  Mosley,  Limits 

Millie  Pamell,  52nd  Street 
Juan  Perez,  Limits 


Employees  who  received  commendations 
during  the  last  month. 

Hosey  Reynolds  Jr.,  77th  Street 
Percy  Riddick,  77th  Street 
Alva  Robbins,  North  Park 
Milton  Roman,  Howard/Kimball 
Jonathan  Ross,  Lawndale 

Thomas  Schoenfeld,  Forest  Glen 
Ronald  Singleton,  69th  Street 
Frank  Smith  Jr.,  Forest  Glen 
Rick  Space,  Forest  Glen 
Joe  Spears,  Forest  Glen 
Theodore  Stutts,  Archer 

Howard  Taylor,  North  Avenue 
Lynval  Thompson,  52nd  Street 
Virgil  Turner  Jr.,  Archer 

Lola  Wellington,  Archer 
Mack  Williams,  52nd  Street 

Jacques  Yezeguielian,  Forest  Glen 

Joseph  Zukerman,  North  Park 


Promotions 


Seven  Maintenance  Department 
employees  have  been  appointed 
unit  supervisors  in  Vehicle 
Maintenance.  Assigned  to  Auto- 
motive Vehicle  Maintenance  are: 
Daniel  Costley,  former  relief 
foreman,  and  William  Wilson, 
former  p.m.  foreman,  both  from 
North  Avenue;  John  Dutton,  for- 
mer assistant  foreman,  Archer; 
Vito  Collyard,  former  assistant 
foreman.  Rail  Vehicle  Mainte- 
nance-South, and  Ronald  Cook, 
former  safety  specialist.  Support 
Services. 

Now  serving  as  unit  supervi- 
sors in  Rail  Vehicle  Maintenance 
are  Joseph  Anderson,  former 
methods  &  standards  technician. 
South  Shops,  and  Gregory  An- 
drews, former  bus  repairer.  North 
Avenue. 

In  other  job  reassignments, 
Pamela  Haney,  former  ccnductor, 
South  Section,  has  been  selected 
yard  foreman  in  the  same  section. 
Yvonne  Ward,  former  buyer.  Ma- 
terials Management- Procurement, 


has  become  procurement  analyst, 
also  in  the  same  section. 

Lawrence  Craig,  former  bus 
operator.  Archer,  is  now  station 
clerk.  Bus  System.  Carol  Kim- 
brough,  former  electric  keyboard 
operator.  Management  Services- 
Administrative  Services,  has  been 


named  utility  clerk.  Materials 
Management-Stores.  Patricia 
Dunek,  former  secretarial  steno- 
grapher. Human  Resources- 
Employment  &  Placement,  has 
become  clerk  stenographer. 
Transportation- Mart. 


Recently  appointed  assistant  professor  of  oncology  at  Johns  Hopkins  University, 
Baltimore,  Md.,  was  Dr.  Allan  D.  Hess,  son  of  retired  bus  operator  Harry  J.  (Archer 
garage)  and  Mrs.  Sonya  Hess,  and  the  brother  of  Susan  K.  Hess  (Placement  section), 
and  Maria  T.  Hess  (Insurance  department).  Dr.  Hess,who  resides  in  Baltimore  with  his 
wife,  MaryEllen,  and  their  infant  daughter,  Joellyn,  received  his  Ph.D.  degree  from  the 
University  of  Illinois  Medical  Center,  and  bachelor  of  arts  degree  from  DePaul  University. 
His  post  doctoral  fellowship  in  Human  Cancer  Research  was  taken  at  Duke  University, 
North  Carolina. 


AUGUST,  1981 


241  Golf 


ABOVE:  Just  before  the  tournament  began, 
these  participants  posed  for  this  group  shot. 
From  left,  Levy  Edwards,  77th  Street;  Sean 
Strickland,  son  of  Albert  Strickland  (standing 
next  to  him),77th  Street;  Tanzell  Govan,  52nd 
Street;  Oscar  Norton,  guest;  Bob  Norton, 
guest;  James  Elliott,  77th  Street;  Ron  Norton, 
guest;  Ken  Norton,  guest;  Bill  Norton,  guest; 
Derrell  Norton,  North  Avenue,  and  Charles 
Hall,  treasurer.  Local  241.  RIGHT:  The 
winner  of  the  Local  241  golf  tournament  for 
1981  was  (left)  Luster  Morton,  District  A. 
He  is  pictured  here  displaying  the  trophy 
presented  to  him  by  Isiah  Thomas,  secretary. 
Local  241,  John  Weatherspoon,  president. 
Local  241,  and  Charles  Hall,  treasurer.  Local 
241.  BOTTOM  LEFT;  Keeping  her  head 
down  and  her  eye  on  the  ball  as  she  tees  off 
Is  Beverly  Jackson,  Employee  Counseling. 
Watching  her  form  is  Mel  Alexander,  Public 
Affairs,  and  Roger  Wood,  manager.  Adminis- 
trative Services.  BOTTOM  RIGHT:  A  sur- 
prise participant  in  the  golf  outing  was  State 
Senator  Richard  H.  Newhouse,  24th  District, 
pictured  here  with  Local  241  President  John 
Weatherspoon. 


12 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Bob  Legg,  retired  North  Avenue  operator, 
brought  his  sure-fire  driver  and  golf  ball  with 
him  to  make  sure  he  got  off  a  good  drive. 


.-.^. '•■■•■ 

ll 

■Ml  1:9^ 

iiriiii 

."i. 

ABOVE  LEFT:  Lining  up  to  tee  off  are 
(from  left)  Walter  Caston,  assistant  superin- 
tendent. Far  South  Area;  Willie  McCann, 
District  A,  and  Fred  Russell,  77th  Street. 
ABOVE  RIGHT:  Hitting  out  of  the  sand 
trap  is  Bill  McCarthy,  Beverly,  as  Lowell 
Brubach,  retired.  North  Park,  watches  the 
action.  LEFT;  Mike  Stroden,  Employee 
Counseling,  gets  off  a  mighty  drive  as  (from 
left)  Rich  Guidice,  RTA;  Don  Lemm,  Risk 
Management,  and  Chuck  Andersen,  Insurance, 
watch  his  form. 


AUGUST.  1981 


13 


Suggestions 


South  Shops  was  tops  with  sug- 
gestion award  winners  for  the  first 
half  of  1981  as  six  of  its  person- 
nel received  a  combined  total  of 
$2,340  of  the  $4,285  awarded  in 
major  prize  money  last  month. 

Suggestion  Coordinator  Gene 
Jendrach  said  that,  as  of  June  30, 
the  Suggestion  Plan  Committee  had 
adopted  31  employee  suggestions 
which  netted  the  CTA  a  total  an- 
nual savings  of  $28,566. 

The  big  winner  was  Frank 
Sprovieri,  carpenter  expediter  in 
Area  312  of  the  body  shop  who  was 
awarded  $1,400  for  his  proposal 
to  fabricate  rear  engine  doors  for 
CMC  buses.  The  Suggestion  Plan 
Committee  estimated  that  Spro- 
vieri's  suggestion  alone  will  save 
the  CTA  approximately  $21,000 
annually.  Sprovieri  is  a  previous 
winner  in  the  Suggestion  Plan. 

Wayne  Matejka  and  Michael 
Keele,  electrical  workers  who 
shared  in  the  suggestion  to  re- 
furbish brush  holders  for  three- 
fourth  horsepower  bus  blower 
motors,  were  awarded  $450  each. 
The  committee  also  awarded  Ma- 
tejka $190  for  suggesting  that  an 
inline  fuse  be  used  for  the  voltage 
regulators  of  older  buses.  Keele 
also  received  a  $35  award  as  a 
second  honorable  mention  for  an- 
other suggestion. 

A  $90  award  went  to  Ralph 
Keene  of  the  Utility  department 
for  his  suggestion  to  reposition  the 
battery  box  on  Mustang  loaders  to 
the  rear  fender. 

Another  top  winner  was  Frank 
C.  Corbett,  senior  schedule  clerk 
in  the  Schedules  department,  who 
received  an  $820  supplemental 
award  for  suggesting  a  saving  of 
bus  miles  during  mid-day  by  stor- 
ing more  buses  at  15th  and  State 
street.  Corbett  was  the  only  ma- 
jor supplemental  suggestion  award 
winner. 

Meanwhile,  the  committee 
awarded  $750  to  three  workers  at 
Skolde  Shop  for  their  suggestions. 
Leading  in  this  area  was  Angelo 
DeAngelis,  an  electrical    worker, 


TOP:  Frank  Sprovieri  admires  his  checl<  for  $1,400  awarded  for  his  suggestion  to  fabricate  rear 
engine  doors  for  GIVIC  buses.  Standing  with  Sprovieri  at  the  rear  of  the  GMC  bus  is  Jim  Pankonen, 
director,  Vehicle  IVIaintenance.  ABOVE:  Gene  Jendrach  (right),  suggestion  coordinator,  presents 
to  Frank  Corbett,  senior  schedule  clerk,  a  check  for  $820,  a  supplemental  award  for  his  suggestion 
on  saving  CTA  bus  miles,  as  Michele  Hawkins,  suggestion  clerk,  looks  on. 


who  received  $460  for  his  sug- 
gestion to  use  insulated  cable  to 
replace  the  copper  brush  strap  on 
rapid  transit  car  motors. 

Anello  DiGianfilippo,  a  final 
assembler,  was  awarded  $220  for 
suggesting  a  new  tool  to  align  the 
kingpin  and  bolster  on  rapid  transit 
trucks.  Kerry  Howe,  an  electri- 
cal worker  at  Skokie  Shop,  was 
awarded  $70  for  suggesting  a  new 
method  of  repairing  2000  series 
rapid  transit  car  destination  signs 
and  bushings. 

Margaret  Walker,  a  control 
clerk  in  Accounts  Payable,  re- 
ceived $100  for  suggesting  a  new 
form  to  be  used  for  correcting  er- 
rors keyed  into  computer  termi- 
nals in  that  department. 

Cash  awards  of  $10  each  for 
suggestions  which  rated  honorable 
mention  went  to  Joan  Lomax,  cen- 


tral forms  coordinator.  Manage- 
ment Services;  Jack  Lira, laborer, 
Materials  Management;  Patrick 
McNamara,  ticket  agent;  Grant 
Greene  and  Terry  Be  me  ro,  vehicle 
maintenance,  Skokie  Shop,  and  Jo- 
seph Motyka  and  Vince  Dawson, 
bus  operators,  Forest  Glen  ga- 
rage. 

Other  honorable  mentions  were: 
Richard  Rusinak,  security;  Mary 
B.  Smith,  bus  operator,  69th  Street 
garage;  Peter  S.  Buck,  electrical 
worker,  Skokie  Shop;  Sophie  Rey- 
nolds, stenographer.  Schedules 
department;  Kenneth  Pott,  painter, 
South  Shops;  Pablo  Caride,  paint- 
er, Skokie  Shop;  David  Rosenthal, 
bus  operator.  North  Park  garage; 
Virginia  Lane,  stenographer,  En- 
gineering department,  and  Eileen 
Hall,  applications  analysis.  Data 
Center. 


14 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


insr  nvEEnvnoR.i.A.is/i 


DANIEL  BOWEN  Sr.,  Chauffeur, 

Utility,  Emp,  11-28-52 
WALTER  COLEMAN,  Upholsterer, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  4-3-52 
THOMAS  COLLOPY,  Clerk, 

Archer,  Emp.  7-12-43 
WILLIE  FRANKS,  Rail  Janitor, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  6-12-51 
CECIL  GRAVES,  Motorman, 

95th  Street,  Emp.  7-26-51 
CLARENCE  HALBERT,  Rail  Janitor, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  6-17-46 
WILLIAM  LEWIS,  Travel  Info.  Rep., 

Travel  Info.  Center,  Emp.  10-30-44 
PAUL  MICHAELS,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp,  3-16-53 
NORMAN  MILLIES,  Signal  Maintainer, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  11-21-41 
SAMXIEL  MILLER,  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section,  Emp.  9-13-56 
ROBERT  POWELL,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  9-26-63 
ALFRED  SCHUSTER,  Elect.  Foreman  B, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  11-21-60 


DISABILITY  RETIREMENT 

PERCY  VIRGIL,  Mailman, 
Management  Services,  Emp.  7-30-52 


Pensioner  Johnny  Spoo 

celebrates 

50th  wedding  anniversary 

Retiree  John  Spoo  and  his  wife, 
Helen,  celebrated  their  50th  wedding 
anniversary  last  month  by  renewing 
their  vows  in  a  ceremony  at  St.  Rita 
church,  63rd  and  Washtenaw.  A  party 
for  the  couple,  sponsored  by  the  Spoos' 
three  children,  Carol,  Jack,  and  Bob, 
was  held  at  Red  Lantern  Restaurant. 
Spoo,  a  supervisor  in  District  "B",  be- 
came a  pensioner  in  1973.  (Thanks  to 
Bill  Henderson,  chief  clerk.  Archer  ga- 
rage, for  sending  us  this  item.) 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  34 


Number  8 


Published  for  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA 

bY  the  External  Affairs  Division,  Joby  H.  Berman, 

Manager. 

Editorial    and    graphics    by    the    Public    Affairs 

Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager. 

Director  of  Publications:  Jack  Sowchin 
Production  Assistant:  Editorial  Assistant: 

Mel  Alexander  Rick  Willis 

Contributing  Writers:  Elda  Leal, 
Jeff  Stern,  Don  Yabush 
Typesetting  and  printing  provided  by  the  Manage- 
ment Services  Department. 

Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees.  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others,  S2.  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734, 
Merchandise  Mart  Plaza,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654. 


ELMER  ALM,  75,  Beverly, 

Emp.  7-15-29,  Died  6-18-81 
FRANK  BLACK,  73,  Beverly, 

Emp.  1-23-29,  Died  6-4-81 
CHESTER  BUCKLEY,  76,  Beverly, 

Emp.  12-9-26,  Died  6-9-81 
ROBERT  CALDWELL,  79,  Archer, 

Emp.  5-21-30,  Died  6-6-81 
QUEEN  CHILDS,  33,  Limits, 

Emp.  12-13-79,  Died  7-3-81 
MALACHI  COWLING,  62,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  9-22-47,  Died  6-15-81 
JAMES  DALTON,  90,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  7-16-21,  Died  6-6-81 
WILLIAM  DEVEREUX,  74,  Schedules, 

Emp.  10-8-28,  Died  6-8-81 
LEROY  GALLAGHER,  72,  52nd  Street, 

Emp.  4-23-45,  Died  6-21-81 
MICHAEL  KEANE,  73,  Transportation, 

Emp.  4-14-43,  Died  6-6-81 
HAROLD  KING,  79,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  7-7-23,  Died  6-8-81 
MALCOLM  LYONS,  73,  Transportation, 

Emp.  1-13-36,  Died  6-13-81 


REDMOND  LYONS,  86,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  1-22-24,  Died  6-6-81 
CORNELIUS  McGINLEY,  83,  Track, 

Emp.  5-18-25,  Died  6-4-81 
BERNARD  MITCHELL,  86,  Shops  &  Equip. , 

Emp.  4-8-24,  Died  6-28-81 
HAROLD  MULVANEY,  79,  North  Section, 

Emp.  4-21-25,  Died  6-1-81 
GIOVANNA  PATZ,  71,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  2-6-52,  Died  6-27-81 
ARTHUR  STAHL,  69,  Stores, 

Emp.  3-31-43,  Died  6-3-81 
JOHN  SULLIVAN,  82,  Treasury, 

Emp.  8-25-25,  Died  6-5-81 
MARTIN  TOBIN,  69,  Track, 

Emp.  3-4-35,  Died  6-4-81 
JOHN  WAIT,  71,  North  Park, 

Emp.  1-13-47,  Died  6-16-81 
PEARL  WAITE,  86,  West  Section, 

Emp.  7-3-47,  Died  6-10-81 
FRED  WALPOLE,  78,  Treasury, 

Emp.  3-20-28,  Died  6-1-81 
WALLACE  WROBLE,  72,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  11-26-41,  Died  6-9-81 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  August 


35  years 


Robert  J.  Friestad,  Limits 
John  J.  Hester,  Far  North  Area 
Edward  W.  Kniaz,  77th  Street 
James  Wl.  Lee,  69th  Street 
Robert  W.  McCarthy,  Purchasing 
William  R.  Parnum,  Near  North  Area 
John  P.  Roche,  Maintenance 
Daniel  T.  Serritella,  69th  Street 
Arthur  H.  Tonner,  Photographic 


25  years 


Louis  O.  Barron,  North  Avenue 
Elmer  Chatman,  Beverly 
Emile  J.  Domer,  Maintenance 
Robert  D.  Heinlein,  Control  Center 
Arliss  B.  Jones,  Rail  South 
Marvin  H.  Kocar,  Instruction 
Eva  M.  Marcin,  Consumer  Services 
James  W.  McDonald,  Lawndale 
Daniel  McRedmond,  Stores  North 
Patricia  E.  Newell,  Claims 
Frank  R.  Ramirez,  Forest  Park 
Anthony  R.  Ritrovato,  Claims 
James  B.  Roche,  Customer  Relations 
Eli  E.  Russell,  Beverly 
William  L.  Sparks,  61st  Street 
Ernest  A.  Thomatis,  District  A 
Herbert  D.  Williams,  Near  South  Area 
Leroy  Wilson  Jr.,  Maintenance 


Correction  to  May  In  Memoriam 


WALTER  REDMOND,  82,  Kimball, 
Emp.  12-30-44,  Died  3-31-81 


30  years 


Harry  E.  Blake,  69th  Street 
Burtell  C.  Burns,  Archer 
Clemenceau  Chapman,  Maintenance 
Thomas  W.  Cook,  69th  Street 
George  R.  Ferguson,  69th  Street 
Richard  J.  Grajek,  South  Shops 
Edward  R.  Johnson,  District  B 
James  M.  Majszak,  Forest  Glen 
Thomas  J.  Meagher,  Forest  Glen 
Carl  W.  Michaiko,  Forest  Glen 
Marshall  P.  Miller,  North  Park 
Alfonso  Parrillo,  Forest  Glen 
Luis  E.  Reyes,  Harlem 
Carl  Sims,  Electrical 
Garrett  H.  Vaught,  77th  Street 


Rafael  Rodriguez,  52,  a  bilingual  travel  infor- 
mation representative  since  September,  1974, 
died  July  21  in  Guadalajara,  Mexico,  of  a  heart 
attack  while  vacationing  there.  Rodriguez 
joined  the  CTA  on  August  17,  1967,  as  a  bus 
operator  from  North  Park  garage.  Survivors 
include  a  son,  Martin,  who  is  employed  as  a  bus 
servicer  at  69th  Street  garage.  Interment  was  in 
Guadalajara. 


AUGUST,  1981 


15 


102 

years 

young 

CTA  retiree  Joseph  Ouellette 
plans  to  attend  the  dedication  cer- 
emonies next  year  for  the  opening 
of  the  extension  of  CTA's  rapid 
transit  route  from  Jefferson  Park 
terminal  to  O'Hare  airport,  now 
being  buUt  by  the  Chicago  Depart- 
ment of  Public  Works. 

"My  doctor,"  Ouellette  reported 
on  his  birthday,  August  6,  "said 
I'm  good  for  another  10  years — so 
I  plan  to  ride  the  train  to  O'Hare. 
And  I'll  bring  my  wife.  Birdie, 
too." 

Ouellette  made  his  vow  on  the 
patio  of  the  Moon  Lake  Conva- 
lescent center  in  Hoffman  Estates. 
He  retired  as  a  ticket  agent  in 
1950. 

Ouellette  and  his  wife  resided 
in  Phoenix,  Arizona,  for  a  while, 
but  they  returned  to  the  Chicago 
area  so  they  could  live  near  their 
married  daughter.     He   also  got 


Declaring  that  he's  good  for  another  10  years,  Joseph  Ouellette  celebrated  his  102nd  birthday  at 
Moon  Lake  Convalescent  center  in  Hoffman  Estates  with  his  wife.  Birdie,  92,  at  his  side.  Ouellette 
retired  as  a  CTA  ticket  agent  in  1950  at  age  70. 


lonesome  for  the  'L',  and  he  car- 
ries a  current  CTA  retiree's 
identification  card  and  loves  to 
ride  the  'L'  trains. 

Ouellette   was   bom    August  6, 
1879 — that  makes  him  102  years 


old.   His  wife.  Birdie,  is  92. 

His  prescription  for  a  long  life 
is  simple — "I  eat  everything  I  can," 
His  choirboy's  complexion  and 
slender  figure  seem  to  disprove 
that  statement. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago.  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   NO.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


riON  CTR.  LIERARY 
.RK  UNIVERSITY 
N  AVENUE 
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1 


Chicago  skyline,  looking  west  from  the  Adier  Planetarium. 

additional  eta  calendars  available  at  $2  each 


The  CTA  is  making  its  1982  calendars 
available  without  charge  to  CTA 
ennployes  and  retirees  as  the  November 
issue  of  Transit  Nevi/s.  In  addition,  calen- 
dars will  be  distributed  to  CTA  offices, 
garages  and  other  wor)<  locations. 


CTA  is  also  making  a  limited  supply 
available  for  sale  at  $2  each  (including 
mailing  costs).  For  additional  copies, 
make  checks  payable  to  the  Chicago 
Transit  Authority,  and  send  to  CTA 
Calendar,  P.O.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  IL 
60654. 


Published  by  the  Public  Affairs  Depart- 
ment 

and  the  Administrative  Services  Unit 
of  the  Chicago  Transit  Authority 
P.O.  Box  3555 
Chicago,  I L  60654 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   No.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


transpor1:ation  ctr.  library 
northwestern  university 
1810  hinman  avenue 
evanston,  il  60201 


TN 


i^rn^XL 


SPECIAL  EDITION 
OCTOBER,  1981 


f-^_-"- 


Welcome 
to  Chicago 


Contents    ^ 

Introduction  2 

Serving  the  people  of  Chicago  I —::5'  4 

Extent  of  CTA  operations 

Proud  tradition  of  progress  I  6 

Transit  in  Ctiicago  before  CTA  ,  — - 

Continuing  the  tradition  of  progress  .  8 

CTA  inspired  industry  innovations^-  - 

Progress  through  innovation,  -  1^.  10 

New  developments  at  CTA 

/^rowing  to  serve  Chicago'  12 

Newf  capital  development 

APIA  CTA  14 

Cooperating  to  serve  tfie  transit  industry 

Visit  CTA  while  you're  In  Chicago  16 

Control  Center  16 

Automotive  Vetiicle  Maintenance  Facility  18 

Rail  Vefiicle  Maintenance  Facility  20 

Plant  Maintenance  Facility  22 


Historical  Vefiicles 


16-23 


Administrative 
Joint  Commission 

On  August  1,  1981,  tfie  Ad- 
ministrative Joint  Commission  was 
created,  pursuant  to  a  grant  agree- 
ment between  tfie  City  of  Cfiicago 
and  tfie  Cfiicago  Transit  Autfiority,  to 
administer  tfie  provisions  of  tfie 
agreement.  Members  of  tfie  Ad- 
ministrative Joint  Commission  are: 

Thomas  V.  O'Neill, 
Chairman 

Timothy  Bresnahan 

Nelson  Carlo 

James  E.  Clark 

Rev,  Johnnie  Colemon 

Thomas  F.  Meagher 

Chicago  Transit  Board 
members 

Joby  H.  Berman, 
Administrator 


Chicago 
Transit  Board 

On  June  4,  1945,  a  referendum  ap- 
proved the  creation  of  tfie  Chicago 
Transit  Authority,  giving  it  exclusive 
rights  to  operate  a  unified  system  of 
local  transportation  in  Chicago. 
Chicago  Transit  Board  members  are: 
Eugene  M.  Barnes, 
Chairman 

James  P.  Gallagher, 
Vice  Chairman 

Michael  I.  Brady 
John  J.  Hoellen 
Howard  C.  Medley,  Sr, 
Nick  Ruggiero 

William  H.  Mansker 
Secretary 


FRONT  COVER:  The  Magnificent 
Mile-North  Michigan  Avenue,  Inset 
photos  (top  to  bottom):  Boeing  Vertol 
cars  on  the  Loop  'L';  CTA  Bus 
Roadeo;  McCormick  Place,  site  of  In- 
ternational Public  Transit  Expo,  1981; 
Marriott  Hotel,  site  of  1981  APTA  An- 
nual Meeting. 


Regional 

Transportation 

Authority 

On  March  19,  1974,  a  statewide 
referendum  created  the  Regional 
Transportation  Authority,  which 
serves  as  a  funding  and  regulatory 
body  for  all  public  transit  operations 
in  the  six-county  northeastern  Illinois 
region.  The  Regional  Transportation 
Authority  board  members  are: 

Lewis  W.  Hill, 
Chairman 

D.  Daniel  Baldino 

Jerry  D.  Boose 

Edward  F.  Brabec 

Sidney  Danoff 

David  L.  DeMotte 

John  T.  Geary 

William  Griffin 

James  Kemp 

Gene  Leonard 

Patrick  L.  O'Malley 

Philip  Raffe 

Kenneth  W.  Sain 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 

Volume  34  Number  10 

Published  tor  employees  and  retirees  of  the  CTA 
by  the  External  Affairs  Division, 
Editorial    and    graphics    by    the    Public    Affairs 
Department.  Bill  Baxa,  f^anager 

Director  of  Publications:  Jack  Sowchin 
Production  Assistant:  Editorial  Assistant: 

Mel  Alexander  Ricl<  Willis 

Assistance  in  the  development  of  this  special 
issue  was  provided  by 

Levi'is  A  H  Caldwell,  consultant  to  the  Cfiairman 
Ernest  Sawyer.  Special  Assistant  to  the  Chairman 
Harold  H  Geissenhelmer.  General  Operations 
Manager 

Editorial  and  research  assistance:  Mary  Manoni. 
Training/Development  Programs:  Bruce  Moffat, 
Operations  Planning.  Glenn  Andersen,  Engineer- 
ing, Jeff  Stern  and  Don  Yabush,  Public  Affairs, 
Graphic  design  assistance  Margaret  Maler, 
Operations  Planning 

Typesetting  and  printing  provided  by  the  Manage- 
ment Services  Department 
Distribution  free  of  charge  to  alt  active  and  retired 
CTA  employees  Annual  subscription  price  to 
others.  $2  CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS,  Room  734.  Mer- 
chandise Man  Plaza,  PO,  Box  3555.  Chicago, 
Illinois  60654 


The  members  of  the  American 
Public  Transit  Association  are 
most  welcome  to  Chicago  as  they 
gather  here  for  the  association's 
annual  convention. 

Public  transit  in  the  United 
States  is  presently  undergoing 
challenging  times.  Rising  costs 
and  legitimate  taxpayer  concerns 
are  combining  to  create  transit 
crisis  in  cities  throughout  the  na- 
tion that  all  too  often  is  reflected 
in  fare  hikes  and  cuts  in  service. 

The  challenge  to  those  par- 
ticipating in  the  convention  and 
to  all  of  us  in  government  is  to 
meet  head-on  the  challenge  of 
continuing  transit  service  at  a 
reasonable  cost.  One  way  of 
achieving  this  is  better  manage- 
ment efficiency  and  in  Chicago, 
we  can  be  proud  that  this  is  being 
done.  Also,  the  city's  upcoming 
capital  improvements  program 
detailing  more  than  600  projects 
at  a  projected  cost  exceeding 
$3.3  billion  reflect  our  intention  to 
keep  Chicago  the  front-runner  in 
transportation  that  it  has  always 
been. 

With  warmest  regards. 


Sincerely, 


Jane  M.  Byrne 
Mayor 


eta  transit  news 


Welcome  to  the  CTA's 
Chicago!  The  Chicago  Transit 
Authority  is  pleased  and  honored 
to  be  your  host  for  the  1981  APTA 
Annual  Convention.  As  Vice 
President  of  APTA's  committee 
on  Government  Affairs,  and 
Chairman  of  CTA,  I  w/ill  proudly 
vi^ear  both  my  "hats"  throughout 
our  deliberations. 

It  was  my  good  fortune  to  w/ork 
as  a  CTA  bus  driver  for  14  years 
before  serving  as  a  member  of  the 
Illinois  House  of  Represen- 
tatives. During  most  of  my  10 
years  there,  I  was  a  member  of 
the  transportation  committee  and 
the  committee  on  appropriation, 
where  I  was  chairman  for  four 
years,  fvlayor  Jane  Byrne  ap- 
pointed me  to  the  seven-member 
CTA  Board  in  July,  1979,  and  my 
colleagues  elected  me  Chairman. 
Our  top  priority  has  been  the 
development  of  smooth  coopera- 
tion between  management  and 
personnel  in  operations  and 
maintenance. 

Through  the  years,  CTA's  per- 
formance standards  have  ex- 
celled in  the  delivery  of  service. 
Research  and  creativity  are 
trademarks  of  our  highly  skilled, 
professional  staff  which  is  con- 
stantly conducting  innovative 
programs  to  improve  the  system. 

During  your  stay  in  Chicago, 
we   invite  you   to  visit  some  of 


CTA's  outlying  installations 
where  capital  improvements  of 
the  system  are  in  full  force.  Eight 
stations  along  the  rail  routes  are 
being  rehabilitated  completely. 
The  construction  of  a  new  $17.6 
million  bus  garage  at  Kedzie  and 
Van  Buren  is  underway  and  a  sec- 
ond such  facility  at  103rd  and 
Stony  Island  is  assured.  On  order 
for  immediate  delivery  are  125  ar- 
ticulated buses,  and  we  are 
receiving  delivery  of  300  new 
rapid  transit  cars.  We  have 
equipped  all  of  our  buses  with 
radios  for  instant  communication 
with  the  Control  Center  in  the 
event  of  trouble,  and  a  public  ad- 
dress system  is  being  installed  at 
rapid  transit  stations  for 
passenger  information. 

We  urge  you  to  visit  and  in- 
spect the  O'Hare  Extension,  a 
new  mass  transit  line  which  will 
improve  our  role  in  the  growth  of 
the  city's  economy.  Estimates  in- 
dicate that  this  eight-mile  addi- 
tion will  have  42,900  riders,  60  per 
cent  of  whom  will  be  commuters. 

The  question,  "How  do  we  ade- 
quately  fund  mass  transit 
systems?"  is  currently  challeng- 
ing the  minds  of  business 
leaders,  public  officials  and  ex- 
perts in  transportation 
throughout  the  world.  Chicago  is 
no  exception,  but  we  have  a 
Mayor  who  is  realistically  seek- 


ing a  solution  to  the  problem. 
Mayor  Byrne  has  recently 
strengthened  the  managerial 
staff  with  the  appointment  of 
Theodore  G.  Schuster,  retired 
head  of  commuter  service  for 
Burlington  Northern  Railroad,  as 
Executive  Director.  We  welcome 
Mr.  Schuster  aboard. 


'<h^    ))\. 


Eugene  M.  Barnes 
Chairman 


Since  I  came  on  board  at  CTA,  I 
have  been  studying  the  many 
details  of  this  large  organization 
in  order  to  gain  an  understanding 
of  the  challenges  that  face  the 
company. 

The  recently  completed  con- 
sultant study  is  a  valuable  tool  for 
rooting  out  a  true  picture  of  CTA 
from  a  financial  and  operational 
standpoint.  Its  recommendations 
will  serve  as  a  springboard, 
directing  my  efforts  to  the  areas 
that  require  the  most  attention. 

I  take  great  pride,  as  do  our 
employees,  in  the  study's  deter- 
mination that  CTA  is  doing  a  fine 
job  as  an  operating  body  and  that 
CTA  is  viewed  as  a  superior  per- 
former among  its  peers  in  the 
transit  industry. 

CTA  now  faces  the  challenge 
of  reconciling  its  financial  image 
with  its  operational  image.  It 
must  achieve  credibility  in  the 
public  eye  by  responding  to  con- 


structive criticism  and  stream- 
lining its  operational  and  support 
functions,  while  striking  a 
balance  between  public  needs 
and  the  availability  of  operating 
funds.  This  balance  will  be 
achieved  through  some  downsiz- 
ing of  the  operation,  because 
there  is  every  indication  that  less 
funding  will  be  available. 

I  believe  that  an  improved  and 
more  cost-efficient  CTA,  continu- 
ing its  reputation  for  providing 
appropriate  levels  of  high  quality 
service  while  maintaining  its 
financial  responsibility  in  our 
economic  environment,  will  prove 
to  be  an  even  greater  source  of 
pride  for  both  employees  and  the 
riding  public. 


Theodore  G.  Schuster 
Executive  Director 


October,  1981 


Serving  the 
people  of 
Chicago 


The  Chicago  Transit  Authority 
operates  the  second  largest 
public  transportation  system  on 
the  North  American  continent. 
The  service  saturates  the  220 
square  mile  area  of  the  City  of 
Chicago  and  extends  to  36  nearby 
suburbs. 

Within  the  city,  more  than  98 
per  cent  of  the  population  is 
located  within  three  blocks  of 
CTA  service,  and  Chicago  is  one 
of  only  a  few  cities  in  the  world 
where  service  is  operated  24 
hours  a  day. 

To  meet  the  challenge  of  effi- 
ciently providing  2.2  million  rides 
on    an    average    weekday,    CTA 


,»•  -.Eg  h  I 


Hill 

.11 


operates  both  a  rapid  transit 
system  and  an  extensive  bus 
system. 

More  than  500,000  rides  are 
taken  on  the  rapid  transit  system 
each  weekday.  This  requires  a 
fleet  of  1100  rapid  transit  cars, 
with  approximately  900  cars  in 
service  at  peak  times.  On  the 
eight  rapid  transit  services,  2,400 
train  trips  are  made  each  week- 
day along  89  miles  of  right-of- 
way,  with  192  track  miles  and  140 
stations.  Thirty-eight  miles  of  the 
right-of-way  are  on  elevated 
structure,  12  on  elevated  embank- 
ment, 22  in  expressway  medians, 
and  10  in  subways.  There  are  also 
six  miles  of  right-of-way 
operating  on  grade  level  with 
street  crossings,  and  one  mile  in 
open  cut  below  grade  level. 

To  support  these  operations, 
nine  of  the  11  rapid  transit  ter- 
minals have  inspection  and  unit 
replacement  maintenance  facili- 
ties, with  an  additional  facility 
located  at  Wilson  Avenue  along 
the  North-South  main  line.  Major 
maintenance  and  unit  rebuilding 
is  performed  at  the  Rail  Vehicle 
Maintenance  Facility  in  the 
suburb  of  Skokie. 

Field  maintenance  for  the 
right-of-way,  track,  structure,  sta- 
tions, and  buildings  is  supported 
by  the  Plant  Maintenance  Facility 
on  the  West  Side  of  Chicago.  To 
insure  timely  response  and  con- 
tinuous operation.  Plant 
Maintenance  performs  in-house 
fabrication  of  track  and  structure 
components. 

More  than  1.7  million  rides  are 
provided  by  the  bus  system  each 
weekday,  with  approximately 
2100  of  our  2400  buses  in  service 
at  peak  times.  Each  weekday 
more  than  31,000  bus  trips  are 
made  over  more  than  2000  route 
miles,  serving  more  than  13,000 
bus  stops. 


What's  the  best  way  to  go  from  your 
downtown  office  to  suburban  Brookfield? 
The  RTA  Travel  Information  Center  says 
take  a  CTA  shuttle  bus  to  Union  Station 
and  board  a  Burlington  Northern  com- 
muter train. 


eta  transit  news 


Inspection  and  preventive 
maintenance  is  performed  at 
each  of  the  10  bus  garages,  while 
major  maintenance  and  overhaul 
are  accomplished  at  the 
Automotive  Vehicle  Maintenance 
Facility  on  the  South  Side  of 
Chicago. 

Most  of  CTA's  13,000  em- 
ployees are  directly  involved  in 
providing  service  to  the  public. 
This  includes  5,500  bus 
operators,  2,400  rapid  transit 
operating  employees,  and  3,600 
maintenance  employees.  It  is 
their  dedication  to  duty,  constant 
training  for  skill  level  improve- 
ment, and  ability  to  advance  and 
assume  supervisory  responsibili- 
ty that  enables  CTA  to  provide 
high  quality  transit  service  on  the 
large  scale  required  in  the  service 
area. 

CTA  service  is  also  an  impor- 
tant focal  point  of  all  public  tran- 
sit provided  in  the  six  county  area 
of  the  Regional  Transportation 
Authority.  In  the  central  business 
district,  many  suburban  rail  com- 
muters find  CTA  shuttle  bus 
routes  to  be  the  most  convenient 
last  leg  of  their  trip  to  the  office. 
Outlying  CTA  rapid  transit  ter- 
minals are  served  by  suburban 
bus  lines  as  well  as  CTA  buses, 
and  many  CTA  bus  lines  connect 
with  suburban  bus  lines  at  the 
periphery  of  the  CTA  service  area. 

To  blend  these  services  and 
make  them  more  convenient  for 
the  public,  CTA  operates  the 
Travel  Information  Center  for  the 
Regional  Transportation  Authori- 
ty. Travel  information  represen- 
tatives use  a  modern  telephone 
system  and  a  microfiche  informa- 
tion retrieval  system  to  quickly 
provide  route  and  schedule  infor- 
mation and  trip  planning  in  six 
languages,  for  riders  of  all  public 
transit  carriers  in  the  six  county 
area. 


Evening  rush  hour  is  a  busy  time  at  the 
State/Lake  station  on  the  Loop  'L'  (top) 
and  the  Belmont  subway  station  on  the 
Milwaukee  rapid  transit  route. 


October,  1981 


Proud 
tradition 
of  progress 


When  horsecars  began 
operating  on  State  Street  over  a 
two-mile  route  on  April  25,  1859, 
Chicago  was  experiencing  a 
period  of  rapid  growth.  As  people 
needed  to  travel  longer 
distances,  the  three  miles  per 
hour  speed  provided  by  animal 
power  proved  to  be  inadequate, 
and  the  Chicago  tradition  of 
transit  growth  and  innovation 
began. 

The  first  attempts  to  improve 
surface  transit  through  steam 
and  compressed-air  power  met 
with  limited  success,  but  a 
breakthrough  occurred  in  1882 
with  the  introduction  of  the  cable 
car.  With  a  top  speed  of  14  miles 
per  hour,  Chicago's  system  grew 
to  86  track  miles  by  1883,  making 
it  the  largest  cable  car  system  in 
the  world.  Downtown  Chicago 
became  known  as  the  Loop 
District  because  the  cable  car 
systems  terminated  in  three 
downtown  loops. 

Only  seven  years  later, 
Chicago  once  again  was  ready  to 
apply  the  newest  technology  to 
transit.  In  1890,  the  faster  and 
more  convenient  electric  street- 
cars began  operating  on  93rd 
Street.  Soon  hundreds  of  cable 
trailers  and  horsecars  were  con- 
verted to  electric  power.  Opera- 
tions were  extended  to  many  new 
routes,  only  one-half  mile  apart, 
in  a  grid  pattern  of  comprehen- 
sive service  that  exists  to  this 
day.  By  1896,  the  streetcar  ex- 
tended transit  service  to  344 
miles  of  Chicago's  streets, 
leading  to  the  end  of  horsecar 
and  cable  car  operations  10  years 
later. 

As  many  as  18  surface  transit 
companies  served  Chicago  until 
1914.  when  they  were  unified 
under  the  management  of  the 
Chicago  Surface  Lines.  This  com- 


pany became  the  largest  street 
railway  operator  in  the  country, 
with  3,500  streetcars  operating 
over  1,100  miles  of  track. 

On  June  6,  1892,  the  Chicago  & 
South  Side  Rapid  Transit  Com- 
pany began  operating  an  elevated 
railway  powered  by  "dinkey" 
steam  locomotives.  When  the 
World's  Columbian  Exposition 
opened  on  May  1,  1893,  the  ser- 
vice extended  8V2  miles  between 
downtown  Chicago  and  the 
Jackson  Park  Fairgrounds.  Two 
other  elevated  railways  serving 
other  parts  of  the  city  also  had 
begun  operations  by  1895. 

Chicago's  famous  Loop  'L'  was 
completed  in  1897  and  became  a 
common  terminal  for  the  three 
railways.  A  fourth  railway  began 
operating  on  the  Loop  in  1900. 
Alternately  decried  as  a  noisy 
eyesore  and  praised  as  a  local 
landmark,  the  Loop  'L'  survives  to 
this  day  as  an  economical  alter- 
native to  conversion  of  downtown 
rapid  transit  to  all  subway  opera- 
tion. 

Another  industry  innovation 
was  pioneered  by  the  South  Side 
'L'  on  April  20,  1898.  Although  it 
was  the  last  of  the  four  railways 
to  be  electrified,  it  was  the  first  to 
use  multiple-unit  control  electric 
rapid  transit  cars.  This  system 
used  smaller  electric  motors  in 
each  car,  rather  than  a  large 
motor  in  one  car  pulling  trailers. 
The  flexibility  of  operation  and 
more  efficient  use  of  electrical 
power  of  this  system  set  the  trend 
for  future  rapid  transit  develop- 
ment. 

In  1924,  the  four  electric 
railways  were  consolidated  as 
the  Chicago  Rapid  Transit  Com- 
pany. 

Motor  buses  began  operating 
on  Sheridan  Road  on  Chicago's 
north  side  on  March  25,  1917. 
That  was  the  beginning  of  the 
Chicago  Motor  Coach  system 
which,  by  1928,  served  146  miles 
of  streets,  mostly  boulevards  and 
park  drives.  Leading  in  the  con- 
version to  diesel  buses,  Chicago 
Motor  Coach  had  put  more  diesel 
buses  into  operation,  by  1939, 
than  any  other  transit  property. 


But  they  are  most  fondly 
remembered  for  their  introduc- 
tion of  open  top  double-deck 
buses  to  Chicago,  which  later 
gave  way  to  the  closed  top 
double-deckers  that  were  in  use 
until  1950. 

The  trolley  bus  became  a  major 
transit  vehicle  largely  through  the 
efforts  of  the  Chicago  Surface 
Lines.  On  April  17,  1930,  they  in- 
troduced trolley  buses  to 
Chicago  on  the  Diversey  Avenue 
line,  and  later  replaced  or  extend- 
ed several  other  streetcar  and 
motor  bus  lines  with  trolley 
buses.  By  1931,  Chicago  Surface 
Lines  had  built  up  a  fleet  greater 
than  the  total  number  of  all  the 
other  trolley  buses  in  use  in  the 
world.  This  successful  operation 
proved  the  viability  of  large  scale 
trolley  bus  service. 

The  purchase  of  the  first  PCC 
streetcars  by  Chicago  Surface 
Lines  in  1936  had  similar  results, 
and  CSL  became  the  largest 
operator  of  PCC  cars.  Designed 
at  the  request  of  a  group  of  tran- 
sit executives  called  the 
Presidents'  Conference  Commit- 
tee, these  streetcars  featured  ad- 
vanced technology  and  increased 
performance  that  enabled  them 
to  compete  with  motor  buses  and 
automobiles.  Many  PCC  cars  are 
still  in  use  elsewhere  today,  and 
the  last  PCC  "Green  Hornet"  in 
Chicago  was  retired  in  1958. 

Chicago  started  building  its 
subway  system  on  December  17, 
1938.  Although  the  city's  Traction 
Fund  financed  more  than  half  of 
the  construction  cost,  a  federal 
grant  enabled  the  city  to  begin 
construction  and  insured  comple- 
tion of  the  project.  The  State 
Street  Subway  was  completed  in 
1943,  and  it  pioneered  the  use  of 
fluorescent  lighting  in  subways. 
The  new  lighting  system  provided 
more  pleasing,  uniform  light,  and 
it  was  twice  as  energy  efficient  as 
incandescent  lighting  systems. 
The  Dearborn  Street  Subway  was 
completed  in  1951. 

During  1945-1947,  the  Chicago 
Rapid  Transit  Company 
developed  the  first  rapid  transit 
cars  that  featured  electric  opera- 


cta  transit  news 


Top  left:  Horsecars  introduced  transit  to 
Chicago  in  1859. 

Top  right:  The  Chicago  &  South  Side 
Rapid  Transit  Company  pioneered  the  use 
of  multiple-unit  control  rapid  transit  cars 
in  1898. 

Above:  Chicago  Surface  Lines  was  a 
leader  in  the  cooperative  development  of 
PCC  streetcars  and  became  their  largest 
operator. 

Right:  In  1930,  Chicago  Surface  Lines'  in- 
troductory fleet  of  trolley  buses  out- 
numbered the  rest  of  the  trolley  buses  in 
use  in  the  entire  world. 

Bottom  right:  Early  streetcars,  shown  on 
State  Street,  entered  the  Chicago  transit 
scene  In  1890.  Their  speed  and  efficiency 
led  to  the  demise  of  horsecar  and  cable 
car  service. 


tion  of  all  systems.  Delivery 
began  in  1947,  and  these  cars 
were  the  forerunners  of  CTA's 
modern  fleet  of  all-electric  rapid 
transit  cars. 

The  Chicago  Transit  Authority 
was  created  by  state  legislation 
in  1945,  and  began  operating  on 
October  1,  1947,  after  acquiring 
the  properties  of  the  Chicago 
Rapid  Transit  Company  and  the 
Chicago  Surface  Lines.  CTA 
became  the  sole  operator  of 
transit  in  Chicago  on  October  1, 
1952,  when  it  purchased  the 
Chicago  fvlotor  Coach  system. 


October,  1981 


Continuing 
the  tradition 
of  progress 

After  Chicago  Transit  Authority 
operations  began  on  October  1, 
1947,  the  tradition  of  transit 
progress  in  Chicago  was  con- 
tinued through  extensive  modern- 
ization, expansion,  and  inno- 
vation. Many  of  the  ensuing 
developments  were  later  applied 
throughout  the  transit  industry. 

The  first  alternate-stop  rapid 
transit  operation  in  the  country 
was  implemented  on  the  Lake 
Street  route  on  April  5,  1948. 
During  hours  of  heavy  ridership, 
many  stations  were  alternately 
designated  as  "A"  or  "B" 
stops  and  served  by  alternating 
"A"  and  "B"  trains  running  on 
the  same  track.  Terminals  and  a 
few  very  busy  stations  continued 
to  be  served  by  both  "A"  and 
"B"  trains.  On  the  Lake  Street 
route,  this  innovation  reduced 
travel  time  between  the  west 
terminal  and  the  Loop  by  10 
minutes,  and  skip-stop  service 
soon  became  standard  procedure 
on  all  of  our  major  rapid  transit 
lines. 

Chicago  also  pioneered  the 
combination  of  rail  rapid  transit 
and  a  multi-lane  automobile 
expressway  in  the  same  grade 
separated  right-of-way,  when  the 
Congress  rapid  transit  route 
began  operating  on  the  west  side 
on  June  22,  1958.  Expressway 
median  operation  provides 
greater  passenger  carrying 
capacity,     faster    service,     and 


more  efficient  usage  of  valuable 
land  in  metropolitan  areas.  As  a 
result  of  the  success  of  this 
operation,  the  Chicago  De- 
partment of  Public  Works  de- 
signed and  built  subsequent 
expressways  with  a  median  that 
would  accommodate  rapid  trans- 
it. Similar  routes  were  opened 
in  the  Dan  Ryan  Expressway  ex- 
tending to  95th  Street  on  the 
south  side  in  1969,  and  in  the 
Kennedy  Expressway  extending 
to  the  Jefferson  Park  Terminal 
on  the  northwest  side  in  1970. 
The  Chicago  Department  of 
Public  Works  is  now  building  a 
7.3  mile  extension  of  the  north- 
west route,  which  will  extend 
rapid  transit  service  to  O'Hare 
International  Airport. 

The  nation's  first  federally 
funded  rapid  transit  demon- 
stration grant  was  used  to  de- 
velop CTA's  Skokie  Swift  service, 
which  operates  on  right-of-way 
acquired  by  CTA  from  the  former 
North  Shore  Line,  an  interurban 
railroad.  The  five-mile  non-stop 
route,  extending  from  the  Howard 
Street  Rapid  Transit  Terminal  on 
the  north  side  to  the  Dempster 
Street  Terminal  in  the  suburb  of 
Skokie,  clearly  demonstrated  the 
viability  of  high-speed  suburban 
rapid  transit.  Almost  4,000 
riders  used  the  service  on  the 
first  day,  and  GV?  million  rides 
had  been  provided  by  the  end  of 
the  two-year  demonstration  pro- 
ject. Now  a  regular  part  of  CTA 
service,  the  Skokie  Swift  carries 
more  than  7,000  riders  each  week- 
day. 

Since  increased  service  re- 
quired more  rolling  stock,  CTA 
became  a  leader  in  the  cooper- 
ative development  of  better  rapid 


transit  cars.  The  first  advanced 
cars  used  further  applications  of 
the  technology  that  produced  the 
PCC  streetcars  in  the  1930's,  and, 
in  the  1950's,  CTA  took  an  active 
role  in  the  research  and  develop- 
ment programs  that  produced  the 
first  high  speed,  high  perform- 
ance rapid  transit  cars. 

Most  significantly,  CTA 
became  the  first  property  in  the 
country  to  operate  a  large  fleet 
of  air-conditioned  rapid  transit 
cars  when,  in  1963,  it  purchased 
180  "NEW  LOOK"  cars.  In 
addition  to  being  designed  and 
built  as  air-conditioned  units, 
these  cars  introduced  many  other 
advancements  including:  the 
application  of  space  age  elec- 
tronics for  controlling  the 
complex  electrical  equipment; 
the  first  production  use  of 
reinforced  fiberglass;  and  the 
first  back-lit  advertising  car  card 
display  panels.  Since  that  time 
CTA  has  made  three  additional 
purchases  of  improved  rapid 
transit  cars  with  stainless  steel 
bodies,  as  part  of  its  ongoing 
effort  to  provide  the  best  rapid 
transit  service  with  modern 
equipment. 

Surface  transit  in  Chicago  has 
also  been  expanded  and 
improved  by  CTA.  The  most 
significant  development  was  the 
eventual  conversion  of  all  surface 
routes  to  motor  bus  operation, 
with  streetcar  service  ending  in 
1958  and  trolley  bus  service 
ending  in  1973. 

Buses  became  a  more  ap- 
propriate answer  to  Chicago's 
transit  needs  for  many  reasons. 
As  streets  became  more  crowd- 
ed, buses  could  easily  change 
lanes  to  bypass  obstacles.    New 


eta  transit  news 


routes  serving  the  terminals  and 
stations  of  the  expanded  rapid 
transit  system  could  be  easily 
and  economically  implemented. 
Buses  could  be  quickly  rerouted 
in  the  event  of  a  flooded  viaduct 
or  fire.  And,  in  our  inflationary 
economic  environment,  bus  rout- 
ing could  be  more  effectively 
adjusted  to  insure  the  most  cost 
efficient  utilization  of  vehicles 
while  serving  the  changing  needs 
of  the  community. 

Innovations  in  bus  technology 
have  also  progressed  at  CTA. 
In  1950,  CTA  made  the  largest 
single  purchase  of  500  propane 
buses,  and  by  1963  became  the 
largest  operator  of  this  type  of 
bus.  In  the  1950's,  propane 
buses  were  the  most  economical 
in  terms  of  purchase  price  and 
fuel  costs,  and  they  remained 
in  service  until  1976.  By  that 
time,  many  other  industries  had 
converted  to  propane  fuel  to 
avoid  rising  diesel  fuel,  gasoline, 
and  fuel  oil  prices,  and  the 
resulting  increase  in  the  price  of 
propane  made  propane  bus 
operation  economically  un- 
feasible. 

More  recently,  CTA  purchased 
20  articulated  buses  as  part  of  a 
test  program  in  cooperation  with 
10  other  transit  systems.  Since 
the  introduction  of  our  high 
capacity  "Big  Bend"  buses  in 
February,  1979,  public  response 
has  been  favorable,  and  CTA  has 
ordered  125  more  articulated 
buses. 

A  demonstration  project  for 
automatically  monitoring  500 
CTA  buses  from  a  central 
location  began  on  March  12, 
1970.  This  was  the  first  such 
system  to  be  used  in  the  nation, 


October,  1981 


and  it  was  made  possible  by  a 
grant  from  the  U.S.  Department  of 
Transportation.  Basic  infor- 
mation concerning  identification, 
location,  and  alarm  status  of 
buses  is  provided  on  a  con- 
tinuous basis  to  the  Control 
Center.  The  system  also  pro- 
vides direct  two-way  voice 
communication  between  the  bus 
operator  and  the  controller,  and 
the  bus  operator  can 
unobtrusively  activate  a  silent 
alarm  that  alerts  the  controller 
in  the  event  of  an  emergency. 

The  Bus  Monitor  system 
ultimately  led  to  the  development 
of  CTA's  modernized  Control 
Center  where  the  operation  of  all 
CTA  buses  and  trains  is  monitor- 
ed. The  new  Control  Center  also 
has  direct  two-way  radio  com- 
munications with  bus  operators, 
rapid  transit  motormen  and 
conductors,  and  field  super- 
visors. Other  features  include 
direct  communication  with 
Chicago  Police  and  Fire  De- 
partment dispatchers  and  an 
improved  public  address  system 
for  station  platforms. 


Far  left;  Rapid  transit  service  in  ttie  me- 
dian of  an  expressway  was  pioneered  by 
CTA  witti  ttie  opening  of  ttie  Congress  line 
in  the  Eisentiower  Expressway  in  1958. 

Left:  Ttie  nation's  first  federally  funded 
rapid  transit  demonstration  grant  allowed 
ttie  Skokie  Swift  to  begin  operation,  in 
1964,  and  prove  the  value  of  high-speed 
suburban  transit. 

Above:  A  grant  from  the  U.S.  Department 
of  Transportation,  in  1970,  equipped  500 
CTA  buses  with  the  first  electronic  bus 
monitoring  system.  Now  all  CTA  bus 
operators,  rapid  transit  crew  members, 
and  field  supervisors  are  in  direct  radio 
contact  with  the  Control  Center. 

Below:  When  CTA  put  180  "NEW  LOOK" 
rapid  transit  cars  into  service  in  1964,  it 
became  the  first  system  to  operate  a  large 
fleet  of  air-conditioned  rapid  transit  cars. 

Transit  innovation  is  an  on- 
going process  at  the  Chicago 
Transit  Authority,  for  only 
through  progress  and  industry 
leadership  can  we  best  serve  the 
needs  of  our  riding  public. 


g^  »-• 


Progress 

through 

innovation 


Creative  planning  leads  to  in- 
novative programs  that  enable 
CTA  to  grow  w/ith  the  City  of 
Chicago  and  serve  the  needs  of 
the  riding  public.  Here  are  some 
of  the  programs  and  ac- 
complishments that  continue 
CTA's  tradition  of  transit  industry 
leadership. 


Although  traffic  and  other  con- 
ditions of  travel  are  more 
challenging  than  ever  before, 
1980  was  CTA's  Safest  Year.  By 

maintaining  an  accident  frequen- 
cy rate  of  5.7  per  100,000  miles 
through  133  million  miles  of  bus 
and  rapid  transit  operations,  CTA 
operating  employees  ac- 
complished a  12  per  cent  im- 
provement over  1976,  CTA's 
previous  safest  year. 

This  resulted  in  net  savings  of 
$2  million  in  claims  alone.  The  ad- 
ditional savings  in  potential 
workman's  compensation  is  in- 
calculable, as  are  the  savings 
netted  in  the  cost  of  repair  and 
replacement  of  CTA  vehicles  and 
other  property. 

Safety  Department  records  in- 
dicate that  the  accident  frequen- 
cy rate  for  the  first  eight  months 
of  1981  is  even  lower,  and  they 
are  looking  forward  to  having  a 
second  consecutive  record- 
breaking  year. 

As  an  incentive  for  safe  opera- 
tion, the  Safety  Department  holds 
quarterly  and  annual  safety  com- 
petitions among  all  bus  garages 
and  all  rapid  transit  terminals,  in 
addition  to  their  ongoing 
vigilance  in  identifying  potential 
problems  and  revising  safety  pro- 
cedures. 


Since  1972,  the  CTA  Technical 
Institute  has  become  interna- 
tionally recognized  as  a  com- 
prehensive program  for  studying 
the  operation  of  a  major  mass 
transit  system.  When  CTA 
pioneered  this  type  of  program,  it 
served  as  an  orientation  for 
representatives  of  government 
agencies  that  provided  transit 
funding.  It  has  since  been  ex- 
panded to  become  an   industry- 


wide education  and  information 
exchange  program,  attracting  a 
broad  range  of  persons  from 
transit  newcomers  to  seasoned 
veterans.  Offered  five  times  per 
year,  this  week-long  program  of 
seminars  and  field  trips  has  been 
attended  by  over  800  persons 
from  transrt  properties  and 
related  agencies  throughout  the 
world. 


In  recent  years  Computeriza- 
tion has  increased  the  efficiency 
of  CTA  operations.  The  most 
notable  application  is  the  Vehicle 
Maintenance  System  (VMS).  By 
monitoring  preventive  mainte- 
nance schedules  and  collecting 
data  at  the  garage  level,  the  VMS 
helps  CTA  determine  perform- 
ance requirements  and  provide 
the  best  bus  service  at  the  lowest 
possible  cost.  VMS  has  made 
buses  available  for  more  frequent 
service,  prevented  increased 
maintenance  costs,  improved 
safety  among  garage  employees, 
and  provided  a  better  way  to 
justify  requests  foroperating  sub- 
sidies. VMS  is  now  being  in- 
stalled in  Los  Angeles,  and  other 
transit  systems  are  considering 
implementation.  CTA  is  also  the 
largest  transit  industry  user  of 
Query  By  Example  (QBE)  which 
gives  CTA  user  departments 
direct  access  to  the  computer  on 
a  daily  basis  as  if  it  were  their 
own  personal  computer. 


The  CTA  Transportation 
Department  has  pioneered  the 
development  of  an  Assault  and 
Rape  Victim  Advocate  Program, 

which  provides  a  sensitive,  con- 
cerned response  in  the  event  that 
CTA  employees  or  members  of 


their  immediate  families  are  vic- 
timized. Volunteer  women  ad- 
vocates throughout  the  company 
have  been  professionally  trained 
at  CTA-sponsored  seminars. 
Within  minutes  of  a  victim's  re- 
quest, an  advocate  arrives  to  help 
the  victim  by  engaging  in  reflec- 
tive listening,  explaining  medical 
and  investigative  procedures,  in- 
forming the  victim  of  sources  of 
professional  counselling,  and 
escorting  the  victim  home.  This 
sensitive  response  from  another 
CTA  employee  helps  the  victim 
weather  the  emotional  trauma 
that  often  occurs  in  the  aftermath 
of  an  act  of  violence. 


All  of  CTA's  37  electrical 
substations  on  the  rapid  transit 
system  now  feature  modern, 
60-cycle,  solid  state  operation. 
An  Engineering  Department  pro- 
ject began  converting  substa- 
tions in  1962,  when  Princeton 
substation  became  the  first  solid- 
state  rapid  transit  substation  in 
the  United  States.  Power  distribu- 
tion from  the  unmanned, 
automated  substations  is  con- 
trolled from  the  Control  Center, 
and  CTA's  total  electrical  conver- 
sion capability  is  now  227 
megawatts. 


CTA  was  the  first  property  in 
the  Transit  Industry  to  develop  an 
Assessment  Center  for  determin- 
ing the  management  potential  of 
its  employees,  and  approximately 
100  employees  have  participated 
in  the  program  since  1978.  By 
observing  these  employees  in  a 
variety  of  deliberately  structured, 
job-related  situations,  CTA 
discovers  those  persons  who 
possess    management    potential 


eta  transit  news 


Far  left:  Pride  in  a  job  well  done  is  evident 
as  Frank  Wsol,  Area  Superintendent,  Far 
South,  displays  quarterly  public  safety 
award  presented  to  77th  Street  Garage  by 
Tom  Boyle  (in  light  suit  at  left),  Manager, 
Safety  Department. 

Left:  Mayor  Jane  M.  Byrne,  Superinten- 
dent of  Police  Richard  J.  Brzeczek  (right), 
and  Assistant  Deputy  Superintendent  Bill 
Miller  (center)  inspect  the  Chicago  Transit 
Security  System  at  the  Chicago  Police 
Department  Communications  Center. 
(Photo  Courtesy  of  Mayor's  Office) 


-job  knowledge,  communication 
skills,  leadership  ability,  good 
judgment,  responsible  decision 
making,  interpersonal  relations 
skills  -  -  and  develops  its  future 
managers  among  its  own 
employees. 

CTA's    new    Security   Training 

Program  is  a  direct  result  of 
legislation  introduced  by  CTA 
Chiairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes 
when  he  was  a  member  of  the 
Illinois  General  Assembly.  The 
law  requires  security  orientation 
training  for  all  public  transporta- 
tion operating  employees  in  the 
areas  of  assaults  on  personnel, 
crimes  against  passengers, 
recognition  of  dangerous 
behavior,  hostage  situations, 
communication,  identification  of 
assailants,  and  employee  fear. 

The  Training/Development  Pro- 
grams section  of  CTA's  Human 
Resources  Department  devel- 
oped the  training  program. 
Videotape  vignettes  of  simulated 
crimes  or  threatening  situations 
stimulate  class  discussions  and 
demonstrate  proper  procedures, 
and  printed  instructional 
materials  reinforce  the  learning 
process. 

CTA's  Security  Training  Pro- 
gram is  expected  to  be  the  model 
for  similar  programs  which  must 
be  adopted  by  other  operating 
agencies  within  Illinois. 

Thousands  of  mobility-limited 
Chicagoans  gained  access  to 
transit  service  when  the  CTA 
Special  Services  program  began 
operation  this  September  21. 
Twenty  new  lift-equipped  mini- 
buses and  three  lift-retrofitted 
35-foot  FIxible  buses  provide  two 


types  of  pre-scheduled,  door-to- 
door  service  -  -  one  time  trips  and 
regularly  recurring  trips.  Special- 
ly selected  employees  from  the 
Transportation  and  Maintenance 
Departments  operate  and  main- 
tain the  vehicles,  and  Consumer 
Services  Department  employees 
provide  rider  certification  and 
computerized  trip  planning  and 
scheduling  by  telephone.  All 
employees  in  the  Special  Ser- 
vices program  have  received  sen- 
sitivity and  procedural  training 
which  enables  them  to  better 
serve  the  needs  of  our  mobility- 
limited  riders. 


The  unique  Chicago  Transit 
Security  System,  an  electronic 
surveillance  network  designed  to 
reduce  crime  on  the  rapid  transit 
system,  began  operation  on  May 
8,  1980,  at  Chicago  Police  Head- 
quarters. The  pilot  program  in- 
volves four  stations  on  the 
Englewood/Jackson  Park  route: 
35th  Street,  40th  and  Indiana, 
43rd  and  Indiana,  and  55th  Street. 

At  each  station,  nine  closed- 
circuit  television  cameras 
monitor  the  platforms,  stairwells, 
and  ticket  agent  booths.  These 
are  supplemented  by  push  button 
alarms  and  emergency 
telephones.  Loudspeakers  and 
microphones  provide  on-site  two- 
way  voice  contact. 

Monitored  at  a  nine-screen 
control  console  at  the  Chicago 
Police  Department  Communica- 
tions Center,  the  system  scans 
each  station  for  11  seconds  in 
continual  succession.  Emergen- 
cy alarms  or  phone  calls 
automatically  switch  the  console 
monitors  to  the  origin  of  the 
distress  call. 


The  Chicago  Department  of 
Public  Works  guided  the  develop- 
ment of  the  program.  The 
project's  total  cost  is  $1.7  million, 
funded  primarily  through  the  U.S. 
Urban  Mass  Transportation  Ad- 
ministration and  the  Illinois 
Department  of  Transportation. 

CTA  realizes  its  responsibility 
to  the  community,,  and  communi- 
ty involvement  activities  have  in- 
creased. In  the  Finance  Division, 
every  effort  has  been  made  to  in- 
sure that  minority  vendors  have 
an  equal  opportunity  to  bid  on 
CTA  contracts,  and  much  of 
CTA's  banking  activity  is  now 
conducted  through  minority- 
owned  institutions. 

The  Community  Relations  sec- 
tion meets  with  community 
groups  to  explain  CTA  service 
and  learn  how  we  can  best  serve 
their  needs.  They  also  present  a 
CTA  slide  show  and  answerques- 
tions  in  Chicago  Public  School 
classes.  Plans  are  now  being 
made  to  adapt  this  presentation 
to  the  school  curriculum  so 
teachers  throughout  the  system 
can  present  a  standardized  study 
unit  about  CTA  and  public 
transportation. 

In  cooperation  with  the  Boy 
Scouts  of  America,  employees 
from  the  Automotive  Vehicle 
Maintenance  Facility  volunteered 
their  time,  this  spring,  to  teach 
high  school  age  Explorer  Scouts 
various  automotive  maintenance 
techniques.  Using  scrap 
materials,  and  materials  donated 
by  CTA  suppliers,  the  Scouts 
built  a  quarter-scale  working 
model  of  an  articulated  bus  and 
rebuilt  or  remodelled  small  utility 
vehicles  used  in  the  shops. 


October,  1981 


Growing  to 
serve  Chicago 

The  increasing  and  changing 
needs  of  transit  riders  in  Chicago 
require  continuous  revitalization 
and  expansion  of  facilities  and 
equipment.  With  the  assistance 
of  federal  and  state  capital 
funding,  the  CTA  Engineering  and 
Operations  Planning  Depart- 
ments and  the  City  of  Chicago, 
Department  of  Public  Works,  are 
working  together  to  provide  more 
extensive,  convenient,  cost- 
effective,  and  efficient  service  for 
the  future. 

Construction  under  the  super- 
vision of  CTA's  Engineering 
Department  will  soon  begin  on 
the  new  Kedzie  Garage  on  the 
near  west  side,  replacing  a 
70-year-old  structure  that 
originally  served  streetcars.  The 
new  332,000  square-foot  facility 
will  be  a  model  of  environmental 
concern  and  energy  efficiency, 
allowing  250  buses  to  be  stored 
and  maintained  indoors,  pro- 
tected from  our  harsh  winter 
weather.  Exhaust  gasses  will  be 
used  to  preheat  air  entering  the 
heating  system,  and  a  new  dim- 
mer lighting  system  will  rely  on 
skylights  for  primary  lighting, 
while  monitoring  light  levels  and 
activating  supplemental  electric 
lighting  as  needed  at  various 
work  locations. 

Station  renovation  is  also 
planned  and  monitored  by  the 
CTA  Engineering  Department. 
The  new  Western  Avenue  Station 
on  the  Ravenswood  rapid  transit 


route  is  being  developed  as  part 
of  the  Lincoln  Square  Mall  project 
in  conjunction  with  the  city  and 
the  local  business  community. 
Other  locations  that  have  already 
been  renovated  or  are  now 
undergoing  renovation  include: 
Loyola,  Granville,  and  47th  Street 
Stations  on  the  Howard- 
Englewood-Jackson  Park  route; 
Cicero  Avenue  Station  and  the 
15th  and  16th  Street  bridges  on 
the  Douglas  line;  Kedzie  Avenue 
Station  and  the  bridge  over  the 
north  branch  of  the  Chicago  River 
on  the  Ravenswood  route;  79th 
Street  Station  on  the  Lake-Dan 
Ryan  route;  and  the  Davis  Street 
Station  on  the  Evanston  route.  All 
station  renovations  employ 
modern  construction  techniques 
using  brick,  steel  and  glass. 
Passenger  comfort  and  safety  are 
increased  by  high  visibility 
design,  fluorescent  lighting, 
passenger  activated  infrared  plat- 
form heaters,  modern  fare  collec- 


The  Chicago  Department  of  Public  Works 
designed  the  new  Despiaines  Terminal  at 
the  end  of  the  Congress  rapid  transit  line 
in  Forest  Park. 

tion  equipment,  escalators  and 
elevators. 

In  suburban  Forest  Park  at  the 
end  of  the  Congress  rapid  transit 
route,  the  newly  rebuilt  $5.5 
million  Despiaines  Terminal  is 
now  in  operation.  Designed  by 
the  Chicago  Department  of 
Public  Works,  the  bi-level  ter- 
minal features  a  425-foot  long 
and  28-foot  wide  station  platform 
with  three  16-foot  windbreaks  and 
infrared  heaters.  Two  escalators, 
stairways,  and  an  elevator  lead  to 
the  lower  level  of  the  concrete, 
steel  and  glass  terminal  building 
which  includes  a  concession 
area,  a  waiting  area,  and  modern 
fare  collection  equipment.  At 
ground  level,  the  south  entrance 
serves  Greyhound  buses  and 
automobile  traffic  and  leads  to  a 
330-car  park  and  ride  lot,  and  the 
north  entrance  serves  CTA  and 
suburban  transit  buses. 

Air  travellers  to  O'Hare  Interna- 
tional Airport  and  workers  from 
the  business,  industrial,  and 
hotel  facilities  nearby  will  soon 
have  a  direct  rapid  transit  con- 
nection to  the  entire  CTA  system. 
The  Chicago  Department  of 
Public  Works  is  now  building  a 
7.3-mile,  $187.5  million,  extension 
of    the    Milwaukee    rapid    transit 

CTA's  new  Kedzie  Garage  will  provide 
maintenance  facilities  and  storage  area 
for  250  buses  in  a  modern,  energy  efficient 
building. 


eta  transit  news 


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•7     /  -•'' 


route,  beginning  at  the  Jefferson 
Parl<  Ternninal  in  the  median  of 
the  Kennedy  Expressway  and 
ending  at  a  subway  terminal 
under  the  airport  parl<ing  garage. 
In  addition  to  the  O'Hare  Ter- 
minal, three  new  median  stations 
are  being  built  at  Harlem  Avenue, 
Cumberland  Road  and  River 
Road.  When  this  two-track  exten- 
sion is  completed  in  late  1982  or 
early  1983,  it  will  provide  an 
18-mile  long  rapid  transit  line 
from  the  Dearborn  subway  of  the 
Milwaukee-Congress-Douglas 
route  in  Chicago's  Loop  to 
O'Hare  International  Airport. 

CTA  and  the  Department  of 
Public  Works  have  also 
cooperated  in  the  development  of 
reverse-flow  bus  lanes  on 
Washington,  Madison,  and 
Adams  Streets  and  Jackson 
Boulevard  in  the  Loop  area. 
Operating  against  the  normal 
one-way  flow  of  traffic,  in  ex- 
clusive   curb-side    lanes,    CTA 


buses  now  provide  quicker  and 
more  reliable  east-west  service 
between  Michigan  Avenue  and 
the  Union  and  North  Western 
commuter  railroad  stations. 

Similarly,  in  1979,  these  same 
cooperative  efforts  brought  about 
the  construction  and  operation  of 
the  State  Street  Transit  Mall, 
where  CTA  buses  operate  ex- 
clusively, northbound  and  south- 
bound, between  Wacker  Drive 
and  Congress  Parkway.  Service 
has  been  improved,  especially 
during  rush  hours,  and  the  wid- 
ened sidewalks,  attractive  land- 
scaping, and  canopied  bus  stops 
transformed  State  Street  into  a 
pleasant  shopping  mall.  Con- 
struction will  soon  begin  at  the 
Jackson/Adams  Station  of  the 
State  Street  Subway  to  provide 
access  for  elderly  and  handi- 
capped riders  by  means  of  an 
elevator  from  street  level  to  the 
platform.  In  addition,  CTA  and  the 
Department  of  Public  Works  are 


Artist's  concept  of  the  new  Harlem 
Avenue  Station  in  the  Kennedy  Ex- 
pressway median.  The  O'Hare  Extension, 
now  under  construction,  will  extend  rapid 
transit  service  7.3  miles  from  CTA's  Jeffer- 
son Park  Terminal  west  to  O'Hare  Inter- 
national Airport. 

now  planning  a  renovation  pro- 
ject for  all  the  State  Street  and 
Dearborn  Street  Subway  stations. 
The  CTA  Engineering  Depart- 
ment is  also  responsible  for 
designing  new  equipment  and 
vehicles,  supervising  the 
manufacture  or  modification  of 
equipment  and  vehicles,  and  in- 
suring that  new  equipment  and 
vehicles  perform  in  accordance 
with  CTA's  specifications  before 
the  equipment  is  put  into  service. 


Reverse  flow  bus  lanes  (above)  and  the 
State  street  Mall  (left)  have  greatly  im- 
proved bus  service  in  the  Loop. 


13 


cooperating  to  serve  the  trans 


History 


Working  together 


The  American  Public  Transit 
Association  and  its  predecessor 
organizations  have  been  working 
to  improve  public  transportation 
in  the  United  States  and  Canada 
for  almost  100  years.  Common 
problems  involving  the  operation 
of  horse-drawn  cars  and  the  ad- 
vent of  cable  cars  were  the  focus 
of  industry  attention  when  the 
association  was  formed  in  1882 
as  the  American  Street  Railway 
Association. 

The  introduction  of  electric 
streetcars  and  interurban 
railways  around  the  turn  of  the 
century  led  to  expansion  of  the 
organization  as  the  American 
Street  and  Interurban  Railway 
Association,  which  soon  became 
the  American  Electric  Railway 
Association.  The  heyday  of  trac- 
tion brought  increased  emphasis 
on  research  and  development,  in- 
formation exchange,  and 
legislative  action  in  promoting 
the  needs  of  the  industry. 

As  urban  motor  bus  and  trolley 
coach  operations  began  to 
change  the  face  of  public 
transportation  in  the  1920's  and 
'30's,  the  representative  of  sur- 
face transit  evolved  into  the 
American  Transit  Association, 
while  the  Institute  for  Rapid 
Transit  developed  as  the 
organization  for  subway  and 
elevated  transit  systems.  The 
merger  of  these  two  groups  in 
1974  created  the  American  Public 
Transit  Association  that  is  now 
the  voice  of  public  transit  in  the 
United  States. 

The  following  Chicago  transit  ex- 
ecutives served  as  chairmen  of  APTA 
or    as    presidents    of    one    of    its 
predecessor  organizations: 
James    J.     McDonough,     chairman, 
CTA;  chairman,  APTA,  1976-79. 
George   L.   DeMent,  chairman,  CTA; 
president,  IRT,  1965-68,  ATA,  1970-71. 
Walter  J.  McCarter,  general  manager, 
CTA;  president,  IRT,  1961-65. 
Guy    A.     Richardson,     president, 
Chicago    Surface    Lines;    president, 
AERA,  1931-32. 

Britton  I.  Budd,  president,  Chicago 
Rapid  Transit  Co.;  president,  AERA, 
1923-24. 

John  M.  Roach,  president,  Chicago 
Union  Traction  Co.;  president,  ASRA, 
1899-1900. 

Charles  B.  Holmes,  president, 
Chicago  City  Railway  Co.;  president, 
ASRA,  1887-1888. 


Chicago  Transit  Authority  per- 
sonnel and  their  forebears  have 
taken  a  leading  role  in  the  ac- 
tivities of  the  American  Public 
Transit  Association  and  its 
predecessor  organizations 
almost  from  their  inception  near- 
ly a  century  ago. 

In  1887-88,  Charles  B.  Holmes, 
then  President  of  the  Chicago 
City  Railway  Co.,  became  Presi- 
dent of  the  American  Street 
Railway  Association,  the  fledg- 
ling organization  of  transit 
systems  that  had  been  founded 
barely  four  years  earlier. 

From  members'  initial  concern 
with  the  price  of  oats  for  their 
horses  and  the  advent  of  cable 
cars,  the  association  has  con- 
tinued to  seek  solutions  to  cur- 
rent transit  problems,  right  down 
to  the  present-day  headache  of 
handling  dollar  bill  collections. 

Today,  more  than  two  dozen 
CTA  people  Serve  on  APTA  com- 
mittees and  subcommittees,  in- 
cluding Chairman  Eugene  M. 
Barnes,  who  is  APTA's  Vice  Presi- 
dent for  Government  Affairs  and 
a  member  of  its  Program  Commit- 
tee. All  are  lending  their  expertise 
to  programs  aimed  at  helping  the 
industry  meet  the  needs  of  public 
transportation  in  the  1980's. 

APTA  in  turn  serves  the  in- 
dustry as  well  as  the  riding  public 
by  supporting  research  and 
development  projects  sponsored 
by  the  Urban  Mass  Transporta- 
tion Administration.  Through  its 
committees,  APTA  provides 
UMTA  with  the  experienced  per- 


sonnel needed  to  insure  that  the 
projects  receive  the  industry's 
most  advanced  thinking. 

"We  support  the  work  of  UMTA- 
funded  contractors  by  overseeing 
their  work,  rather  than  engaging 
in  the  actual  research  itself,"  said 
Frank  Cihak,  APTA  Director  of 
Technology  and  Research  Ser- 
vices, who  formerly  was  CTA's 
chief  equipment  engineer  and 
Director  of  Technical  Services  in 
the  Maintenance  Department. 

"At  present  we  have  seven  con- 
tracts with  UMTA,  ranging  from 
safety  to  equipment  standardiza- 
tion and  design  practices.  Three 
of  the  contracts  are  in  the  area  of 
technological  matters  relating  to 
equipment  and  operations. 

"Altogether,  we  have  260 
transit  industry  people  on  38 
liaison  boards  with  UMTA  and  the 
Transportation  Systems  Center, 
-another  part  of  the  U.S.  Depart- 
ment of  Transportation  -  all  sup- 
porting UMTA  activities." 

APTA  committees  also  provide 
the  basis  for  programs  at  regional 
and  annual  meetings,  and  fulfill 
their  individual  committee  func- 
tions throughout  the  year.  One  of 
these  functions  is  to  resolve  joint 

After  the  crippling  blizzard  of  79,  the 
APTA  Snow  Task  Force  visited  Chicago. 
Shown  at  Skokie  Shop,  examining  rapid 
transit  car  electric  motor  armatures,  are: 
CTA  General  Operations  Manager  Harold 
H.  Geissenheimer;  C.  A.  Waelde,  MBTA, 
Boston;  Thomas  A.  Whibbs,  Toronto 
Transit  Commission,  task  force  chairman; 
and  former  CTA  Executive  Director 
George  Krambles. 


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ndustry 


The  first-place  winner  in  CTA's  first  Bus 
Roadeo,  held  this  summer,  was  bus 
operator  Martin  Troglia.  Congratulating 
Troglia  and  wishing  him  good  luck  in  the 
APTA  International  Bus  Roadeo,  are  (left 
to  right):  CTA  Transportation  Manager 
James  Blaa,  Troglia.  CTA  Executive  Direc- 
tor Theodore  G.  Schuster,  General  Opera- 
tions Manager  Harold  H.  Geissenheimer, 
and  CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes. 

problems  that  might  arise  among 
the  member  properties. 

The  crippling  Chicago 
snowstorms  of  January,  1979, 
which  were  accompanied  by  con- 
tinuously subfreezing  tem- 
peratures, led  to  the  establish- 
ment of  a  Snow  Task  Force  to 
gather  information  from  all  af- 
fected systems  about  common 
operating  problems  and  to  seek 
solutions. 

One  of  the  results  of  the  task 
force's  action  was  the  Snow 
Removal  Vehicle  (S  500)  that  the 
CTA  took  delivery  on  in  the  spring 
of  1981  for  use  in  future  snow 
emergencies  on  its  rapid  transit 
routes. 

Another  specialized  APTA- 
sponsored  group  was  the 
Revenue  Collection  Task  Force, 
which  was  organized  to  attack 
the  problems  of  dollar  bill  collec- 
tion on  transit  vehicles.  Harold  H. 
Geissenheimer,  CTA  General 
Operations  Manager,  is  chairman 
of  the  task  force,  which  was 
formed  in  September,  1981. 

Besides  committees  and  task 
forces,  communication  among 
APTA  members  is  also  main- 
tained through  the  peer  group 
review  process.  This  is  basically 
an  interchange  of  visits  among 
the  personnel  of  different  proper- 
ties where  the  expertise  of  one 
company  may  be  of  particular 
value  to  the  other. 

"The  peer  group  review," 
Geissenheimer  said,  "is  a  good 
example  of  interagency  coopera- 
tion. It  allows  a  new  system  to 
call  upon  the  expertise  of 
management  and  technical  peo- 
ple from  another  system,  and 
perhaps  to  avoid  making  costly 
errors.  It  represents  industry  help- 
ing itself." 

The  CTA  recently  sent  such  a 
group  to  Los  Angeles,  where  a 
new  rapid  transit  system  is  being 
developed.  Special  services  for 
the  disabled  was  the  subject  of 
another  review  that  was  held  in 
Chicago  in  1980. 


Twenty-seven  persons  affiliated  with  the  Chicago  Transit  Authority  serve  on 
various  committees  and  subcommittees  of  the  American  Public  Transit  Association. 

Eugene  M.  Barnes,  CTA  Chairman,  APTA  Vice  President  for  Government  Affairs, 
member  of  program  committee. 

James  P.  Gallagher,  CTA  Board  Member,  member  of  legislative  committee. 
Joby  Berman,  Administrator  to  the  Administrative  Joint  Commission  on  the  Chicago 
Transit  Authority,  member  of  policy  and  planning  committee,  member  of  elderly  and 
handicapped  transportation  subcommittee  of  the  government  affairs  committee. 
Harold  H.  Geissenheimer,  General  Operations  Manager,  member  and  past  chairman 
of  bus  operations  committee,  rail  operations  committee,  chairman  of  transit  adver- 
tising standardization  subcommittee  of  the  special  services  committee. 
C.  W.  Baxa,  Public  Affairs  Manager,  member  of  the  international  bus  roadeo  commit- 
tee. 

S.  M.  Bianchi,  Risk  Management  Manager,  chairman  of  the  risk  management  com- 
mittee. 

Harold  Hirsch,  Operations  Planning  Manager,  chairman  of  service  planning  and 
scheduling  subcommittee  of  the  bus  operations  committee,  past  chairman  of  the 
schedule  committee. 

John  Hogan,  Datacenter  Manager,  chairman  of  the  management  systems  commit- 
tee. 

Fred  G.  King,  Human  Resources  Manager,  member  of  the  minority  affairs  commit- 
tee. 

Raleigh  Mathis,  Security  Manager,  member  of  the  transit  security  steering  commit- 
tee. 

Thomas  L.  Wolgemuth,  Maintenance  Manager,  member  of  management  subcommit- 
tee of  the  operations  committee. 

Frank  Johnson,  Training/Development  Programs  Director,  member  of  the  training 
and  development  committee. 

J.  R.  Pankonen,  Vehicle  Maintenance  Director,  member  of  the  car  equipment  com- 
mittee. 

Harold  Reddrick,  Transportation  Personnel  Director,  member  of  the  bus  operations 
committee. 

James  Stewart,  Equipment  Engineering  Director,  member  of  the  car  equipment  com- 
mittee. 

Ronald  O.  Swindell,  Signal  and  Communications  Design  Director,  member  of  the 
communications  committee. 

Edward  Tobin,  Procurement  Director,  member  of  the  purchases  and  materials 
management  committee. 

C.  L.  Wlksten,  Plant  Maintenance  Director,  member  of  equipment  subcommittee  of 
the  ways  and  structures  committee. 

Kendrick  Bisset,  Signal  Design  Superintendent,  member  of  signals  subcommittee  #1 
of  the  power,  signals,  and  communications  committee. 

Elonzo  Hill,  Training  Center  Superintendent,  member  of  the  international  bus  roadeo 
committee. 

Paul  Kadowaki,  Bus  Instruction  Superintendent,  member  of  the  international  bus 
roadeo  committee. 

Walter  R.  Keevil,  Electrical  Vehicle  Design  Superintendent,  member  of  noise  and 
vibration  subcommittee  of  the  ways  and  structures  committee. 
Walter  Moore,  Power  Distribution  Group  Superintendent,  member  of  power  subcom- 
mittee of  the  power,  signals,  and  communications  committee. 
Joseph  Siegel,  Power  and  Wiring  Superintendent,  member  of  the  power,  signals,  and 
communications  committee,  vice  chairman  of  its  power  subcommittee,  and  member 
of  its  high  resistant  fault  subcommittee. 

Roy  T.  Smith,  Civil  Engineering  Superintendent,  member  of  the  ways  and  structures 
committee,  member  of  its  track  construction  and  maintenance  subcommittee. 
Frank  Venezia,  Bus  Shops  Superintendent,  member  of  the  mechanical  committee, 
bus  technology  committee,  elderly  and  handicapped  transportation  subcommittee 
of  the  government  affairs  committee,  past  chairman  of  the  equipment  committee. 
Donald  Walsh,  Electrical  Testing  Supervisor,  member  of  electrolysis  subcommittee 
of  the  power,  signals,  and  communications  committee. 


October,  1981 


Visit  eta 

while  you're 
in  Chicago 

During  the  1981  APIA 
Convention,  we  hope  that 
you  will  visit  CTA  and  meet 
Sonne  of  the  dedicated 
employees  who  keep  our 
system  running.  APIA  has 
arranged  tours  from  2  p.m. 
to  5  p.m.  on  Friday,  October 
9,  of  the  CTA  facilities  that 
are  highlighted  on  the 
following  pages,  as  shown 
in  the  convention 
schedule. 

You  can  also  step  back 
in  time  and  ride  buses  from 
our  historical  collection, 
which  will  be  displayed 
during  the  convention  and 
occasionally  used  for  shut- 
tle service.  Our  historic 
rapid  transit  cars  will  be 
displayed,  along  with  our 
newest  2600  series  rapid 
transit  cars  and  our  rapid 
transit  snow  removal 
equipment,  on  Saturday, 
October  10,  from  11  a.m. 
until  2  p.m.,  at  the 
Madison/Wells  Station  on 
the  Loop  'L'. 

Vehicles  from  our 
historical  collection  are 
shown  at  the  bottom  of  the 
following  pages,  and  our 
newest  vehicles  are  shown 
on  the  back  cover. 


Control 
Center 


A  fire  breaks  out  in  the  3400 
block  of  Chicago  Avenue  and  traf- 
fic must  be  blocked  off.  A  young 
woman  has  her  purse  snatched 
on  a  westbound  Lake  Street 
elevated  train.  Carrying  a  full  load 
of  passengers,  a  southbound 
Michigan  Avenue  bus  breaks 
down  during  the  morning  rush 
hour.  And  almost  at  the  same 
time  an  automobile,  northbound 
on  Ashland,  runs  a  red  light,  col- 
liding with  an  eastbound  Diversey 
bus. 

Occurrences  such  as  these  are 
part  of  the  everyday  scenario  of  a 
transit  company.  The  problems 
that  can  be  created  -  by  weather, 
human  behavior,  equipment 
malfunctioning  -  may  sometimes 
be  averted.  But  when  they  can't 
be  averted,  they  must  be  coped 
with. 

For  the  CTA  this  means  being 
prepared,  using  today's 
technology  to  the  fullest, 
recognizing  that  the  key  to  cop- 
ing is  a  continuously  operating 
communications  network. 

This  is  the  job  of  the  Control 
Center. 

Traffic  supervisors,  whether 
surface  or  rapid  transit,  are  the 
CTA's  first  line  of  defense  for 
handling  delays  -  no  matter  what 
the  cause.  But  they  must  first  be 
alerted  to  the  emergency  with  ac- 
curate facts  and  then  given  the 


necessary  directions  and  backup 
so  that  their  effectiveness  is  max- 
imized, their  actions  not  wasted 
motion,  their  efforts  not 
duplicated. 

This  is  the  job  of  the  Control 
Center. 

Should  power  on  the  third  rail 
be  interrupted,  instructions  may 
have  to  be  given  to  Power  Con- 
trollers. Power  may  have  to  be 
shut  down.  Perhaps  feeder 
cables  will  need  to  be  discon- 
nected. Depending  on  the  exact 
nature  of  the  problem,  a  broad 
range  of  decisions  will  have  to  be 
made,  appropriate  instructions 
given  and  followed  through. 

This  is  the  job  of  the  Control 
Center. 

An  unexpected  blizzard  may  be 
moving  swiftly  towards  the  city. 
Emergency  weather  bulletins 
could  be  phoned  in  to  bus 
garages  and  rail  terminals,  but 
what  about  the  operator  on  the 
street?  With  one  two-way  radio 
call  to  the  Control  Center,  he  or 
she  can  pinpoint  the  location  of 
the  snowbound  vehicle,  secure 
the  necessary  help,  be  provided 
with  instructions  as  to  what  to  do 
while  waiting  for  help,  and  -- 
perhaps  most  important  of  all  - 
have  the  feeling  of  not  being 
stranded  in  the  predicament. 

Regardless  of  the  situation,  for 
all  of  the  needed  emergency 
facilities  -  whether  persons, 
power,  or  equipment  -  to  work  ef- 
ifectively,  they  must  be  coor- 
dinated. And  this  is  the  heart  of 
the  matter.  For  doing  this  means 
maintaining  an   information  net- 


3407 

Twenty  identical  Model  798 
buses  were  built  by  the  White 
Motor  Company  in  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  for  the  Chicago  Surface 
Lines,  in  1944.  Following  World 
War  II,  additional  buses  of  this 
type  were  purchased,  without  the 
fluted  side  design  of  the  first  20. 
3407  has  been  repainted  in 
Chicago  Surface  Lines  livery  and 
is  presently  used  in  training  and 
instructional  activities. 


eta  transit  news 


Above:  Bus  controllers  at  work  in  CTA's 
remodelled  Control  Center. 

Right:  Transportation  Manager  James 
Blaa  (left)  and  Director  of  Service  Michael 
LaVelle  observe  rail  controllers  during  the 
morning  rush  hour. 


work  through  two-way  radios, 
platform  speakers,  intercom 
systems,  telephones.  It  means 
receiving  and  transmitting  infor- 
mation. It  means  determining  the 
priority  order  in  which  problems 
will  be  handled,  mindful  that 
when  service  is  maintained  or 
restored,  passenger  needs  are 
well  served. 

This  is  the  job  of  the  Control 
Center,  and  it  is  performed  in  an 
excellent,  professional  manner. 


605 

Among  the  buses  acquired  by 
CTA  in  its  1952  purchase  of  the 
Chicago  Motor  Coach  Company 
were  100  General  Motors 
TDH-5103's,  built  in  1950  and 
numbered  601-700.  in  1970,  bus 
605  was  removed  from  revenue 
service  for  use  as  a  training  bus. 
It  has  now  been  repainted  in  its 
original  Chicago  Motor  Coach 
livery  and  is  used  as  a  support 
vehicle  at  special  events. 


October,  1981 


Automotive 
Vehicle 
Maintenance 
Facilty 


The  H-shaped  design  of  the 
CTA's  sprawling  Automotive 
Vehicle  Maintenance  Facility, 
located  on  the  south  side  of 
Chicago,  is  an  important  factor 
in  its  being  one  of  the  best 
maintenance  facilities  of  any 
transit  property  in  the  United 
States.  For  this  unique  design 
allows  the  never-ending  job  of 
automotive  vehicle  maintenance 
to  be  carried  out  in  a  compacted 
space  that  uses  the  CTA's  land 
area  to  maximum  effectiveness, 
with  every  department  within  the 
facility  being  no  more  than  one- 
fourth  of  a  block  from  the  central 
point  or  hub  of  the  building. 

It  is  this  kind  of  imaginative 
thinking,  planning  and-most 
important-doing,  that  charac- 
terizes the  manner  in  which 
South  Shops  is  operated  by  its 
managers  and  staffed  by  its 
craftspersons  and  workers.  And 
it  has  led  to  a  working  innovation 
that  has  helped  alleviate  a  prob- 
lem that  has  plagued  the  entire 
transit  industry. 

The  problem?  The  never-end- 
ing necessity  for  engine  rebuild- 
ing. The  solution?  An  engine 
assembly  line. 

Prior  to  October,  1980-and  in 


common  with  other  transit 
properties  throughout  the 
country-one  craftsperson  would 
be  assigned  the  task  of  rebuild- 
ing one  engine.  Depending  on 
the  nature  of  the  problem,  this 
might  take  from  65  to  85  hours. 
However,  if  for  some  unforeseen 
reason  that  craftsperson  was 
absent  for  a  period  of  time, 
such  as  a  day's  illness,  the 
engine  would  simply  "sit." 
Now  all  that  has  changed. 

The  CTA's  Automotive  Vehicle 
Maintenance  Facility  has  created 
an  assembly  line  system  made  up 
of  six  4-hour  stations  with  each 
station  being  responsible  for 
approximately  one-sixth  of  the 
total  job.  Every  four  hours  the 
engine  moves  up  on  a  wheeled 
carrier  to  a  different  station. 
Should  a  problem  arise  in  the 
repair  of  a  particular  engine, 
that  engine  is  temporarily  put 
aside  and  another  moves  into  its 
place.  The  line  does  not  stop. 
In  this  way.  South  Shops  is  able 


to  rebuild  two  engines  a  day,  10  a 
week.  Before  putting  in  the 
assembly  line,  five  engines  per 
week  was  the  quota. 

While  every  automotive  repair 
requirement  is  not  adaptable  to 
the  assembly-line  technique,  all 
automotive  vehicle  maintenance 
work-before,  during,  and  after- 
is  continuously  examined  from  a 
time  and  motion  perspective  that 
enables  the  men  and  women 
involved  to  get  the  job  done  in  the 
best  possible  way,  in  the  least 
possible  time,  and  with  the  great- 
est sense  of  personal  accom- 
plishment. 

Put  all  of  this  together  and  it 
adds  up  to  a  facility  that  is 
capable  of  handling  30  major  bus 
repairs  in  the  H  building.  Should 
the  need  arise,  another  17  major 
bus  repairs  can  be  added  to  this 
figure  by  also  using  the  original 
building.  At  the  same  time,  they 
have  the  capacity  for  completing 
14  engine  repairs  as  well  as  14 
brake  jobs.     And  just  for  good 


8499 

Delivered  in  1960,  this  bus  is  a 
cross  between  two  distinct  bus 
designs,  combining  the  body  of  a 
standard  40-foot  CTA  propane 
bus  of  the  1950's  and  the  FIxible 
'NEW  LOOK'  front  end.  Some  of 
the  features  tested  on  this  bus 
were  later  used  in  the  design  of 
FIxible  'NEW  LOOK'  buses.  8499 
became  a  part  of  CTA's  historical 
collection  in  1974,  and  is  still 
used  in  regular  service. 


18 


eta  transit  news 


\' 


Wggb 

aw. 


Left,  above:  "Mother  Bus"  Mobile  Repair 
Unit,  a  retired  FIxible  bus  that  was 
modified  at  South  Shops,  stands  by  at 
special  events  iil<e  Chicago  Bears  football 
games  or  ChicagoFest.  With  supplies  of 
diesel  fuel,  torque  fluid,  and  engine  oil, 
and  a  crew  of  maintenance  workers,  it  can 
handle  minor  maintenance  problems  en- 
countered by  buses  that  have  been 
operating  in  extended  service. 

Above:  Dick  Schneider,  Area  Superinten- 
dent, Automotive  Vehicle  Maintenance, 
monitors  work  in  progress  at  South 
Shops. 

Right  top:  Frank  Venezia,  Superintendent, 
Bus  Shops  (right,  foreground)  and  Unit 
Supervisor  Nick  Simonetti  inspect  work 
being  performed  on  the  new  assembly  line 
in  the  Engine  Rebuild  Section. 

Right:  Terry  McGuigan.  Superintendent, 
Bus  Garages,  and  Area  Superintendent 
Dick  Schneider  inspect  brake  job  being 
performed  by  Andy  Shaw,  Jr. 

measure,  by  staggering  the  jobs 
from  priming  to  spray  booth, 
they'll  also  be  painting  nine 
buses. 

Add  it  up.  It  makes  an  im- 
pressive total-84  major  jobs 
going  on  simultaneously!  Auto- 
motive vehicle  maintenance  work 
being  run  by  professionals,  done 
by  professionals. 

This  first-class  Automotive 
Vehicle  Maintenance  Facility  is 
one  of  the  principal  reasons  why 
CTA  operates  one  of  the  best  bus 
systems  in  the  country. 


301 


This  bus  was  one  of  150  buses 
built  by  General  Motors  and 
delivered  to  CTA  in  1962-1963. 
One  hundred  and  fifty  similar  pro- 
pane buses  were  built  by  FIxible. 
These  buses  were  part  of  a  CTA 
program  which  studied  the  merits 
of  diesel  versus  propane  fuel.  The 
300's  originally  were  painted  with 
an  all-green  front  end.  Later, 
cream  or  white  was  added  to  in- 
crease visibility.  Upon  future 
retirement,  it  will  be  placed  in 
CTA's  historical  collection. 


October,  1981 


Rail  Vehicle 

Maintenance 

Facility 


A  casual  glance  at  the  outside 
of  a  seemingly  outdated  structure 
would  not  prepare  an  observer 
entering  the  building  for  the 
drannatic  scene  of  a  two-car  rapid 
transit  train  suspended  in  the  air 
on  giant  car  body  jacks.  Yester- 
day's building--today's  tech- 
nology. It  suggests  a 
contradiction-but  not  to  the 
Skokie  Shop  managers,  with  their 
innovative  working  philosophy.  If 
a  rail  vehicle  maintenance  need 
exists,  but  the  way  to  meet  it 
presently  does  not,  they  will 
simply  create  it! 

This  is  the  kind  of  "thinking  in 
action"  that  led  to  the  develop- 
ment by  Skokie  Shop  craftsmen 

Top  left:  Inspecting  electrical  equipment 
under  1964  vintage,  2000  series  rapid- 
transit  car  which  had  recently  been  re- 
painted at  Skokie  Shop. 

Far  left:  Preparing  to  operate  new  motor 
alternator  test  station  are  (from  left): 
James  Pankonen,  Director,  Vehicle 
Maintenance;  Angelo  De  Angelis,  elec- 
trical worker;  George  Haenisch, 
Superintendent,  Rail  Shop;  and  John 
Hruby,  Area  Superintendent,  Methods  & 
Standards. 

Left:  Bob  Flowers,  Area  Superintendent, 
Rail  Vehicle  Maintenance,  observes  as 
Shopman  Rudy  Chucan  and  Rail  Shop 
Superintendent  George  Haenisch  build  a 
current  collector  beam  assembly  for  a 
2200  series  rapid  transit  car. 


3542 


Bus  3542  was  part  of  a 
200-vehicle  order  built  by  FIxible 
and  delivered  to  CTA  during 
1966-67.  They  replaced  former 
Chicago  Motor  Coach  Company 
buses  operating  out  of  the  Archer 
and  52nd  Garages.  3542  remains 
in  revenue  service,  but,  upon 
future  retirement,  will  be  placed 
in  CTA's  historical  collection. 


20 


Ota  transit  news 


of  an  innovative  motor  alternator 
test  stand.  This  device  gives  the 
CTA  the  flexibility  of  testing  the 
operational  nnode  of  a  motor 
alternator  without  having  to  tal<e 
the  equipment  completely  apart 
and  then  reassembling  it.  Even 
the  vendor  from  whom  CTA  pur- 
chases the  equipment  did  not 
have  the  capacity  for  doing  this. 

The  same  "we  think  we  can  do 
it"  approach  resulted  in  another 
unique  test  stand.  The  purpose  of 
this  one  was  to  permit  Skokie 
Shop  to  bench  test  the  air  condi- 
tioning unit  installed  in  our  2400 
series  rapid  transit  cars  after 
these  units  have  been  rebuilt  or 
repaired.  Weighing  about  1,000 
pounds  each  (and  there  is  one  in- 
stalled in  each  car  of  the  train),  a 
single  unit  has  a  cooling  capacity 
equal  to  the  air  conditioning  of 
three  average  Chicago-area 
homes!  Keeping  them  operating 
efficiently  is  a  giant  task.  Using 
these  test  stands,  they  are  able  to 
determine  that  a  unit  is  working 
properly  before  reinstalling  it  in  a 
rapid  transit  car. 

At  the  other  end  of  the  weather 
spectrum,  Skokie  Shop  has  been 
responsible  for  converting  twelve 
6000-series  revenue  cars  into  six 
Snowfighter  trains.  The  six  two- 
car  trains  can  be  dispersed  to 
serve  all  of  our  rapid  transit 
routes,  or  they  can  be  combined 
into  a  few  longer  trains  to  combat 
heavy  sleet  accumulations  in 
specific  areas.  Each  train  is 
equipped  with  large  snow  plows, 
chemical  de-icing  equipment, 
and  extra  third  rail  sleet  scrapers. 
In    modifying    these    trains    for 


Chicago-snow  use,  the  Shop  also 
moved  many  of  the  electrical 
components  that  could  be  af- 
fected by  snow  up  into  the  cars. 
How's  that  for  preventive 
maintenance!  Like  everything 
they  do,  this  equipment  was  sub- 
jected to  rigid  testing  before  be- 
ing put  into  use.  In  fact,  Skokie 
Shop  has  its  own  test  track. 

This  test  track  is  not  simply  a 
"leftover"  that  is  occasionally 
used  for  some  training  purpose.  It 
is  an  integral  part  of  the  Skokie 
Shop  operation.  Anything  that  is 
repaired,  rebuilt,  or  modified  on  a 
rail  vehicle  must  be  taken  out  on 
the  test  track  and  operated 
satisfactorily,  guaranteeing  that 
it  is  functionally  sound  and 
meets  CTA  standards.  If  it  does 
not,  it  is  returned  to  the  Shop  for 
additional  work. 

Skokie  Shop  is  also  the  repair- 
man's repairman.  For  many 
repairs  to  CTA  rail  vehicles  are 
done  using  unit  exchange  items 
repaired  or  rebuilt  by  Skokie 
Shop.  When  some  part  of  a  rail 
vehicle  seems  to  malfunction  or 
begins  to  wear,  the  defective  unit 
may  be  taken  out  and  a  new  unit 
may  be  installed  simply  and  easi- 
ly. This  precludes  the  terminal 
repairman  spending  time  on  look- 


Top:  One  of  six,  two-car  "Snowfighter" 
trains  modified  for  snow  removal  use  by 
Skokie  Shop. 

Above:  Wheels  on  rebuilt  rapid  transit  car 
axle  assembly  being  cut  on  Hegenscheidt 
wheel  truing  machine.  This  unit  can  also 
true  wheels  while  they  are  still  in  place  on 
rapid  transit  cars. 

ing  for  a  worn  bolt  or  trying  to 
determine  which  wire  is  the  short- 
circuiting  culprit.  He  or  she  sim- 
ply replaces  the  unit.  It's  an  im- 
mediate and  cost-efficient  pro- 
cess that  enables  many  repairs  to 
be  made  on  the  spot,  without 
disrupting  passenger  service.  It  is 
easy  to  understand  why  Skokie 
Shop  is  the  main  support  body  for 
the  CTA  rail  operation. 


Carl 

Car  1  was  delivered  to  the 
Chicago  &  South  Side  Rapid  Tran- 
sit in  1892  as  a  trailer  to  be  hauled 
by  steam  locomotives  over 
Chicago's  first  rapid  transit  line. 
It  was  later  converted  to  electric 
multiple-unit  operation  by  Frank 
J.  Sprague  and  remained  in  ser- 
vice until  1930.  It  is  now  a  part  of 
CTA's  historical  collection. 


October,  1981 


Plant 

Maintenance 

Facility 


Carrying  a  massive  crane  head- 
ed for  the  Louisiana  oil  fields,  an 
Illinois  Central  Gulf  train  set  in 
motion  a  chain  of  events  that 
w/ould  momentarily  focus  on  the 
w/ork  of  a  CTA  department  that  is 
spotlighted  only  infrequently--the 
Plant  Maintenance  Facility.  For 
when  the  crane  collided  with  the 
CTA  structure  at  15th  Street- 
tearing  up  track  and  structure 
and  damaging  a  CTA  train-the 
radio  call  that  went  out  brought 
plant  maintenance  personnel  to 
the  scene  to  determine  the 
damage,  clean  up  the  mess,  and 
help  get  that  section  of  the  CTA 
back  in  operation  as  quickly  and 
safely  as  possible. 

Having  direct  responsibility  for 
track  and  structure  and, 
therefore,  most  immediately  in- 
volved in  this  accident,  was  the 
Power  and  Way  section  of  Plant 
Maintenance.  As  the  section 
name  might  suggest,  they  are 
also  responsible  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  electrical 
power  without  which  no  CTA  train 
would  run.  When  the  crane  hit  the 
structure,  the  section's  "third  rail 
men"  concentrated  their  efforts 
on  electrical  power  problems, 
while  other  Power  and  Way  per- 
sonnel   stabilized    the   damaged 


structure  with  an  invention  of 
their  own.  This  steel  telescoping 
"pogo  stick"  was  created  by 
Plant  Maintenance,  working  in 
cooperation  with  the  CTA's 
Engineering  Department.  It  has 
the  capability  of  supporting  open 
deck  structure  whenever  and 
wherever  such  support  is  re- 
quired. This  unique  innovation 
has,  in  fact,  been  adopted  for  use 
by  outside  construction  com- 
panies. 

"Clean  up  the  mess"-if  that 
conjures  up  a  picture  of  janitorial 
service,  you're  partly  right.  For 
this  would  be  one  of  the  hundreds 
of  jobs  performed  by  persons 
working  in  the  Buildings  and 
Grounds  section.  Depending 
upon  the  unit  involved-General 
Maintenance,  Electrical/Mechan- 
ical, Rail  Janitor-name  the  job 
and  you'll  probably  find  someone 
in  this  section  performing  it.  For 
they  run  the  gamut  from  cutting 
the  grass  on  the  grounds  of  bus 
garages  to  maintaining  13,000 
bus  stop  signs,  600  bus  shelters, 
and  all  of  CTA's  escalators. 

This  latter  function  is  unique. 
Traditionally,  escalator  main- 
tenance had  been  a  service  per- 
formed by  an  outside  contractor. 
But  when  the  CTA  assumed  its 
own  maintenance,  including 
training  its  personnel  to  perform 
the  job,  the  number  of  escalators 
out  of  service  per  day  dropped 
from  42  per  cent  to  approximately 
four  per  cent! 

Providing  the  technical  support 
relating  to  plant  maintenance  ac- 
tivities   as    well    as    acting    as 


liaison  between  the  CTA  and 
various  regulatory  agencies  of 
Chicago  and  Illinois,  is  the  sec- 
tion that  completes  the  Plant 
Maintenance  trio-Technical  Ser- 
vices. The  15th  Street  incident 
may  have  challenged  this  sec- 
tion's expertise,  but  it  certainly 
didn't  faze  it.  And  the  talents  of 
its  staff  were  quickly  directed  to 
helping  put  the  damaged  section 
of  the  CTA  back  in  operation. 

Plant  Maintenance  sums  up  its 
role  in  the  CTA  with,  "If  it's  CTA 
property  and  it  doesn't  move, 
what  happens  to  it  is  our  job." 
They're  right.  From  fabricating 
frogs  to  scrubbing  graffiti  from 
walls,  the  management  and  staff 
of  the  Plant  Maintenance  Facility 
are  responsible  for  all  of  the 
CTA's  fixed  facilities. 


Top:  Plant  Maintenance  workers  install  a 
new  15-ton,  72foot  steel  girder  on  the 
elevated  structure  at  15th  Street,  replac- 
ing a  girder  that  had  been  damaged  by  an 
oversize  load  of  a  freight  train  passing 
below. 

Bottom  left:  Inspecting  the  fabrication  of 
an  equilateral  turnout  in  the  Plant 
Maintenance  Shop  are  (left  to  right): 
Thomas  Wolgemuth,  Manager, 
Maintenance;  Paul  Swanson,  Superinten- 
dent, Plant  Technical  Service;  Len 
Wiksten,  Director,  Plant  Maintenance; 
Walter  Hallford.  Superintendent, 
Buildings  &  Grounds;  and  Walter  Gaedtke, 
Superintendent,  Power  &  Way. 

Bottom  middle:  Shopmen  Ivan  Maros  and 
Neal  Zoko  straighten  a  stairway  stringer. 

Bottom  right:  Assistant  Foreman  Frank 
Montefaico  cutting  rail  with  a  rotary 
power  saw. 


4271-4272 

These  two  rapid  transit  cars 
were  part  of  a  205-car  order 
delivered  to  Chicago  between 
1923  and  1925.  4000-series  cars 
saw  service  on  all  parts  of  the 
rapid  transit  system,  and  they  in- 
augurated subway  operations  in 
1943  when  the  State  Street  Sub- 
way opened.  4271-4272  were 
retired  from  regular  service  in 
1973  and  are  now  used  only  for 
charter  service. 


22 


eta  transit  news 


6101-6102 

These  cars  were  part  of  a 
130-car  order  delivered  to  CTA  by 
the  St.  Louis  Car  Co.  in  1950. 
Their  light  weight  alloy  construc- 
tion utilized  PCC  technology  first 
developed  for  streetcars  in  the 
1930's.  By  1981,  only  cars 
6101-6102  retained  their  original 
dual  headlights.  Now  designated 
as  CTA's  Rail  Safety  Train,  and  re- 
painted in  their  original  color 
scheme,  they  are  still  used  in 
regular  service  on  the 
Ravenswood  route. 


October,  1981 


23 


Our  newest 
additions 

Rapid  transit  cars  2601-2602 
(right)  are  the  first  of  300  cars  be- 
ing built  for  CTA  by  The  Budd 
Company.  Delivery  will  be  com- 
pleted in  early  1984.  Our  'Big 
Bend'  articulated  buses  (below) 
have  proven  successful,  and  an 
additional  125  are  on  order  for 
1982  delivery  from  M.A.N.  Bus  & 
Truck  Corp.,  Southfield, 
fUlichigan. 


Lift-equipped  mini-buses  (above)  provide  service 
for  mobility-limited  riders  in  CTA's  new  Special 
Services  program.  Our  new  diesel-powered  Snow 
Remover  Vehicle  (left),  built  by  Niigata  Engineer- 
ing Company,  Japan,  will  keep  rail  rights-of-way 
clear  of  excessive  snow  accumulation.  A  snow 
thrower  at  each  end  is  capable  of  removing  up  to 
1500  tons  of  snow  per  hour  and  casting  it  up  to 
100  feet  away.  Rotating  brooms  on  each  side  clear 
snow  from  the  third  rail. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 


Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.   POSTAGE 

PERMIT   No.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.    LIBRARY 
N0HTHV;.5S TiiRN  UNI ViiRs I TY 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EVAKSTON,    IL        ,  60?01 


TN 


j^i^  ir-*-^ 


Quick  response 
lessens  impact  of 
rush  hour  delay 

Thanks  to  the  efforts  of  many 
CTA  employees,  morning  rush 
hour  riders  on  the  Loop  "L"  struc- 
ture experienced  a  minimum  of 
service  interruption  after  a 
90-foot  long  boom  of  a  crane 
crashed  onto  a  building,  October 
22,  on  Lake  Street  just  west  of 
Wabash  avenue.  The  boom 
leaned  menacingly  over  the 
tracks  east  of  the  State/Lake  "L" 
station  for  more  than  four  hours 
before  it  was  safely  removed. 

During  most  of  the  four  hours, 
northbound  Dan  Ryan  trains  were 
switched  back  southbound  at  the 
RandolphA/Vabash  station;  east- 
bound  Lake  street  trains  were 
switched  back  northbound  at  the 
LaSalle/Van  Buren  station. 
Evanston  trains  used  the 
Ravenswood  Loop  tracks. 

Buses  on  Lake  street  were 
rerouted  to  Wacker  drive.  Shuttle 
bus  service  for  Lake-Dan  Ryan 
riders  connected  the  Ran- 
dolphA/Vabash and  Clark/Lake 
stations.  There  was  sufficient 
regular  bus  service  near  the 
LaSalle/Van  Buren  station  for  use 
by  inconvenienced  "L"  riders 
who  were  issued  emergency 
transfers  upon  request  from  rapid 
transit  ticket  agents. 


Giant  crane,  used  to  build  Loop  City  College  (at  right)  on  nortti 
side  of  Lake  street  east  of  Wabash  avenue. 


\cta 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

NOVEMBER,  1981 


New  Transit  News 
distribution  policy 


Beginning  with  the  next  issue,  December,  1981,  Transit  News 
will  no  longer  be  sent  to  active  CTA  employees  at  their  home  ad- 
dresses through  the  U.S.  IVIail.  The  magazine  will  be  distributed  in 
bulk  quantities  to  CTA  work  locations. 

CTA  retirees  and  Transit  News  subscribers  will  continue  to 
receive  the  magazine  through  the  U.S.  Mail. 

This  economy  measure  is  expected  to  reduce  Transit  News 
mailing  costs  by  75%. 


Jordan  Jay  Hillman 
joins  Chicago 
Transit  Board 

Jordan  Jay  Hillman,  professor 
of  law  and  transportation  at 
Nortfiwestern  University  in 
Evanston,  III.,  became  a  member 
of  tfie  Board  of  tfie  Chicago  Tran- 
sit Autfiority  at  the  Board's 
November  meeting  (Nov.  4). 

Governor  James  R.  Thompson 
appointed  Hillman  to  the  Board. 
Hillman  replaces  Ernie  Banks, 
who  had  been  a  board  member 
since  1970. 

An  Evanston  resident,  Hillman 
holds  a  master  of  arts  degree  in 
political  science  and  a  doctor  of 
law  degree  from  the  University  of 
Chicago.  A  Phi  Beta  Kappa,  he 
also  has  a  doctorate  of  juridical 
science  from  Northwestern 
University. 

He  Is  a  former  vice-president 
-law  for  the  Chicago  and  North 
Western  Railway,  and  has  been 
general  counsel  for  the  United 
States  Railway  Association  (a 
U.S.  government  corporation). 

Hillman  has  been  a  member  of 
the  faculty  of  Northwestern 
University  since  1967. 

He  is  a  member  of  the 
American  Bar  Association,  the 
Chicago  Council  of  Lawyers,  and 
the  Law  Club  of  Chicago.  He  has 
served  as  chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittees on  Constitutional  Revi- 
sion and  Civil  Rights  and  was  a 
member  of  the  Board  of 
Managers  of  the  Chicago  Bar 
Association. 

Hillman  has  served  as  a 
member  of  the  Illinois  Constitu- 
tional Study  Commission,  the 
Evanston  Zoning  Amendment 
Committee,  and  the  Evanston 
Township  High  School  Board 
No.  202. 


Michael  N.  Horowitz 
appointed  General 
External  Affairs 
Manager 

Michael  N.  Horowitz  has  been 
appointed  the  General  External 
Affairs  Manager  of  the  Chicago 
Transit  Authority. 

Horowitz's  appointment,  effec- 
tive Nov.  9,  was  announced  by 
CTA  Executive  Director  Theodore 
G.  Schuster. 

As  head  of  the  External  Affairs 
Division,  Horowitz  will  be  in 
charge  of  the  Public  Affairs  and 
Consumer  Services  Departments. 
Public  Affairs  consists  of  media 
relations  and  publications.  Con- 
sumer Services  encompasses 
customer  assistance,  community 
relations,  special  group  sales 
(charter  service,  monthly  pass 
and  token  sales),  and  the  travel 
information  center. 

Before  joining  the  CTA, 
Horowitz,  42,  was  president  of  his 
own  public  relations  firm  in 
Chicago. 

He  previously  served  as  direc- 
tor of  public  relations  and  adver- 
tising for  Playboy  Clubs  Interna- 
tional and  was  director  of  public 
relations  and  board  services  for 
the  National  Restaurant  Associa- 
tion. 

During  1971  and  1972,  Horowitz 
was  a  news  anchorman,  reporter. 


and  panelist  on  WBBM-TV,  Chan- 
nel 2.  From  1969  to  1971,  he  was 
Southeast  Asia  assistant  bureau 
chief  and  field  producer  for  the 
American  Broadcasting  Com- 
pany's radio  and  television  divi- 
sion. 

From  1965  to  1969,  he  was  a  TV 
news  show  producer  for  WLS-TV, 
Channel  7,  and  served  as 
moderator  and  panelist  on  a  news 
interview  show.  He  also  worked 
as  an  assignment  desk  editor. 

Horowitz  is  a  graduate  of  Grin- 
nel  (la.)  college.  He  lives  on  the 
near  north  side  of  Chicago. 

The  General  External  Affairs 
Manager  position  formerly  was 
held  by  Ms.  Joby  H.  Berman,  who 
is  now  the  Administrator  to  the 
AdiYiinistrative  Joint  Commission 
on  the  Chicago  Transit  Authority. 


o  ^    iL  9 


The  fifth  group  to  complete  an  eight-week  Materiai  Handiing  and  Warehousing  course 
sponsored  by  the  Materials  Management  department  include  (from  left,  standing): 
Eugene  Magad,  course  instructor  Louis  Basso,  warehouse  worker  I,  South  Shops;  Jack 
Lira,  warehouse  worker  I,  South  Shops;  Charles  Turner,  warehouse  worker  I,  West  Shops; 
Geoffrey  Layhe,  procurement  analyst.  South  Shops;  Phillip  Smith,  warehouse  worker  I, 
South  Shops;  Louis  Kasper,  warehouse  worker  I,  Skokie  Shop;  James  Cooney,  warehouse 
worker  II,  South  Shops,  and  Leon  Harris,  warehouse  worker  II,  Skokle  Shop.  Seated  (from 
left)  are:  Cleophas  Fultz,  warehouse  worker  I,  South  Shops;  Alan  Wrightsell,  warehouse 
worker  I,  West  Shops;  Erias  Harris  Jr.,  warehouse  worker  I,  South  Shops;  Nathaniel 
Thomas,  warehouse  worker  I,  West  Shops,  and  Alphonso  Govan,  warehouse  workec  I, 
West  Shops. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


CTA 

scores  high 
in  APTA 
Bus  Roadeo 


Martin  Troglia,  CTA  representative  in  tlie 
1981  event  of  the  APTA  International 
Roadeo,  waits  his  turn  to  run  the  course 
during  a  practice  session  for  all  con- 
testants. 


CTA's  representative  at  the  1981  APTA  Interna- 
tional Bus  Roadeo  held  October  8-9  at  Soldier  Field, 
Martin  Troglia  of  Limits  Garage,  did  the  CTA  proud. 

Pitted  against  operators  with  much  more  Roadeo 
experience,  Troglia,  a  veteran  of  five  years  service, 
scored  637  points  to  place  11th  in  a  field  of  59  com- 
petitors. He  finished  the  course  in  four  minutes,  15 
seconds,  the  fastest  recorded  running  time  in  the 
event.  The  winner  for  the  second  consecutive  year 
was  James  L.  Boring  of  Atlanta  (MART A)  who  had 
676  points. 

Although  the  1981  Roadeo  was  the  sixth  annual 
event,  it  was  the  first  time  the  CTA  was  represented 
in  the  international  contest. 

Mike  Lacriola,  superintendent  at  Limits  Garage, 
said  he  v^as  very  pleased  with  Troglia's  perfor- 
mance. "I'm  glad  that  we  were  able  to  participate, 
and  I  hope  we  go  back  next  year  and  beat  them," 
said  Lacriola. 

"Martin  is  a  very  fine  operator.  He's  a  guy  you  can 
depend  on,"  the  Limits  superintendent  said. 

Troglia  qualified  to  represent  the  CTA  in  the  inter- 
national event  by  winning  the  local  competition 
which  was  held  August  23  in  Soldier  Field. 

Other  winners  in  the  local  event  were  Robert 
Richardson,  North  Park  Garage,  second  place;  Eddie 
Johnson,  77th  Street  Garage,  third  place;  and  Willie 
Whisenton,  also  of  Limits  Garage,  fourth  place. 


Barnes  elected  APTA  Chairman 

CTA  Chairman  Eugene  M.  Barnes  (right),  chats  with  Aubrey  Davis 
(left),  Urban  Mass  Transportation  Administration  (UMTA)  Region 
X  administrator  (Seattle),  and  Arthur  E.  Teel  Jr.,  UMTA  ad- 
ministrator, during  a  break  at  the  American  Public  Transit 
Association  (APTA)  convention  October  7-11  in  Chicago.  Barnes 
has  been  elected  1982  APTA  chairman. 


NOVEMBER,  1981 


Mobility  limited  service  puts  users  in  mainstream 


Access  Transportation,  the  CTA 
Special  Services  program  for 
severely  mobility-limited  riders,  is 
well  underway  after  many  months 
of  planning.  More  than  900  in- 
dividuals have  signed  up  for  this 
demand-response,  door-to-door 
transportation  service. 

Any  Chicago  resident  certified 
by  a  physician  as  being  unable  to 
walk  more  than  one  hundred  feet 
on  clear,  even,  outdoor  pavement, 
or  stand  for  more  than  ten  minutes 
waiting  for  a  bus  during  moderate 
temperature  conditions,  or  climb 
more  than  three  standard-size 
coach  steps  to  board,  qualifies  for 
Access  Transportation. 

Special  Services  certifier  Lynn 
Barrier  is  the  staff  person  responsi- 
ble for  determining  the  eligibility  of 
applicants.  After  an  applicant  has 
contacted  Lynn  by  calling  exten- 
sion 3394,  she  mails  an  application 
packet  to  the  prospective  con- 
sumer. Included  in  the  packet  is  a 
brochure  describing  the  service,  an 
application  form  and  application 
instructions,  a  medical  form  that 
must  be  completed  and  signed  by 
the  applicant's  physician,  and  a 


One  of  the  specially  equipped  mini-buses  provided  to  accommodate  users  of  CTA  Special 
Services  pulls  out  of  the  Washington  garage  as  city-wide  service  begins  for  another  day. 


Special  Services  identification 
card  which  must  be  filled  out  and 
returned  with  a  photograph.  The 
brochure  and  forms  were  designed 
by  Consumer  Services  and  Public 
Affairs. 

After  the  documents  have  been 
returned  and  reviewed  for  eligibili- 
ty by  Lynn  Barrier,  the  identifica- 
tion card  is  laminated  with  the  Ac- 
cess Transportation  logo  and 
returned  to  the  consumer  with  an 
instruction   card.  The   instruction 


card  explains  how  the  consumer 
may  request  service  by  phone,  and 
it  provides  other  advice  that  makes 
the  service  easier  to  use. 

The  certified  eligible  consumer 
requests  service  by  phoning  the 
Scheduling  section  at  Washington 
garage.  The  caller's  telephone 
number  is  then  entered  into  a 
specially  programmed  computer 
which  indicates  the  caller's  iden- 
tification, location,  and  special 
transportation    requirements.    At 


Planning  a  trip  for  an  Access  Transportation  rider,  Special  Ser- 
vices scheduler  Need  Jackson  checks  his  computer  terminal  to 
coordinate  the  times  and  locations  of  the  requested  trip  vtrith  an 
available  bus.  Approximately  700  trips  are  scheduled  from  the 
Washington  garage  each  week. 


Ms.  Barbara  Swoverland,  Special  Services  scheduler,  checks  a 
telephone  directory  for  business  addresses  In  Chicago  that 
generate  the  greatest  demand  for  Access  Transportation  from 
Special  Services  riders.  The  Information  Is  coded  and  stored  In 
the  computer  for  future  use. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


the  same  time,  the  requested  pick- 
up and  destination  times  and  loca- 
tions are  entered  into  the  com- 
puter, and  a  check  is  made  to 
determine  how  the  request  can  be 
accommodated,  or  if  adjustments 
must  be  made  in  pick-up  and 
destination  times,  to  insure  the 
most  efficient  scheduling  of 
Special  Services  vehicles.  The 
computer  also  helps  the  sched- 
ulers to  organize  all  of  the  service 
requests  from  consumers  for  each 
day  and  to  develop  the  trip  sheets 
that  are  used  by  the  bus  operators 
in  the  Transportation  section  of 
Special  Services. 

A  teletype  phone  system  (TTY)  is 
also  available  for  the  convenience 
of  riders  with  hearing  impairments. 

Jim  Charlton,  supervisor  of 
Special  Services  Scheduling, 
reports  that  approximately  46  per- 
cent of  the  people  using  Access 
Transportation  are  riding  to  and 
from  work.  Approximately  25  per- 
cent use  the  service  to  get  to 
medical  appointments,  14  percent 
travel  to  school,  and  15  percent 
travel  to  recreational  activities. 


Schedulers  plan  more  than  700 
trips  per  week  with  the  greatest  de- 
mand coming  from  riders  living  on 
the  Near  North,  Northwest  and 
South  sides.  About  half  of  the 
riders  are  subscribers- people 
who  make  the  same  trips  on  a 
recurring  basis.  Consumers  who 
use  the  service  for  one-time  trips 
are  required  to  make  arrangements 
24  hours  in  advance. 

Information  about  the  Access 
Transportation  program  is  provid- 
ed to  community  groups  through 
personal  appearances  by  the  Com- 
munity Relations  staff.  Brochures 
are  also  distributed  to  various  city- 
wide  community  agencies.  Mrs. 
Betty  Edwards,  director.  Communi- 
ty Relations,  said  that  neighbor- 
hood groups  are  continually  being 
informed  of  the  services  offered  by 
the  program  to  the  severely 
mobility-limited. 

"I  think  the  program  is  great, 
most  needed,  and  deserving 
because  it  affords  the  severely 
mobility-limited  an  opportunity  to 
be  part  of  the  mainstream  of 
today's  society.  It  makes  me  feel 


good  when  I  see  people  using  Ac- 
cess Transportation,"  Edwards 
said. 

Mrs.  Naomi  Tillman,  manager. 
Consumer  Services,  said  that  the 
department  works  closely  with  the 
CTA  Advisory  Committee  on  Ser- 
vice for  the  Disabled.  The  commit- 
tee members,  representatives  of 
various  consumer  groups,  helped 
plan  the  Special  Services  program 
and  now  regularly  monitor  the 
policies  and  activities  of  the 
program. 

"I'm  very  pleased  by  the  en- 
thusiastic response  that  the  CTA 
Access  Transportation  program 
has  received  from  Chicago's 
mobility-limited  riders,"  said 
Tillman.  "I  hope  we  can  reach 
many  more  people  who  have  not 
yet  had  the  opportunity  to  expand 
their  lives  by  traveling  to  shopping 
areas  and  other  activities  that  they 
had  never  dreamed  they  might  en- 
joy. The  program  also  is  a  good  ex- 
ample of  the  teamwork  and 
cooperation  that  is  possible  be- 
tween the  External  Affairs  and 
Operations  divisions." 


Left:  Jim  Charlton,  supervisor  of  Special  Services  Scheduling, 
reviews  computer  print  out  of  trips.  More  than  700  trips  per  week 
are  scheduled  for  Special  Services  riders. 


Bottom  left:  Lynn  Barrier,  Special  Services  certifier,  prepares  an 
information  packet  for  mailing  as  she  handles  a  telephone  inquiry 
from  a  prospective  rider. 


Below:  Ms.  Nora  Flynn  (seated)  and  Ms.  Ruth  Kocher  discuss  in- 
formation to  be  entered  into  the  computer.  Both  women  are 
former  Travel  Information  employees  whose  skills  were  easily 
adapted  to  the  Access  Transportation  program. 


NOVEMBER,  1981 


Nelson  White  Jr.  (North  Park 
garage)  was  admired  by 
James  Woolner  Jr.,  who  was 
riding  his  #146  Marine/- 
Michigan  bus  to  an  office  on 
East  Randolph  Drive.  "The 
elderly  gentleman  next  to  me 
began  gasping  for  breath,  tur- 
ning gray,  and  saying  he  felt 
faint.  I  notified  the  driver, 
who  stopped  the  bus,  called 
in  on  his  phone,  summoned  a 
police  officer,  and  came  bacl( 
to  help  the  passenger.  The 
driver  announced  in  a  plea- 
sant, courteous  manner  that 
we  would  be  delayed,  and  of- 
fered to  place  us  on  other 
buses,  which  he  did.  His 
responsiveness,  courtesy, 
and  take-charge  manner  were 
exactly  right  for  the 
situation." 


Daniel  Martin  (Forest  Glen 
garage)  was  appreciated  by 
Irene  Wisniewski,  of  Warwick 
Avenue,  who  boarded  his 
delayed  #56  Milwaukee  bus 
at  Pulaski.  "Some  people 
were  patient,  but  some  grum- 
py remarks  were  heard 
among  the  waiting  crowd. 
One  man,  who  was 
really  'drunk,'  cussed  and 
threatened  what  he  was  go- 
ing to  do  to  the  driver  when 
the  bus  came.  When  the  bus 
pulled  up,  the  driver  handled 
it  beautifully.  He  apologized 
to  the  people,  told  them  what 
had  happened,  and  said  he 
was  sorry  they  had  to  wait. 
The  'loaded'  guy  looked  at 
him  and  just  walked  in  like  a 
pussycat  -  -  no  problem." 


commendation  corner 


William  Reynolds  (District  C)  was  thanked  by  June 
Zimmer,  of  Glenview,  for  his  help  after  she  fell  near 
the  subway  stairwell  at  Chicago  and  State.  "I  tripped 
in  a  hole  in  the  sidewalk  and  recall  raising  my  arm  to 
protect  myself,  and  then  found  myself  sprawled  on 
the  sidewalk.  As  I  was  still  laying  there,  I  heard  a 
voice  calling  and  reporting  an  accident  that  I  have 
since  learned  belonged  to  your  supervisor.  Due  to  his 
prompt  and  alert  thinking,  the  paramedics  responded 
in  a  matter  of  minutes.  Would  that  we  had  more 
citizens  willing  to  get  'involved'  when  a  fellow  citizen 
needs  help." 

Pedro  Balderas  (Lawndale  garage)  was  praised  by 
Phyllis  Schnell,  of  North  Lawndale  Avenue,  for  his 
courtesy  while  driving  a  #52  Kedzie/California  bus. 
"He  had  a  cheery  'Good  morning'  for  every  passenger 
getting  on  the  bus.  He  also  called  all  bus  stops  in  a 
clear  voice.  It  is  especially  nice  to  meet  one  of  your 
better  drivers,  as  I  am  a  handicapped  person  who  has 
great  difficulty  getting  on  and  off  buses.  He  is 
courteous,  cheerful  and  patient,  as  I  have  ridden  on 
his  bus  on  previous  occasions  and  always  find  him 
so." 

Robert  Murff  (Forest  Glen  garage)  was  com- 
plimented by  Janice  Gilbert,  of  Winona  Street,  for  his 
concern  for  riders  on  his  #92  Foster  bus.  "He  was  not 
only  professional  in  his  driving,  but  was  also  respon- 
sive to  the  needs  of  his  riders.  Stops  were  called,  in- 
formation issued  with  quiet  authority,,  and  one  got 
the  feeling  that  care  for  his  passengers  was  para- 
mount with  him.  I  travel  other  routes  by  bus,  and  I  feel 
that  despite  personal  stress  and  other  problems  of 
the  CTA,  the  drivers  in  the  main  are  compassionate, 
kind,  aware  of  passengers'  problems,  and  ready  to  put 
their  own  away  in  their  care  for  others." 


Angelo  Sturino  (North  Section)  impressed 
Stephanie  Hempfling,  of  North  Sheridan  Road,  by  the 
way  he  worked  as  conductor  of  a  Ravenswood  train. 
"To  say  that  he  was  courteous  would  be  a  gross 
understatement.  He  was  a  delight.  He  went  out  of  his 
way  with  every  passenger  who  needed  assistance.  As 
people  would  disembark  from  the  train,  he  would  wish 
all  of  them  a  pleasant  day.  He  was  especially  nice  to 
some  obviously  confused  senior  citizens.  As  we  ap- 
proached some  repair  work  on  the  tracks,  he  an- 
nounced that  it  would  be  slow  for  a  while.  Quite  frank- 
ly, I  was  in  awe." 

Dorothy  Smith  (North  Park  garage)  attracted  the  at- 
tention of  Monica  Jackson,  of  West  Garfield 
Boulevard,  by  the  way  she  handled  her  #49  Western 
bus.  "She  was  so  sweet  to  passengers,  greeting  them 
with  a  warm  smile.  I  normally  pay  little  attention  to 
anyone  during  lunch  break  because  I'm  always  under 
a  lot  of  tension  trying  to  get  back  to  work.  But  this 
time  I  think  that  her  warm  smile  and  friendly  'hello' 
were  just  what  I  needed  to  lift  my  spirits.  She  even 
helped  an  old  lady  with  her  package  at  66th  Street. 
Please  let  her  know  she  is  appreciated,  and  to  keep  it 
up.  She  is  a  true  asset  to  your  company." 

Edward  Chew  (Forest  Glen  garage)  was  the  driver  of 
a  #85  Central  bus  that  Ann  Gorski,  of  North  Massasoit 
Avenue,  takes  regularly  early  in  the  morning  on  her 
way  to  work.  "He  is  very  courteous,  says  'Good  morn- 
ing' to  everyone,  and  as  they  get  off  the  bus,  he 
wishes  them  a  good  day  and  asks  them  to  watch  their 
step.  Never  in  all  my  years  of  riding  the  CTA  have  we 
ever  had  a  driver  like  him.  He  also  drives  the  bus  so 
carefully,  you'd  think  everyone  on  it  was  family.  He  is 
the  most!" 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Employees  who  have  received  commenda- 
tions since  the  last  listing. 


Willie  Alien,  Lawndaie 
Robert  Anhalt,  Nortli  Parl< 
Margaret  Arboieda,  North  Parl< 

Michael  Batson,  Howard/Kimbaii 
Emmitt  Beard,  Forest  Gien 
Arnold  Beier,  North  Parl< 
Ricardo  Boniila,  North  Avenue 
Robert  Brown,  North  Park 
Michael  Buchanan,  North  Park 

Jean  Cage,  Limits 
John  Cameron,  Ashland 
Lawrence  Carter,  77th  Street 
Noel  Castro,  North  Park 
Tomas  Cintron,  North  Park 
Patricia  Cobb,  North  Park 
Michael  Cole,  Limits 

Joe  Davis,  North  Avenue 
Electra  DeAlba,  North  Avenue 
Juan  DeLeon,  Forest  Glen 
Robert  Devitt,  Lawndaie 

Anthony  Ellis,  Limits 

Gerald  Pels,  North  Park 
Andrew  Ford,  Forest  Glen 
Raymond  Furmanski,  North  Park 

Roy  Gaines,  Lawndaie 
Antonio  Gallinaro,  Forest  Glen 
Michael  Garcia,  Douglas/Congr. 
Tyrone  Garrett,  Limits 
Albert  Grant,  North  Park 
Keith  Griffin,  69th  Street 

Eldred  Hall,  North  Park 
Dewey  Harper,  Limits 
Arthur  Hawkins  Jr.,  North  Ave. 
Nathaniel  Hawkins  Jr.,  Limits 
Joseph  Hendrickson,  North  Park 
Wally  Henry,  Archer 
Leroy  Hervy,  69th  Street 
Annie  Horton,  Beverly 
James  Howland,  North  Park 


Lena  Jackson,  Archer 
Zeke  Jagst,  North  Park 
Willie  James,  North  Park 
Cedric  Johnson,  North  Avenue 
Willie  Johnson,  Lawndaie 
Betty  Jones,  Limits 
James  Jones,  North  Park 
James  Jones  Jr.,  Lawndaie 
David  Jordan,  69th  Street 

William  Knight,  North  Park 

James  Larry,  Relief  Area-Bus 

Robert  Lay,  Limits 

John  Lemond,  North  Park 

Neal  Lesley,  Archer 

Giles  Liddell  Jr.,  Limits 

Ernestine  Lightfoot,  North  Ave. 

Teresa  Lopez,  North  Park 

Gonzalo  Maldonado,  North  Park 
Paul  Malicki,  Forest  Glen 
Peter  Maroncelli,  Forest  Park 
Frank  Marshall,  Limits 
Charles  Martin,  52nd  Street 
Fred  McBryde,  69th  Street 
Jodie  McGuire,  North  Park 
Hector  Medina,  Archer 
Pedro  Mendez,  North  Avenue 
Marcos  Mesa,  North  Avenue 
Gustavo  Meza,  North  Park 
Roland  Michalak,  West  Section 
Lura  Minter,  North  Avenue 
Donald  Mitchell,  Archer 
Frederick  Moore,  North  Park 
Jose  Mulero,  North  Park 
Robert  Mulnix,  North  Park 

Ruth  Neal,  Archer 

Walter  Nichols,  North  Avenue 

Dianna  Owens,  North  Park 

Thomas  Parker,  North  Park 
Ira  Phillips,  Howard/Kimball 
Michael  Powell,  Howard/Kimball 


Robert  Pritchard,  North  Avenue 

Israel  Quinones,  North  Park 

Henry  Radom,  Forest  Glen 
William  Ramos,  North  Park 
Yvonne  Regulus,  North  Park 
Marilyn  Reyes,  North  Park 
Willie  Rochelle,  69th  Street 

Mary  Schmidtke,  North  Park 

Gary  Schultz,  Limits 

Pablo  Silva,  Limits 

Dorothy  Smith,  Relief  Area-Bus 

Thomas' Swick,  North  Park 

Wendell  Talbert,  North  Park 
Alfred  Taylor,  Archer 
Willie  Thomas,  Archer 

Juan  Vega,  Howard/Kimball 

David  Walker,  West  Section 
Lillie  Watkins,  Lawndaie 
Robert  Watkins,  77th  Street 
Willie  Webb,  Lawndaie 
Fredrick  White,  77th  Street 
Donell  Whitehead,  Lawndaie 
Garnett  Wilkes,  69th  Street 
Willie  Winters,  North  Avenue 
Richard  Wolski,  North  Park 
Royal  Woolfolk,  Forest  Glen 
Roosevelt  Wright,  Forest  Glen 

Carrieatta  Young,  52nd  Street 


Promotions 


Egidio  Bevacqua,  former  ac- 
counting clerk,  Financial  Ser- 
vices, has  been  appointed 
general  ledger  system  coor- 
dinator in  the  same  department. 
James  Mullen,  former  accounting 
specialist,  Financial  Services,  is 
now  procurement  analyst. 
Materials  Management  -  Procure- 


ment. 

Nora  Flynn,  former  switch- 
board operator.  Consumer  Ser- 
vices, has  become  special  ser- 
vices representative  in  the  same 
department.  In  Operations  Plan- 
ning, Bruce  Moffat,  planner,  has 
moved  from  Street  Traffic  to 
Routes  &  Systems. 

New  station  clerks  recently 
named  by  Transportation  -  Bus 
System  include  Leslie  Pointer, 
former  janitor,  Plant 

Maintenance;    James    Jenkins, 


former  bus  operator.  Limits; 
James  Larry,  former  bus  operator, 
77th  Street;  Ira  Milton,  former 
conductor.  West  Section;  and 
Dorothy  Smith,  former  bus 
operator.  North  Park. 

Sam  Stimage,  former  car 
repairer.  Vehicle  Maintenance 
-61st  Street,  is  now  duplicating 
services  clerk.  Management  Ser- 
vices. Marie  Baptists,  former 
clerk  typist.  Transportation  -Mart, 
has  become  typist.  Transporta- 
tion -  Howard  Street. 


NOVEMBER,  1981 


Gauges  used 
for  cooking  fowls 
head  off  bearing  fouls 


Three  hundred  of  CTA's  1,100 
rapid  transit  cars  have  axles 
equipped  with  oil-lubricated  jour- 
nal bearings  that  can  fail  if  their 
lubrication  systenns  run  low,  and 
the  first  sign  of  impending  bear- 
ing failure  is  overheating  of  the 
journal  boxes.  Failure  of  these 
bearings,  while  rare,  could  lead  to 
critical  problems,  including 
derailments. 

CTA  Maintenance  fVlanager  Joe 
Repplinger,  now  retired,  watched 
his  wife  prepare  a  turkey  for 
roasting,  and  he  realized  that  the 
pop-up  thermometer  that  in- 
dicates when  the  fowl  is  done 
might  be  used  to  detect  journal 
box  overheating.  Repplinger  took 
his  wife's  poultry  thermometer  to 


Temperature  gauges  are  inserted  in  pipe 
hole  plugs  and  epoxled  in  place  to  provide 
an  oil-tight  seal. 


the  Methods/Standards  area  at 
Skokie  Shop,  where  the  staff 
adapted  the  thermometer  for  use 
on  journal  boxes. 

Methods/Standards  personnel 
had  previously  been  studying  a 
sophisticated  and  expensive  heat 
sensor  system  for  use  on  the  jour- 
nal boxes,  but  the  rarity  of 
failures  did  not  make  that  system 
a  worthwhile  investment. 

One  of  CTA's  earlier  attempts 
to  monitor  journal  box 
overheating  involved  covering  the 


journal  boxes  with  pieces  of  rub- 
ber tires  held  in  place  by  wire. 
When  the  journal  boxes  became 
hot,  the  rubber  began  to 
smoulder,  signaling  impending 
bearing  failure.  But,  during 
Chicago's  cold  and  wet  winters, 
the  heated  rubber  did  not  always 
smoulder. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Left:  CTA  Maintenance  Manager  Joseph 
Repplinger,  now  retired,  discovered  that 
modern  cooking  technology  could  be  ap- 
plied to  preventive  maintenance  for  rapid 
transit  cars. 


Right:  Temperature  gauges  are  being  in- 
stalled in  332  CTA  rapid  transit  cars  with 
Clark  B-2  axles,  according  to  Robert  S. 
Winther  (left),  superintendent, 
Methods/Standards  (rail),  who  is  shown 
discussing  use  of  gauge  with  Steven  F. 
Wickert,  Methods/Standards  technician. 


The  poultry  thermometer 
proved  to  be  an  ideal  solution  to 
the  problem.  "These  pop-up 
temperature  gauges  provide  a 
visible  early  warning  of  journal 
bearing  overheating  when  the 
problem  is  just  starting,"  said 
John  A.  Hruby,  area  superinten- 
dent, Methods/Standards.  "The 
cost  of  the  gauges  is  nominal 
compared  to  the  cost  of  tearing 
up  an  axle  and  installing  new 
journal  bearings." 

Under  the  direction  of  Robert 
Winther,  superintendent  of  Rail 
Methods/Standards,  these  tem- 
perature gauges  are  being  install- 


ed as  a  standard  retrofit  when 
journal  bearings  are  overhauled 
every  350,000  miles  in  the 
overhaul  shop  at  Skokie  Shop. 


The  pop-up  temperature  plugs 
take  less  than  30  minutes  to  in- 
stall. Two  gauges  are  installed 
under  the  oil  sump  of  each  jour- 
nal bearing  for  double  protection 
and  maximum  ease  of  inspection. 
With  two  journal  bearings  on 
each  axle  and  four  axles  on  each 
car,  a  total  of  16  gauges  are  in- 
stalled on  each  car. 

The  pop-up  temperature 
gauges  are  inspected  every  ten 
days  during  routine  yard  inspec- 
tions, and  during  general  inspec- 
tions every  6,000  miles.  If  they 
have  popped  out,  a  condition 
which  could  eventually  lead  to 
bearing  failure  has  developed. 
This  alerts  personnel  to  take  fur- 
ther preventive  maintenance  ac- 
tion as  required. 


Two  temperature  gauges  are  installed 
under  the  oil  sump  of  each  journal  bearing 
on  CTA  cars  to  provide  double  protection 
and  maximum  ease  of  inspection. 


NOVEMBER,  1981 


Passenger  evacuation  drill  tests  safety  procedures 


The  CTA  staged  its  first 
emergency  passenger  evacuation 
drill  on  Sunday,  November  1,  with 
more  than  50  volunteer 
employees  acting  as  passengers. 

The  drill,  coordinated  by 
Michael  LaVelle,  director,  Ser- 
vice, Transportation  department, 
was  held  in  conjunction  with 
Chicago's  Fire,  Police,  Public 
Safety,  and  Streets  and  Sanita- 
tion departments. 

This  simulated  emergency 
began  when  motorman  Martin 
Kane  stopped  his  "defective" 
southbound  six-car  train  over 
Walton  street  just  north  of  the 
Chicago  avenue  station  on  the 
Ravenswood  route. 

As  prescribed  in  the  scenario, 
Kane  inspected  the  outside  of  his 
train  and  found  heavy  smoke  and 
flames  coming  from  the  sixth  car. 
The  last  set  of  wheels  was  de- 
railed, damage  was  done  to  the 
running  rails,  and  a  section  of 
third  rail  was  tipped  over. 

Kane  radioed  the  Control 
Center,  and  the  Control  Center 
turned  off  the  electric  power  and 
called  the  Fire  department.  Along 
with  conductor  Robert  Arellano, 
Kane  then  went  through  the  train 
to  determine  the  number  of  in- 
jured riders. 

A  few  minutes  later,  the  Fire 
department's  personnel  and 
equipment  arrived,  under  the 
command  of  Deputy  Fire  Chief 
Ernest  Pentack  of  the  First  Fire 
District.  The  fire  fighters  put  out 
the  fire,  and  the  paramedic 
teams,  ladder  truck,  and  snorkel 
equipment  operators  went  into 
action. 


Fire  Department  aerial  ladder  Is  raised  to  track  level  from  Walton  street  to  facilitate 
removal  of  "injured"  persons  from  derailed  train  during  drill. 


Fred  Kummel,  paramedic  in 
charge,  made  arrangements  to 
remove  six  injured  persons  by 
snorkel.  They  were  Anthony 
Smith,  Herman  Miles,  Michael 
Marren,  Jerry  McManamon,  Mary 
Katherine  Moriarty,  and  Miles 
Smith.  Marren,  Miles,  and  An- 
thony Smith  were  placed  into 
stokes  baskets  which  were 
fastened  to  the  top  rails  of  the 
snorkel  basket.  Then,  with  two 
paramedics  assisting  them,  they 
were  individually  lifted  from  the 
train  by  the  snorkel  and  lowered 
to  waiting  ambulance  crews  in 
the  street. 

McManamon  and  Moriarty 
were  escorted  on  foot  into  the 


snorkel  basket  and  taken  down. 
Miles  Smith  was  placed  in  a 
wheel  chair  and  taken  down  to 
the  street  in  the  snorkel  basket. 

The  passengers  took  part  in 
four  methods  of  emergency 
evacuation.  The  first  was  for  all 
persons  to  go  to  the  first  four  cars 
of  the  train  so  the  last  two  disabl- 
ed cars  could  be  uncoupled.  With 
power  restored,  this  four-car  sec- 
tion could  proceed  to  the  safety 
of  the  'L'  station. 

The  second  method  was  the 
use  of  another  train  which  was 
brought  alongside  the  disabled 
train.  CTA  personnel  then  placed 
planks  to  connect  the  open  doors 
of     both     trains,     allowing 


Jim  Blaa,  manager  of  Transportation  (in  wftiite  jacket),  monitors 
activities  of  fire  figfiters  and  CTA  personnel  (in  white  bump  hats) 
during  drill  on  Ravenswood  route. 


Richard  Gross  walks  planks  between  open  doors  of  "derailed" 
train  and  rescue  train.  Gross,  supervisor  for  program/standards. 
Safety  Department,  volunteered  to  be  a  passenger  in  the  drill. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


LEFT:  Tom  Boyle,  manager  of  Safety,  and  Harold  H.  Geissenhelmer,  General  Operations 
Manager,  at  Chicago  avenue  station.  ABOVE:  Herman  Miles  (In  stokes  basket)  is  lowered 
from  track  level  to  street  by  Fire  Department  snorkel  and  paramedics  during  passenger 
emergency  evacuation  drill  conducted  by  CTA  and  four  city  agencies.  Miles,  supervisor  of 
controllers,  Transportation  Department,  portrayed  one  of  six  injured  passengers. 


passengers  to  walk  safely  onto 
the  second  train. 

The  third  method  was  to  put 
another  train  on  the  same  track 
with  the  disabled  train  and  pull  it 
up  to  the  first  car  of  the  defective 
train.  CTA  personnel  then 
escorted  passengers  safely  from 
the  front  end  of  the  disabled  train 
to  the  second  train. 

Fourth,  and  last,  was  for 
passengers  to  be  helped  down 
ifrom  the  disabled  train  and 
escorted  across  tracks  and  along 
the  footwalks  by  CTA  personnel. 

At  11:30  a.m.,  LaVelle  announc- 
ed that  the  drill  was  completed 
and  thanked  the  volunteers  and 
the  four  city  agencies  for  their 
complete    cooperation.    His    an- 


nouncement was  made  at  the 
Chicago  avenue  station. 

Critiquing  the  scenario, 
LaVelle  said  later,  "This  office 
feels  that  it  was  a  learning  ex- 
perience for  all  concerned. 

"We  were  able  to  demonstrate 
our  methods  and  strategies  for 
passenger  emergency  evacua- 
tions to  the  agencies  involved. 
We  were  further  afforded  the  op- 
portunity to  observe  the 
paramedics  and  fire  fighters  in 
action  and  received  their  input 
concerning  their  responsibilities. 

"Future  meetings  and 
scenarios  will  be  held  with  the 
paramedics  and  fire  fighters.  At 
those  timeSj  these  scenarios  will 
be  critiqued  for  any  modifications 


Mike  Cramer  (left,  with  white  cane),  customer  assistance  coordinator,  Consumer  Services 
Department,  and  Steve  Hastalis  (right,  with  white  cane),  community  relations  coor- 
dinator, are  escorted  across  tracks  by  Transportation  Department  personnel.  Both 
Cramer  and  Hastalis  are  blind  and  volunteered  for  passenger  emergency  evacuation  drill. 


to  emergency  procedures  that 
may  be  deemed  necessary," 
LaVelle  said. 

Observing  the  entire  drill  were 
General  Operations  Manager 
Harold  H.  Geissenhelmer,  James 
R.  Blaa,  manager,  Transportation, 
and  five  members  of  an  APTA 
Peer  Group  Review  Team. 

Attending  were  L.  William 
Breiner,  operations  safety 
superintendent,  Bay  Area  Rapid 
Transit  District  (BART),  Oakland, 
Cal.;  Homer  Glemmons,  safety  in- 
structor, f^etropolitan  Atlanta 
Rapid  Transit  Authority  (MART A), 
Atlanta,  Ga.;  Lt.  Francis  P.  Car- 
cich,  police  executive  officer, 
Port  Authority  of  N.Y.  &  N.J., 
Jersey  City,  N.J.;  and  George  L. 
Cancro,  assistant  superintendent 
of  operations,  and  Joseph  P. 
Bardzilowski,  safety  supervisor, 
both  of  the  Port  Authority  Trans- 
Hudson  Corporation  (PATH), 
Jersey  City,  N.J. 

"Interagency  participation  in 
this  safety  exercise  allows  all 
rapid  transit  systems  to  learn 
from  the  experience  of  others," 
Geissenhelmer  pointed  out. 

"The  CTA  has  participated  in 
exercises  elsewhere,  and  there  is 
a  regular  exchange  of  informa- 
tion on  safety  and  operational 
matters.  Thomas  Boyle,  CTA 
manager  of  Safety,  who  also  par- 
ticipated in  the  drill,  regularly 
represents  the  CTA  in  the  ex- 
change of  such  safety  informa- 
tion," Geissenhelmer  said. 


NOVEMBER,  1981 


Safety  requires 
constant  effort 

Doing  things  safely  Is  a  con- 
cept nnost  of  us  are  taught  from 
earliest  childhood.  Yet,  there 
always  seems  to  be  something 
new  to  learn  about  safety,  and 
when  you're  involved  with  public 
transportation,  you  can  never 
learn  too  much. 

Tom  Boyle,  manager  of  the 
Safety  department,  is  CTA's  top 
management  official  concerned 
with  the  safe  operation  of  buses 
and  trains,  and  safe  working  con- 
ditions for  employees.  It  is  his 
constant  goal  to  make  every  CTA 
employee  aware  that  doing  the 
job  right  includes  doing  it  safely. 

One  area  where  this  concept 
has  firmly  taken  root  is  in  the 
Transportation  department, 
where  a  monthly  record  was 
broken  in  September  for  the 
fewest  number  of  accidents  in 
CTA  history  -  -  only  5.1  per  100,000 
miles  of  operation. 

"These  results  reflect  the  ef- 
forts of  a  lot  of  people,"  Boyle 
said.  "Operators  and  trainmen 
obviously  deserve  a  major  share 
of  the  credit,  but  many  others 
also  played  a  part.  Transportation 
instructors  and  supervisors. 
Maintenance,  Training/Develop- 
ment Programs,  and  the  Safety 
department  have  all  contributed 
to  this  record  achievement." 

Boyle  suggested  that  Transpor- 
tation's safety  record  was  also 
having  a  positive  effect  on  CTA's 
finances.    "In    1980    alone,"    he 


LEFT:  Tom  Boyle,  manager,  Safety,  addresses  the  Motor  Transportation  Division  of  tfie 
National  Safety  Council,  wfiich  he  serves  as  chairman,  at  the  National  Safety  Congress 
and  Exposition,  October  1 9,  in  the  Americana  Congress  Hotel.  ABOVE:  CTA's  historic  Car 
^^1  was  used  to  take  delegates  from  the  National  Safety  Congress  and  Exposition  on  a 
tour  of  Skol(ie  Shop.  Enjoying  the  ride  (left  to  right,  foreground)  were:  Ed  Henry,  super- 
visor. Safety  Performance  Analysis;  Arthur  Hubacz,  accident  analysis  clerk-inspector; 
Tom  Boyle,  manager,  all  from  CTA's  Safety  Department;  and  Santo  Radice,  ad- 
ministrative safety  officer.  New  York  City  Transit  Authority. 


noted,  "more  than  two  million 
dollars  were  saved  in  claims  that 
didn't  have  to  be  paid  because  of 
the  reduction  in  accidents.  At  the 
rate  we're  going  this  year,  signifi- 
cant additional  savings  will  be 
realized." 

Boyle  is  chairman  of  the  Motor 
Transportation  Division  and  a 
member  of  the  board  of  directors 
of  the  National  Safety  Council, 
and  has  served  for  the  past  four 
years  as  chairman  of  the  Safety 
Committee  of  the  American 
Public  Transit  Association.  He 
also  is  an  associate  staff  member 
at  the  U.S.  Department  of 
Transportation's  Transportation 
Safety  Institute  in  Oklahoma  City. 

On  October  19-21,  the  69th  An- 
nual National  Safety  Congress 
and  Exposition  was  held  in 
Chicago,  attended  by  some 
15,000  safety  professionals. 
Among  the  numerous  issues 
Boyle's  Motor  Transportation 
Division  looked  into  were 
emergency  evacuations,  in- 
dustrial safety,  the  preparation 
and  conduct  of  bus  roadeos, 
safety  problems  with  new  equip- 
ment, and  accident  investigation 
and  reporting. 

To  gain  firsthand  experience 
with  evacuation  techniques,  CTA 
on  November  1  held  its  first  'L' 
emergency  evacuation  drill  in 
cooperation  with  the  Chicago 
Fire  Department  and  other  city 
agencies.   The    results   added    a 


new  dimension  to  CTA's 
emergency  preparedness,  and 
will  lessen  the  uncertainties  sur- 
rounding any  future  evacuations. 

Boyle  and  his  department  are 
also  involved  in  a  number  of 
significant  industry-related  safe- 
ty studies. 

"For  the  past  several  months, 
we've  been  working  on  the 
development  of  a  new  quarterly 
employee  injury  report,"  Boyle 
said.  "This  project  was  done  in 
conjunction  with  the  Datacenter 
and  will  involve  Transportation, 
Maintenance,  and  Materials 
Management  people.  The  pur- 
pose of  the  report  is  to  provide  a 
better  and  more  complete  infor- 
mation base,  which  will  be  used 
to  help  improve  the  employee  in- 
jury situation. 

"We  recently  concluded  an 
UMTA-funded  technical  study  on 
improving  accident  analysis 
techniques,  and  we're  getting 
started  on  another  study  dealing 
with  automatic  train  protectin 
needs  to  determine  if  any 
changes  might  be  in  order  in 
overall  training,"  Boyle  said. 

The  Safety  department  also  is 
involved  in  the  monitoring  of 
operation  efforts  for  the  entire 
Authority,  as  well  as  the  review  of 
all  specifications  and  plans  for 
new  facilities  and  the  updating  of 
existing  facilities  -  -  all  with  a 
view  toward  insuring  their  safety 
effectiveness. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Employees  honored  with  'A  Day  in  CTA' 


Seventeen  employees  cited  for 
outstanding  perfornnance  were 
given  special  recognition  recent- 
ly by  CTA  management  with  "A 
Day  in  CTA."  The  honorees  in- 
cluded Bus  Roadeo  winners  Mar- 
tin Troglia,  Robert  Richardson, 
Eddie  Johnson,  and  Willie 
Whisenton. 

Seven  of  those  honored  earned 
recognition  for  providing  police 
assistance  in  the  apprehension 
of  persons  suspected  of  damage, 
or  theft  of  CTA  property. 

Linda  Foster,  bus  operator, 
77th  Street  garage,  curbed  a 
motorist  attempting  to  leave  the 
scene  of  an  accident  involving  a 
CTA  bus.  Miss  Foster  was  driving 
her  own  automobile. 

Lawrence  Wilson,  a  supervisor 
in  District  B,  responded  to  a 
similar  incident  while  driving  his 
own  vehicle.  Wilson  curbed  a 
truck  driver  who  had  driven 
several  blocks  after  colliding  with 
a  CTA  bus.  Likewise,  Roger  Bed- 
ford, bus  operator.  North  Avenue, 
apprehended  a  man  suspected  of 
stealing  transfers  and  held  him 
for  police. 

Rail  controller  Fontaine 
Winston  received  honors  for  aler- 
ting police  to  a  suspect  in  a  knif- 
ing incident.  The  man  was  ap- 
prehended after  he  alighted  from 
a  Dan  Ryan  train  in  the  Loop. 

Receiving  honors  in  another 
property  incident  was  Charles 
Sayers,  bus  operator,  52nd  Street 
garage,  who  detained  a  man 
suspected  of  attempting  to  break 
into  a  fare  box,  and  turned  him 
over  to  the  police. 

Maintenance  department  per- 
sonnel also  received  special 
recognition  for  alert  action  which 
aided  police  in  the  apprehension 
of  suspects  on  CTA  property. 

Steven  J.  Klemm,  Archer 
garage  relief  foreman,  chased  an 
unidentified  man  from  the  garage 
who  was  suspected  of  attempting 
to  start  a  bus.  Police  responded 
and  took  the  suspect  into 
custody. 

John  Musial,  Archer  garage 
assistant  foreman,  also  received 
the  praises  of  management  when 
he  apprehended  two  youths 
suspected  of  breaking  into  a 
farebox  and  turned  them  over  to 
police. 

Special  praises  were  also  due 
Ira  Phillips,  motorman  from 
Howard   terminal,   who  sounded 


Linda  Foster 


Fontaine  Winston 


Michael  Dain 


Willie  Burks 


John  Thompson 


Steven  Klemm 


Lawrence  Wilson 


Ira  Philips 


Charles  Sayers 


his  horn  to  alert  neighbors  of  a 
baby  he  observed  perched  on  the 
window  ledge  of  a  residential 
building  along  his  route. 

In  another  life-threatening 
situation,  Willie  Burks  Jr.,  a  rail 
janitor  in  Plant  Maintenance, 
received  special  honors  for  flag- 
ging down  a  train  after  a  man  fell 
from  the  platform  onto  the  tracks. 
Burks  then  helped  the  man  get 
back  onto  the  platform  and  safely 
board  the  train. 

Maintenance  department 
honorees  also  include  John 
Thompson  and  Michael  Dain,  bus 
maintenance    instructors,    who 


were  given  recognition  for  con- 
structing bus  brake  and  door 
system  training  mock-ups,  an  im- 
portant contribution  to  improved 
maintenance  training. 

S.  L.  Brooks,  a  trackman, 
received  management's  kudos 
after  he  alerted  ironworkers  of  a 
cracked  track  girder  at  43rd  street 
on  the  South  Side  Main  Line,  thus 
averting  the  possibility  of  more 
serious  rail  problems. 

Walter  J.  Feulner  also  received 
recognition  for  special  contribu- 
tions to  office  functions  as 
budget  coordinator,  Maintenance 
Office  Procedures  and  Budget. 


NOVEMBER,  1981 


New  turnstile 

is  designed 

to  accept  passes 

CTA  employees  in  the  Mer- 
chandise Mart  will  be  the  first 
riders  to  test  the  Chicago  Transit 
Authority's  prototype  of  a 
magnetically  encoded  pass 
system.  The  new  system,  de- 
signed by  CTA  engineers,  will 
begin  test  operation  in  January, 
1982  at  the  Merchandise  Mart  'L' 
station. 

"This  ultra-modern  concept 
will  allow  passengers  to  slide 
their  riding  passes  through  a 
high-speed  'reader'  mounted  on 
top  of  a  special  turnstile.  Instant- 
ly, a  microprocessor  will  decode 
information  from  magnetic  strips 
on  the  cards  and  allow  the 
holders  to  pass  through  the  turn- 
stile without  even  breaking  their 
stride,"  said  John  O'Connor, 
director.  Passenger  Con- 
trols/Graphics. 

Besides  instantly  "reading" 
each  card,  the  turnstile  will  be 
programmed  to  reject  the  card's 
reuse  by  another  passenger. 

When  the  system  is  fully 
developed,  counterfeiting  of  a 
pass  will  be  nearly  impossible 
due  to  the  sophisticated  security 
measures  being  designed  into 
the  system. 

Don  Walsh,  supervisor,  Elec- 
trical Testing  and  Power  Opera- 
tions, and  testing  engineers  Joe 
Simonetti   and   Tom    Rowe   have 


Displaying  CTA  designed  prototype  of  computerized  turnstile  with  different  types  of  card 
"readers"  on  top  are  (from  left)  Don  Walsh,  supervisor,  Electrical  Testing  and  Power 
Operations;  John  O'Connor,  director.  Passenger  Controls/Graphics;  Dale  Mangelsdorff, 
an  assistant  to  O'Connor;  Joe  Simonetti  and  Tom  Rowe,  testing  engineers  in 
Maintenance  Department's  electrical  testing  unit. 


worked  closely  with  O'Connor 
and  Dale  Mangelsdorff,  an  assis- 
tant to  O'Connor,  in  the  develop- 
ment of  this  project. 

Mangelsdorff,  Rowe,  and 
Simonetti  evaluated  a  card- 
activated  system  developed  by 
personnel  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay  Transportation  Authority 
(MBTA)  in  Boston.  This  study 
enabled  them  to  further  develop 
the  MBTA  concept  to  provide  a 
more  cost-effective  and  reliable 
system  for  CTA. 

Due  to  recent  innovations  in 
microelectronics,  they  decided  it 
was  possible  to  develop  a  new 
system  by  combining  heretofore 
unrelated  components.  This 
breakthrough  led  to  the  prototype 
turnstile  which  will  be  ready  to  go 
into  operation  in  January. 


"The  implementation  of  this 
system  will  be  a  milestone  for  the 
men  of  the  electrical  testing  unit 
in  the  Maintenance  department's 
Plant  Maintenance  section.  The 
unit  is  headquartered  in  the 
Franklin  street  substation,  321  S. 
Franklin  St.,  where  most  of  the 
work  was  done. 

"This  very  sophisticated 
development  is  the  product  of 
months  of  hard  work  by 
Simonetti,  Rowe,  and 
Mangelsdorff,"  O'Connor  said. 

Commenting  on  the  possibility 
of  using  the  card  readers  on 
buses  in  the  future,  Walsh  said, 
"We  are  very  optimistic  for  that 
development,  and  our  energies 
will  be  channeled  in  that  direc- 
tion after  the  turnstile  portion  of 
the  card  reader  development  is 


Ernie  Antonio,  testing  engineer,  makes  some  of  the  2,000  stand- 
ardized color  coded  signs  needed  for  various  electrical  switches, 
outlets,  and  other  electric  facilities  throughout  'L'  system  and  ter- 
minals, bus  garages,  and  other  CTA  locations.  Standardized  CTA 
signs  replace  variety  of  manufacturer's  signs. 


Joe  Simonetti  demonstrates  how  an  encoded  riding  card  could  be 
slid  through  "reader"  for  admittance  through  turnstile.  Compo- 
nent atop  turnstile  is  one  of  several  computer  boards  used  in 
design  of  turnstile. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


completed. 

"The  versatility  of  the  system 
being  designed  is  unlimited," 
Walsh  continued.  "Imagine  the 
CTA  being  able  to  sell  passes 
good  for  only  one  day,  or  good  on- 
ly for  specified  hours  of  the  day, 
or  good  only  for  weekends. 

"The  capability  of  programm- 
ing each  'L'  station  entrance 
separately,  to  lockout  different 
types  of  passes,  for  instance 
Evanston-only  passes  or  zone 
passes,  creates  endless 
possibilities,  and  all  of  these 
functions  will  be  under  the  com- 
plete control  of  the  CTA  and  can 
be  altered  at  any  time  by  the 
CTA,"  Walsh  added. 

O'Connor  pointed  out  that  the 
CTA  has  been  using  coin  turn- 
stiles for  about  30  years  to  assist 
agents  at  high  volume  'L'  station 
entrances.  Due  to  the  success  of 
the  CTA's  current  monthly  pass 
program,  coin  turnstile  usage  has 
decreased  dramatically,  causing 
long  lines  at  agents'  booths. 

The  future  implementation  of 
the  card  reader  turnstiles  will 
reduce  the  long  lines  by  allowing 
monthly  pass  users  to  enter  sta- 
tions through  the  new  turnstiles. 

Commenting  on  the 
significance  of  the  development 
of  the  magnetically  encoded  pass 
system,  CTA  General  Operations 
Manager  Harold  H. 

Geissenheimer  said,  "This  pro- 
ject demonstrates  CTA's  in- 
house  capability  to  respond  to 
changing  requirements.  Changes 
in  basic  fares  and  collection 
methods  require  a  system  that 
can  be  readily  adjusted.  The  use 
of  UMTA  Section  VI  Research  and 
Development  funds  and  the 
Transportation  System  Center, 
and  coordination  with  Peer  Group 
research  projects  in  other  rapid 
transit  systems,  will  assist  the 
entire  industry." 

While  designing  the  card 
reader,  Simonetti,  Rowe,  and  Bob 
(Dr.  Bob)  Krzemienski,  another 
testing  engineer,  redesigned  the 
operation  of  CTA's  existing  turn- 
stiles to  accept  Susan  B.  Anthony 
dollar  coins,  handle  fares  greater 
than  95  cents,  display  figures 
having  three  digits,  and  accept 
"instructions"  from  the  card 
reader. 


Testing  engineer  Chris  Gaca  (standing)  follows  the  wiring  of  electric  power  control  panel 
being  done  by  Bill  Risoff,  B-maintainer  on  special  assignment  to  testing  unit.  Each  panel 
contains  about  two  miles  of  hand  installed  wiring.  Panels  control  third  rail  power  for  'L' 
system. 


Other  testing  engineers  who 
assisted  in  the  innovative  turn- 
stile project  are  Chris  Gaca,  Chris 
Fugger,  John  Kowalski,  Chuck 
Bell,  Ernie  Antonio,  and  Art 
Sison. 

While  working  on  the  design  of 
the  new  turnstile,  the  testing 
engineers  also  had  to  handle 
their  daily  duties. 

They  are  responsible  for  help- 
ing to  maintain  the  correct  flow  of 
electric  power  to  the  entire  'L' 
system  and  to  other  CTA 
facilities,  and  they  check, 
calibrate  and  repair  electrical 
testing  equipment  used 
throughout  the  CTA's  shops  and 
garages. 

Another  important  assignment 
is  the  design  and  wiring  of  the 
supervisory  control  panels  that 
monitor  and  control  third  rail 
power.  One  panel  is  located  in 
each  of  37  electrical  substations, 
and  37  connecting  panels  are 
located  in  CTA's  Control  Center 
in  the  Merchandise  Mart,  where 
they   are   visually   monitored   24 


hours  a  day  by  power  supervisors. 
Push-button  circuitry  in  the  Con- 
trol Center's  panels  permits  the 
power  supervisors  to  cut  off  and 
restore  electrical  power  to 
specific  locations  of  the  rapid 
transit  system  during  emergen- 
cies. 

Another  five  electrical  substa- 
tions are  being  built  for  the 
O'Hare  extension  from  Jefferson 
Park  rapid  transit  terminal  to  the 
airport.  The  testing  engineers  are 
now  designing  10  panels  for  the 
opening  of  the  new  rapid  transit 
extension  by  late  next  year. 

Other  personnel  assigned  to 
the  electrical  testing  unit  are 
testing  engineers  Frank  Machara 
and  Dave  Wilson;  Pete  Janke, 
chief  electrolysis  tester;  and 
Charlie  Dugo,  Emile  Ousley,  and 
John  Williams,  electrolysis 
testers.  Bill  Risoff,  B-maintainer, 
is  on  special  assignment  to  the 
testing  unit  to  hand  wire  the  com- 
plex supervisory  control  units  for 
the  Control  Center. 


NOVEMBER.  1981 


Women  Engineers 
honor  Datacenter 
employee 

A  CTA  Datacenter  project 
leader  has  been  named  the  1981 
Distinguished  New  Engineer  by 
the  National  Society  of  Women 
Engineers. 


Niva  Oghigian,  who  joined  the 
CTA  in  1975,  received  the  coveted 
award  at  an  October  11  luncheon 
in  Evanston.  The  presentation 
was  made  by  Ann  Jakiela,  presi- 
dent of  the  Society's  Chicago 
Regional  Section. 

Ms.  Jakiela  cited  Ms.  Oghigian 
as  "...an  extraordinary  young 
engineer— visible,  professionally 
involved,  and  repeatedly  demon- 
strating outstanding  technical 
competence,  organizational  ability 
and  leadership." 

The  award  is  given  annually  to 
a  woman  with  not  more  than  10 
years  of  engineering  experience 
who  has  demonstrated  outstand- 
ing performance  and  leadership. 

Ms.  Oghigian  is  the  designer 
and  developer  of  a  computer 
system  which  produces  bus 
operator  schedules.  The  system 
is  expected  to  save  more  in  its 
first  year  than  the  project  cost. 
She  received  bachelor's  and 
master's  degrees  in  electrical 
engineering  from  the  University 
of  Illinois  and  is  a  registered  pro- 
fessional engineer  in  the  State  of 
Illinois. 


Chicago  Police  honor  Limits  operator 


Chasing  a  pickpocket  who  had 
boarded  his  bus  and  apprehend- 
ing him  brought  special  honors 
from  the  Chicago  Police  Depart- 
ment for  Bus  Operator  Larry  Gof- 
fer of  Limits  garage  last  month. 
Operator  Goffer  received  a  cer- 
tificate of  commendation  from 
Superintendent  Richard  Brzeczek 


at  the  Police  Training  Division. 
Following  the  brief  ceremony. 
Goffer,  who  joined  the  CTA  July  7, 
1971,  displays  his  certificate  as 
Superintendent  Brzeczek  (center), 
and  Salvadore  Perce  (right),  assis- 
tant superintendent.  Limits  garage, 
pause  with  the  honoree. 


''Outstanding  young  men' 


Marcellus  Barnes 

Marcellus  Barnes,  repairman  at  77th 
Street  garage  (left),  and  Larue  Earl  Cook, 
the  son  of  car  serviceman  John  Cook,  61st 
Street  shop,  are  included  among  Outstand- 
ing Young  Men  of  America  for  1981.  They 
were  selected  by  the  OYIVI  committee 
because  of  their  demonstrated  excellence  in 
civic  activities  and  professionalism.  Barnes 
is  a  member  of  the  Chicago  Police  Depart- 
ment's 4th  District  steering  committee,  and 
the  American  Homeowners  Association.  Un- 


Larue  E.  Cook 

til  recently,  he  was  active  with  the  police 
department's  beat  representative  program 
in  the  21st  District,  the  Michael  Reese 
hospital  nurse's  education  closed  circuit 
system,  and  was  chairman  of  the  board  of 
directors  for  the  Long  Grove  Tenant's 
Council.  Cook,  a  former  bus  operator  from 
77th  Street  garage,  is  assistant  adminis- 
trator of  the  Howard  University  hospital  in 
Washington,  D.C. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


IInT  lsyL:EllS/LO:E^X^A.lS/L 


EWALD  R.  ANDERSON,  82,  North  Park, 

Emp.  12-1-22,  Died  8-19-81 
PAUL  ASTRAUIKIS,  85,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  7-22-25,  Died  8-27-81, 
REGINALD  BAILEY,  78,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  5-7-26,  Died  8-18-81 
HARRY  BAKER,  76,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  6-23-26,  Died  7-10-81 
FRED  BALDWIN,  82,  North  Section, 

Emp.  11-24-25,  Died  9-11-81 
WILLIAM  BANKS,  38,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  1-16-69,  Died  8-8-81 
PETER  BARONE,  94,  Cottage  Grove, 

Emp.  4-26-13,  Died  9-3-81 
WILLIAM  BARRON,  68,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  11-7-42,  Died  8-5-81 
CHARLES  BATTERSON,  73,  Transpor- 
tation, Emp.  12-17-26,  Died  7-28-81 
ANTHONY  BECOFSKE,  77,  Skokie  Shop, 

Emp.  6-23-43,  Died  8-16-81 
FRANK  BECVAR,  99,  Lawndaie, 

Emp.  9-8-13,  Died  8-8-81 
VIRGIL  BERNHARDT,  78,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  10-19-28,  Died- 7-25-81 
STEWART  BORGERSON,  76,  Security, 

Emp.  5-4-42,  Died  7-21-81 
EDMUND  BRODERICK,  72,  North  Ave., 

Emp.  2-2-37,  Died  9-28-81 
WILLIAM  BRUNS,  90,  West  Section 

Emp.  1-2-36,  Died  7-8-81 
WILLIAM  BYRNE,  86,  77th  Street 

Emp.  2-1-26,  Died  7-20-81 
GASPARE  CIRINO,  86,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  5-6-26,  Died  8-12-81 
ANTHONY  CLAIR,  88,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  7-30-25,  Died  9-11-81 
ARTHUR  COOK,  75,  Cottage  Grove, 

Emp.  3-23-42,  Died  7-30-81 
MICHAEL  DOLJANIN,  80,  Building, 

Emp.  6-6-47,  Died  8-13-81 
EDWIN  DOWLING,  71,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  3-5-34,  Died  7-17-81 
ANTHONY  EICHSTAEDT,  96,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  6-30-06,  Died  8-3-81 
HERMAN  ENGELHARDT,  83,  Mainten- 
ance, Emp.  11-3-41,  Died  8-9-81 
CHRISTINE  FELTEN,  91,  West  Section, 

Emp.  6-16-33,  Died  8-25-81 
HERBERT  FREDRICKSON,  65,  North 

Ave.,  Emp.  4-15-54,  Died  7-4-81 
BERTRAND  FREEMAN,  62,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  9-11-51,  Died  8-3-81 
EDWIN  FRIEDMAN,  88,  South  Shops 

Emp.  5-6-36,  Died  8-4-81 
CHARLES  GEARING,  89,  Transportation, 

Emp.  5-16-19,  Died  8-22-81 
LAUREN  GUNN,  59,  Howard, 

Emp.  12-3-53,  Died  7-25-81 
JAMES  HAGERTY,  65,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  6-10-41,  Died  8-9-81 
EMERY  HANSON,  93,  Cottage  Grove, 

Emp.  7-21-09,  Died  7-4-81 
JOHN  HEELAN,  73,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  10-12-36,  Died  9-9-81 
HOWARD  HELT,  72,  Electrical, 

Emp.  6-2-42,  Died  9-26-81 
JOHN  HERATY,  85,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  1-17-43,  Died  8-7-81 
WILLIAM  HINCHCLIFF,  90,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  10-11-13,  Died  9-12-81 
EARL  HORSTMAN,  74,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  7-25-27,  Died  8-11-81 


NELLIE  JENNINGS,  86,  West  Section, 

Emp,  4-19-43,  Died  7-2-81 
CLEMENT  KACZOROWSKI,  66,  Archer, 

Emp.  4-11-47,  Died  8-31-81 
IRVIN  KALOUSEK,  71,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  8-29-45,  Died  8-22-81 
JOHN  KAMIEN,  77,  Keeler, 

Emp.  9-27-27,  Died  7-31-81 
JOHN  KELAM,  86,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  12-1-23,  Died  7-12-81 
MICHAEL  KIELHOLZ,  81,  North  Section, 

Emp.  10-28-25,  Died  7-25-81 
WILLIAM  KILMARTIN,  74,  West  Section, 

Emp.  7-14-28,  Died  9-6-81 
JOSEPH  KOTZ,  87,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  5-28-14,  Died  9-30-81 
FRANK  KUBIK,  71,  Transportation, 

Emp.  1-3-36,  Died  7-30-81 
ALOYSIUS  LINZMEIER,  92,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  10-18-13,  Died  8-29-81 
ERNEST  LOTITO,  52,  North  Park, 

Emp.  12-13-54,  Died  7-21-81 
GEORGE  LOWE,  86,  South  Section 

Emp.  2-25-14,  Died  9-24-81 
FRANK  LUCAS,  67,  West  Section, 

Emp.  11-11-57,  Died  7-25-81 
HARRY  LUKA,  74,  Lawndaie, 

Emp.  11-28-45,  Died  8-21-81 
MICHAEL  LYNCH,  77,  Archer, 

Emp.  11-30-26,  Died  8-27-81 
JOHN  MANNION,  80,  Beverly, 

Emp.  6-5-23,  Died  9-7-81 
JOHN  MARCOUX,  85,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  3-12-24,  Died  8-22-81 
MARIE  McANDREWS,  86,  North  Section 

Emp.  9-5-37,  Died  9-22-81 
ROBERT  McCOMBS,  39,  Treasury, 

Emp.  2-14-64,  Died  9-5-81 
ARCHIE  MORGAN  Jr.,  72,  Lake  Street, 

Emp.  2-9-45,  Died  9-17-81 
GLEN  NYBLOM,  57,  Engineering, 

Emp.  10-26-70,  Died  9-27-81 
JOSEPH  O'CONNOR,  67,  Engineering, 

Emp.  6-3-36,  Died  9-11-81 
THOMAS  O'SHEA,  84,  West  Section, 

Emp.  12-11-26,  Died  9-20-81 
LOWELL  PAGE,  89,  Stores, 

Emp.  12-18-19,  Died  6-29-81 
THOMAS  PAPPAS,  86,  Shops  &  Equip- 
ment, Emp.  3-13-19,  Died  8-10-81 
JOHN  PARNELL,  76,  Track, 

Emp.  6-15-45,  Died  7-11-81 
BERTIE  PARSONS,  95,  West  Section, 

Emp.  9-20-18,  Died  9-19-81 
HENRY  PETERSON,  73,  North  Section, 

Emp.  12-30-66,  Died  7-15-81 
RICHARD  POLLARD,  95,  North  Section, 

Emp.  11-29-27,  Died  7-8-81 
DANIEL  RENO,  69,  Engineering, 

Emp.  10-1-37,  Died  9-13-81 
DAVID  ROBINSON,  51,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  2-18-60,  Died  8-11-81 
RAFAEL  RODRIGUEZ,  53,  Consumer  Ser- 
vices, Emp.  8-17-67,  Died  7-21-81 
CARL  RUSSO,  73,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  5-3-44,  Died  7-10-81 
AUGUST  SCHNELL,  91,  Shops  &  Equip- 
ment, Emp.  3-27-23,  Died  9-10-81 
WILLIAM  SELL,  89,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  11-16-27,  Died  7-29-81 
PETER  SEPIC,  70„  Claims, 

Emp.  6-22-36,  Died  8-9-81 
EDWARD  SHIELDS,  70,  Utility, 

Emp.  3-13-34,  Died  8-16-81 
JOHN  SKULICH,  86,  Maintenance, 

Emp.  6-11-28,  Died  7-4-81 


LOUIS  SKULSKI,  87,  Skokie  Shop, 

Emp.  1-16-28,  Died  7-18-81 
FRANCIS  SMITH,  75,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  10-25-26,  Died  9-12-81 
FRANKLIN  SPECHT,  68,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  7-11-52,  Died  8-9-81 
JOHN  STACK,  75,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  1-30-29,  Died  7-19-81 
NICHOLAS  STARK,  80,  Lawndaie, 

Emp.  3-13-26,  Died  9-17-81 
ALBERT  STERNAT,  86,  West  Section, 

Emp.  12-6-18,  Died  8-4-81 
LEROY  STIGLER,  61,  Security, 

Emp.  12-19-46,  Died  9-17-81 
HUBERT  STINSON,  50,  Beverly, 

Emp.  9-8-66,  Died  8-31-81 
MAXWELL  STRUWE,  78,  District  C, 

Emp.  9-2-27,  Died  9-18-81 
CASIMIR  SYPNIEWSKI,  81,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  4-17-23,  Died  7-12-81 
BRUNO  UGINCHUS,  71,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  8-30-48,  Died  8-23-81 
ROBERT  VLADOVA,  87,  Stores, 

Emp.  7-21-36,  Died  7-31-81 
ANNA  WALSH,  89,  West  Section, 

Emp.  6-9-41,  Died  10-26-80 
BERNARD  WALSH,  69,  Transportation, 

Emp.  8-5-41,  Died  8-11-81 
GERIEL  WILLIAMSON,  67,  West  Section, 

Emp.  12-31-53,  Died  9-14-81 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


September  1  Retirements 

WITOLD  J.  BOLT,  Transit  Engr.  Ill, 

Operations  Planning,  Emp.  8-4-75 
ALBERT  E.  BRANDT,  Signal  Maint., 

West  Shops,  Emp.  11-29-45 
BURTELL  C.  BURNS,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  8-7-51 
WAYNE  A.  HANSEN,  Unit  Supervisor, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  6-17-46 
JOHN  D.  ORANGE,  Car  Repairman  A, 

61st  Street,  Emp.  6-14-51 
THOMAS  M.  SCHWARZ,  Conductor, 

61st  Street,  Emp.  1-25-46 
IRVIN  J.  WIECZOREK,  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section,  Emp.  5-21-66 
ALOYSIOUS  L.  ZUCKER,  Operator, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  3-2-61 

DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

SAMUEL  DAVENPORT,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  12-19-68 
ALEX  J.  HOWARD  Jr.,  Records  Oust., 

West  Shops,  Emp.  1-18-54 
DAVID  SMITH,  Laborer, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  3-6-51 
LOYCE  R.  WRIGHT,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  12-15-66 


NOVEMBER.  1981 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


October  1  Retirements 


JOINING  THE  ranks  of  the 
retired  on  October  1  was  ED- 
WARD J.  MC  SWEENEY  who 
had  more  than  41  years  of 
service. 


CHARLES  J.  BANSER,  Asst.  Dist.  Supt., 

Rail  North,  Emp.  11-27-46 
ARTHUR  BRADFORD,  Operator, 

69th  Street,  Emp.  7-31-51 
WILLIAM  A.  MULWEE,  Trackman  II, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  4-26-47 
PATRICK  M.  O'CONNOR,  Car  Repairman, 

Kimball  Shop,  Emp.  6-28-51 
TEDDY  S.  PYZYNA,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  11-4-54 
JOHN  J.  TRACY,  Car  Repairer, 

Desplaines,  Emp.  9-19-46 
EMIL  E.  VELKAVRH,  Carpenter, 

South  Shops,  Emp.  9-15-65 


DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

THOMAS  J.  COOGAN,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  11-25-57 
ELMER  B.  KRAMBULE,  Ticket  Agent, 

South  Section,  Emp.  5-23-52 
EDWARD  J.  MC  SWEENEY,  Chief  Clerk, 

Security,  Emp.  6-7-40 
JOEL  MONTGOMERY,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  9-16-68 
JOHN  J.  RADMAN,  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section,  Emp.  2-15-62 
CASIMIR  J.  STRZYNSKI,  Machinist, 

South  Shops,  Em[3.  6-19-46 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


November  1  Retirements 


JOINING  THE  ranks  of  the 
retired  on  November  1  was 
ALBERT  LATHOUWERS  who 
had  more  than  46  years  of 
service. 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  September 


40  years 


Robert  L.  Lavoie 

Schedules 


Frank  L.  Tadin 

Maintenance 


Stanley  0.  Christ 

Forest  Park 


June  L.  Noren 

Revenue 


James  J.  Coughlin 

North  Park 


35  years 


Edward  T.  Barry,  North  Avenue 
Lewis  H.  Beaver,  South  Shops 
George  J.  Gart,  Limits 
Ralph  J.  Keane,  South  Shops 
Frank  J.  Kllnec,  Skokie  Shop 
Nick  Kochopolus,  South  Shops 
Teddle  NIezabitowski,  69th  Street 
Fred  C.  Pathelger,  Instruction 
Philip  Selbel,  North  Avenue 
John  J.  Tracy,  Desplaines 


30  years 


Andrew  G.  Butler,  77th  Street 
John  L.  Daniels,  Foster  Shop 
Clyde  A.  Ewing,  North  Avenue 
Hearthel  W.  Johnson,  Beverly 
Otto  R.  Krueger,  Maintenance 
Edward  A.  Mesklmen,  Print  Shop 
Glenn  A.  Ross,  Methods/Standards 
Ellas  F.  Williams,  Archer 


25  years 


Cornelius  L.  Allen,  Beverly 
Roland  J.  Bagley,  Ashland/95th 
Billy  R.  Brandon,  Utility 
Curtis  Brown,  77th  Street 
Clarence  E.  Buthman  Jr.,  Datacenter 
Raymond  D.  Carson,  Pensions 
Clarence  F.  Crawley  Jr.,  Security 
Robert  Harris  Jr.,  Beverly 
Eleanore  Hasbrouck,  West  Section 
Ronald  L.  Hodges,  North  Park 
C.  C.  Jones,  Archer 
Sammie  Lane,  69th  Street 
James  E.  Marble  Jr.,  Schedules 
James  McGrew  Jr.,  District  B 
Samuel  L.  Miller,  West  Section 
George  L.  Mitchell,  6gth  Street 
Thecia  T.  Mora,  Print  Shop 
Willie  C.  Redd,  77th  Street 
Donald  W.  Ryba,  Forest  Glen 
Jack  T.  Smith,  North  Park 
Robert  L.  Smith,  Electrical 
James  E.  Stanford,  Maintenance 
Jerome  Walker,  Limits 


WILLIAM  BOTSFORD,  Janitor, 

West  Shops,  Emp.  9-14-67 
JULIA  BROUSEK,  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section,  Emp.  9-11-39 
WILLIAM  CURTIS,  Operator, 

North  Park,  Emp.  8-12-54 
GEORGE  GARLAND,  Supv.,  Investiga- 
tions, Security,  Emp.  10-20-44 
ALBERT  LATHOUWERS,  Supv.,  Payroll, 

Financial  Services,  Emp.  9-21-35 
RALPH  LINDQUIST,  Operator, 

Archer,  Emp.  5-6-57 
LEONA  MASKIN,  Ticket  Agent, 

North  Section,  Emp.  5-12-71 
ROBERT  O'BRIEN,  Title  Agent, 

Real  Estate,  Emp.  3-10-75 
ALEXANDER  PALA,  Foreman, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  5-2-42 
PAUL  PARROTT,  Ticket  Agent, 

North  Section,  Emp.  10-8-75 


EZRA  WATSON,  Supervisor, 
Central  District,  Emp.  10-22-53 

ADAM  WOLOWIEC,  Operator, 
Forest  Glen,  Emp.  2-18-48 


DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

EDDIE  BAINES,  Operator, 

Lawndale,  Emp.  11-9-64 
STEVEN  BRASWELL,  Operator, 

Forest  Glen,  Emp.  3-24-69 
WILLIE  McDANIEL,  Operator, 

Limits,  Emp.  12-22-47 
JOHN  MUHAMMAD,  Operator, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  6-10-68 
HOWARD  PERKINS,  Inspector, 

Security,  Emp.  9-24-61 
FRANK  TADIN,  Trackman, 

Maintenance,  Emp.  9-2-41 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  October 


40  years 


Richard  E.  Zajac 

South  Shops 


Anthony  J.  Salkas 

South  Shops 


35  years 


Frank  E.  Barker,  Street  Traffic 
Byron  D.  Dean,  52nd  Street 
Robert  B.  Holmes  Jr.,  52nd  Street 
Herman  E.  Izzo,  Foster  Shops 
Timothy  F.  O'Rourke,  Claims 
Joseph  Stumpfel,  Control  Center 
Thomas  Vujnovlch,  Sl^okie  Shop 


30  years 


Peter  Abrams  Jr.,  District  B 
John  W.  Bosackl,  Claims 
Earl  L.  Burkett,  Far  North  Area 
Frank  R.  Chlappetta,  Harlem  Shop 
John  D.  Cooper,  77th  Street 
Elvln  D.  Ford,  Schdeules 
Herston  Gandy,  77th  Street 
John  J.  Gavin,  Beverly 
Donald  P.  Heaney,  North  Park 
Eugene  Hendree,  Maintenance 
Caslmir  Jozeflak,  Skokie  Shop 
Albert  McCormIck,  77th  Street 
Rufus  McMllllan,  Maintenance 
Willie  B.  Scott,  Schedules 
Willie  R.  Strickland,  Maintenance 
Joseph  L.  Washington,  Maintenance 
Charles  L.  Whitman  Jr.,  Lawndale 


25  years 


Wllberl  Allen,  Howard/Kimball 
Louis  C.  Basso,  Stores  South 
Wllks  Battle,  Ashland/g5th 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  November 


40  years 


Robert  G.  Nealy 

Ashland/95th 


Robert  H.  Buerger 

Skokie  Shop 


John  F.  Carolan 

Jefferson  Park 


35  years 


Frank  F.  Andrek,  98th  Shop 
Mary  Ann  Bohat,  Claims 
Anthony  G.  Bosco,  Electrical 
Samuel  J.  Charleton,  Maintenance 
Wallace  J.  Clemens,  Electrical 
John  G.  Jankus,  Methods/Standards 
Edward  J.  KamlnskI,  Archer 
Edward  J.  Murray,  Forest  Glen 
Victor  PaclskI,  77th  Street 
James  Stewart,  Engineering 


30  years 


Walter  J.  Drobena,  Electrical 
John  Gardner,  Archer 
Howard  P.  Goerner,  South  Shops 
Earl  E.  Jackson,  52nd  Street 
Charles  A.  Olclkas,  Claims 
Herman  L.  Swoope,  Harlem  Shop 
Joseph  C.  Wharton,  77th  Street 


25  years 


Postoria  Agulrre  Jr.,  Lawndale 
Charles  H.  Berry,  77th  Street 
Travis  J.  Bishop,  Ashland/95th 
William  H.  Bragg,  69th  Street 
James  L.  Brandon,  Electrical 
Harry  L.  Brown,  Beverly 
Dan  Cawthon,  Maintenance 
Tommie  Conley,  Maintenance 
Ralph  W.  Fields,  Electrical 
Joe  R.  Hull,  South  Shops 
Joseph  P.  Jamison,  Ashland/95th 
Heinrich  F.  Laurlch,  Electrical 
Raymond  Richardson,  77th  Street 
Joseph  E.  Scott,  South  Shops 
William  M.  Smith,  77th  Street 
Albert  Williams,  77th  Street 


David  L.  Bourne,  Customer  Services 

Billy  Brown,  South  Shops 

Cordell  A.  Bruns,  Ashland/95th 

Henry  Chamblis,  52nd  Street 

Josephine  D.  Coleman,  Maintenance 

Charles  E.  Conner,  Electrical 

Roy  H.  Gaines,  Lawndale 

Amy  M.  Grant,  Agents  Office 

Willie  E.  Herron,  Training  Center 

David  Jones,  North  Avenue 

Leo  A.  Krahula,  North  Avenue 

Johnnie  L.  Love,  Maintenance 

S.  T.  Lucas,  Stores  West 

George  R.  Michaud,  Methods/Standards 

Joe  L.  Rayburn,  Campaign  Area 

Thomas  E.  Reed,  Beverly 

Edward  Ross,  Lawndale 

Henry  T.  Thome,  Rail  South 

Donald  R.  Walsh,  Electrical 

Theodis  Wells,  Ashland/95th 

John  C.  Williams,  Stores  West 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 

Volume  34  Number  11 

Published   for  employees  and   retirees  of 
the  CTA  by  the  External  Affairs  Division, 
Michael  N.  Horowitz,  Manager. 
Editorial     and     graphics    by    the    Public 
Affairs  Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager. 
Director  of  Publications:  Jack  Sowchin 
Production  Assistant:    Editorial  Assistant: 
Mel  Alexander  Rick  Willis 

Contributing  Writers:  Elda  Leal, 
Jeff  Stern,  Don  Yabush 
Typesetting  and  printing  provided  by  the 
Management  Services  Department. 
Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and 
retired  CTA  employees.    Annual  subscrip- 
tion price  to  others,  $2.    CTA  TRANSIT 
NEWS,    Room    734.    Merchandise    Mart 
Plaza,   P.O.   Box   3555,   Chicago,    Illinois 
60654. 


NOVEMBER,  1981 


Kedzie  ground-breaking 

Taking  part  in  the  October  15  ground-breal(ing  for  CTA's  250-bus 
garage  on  Kedzie  between  Jacl(son  and  Van  Buren  were  (left  to 
right):  Charies  Rummei,  vice  president,  Lester  B.  Knight  & 
Associates,  design  consultants;  Wiiliam  P.  Coiiins,  executive  vice 
president,  Del  Webb,  general  contractor;  Elgia  Cook,  commander, 
11th  Police  District;  Verdell  Trice,  vice  president.  Filth  City  Cor- 


poration; CTA  Board  Member  Nick  Ruggiero;  Nancy  Jefferson,  ex- 
ecutive director.  Midwest  Community  Council;  CTA  Chairman 
Eugene  M.  Barnes;  Edward  A.  Quigley,  Commissioner,  Chicago 
Department  of  Sewers,  representing  Mayor  Byrne;  CTA  Chief  Ad- 
ministrative Officer  Michael  A.  Cardilli;  and  Joel  Ettinger,  Region 
V  Administrator,  U.S.  Urban  Mass  Transportation  Administration. 
Offering  the  invocation  at  the  ceremony  was  the  Rev.  Joseph 
Davis  (on  dais),  pastor,  St.  Joseph  Baptist  Church. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 

Address  Correction  Requested 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGI 

PERMIT   NO.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


jPOnTATION  CTR.    LIBRARY 
iWESTERN   UNIVERSITY 

HINMAN  AVENUE 

TON,    IL  60201 


TN 


TRANSPORTATION  I IRRARY 


Jr^/rrc 


.FEBX,5 


NORTH 


THROW  K  mmef^:, 


Suggestion  Receivers  will  visit  your  work  location  to 

•  pass  out  "WINNING  PASS"  suggestion  blanks 

•  answer  any  question  you  might  have 

•  receive  your  "WINNING  PASS"  suggestions. 
Watch  for  them  during  the  week  of  Decemt>er  13, 1981 


Deadline  for  a  "WINNING  PASS" 
DECEMBER  21, 1981 


Employees  encouraged 
to  throw  a  winning  pass 

When  Brian  Baschnagel  caught  the  pass  that  gave  the 
Chicago  Bears  a  10-9  win  over  the  Minnesota  Vikings  at 
Soldier  Field  December  6,  he  probably  never  thought  his 
feat  would  lead  to  a  drive  to  save  money  at  CTA. 

But  it  was  Baschnagel's  performance  in  the  face  of  adver- 
sity that  inspired  the  theme  of  a  special  suggestion  program 
calling  upon  all  employees  to  offer  ideas  about  where  addi- 
tional savings  might  be  realized  at  CTA.  The  program  was 
named  "Winning  Pass." 

The  push  for  an  intensive,  comprehensive  suggestion 
program  came  during  a  budget  presentation  shortly  before 
the  Bears'  game  against  the  Vikings,  when  ways  to  cut  costs 
were  being  discussed.  It  fell  upon  Human  Resources 
Manager  Fred  King  to  develop  the  crash  program  aimed  at 
sounding  out  employees  for  their  help  in  the  current 
economic  squeeze. 

"Our  feeling  was  that  there  were  individuals  close  to  the 
action  who  see  things  in  their  daily  jobs  that  others  might 
not,"  King  said.  "What  we  were  looking  for  was  a  short-term 
program  that  could  be  implemented  quickly  throughout  the 
Authority." 

To  encourage  the  widest  possible  participation  in  "Win- 
ning Pass,"  awards  for  accepted  suggestions  were  set  at  20 
per  cent  of  the  net  savings  made  during  the  first  year  of  their 
adoption--5  per  cent  more  than  the  award  rate  paid  by 
CTA's  regular  ongoing  Employee  Suggestion  Plan. 

Human  Resources  personnel  volunteered  to  visit  every 
work  location  to  explain  the  program  to  employees  and  pass 
out  literature,  and  a  "Player's  Hotline"  was  established  to 
take  calls  from  those  who  may  have  had  problems  convey- 
ing their  ideas  in  writing  in  the  time  allotted. 

The  program  ran  for  one  week,  December  14-21,  and 
during  that  period  employees  were  asked  for  "ideas  that 
might     help     us     operate     more     effectively,     more 


At  69th  Street  garage,  Tony  Borcic  (right),  training  assistant  I, 
Training/Development  Programs,  finds  an  attentive  listener  in  bus 
operator  James  Mayes,  who  was  one  of  20  finalists  in  last  year's 
CTA  Bus  Roadeo  contest. 

economically."  It  was  anticipated  that  adopted  suggestions 
would  not  only  save  the  Authority  money,  but  would 
"please  passengers  and  reward  employees." 

Reaction  to  the  program  was  generally  favorable,  and 
271  suggestions  were  submitted.  All  responses  were 
acknowledged  through  a  personal  letter  from  King  within 
2y2  weeks  of  the  close  of  the  program.  Transit  News  will 
report  adopted  suggestions  and  resulting  awards  in  future 
issues,  after  evaluations  have  been  made. 

Bill  Piatt,  director.  Job  Classification,  helped  carry  the 
"Winning  Pass"  program  to  Archer  garage.  "It's  good  to  be 
communicating  again  directly  with  employees,"  he  said.  "I 
think  they  like  to  see  somebody  taking  an  interest.  The  sta- 
tion personnel  have  been  very  cooperative  in  helping  us  get 
our  message  teethe  operating  people." 

^r  (continued,  page  2) 


a 


TRANSIT  NEW 


FOR  EMPLOYEES  AND  RETIREES 

DECEMBER,  1981 


Rignt:  Bill  Piatt,  director,  Job  Classifica- 
tion, has  the  attention  of  bus  operators 
(left  to  right)  Ruth  Neal,  Fatima 
BeyMuhammed,  and  Bonnie  Sanders  as 
he  explains  details  of  the  "Winning  Pass" 
program  at  Archer  garage. 

Below:  Bill  Haase  (left),  supervisor.  Rail, 
accepts  literature  about  the  "Winning 
Pass"  program  from  Norris  Larson, 
researcli  analyst,  Employment/Place- 
ment, in  the  trainroom  at  Howard  ter- 
minal, where  both  bus  and  rail  personnel 
assemble. 

Below,  right:  Bus  operator  Rosa  Warren 
(left)  questions  Ruth  Brown, 
Employment/Placement  interviewer, 
about  the  "Winning  Pass"  program  at 
North  Avenue  garage,  where  operating 
and  maintenance  personnel  were  given  a 
presentation  December  16. 


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At  Archer,  Ruth  Neal,  a  four-year  employee,  said  of 
herself  and  fellow  operators,  "We're  more  apt  to  give  good 
answers.  We're  out  there  with  the  people.  If  I  see  someone 
running  to  catch  the  bus,  I'll  wait  for  them.  They  appreciate 
it,  and  they'll  remember  it  next  time.  Then  they  won't  mind 
paying  the  high  fare." 

Walter  McKinney.  a  19-year  veteran  at  Archer,  said, 
"We're  in  a  better  position  to  see  the  problems  more  clearly. 
When  you  have  the  same  run  every  day,  you  see  the  same 
riders.  My  people  depend  on  me.  When  you  work  the  same 
street  every  day,  you  become  attached  to  your  people." 

George  Mathews,  who  has  34  years  of  service,  said,  "it's 
a  good  program,  even  if  you  get  only  one  good  suggestion 
out  of  it.  Operating  employees  are  out  on  the  street.  They 
know  where  the  waste  is  at." 

At  Howard  terminal,  conductor  Harvey  Clark  said, 
"Every  day  someone  has  something  to  suggest.  There  have 
been  times  when  I've  had  ideas,  but  was  never  able  to  get  in- 
to them  in  depth.  It's  good  to  have  a  chance  to  present  our 
own  ideas  about  how  to  make  the  system  work  better." 

Bob  Sanders,  a  line  instructor  at  Howard,  said,  "We,  as 
the  little  people,  rarely  have  the  opportunity  to  express  our 
feelings.  With  everybody  putting  their  ideas  together,  we'll 
have  a  better  transportation  system.  It  makes  me  feel  good 
that  I  can  express  my  feelings  about  what  will  benefit  the 
company." 


Dan  Quagliano,  also  in  rail  service  at  Howard,  said  of  the 
"Winning  Pass"  program,  "It's  a  good  idea.  1  guess  we  need 
new  ideas  more  than  ever  now  because  of  the  economy.  If 
they  follow  through  and  respond  to  them,  it  will  benefit  a  lot 
of  people." 

Bill  Haase,  supervisor.  Rail,  said,  "I  think  it's  a  good  idea 
to  get  out  to  the  employees  this  way.  With  the  way  this 
material  is  being  distributed,  it  makes  more  of  an  impression 
on  the  employees  and  encourages  them  to  submit  ideas.  " 

As  Human  Resources  personnel  had  hoped,  the  incentive 
to  submit  new  ideas  definitely  did  not  end  with  the  close  of 
the  "Winning  Pass"  program.  In  fact,  during  December  the 
ongoing  Employee  Suggestion  Plan  received  nearly  twice 
the  monthly  volume  of  suggestions  it  usually  gets  from 
employees. 

Gene  Jendrach,  Suggestion  Plan  coordinator,  en- 
courages everyone  with  ideas  about  how  to  achieve  cost 
reductions  or  improve  working  conditions  and  operational 
efficiencies  to  keep  sending  them  in  Awards  are  still  being 
offered. 

Just  pick  up  a  suggestion  form  at  any  work  location,  write 
down  your  ideas,  and  send  them  in  to  Room  750  in  the 
Merchandise  Mart,  or  call  Ext.  3543  in  the  Mart  for  addi- 
tional forms. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Gold  coin 
recovered  from 
CTA  f  arebox 

Jose  Vasquez,  of  the  Little 
Village  community  on  the  Near 
Southwest  Side,  is  a  bit  more 
careful  these  days  about  how  he 
handles  his  loose  change.  Jose, 
16,  had  a  15-gram  gold  coin  in  his 
pocket  recently  when  he  boarded 
a  No.  60  Blue  Island/26  bus  on  his 
way  home  from  Benito  Juarez 
High  School,  where  he  is  a 
sophomore. 

"I  almost  missed  the  bus,"  he 
said  about  the  incident,  which 
happened  on  Friday,  November 
13.  "When  I  pulled  coins  out  of 
my  pocket  to  pay  the  fare,  the 
gold  coin  was  among  them." 

Luckily,  Pedro  Balderas,  a  CTA 
bus  operator,  saw  the  unusual 
coin  through  the  window  of  the 
fare  box  and  called  Vasquez  back 
to  ask  him  about  it. 

"I  couldn't  believe  I  had  done 
it,"  Vasquez  said  about  dropping 
in  the  coin,  which  he  said  could 
be  worth  as  much  as  $500.  "It  was 
a  gift  from  my  parents,  and  I  had 
never  had  it  away  from  home  until 
that  day--the  day  I  decided  to 
have  it  appraised." 

There  was  no  way  to  retrieve 
the  coin  immediately  because  it 
could  go  nowhere  but  into  a  steel 
container  at  the  bottom  of  the 
fare  box.  However,  Balderas  was 
able  to  set  in  motion  a  procedure 
that  would  result,  only  a  few  days 
later,  in  the  return  of  the  coin  to 
its  worried  owner. 

Balderas  asked  Vasquez  to  fill 
out  a  memorandum  card,  giving 
details  of  the  incident  along  with 
his  name,  address  and  telephone 
number.  The  bus  operator  then 
made  out  a  report  at  the  end  of 
his  workday,  turning  it  in  to 
George  Weathers,  assistant 
superintendent  at  CTA's 
Lawndale  garage,  where  No.  60 
buses  are  based. 

Since    the    contents    of    fare 


Pedro  Balderas'  alert  observation  of  the  fare  box  resulted  In  ttie  recovery  and  return  of  a 
valuable  gold  coin  that  was  accidentally  deposited  by  a  rider. 


boxes  cannot  be  examined  until 
they  reach  CTA's  Central  Coun- 
ting facility.  Weathers  sent  the 
report  on  to  that  location,  phon- 
ing ahead  to  make  sure  the 
message  was  received  in  time  to 
get  results. 

Meanwhile,  the  steel  container 
inside  the  fare  box  on  Balderas' 
bus,  like  every  other  one  in  the 
system,  was  removed  that  same 
night  in  its  home  garage,  and  the 
sealed  contents  were  dropped  in- 
to a  master  vault  for  delivery  to 
Central  Counting  early  the  next 
morning. 

On  Saturday,  Central  Counting 
supervisor  Michael  Akai,  having 
been  alerted  by  Jack  O'Connor, 
director  of  the  facility,  instructed 
counting  personnel  to  look  forthe 
missing  coin.  While  hoppers 
spilled  out  $37,953  in  coin,  cur- 
rency, and  tokens  from  two  vaults 
brought  in  from  Lawndale  garage, 
all  eyes  searched  for  the  Mexican 


gold  piece,  which  was  slightly 
larger  than  a  U.S.  quarter. 

As  huge  shaker  plates  pitched 
the  coins  downward  toward  ap- 
propriately sized  openings  where 
they  could  be  collected  and 
counted  at  the  rate  of  about  1,200 
a  minute,  money  handler  James 
Walls  spotted  the  lost  treasure 
and  stopped  the  machinery  to 
remove  it. 

After  that  it  was  simply  a  mat- 
ter of  passing  the  coin  through 
proper  channels  so  it  could  be 
returned  to  Vasquez.  By  Monday 
morning,  it  was  in  the  safe  of  Ray 
Fleming,  superintendent  of  CTA's 
Treasury  department  in  the  Mer- 
chandise Mart. 

Fleming  sent  word  to  Dan 
Kane,  superintendent  of 
Customer  Assistance,  who  in- 
formed a  relieved  Jose  Vasquez 
that  the  coin  could  be  picked  up 
at  his  convenience,  and  the  great 
coin  rescue  was  over. 


DECEMBER,  1981 


Juanlta  Parker  (West  Section) 
was  complimented  by  David 
Saullner,  who  has  offices  on 
South  Wells  Street,  for  her 
courtesy  as  an  agent  In  the 
Dearborn  Street  subway.  "I 
want  to  tell  you  about  a  lady 
that  I  have  observed  for  over 
a  year  doing  an  absolutely 
outstanding  job  collecting 
fares  in  the  Jacl(son  station. 
She  Is  cool  and  calm  under 
most  trying  circumstances 
when  some  riders  are  con- 
fused and/or  uneducated, 
lacl(  In  English,  are  lost,  mal(e 
mistakes,  or  are  just  plain 
nasty.  She  responds  to  a 
'l-lello'  with  a  warm  smile, 
and  her  dress  and  neatness 
correspond  to  her  manner.  All 
your  employees  should  be 
like  her." 


Roman  Doubek  (West  Sec- 
tion) was  admired  by  Tim 
Watson,  of  West  51st  Street, 
for  the  way  he  handled  an  in- 
cident on  his  Douglas- 
Milwaukee  train.  "At  the 
Damen  station  I  observed  a 
man  with  no  shoes  squatting 
on  the  roof  of  the  shelter 
cover  over  the  platform.  He 
looked  confused,  but  then  he 
jumped  onto  the  roof  of  the 
train.  After  someone  shouted 
at  him,  he  jumped  back  onto 
the  platform.  The  conductor 
used  excellent  judgment  and 
informed  the  passengers  why 
the  train  was  not  moving,  as 
the  distraught  man  was  still 
in  a  precarious  position.  He 
radioed  for  the  police  and  for- 
tunately they  were  there  in  a 
matter  of  minutes." 


commendation  corner 


Willie  Alexander  (Beverly  garage)  was  praised  by 
Joan  Pilot,  of  South  Sangamon  Street,  for  the  way  he 
handled  smokers  on  his  #8A  South  Halsted  bus.  "He 
is  certainly  a  no-nonsense  person,  and  he  taught  me 
a  valuable  lesson  in  human  nature.  Two  men  were 
smoking  in  the  back  of  the  bus.  The  driver  stopped 
the  bus  and  ordered  them  off  immediately.  He  was 
firm.  The  men  pleaded  for  another  chance,  and  I  was 
beginning  to  feel  sorry  for  them.  And  then  it  hit  me.  If 
more  drivers  and  school  teachers  were  firm,  tough 
on  people  who  do  wrong,  I  know  89  percent  of  them 
would  stop." 

Adolph  Marth  (North  Park  garage)  was  ap- 
preciated by  Thelma  Steffey,  of  North  Clark  Street, 
who  was  a  rider  on  his  #36  Broadway  bus.  "He  was 
neat,  very  nice  looking,  and  businesslike,  but  also 
courteous  and  thoughful.  He  said  'Good  afternoon' 
to  everyone  who  boarded.  Then,  when  a  passenger 
left,  he  would  say,  'Now  be  careful  stepping  down.' 
Everyone  in  the  bus  was  remarking  about  his 
wonderful  service.  I  am  80  years  old  and  have  ar- 
thritis in  my  hands,  but  I  just  had  to  write  you  about 
this  man.  Hope  this  excellent  employee  will  receive 
recognition  for  a  job  well  done. 

Ricardo  Valencia  (Forest  Glen  garage)  vjas 
thanked  for  his  "excellent  service"  as  the  operator 
of  a  #56  Milwaukee  bus  by  Ruth  Buchberger,  of 
North  Moody  Avenue.  "My  aunt  from  Baltimore  was 
in  Chicago  visiting,  and  my  car  was  in  for  repair,  so 
we  had  to  rely  on  the  CTA  for  transportation.  Both 
my  aunt  and  I  were  Surprised  and  pleased  with  the 
friendly  and  courteous  treatment  we  received. 
Please  inform  driver  #12279  that  his  service  was  ap- 
preciated. He  made  our  ride  a  very  pleasant  one  and 
really  made  our  day.  I  won't  have  any  hesitation 
about  using  public  transportation  in  the  future." 


James  Howland  (North  Park  garage),  operator  of  a 
#22  Clark  bus,  was  commended  by  Cynthia  Sim- 
mons, who  works  in  an  airline  office  on  South  State 
Street.  "It  was  the  best  CTA  bus  ride  I've  had  since 
becoming  a  daily  rider  four  months  ago.  This  driver 
was  not  only  safe  and  courteous,  but  as  each 
passenger  left  the  bus  said,  'Have  a  nice  day.'  He 
pulled  up  to  the  curb  and  stopped  and  started  up 
smoothly  and  carefully.  Being  in  a  service-oriented 
business,  I  know  how  important  it  is  to  recognize  the 
good  performance  of  an  employee." 

Eugene  Harper  (77th  Street  garage)  is  the  operator 
of  a  #3  King  Drive  bus  that  Mable  Perkins,  of 
Eberhart  Avenue,  has  ridden  many  times.  "After  a 
partially  sighted  passenger  got  on,  the  driver  was 
patient  and  waited  until  the  gentleman  sat  down 
before  starting  the  bus.  He  later  assisted  the  man  off 
the  bus.  This  indeed  was  service  beyond  the  call  of 
duty,  and  a  rare  display  of  human  concern.  Everyone 
on  the  bus  noticed  this  act  of  kindness,  but  too  often 
we  write  only  to  complain.  We  let  all  of  the  pluses  go 
unmentioned.  Let  him  know  we  appreciate  him  and 
other  drivers  like  him." 

Ronald  Stefinsky  (Forest  Glen  garage)  has  the  ap- 
proval of  Donna  Kontos,  of  Touhy  Avenue,  for  the 
way  he  operates  his  #56  Milwaukee  bus.  "This  driver 
apparently  enjoys  his  job,  inasmuch  as  he  greets  his 
passengers  with  a  cheery  'Good  morning'  even 
though  most  of  us  are  still  sleepy  and  grumpy.  He 
also  handles  his  bus  with  skill,  calls  out  the  streets, 
and  when  passengers  are  transferring  to  another 
bus,  makes  sure  the  connecting  bus  waits  for  us  to 
cross  over.  I  have  also  noticed  that  he  will  wait  when 
he  sees  a  familiar  passenger  who  has  not  yet 
reached  the  bus  stop." 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Thanks  -  -  for  a  job  well  done 


Employees  who  have  received  commenda- 
tions since  the  last  listing. 


Bill  Bartlett,  North  Park 
Gilbert  Baus  Jr.,  North  Park 
Arnold  Beler,  North  Park 
Cathy  Berry,  South  Section 
Dwayne  Borom,  Limits 
William  Boyd,  Archer 
William  Bragg,  69th  Street 
Janet  Burton,  North  Park 

Jean  Cage,  Limits 
Ernest  Carter,  North  Avenue 
Ethel  Carter,  77th  Street 
Lawrence  Carter,  77th  Street 
Patricia  Cobb,  North  Park 

Victor  Davis,  Douglas/Congress 
Angel  DeLaPaz,  Forest  Glen 
Jerry  Doubley,  77th  Street 
Charles  Dunker,  North  Park 

Bruce  Ellison,  Limits 

Willie  Floyd,  Forest  Park 

Charles  Gardner,  52nd  Street 
David  Gaston,  North  Park 
Dorothy  Graham,  Limits 

August  Hallmann,  Forest  Glen 
Cornelius  Haywood,  Limits 


Cecelia  Hendrickson,  Forest  Glen 
Rosemary  Hoskins,  77th  Street 

William  James,  North  Park 
Tyree  Johnson,  Forest  Glen 
Arthur  Johnson  Jr.,  North  Avenue 
Farrell  Jones,  Forest  Glen 
Morris  Jones,  North  Avenue 
Harold  Joshua,  69th  Street 
Warren  Julian,  77th  Street 

Joseph  Kelso,  69th  Street 
Won  Kho,  North  Park 

LeBlanc  LeDree,  Limits 

George  Malarz,  Archer 
Earnest  Marsalis,  77th  Street 
Larita  McFall,  West  Section 
Earl  Miles,  Lawndale 
Eumura  Miller,  Lawndale 
Faye  Murry,  Limits 

Johnny  Paige,  Beverly 
Antonio  Patterson,  North  Park 
Walter  Perry,  South  Section 
Frederick  Pollion,  North  Park 
Robert  Pritchard,  Forest  Glen 

Mary  Raftery,  North  Section 


Enid  Ramos,  North  Park 
Hosey  Reynolds  Jr.,  77th  Street 
Idell  Richards,  69th  Street 
Felipe  Rios,  North  Park 
Daniel  Rogers,  Limits 
Keith  Rosche,  Forest  Glen 
Sandra  Rowe,  Limits 

Beverly  Scales,  69th  Street 
Johnny  Sherrod,  Lawndale 
Tuesday  Simpson,  Limits 
Robert  Smith,  Forest  Glen 
Carl  Strickland,  77th  Street 
Ornoldo  Surgeon,  Archer 

Carlos  Tamayo,  North  Park 
Barbara  Thompson,  69th  Street 
Fernando  Torres,  North  Park 

Bruno  Vandervelde,  Beverly 

eleven  Wardlow,  Limits 
Vaddie  Weekly,  52nd  Street 
Cora  Williams,  Beverly 
Pearlie  Williams,  North  Park 
Allen  Woodard,  Archer 
Theaorchie  Woodard,  North  Park 

Jacques  Yezeguielian,  Forest  Glen 
Charles  Young,  Forest  Park 


ZAP  Awards 


The  sheet  metal  and  radiator 
shops  topped  all  other  sections 
within  the  Vehicle  Maintenance 
department's  South  Shops  during 
the  third  quarter  Zero  Accident  Pro- 
gram employees  competition  for 
1981. 

Safety  Supervisor  James 
Dudley,  who  oversees  the  ZAP 
competition,  said,  "The  sheet 
metal  shop  and  radiator  shop 
employees  not  only  were  accident 
free  for  the  third  quarter,  but  they 
have  been  without  an  accident  for 
the  first  three  quarters  of  this  year. 

Vehicle  wiring  and  machine 
shop  employees  had  no  accidents 
in  the  second  and  third  quarters  of 
the  year,  and  upholstery,  inspec- 
tion, and  print  shop  employees  had 
no  accidents  during  the  third 
quarter. 

Vehicle  Maintenance  employees 
at  Beverly  Garage  won  the  Bus 
Garages  first  place  ZAP  award  for 
the   third   quarter,   while   Vehicle 


Maintenance  employees  at  the 
61  St/Racine  rail  terminals  took  the 
Rail  Maintenance  Terminal  com- 
petition first  place  award.  In  the 
rail  shop  competition,  first  place 
went  to  the  vehicle  wiring 
employees  at  Skokie  Shop. 
The  semi-annual  ZAP  competi- 


tion in  the  buildings  and  grounds 
area  of  the  Plant  Maintenance 
department  was  won  by  the  rail 
janitors.  The  first  place  award  in 
the  power  and  way  area  of  Plant 
Maintenance  competition  went  to 
the  signal,  radio  and  telephone 
section  at  West  Shops. 


Leonard  Beatty,  supervisor,  rail  janitors,  proudly  displays  Maintenance  Department's  bi- 
annual ZAP  award  won  by  his  employees  in  the  buildings  and  grounds  area  competition 
for  the  first  half  of  1981.  (more  photos  on  page  6) 


DECEMBER,  1981 


Clockwise  from  above: 

Leo  Roysten,  relief  foreman,  displays  first 

elace  ZAP  award  won  by  Beverly  garage 
ehicle  Maintenance  employees  for  third 
juarter  of  1981. 

The  Maintenance  Department's  ZAP 
award  rail  shop  competition  for  the  third 
quarter  of  1981  went  to  the  vehicle  wiring 
area  in  Skokie  Shop.  Foreman  Noah  Dun- 
dovich  displays  the  award. 
Foremen  of  seven  areas  in  South  Shops 
display  their  Zero  Accident  Program 
awards.  They  are  (from  left)  Roy  Hagman 
of  vehicle  wiring;  Edward  Meskimen  of 
print  shop;  Rudolph  Goode  of  inspection; 
Ernest  Johnson  of  machine  shop;  John 
Dopak  of  radiator  shop;  Raymond  Klaub 
of  sheet  metal  shop;  and  John  Kurgan  of 
upholstery.  Klaub  and  Dopak  received 
awards  for  their  employees  having  had  no 
accidents  in  the  first  three  quarters  of 
1981.  Hagman  and  Johnson  got  awards 
for  their  employees  having  no  accidents  in 
the  second  and  third  quarters  of  1981.  The 
rest  had  no  employee  accidents  in  the 
third  quarter. 

Winners  of  the  Maintenance 
Department's  1981  bi-annual  ZAP  com- 
petition in  the  power  and  way  area  are  the 
employees  of  the  signal,  radio,  and 
telephone  section.  They  are  (from  left) 
Gregory  Craig,  Al  Peluso,  Jack  Koepke, 
Dan  Gusich,  Supervisor  Ted  Szewc 
(holding  award).  Bob  Benson,  Tom  Kilcom- 
mons,  Pete  Vesic,  and  Rich  Bushbaum. 
Members  of  61st  and  Racine  rail  terminals 
show  off  their  19th  first  place  ZAP  award, 
which  they  won  for  the  third  quarter  of 
1981.  Mike  Vasquez,  supervisor,  con- 
gratulates Leon  Fields,  terminal  foreman 
(in  bump  hat).  Next  to  Fields  are  Henry 
Dickerson  (in  dark  suit),  unit  supervisor, 
and  Cisco  Williams,  assistant  foreman  (to 
Dickerson's  right). 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


safety  awards 


Public  safety  awards  for  the  third  quarter  of  1981 
went  to  the  Beverly  garage  and  the  Jefferson  Parl< 
terminal.  It  was  the  17th  time  the  Public  Safety 
award  was  won  by  Beverly  since  1961  when  the  pro- 
gram began. 

Beverly  won  the  third  quarter  award  with  the  traf- 
fic rate  of  3.4  accidents  for  every  100,000  miles 
driven,  40  per  cent  lower  than  the  system  rate  of  5.6 
accidents  for  every  100,000  miles.  Operators  at 
Beverly  had  52  accident-free  days  during  the  quarter. 

The  passenger  rate  of  0.91  accidents  was  for  every 
100,000  miles-about  nine  accidents  for  every  million 
miles  of  operation.  Beverly's  passenger  rate  is  14 


Frank  Wsol  (center),  area  superintendent,  far  south,  presents 
Public  Service  award  plaque  to  Burnett  Henderson  (in  sport  coat), 
Beverly  garage  superintendent,  and  Flarzell  Moore,  Beverly 
garage  assistant  superintendent.  Beverly  was  first  place  winner 
among  garages  for  tfie  tfiird  quarter  of  1981. 


per  cent  better  than  the  bus  system's  rate  of  1.1  ac- 
cidents for  every  100,000  miles.  During  the  first  nine 
months  of  1981,  Beverly  garage  established  new  ac- 
cident lows,  one  in  February  and  again  in 
September. 

Jefferson  Park  terminal  won  the  Public  Safety 
award  for  the  third  quarter  with  a  combined  traffic 
and  passenger  rate  of  0.142  (100,000  miles  of  opera- 
tion), 71  per  cent  better  than  the  rail  system.  Thus, 
the  terminal's  operating  personnel  registered  less 
than  one  and  one-half  accidents  for  each  one  million 
miles  of  passenger  operation. 

Jefferson  Park  also  had  the  best  accident  frequen- 
cy rate  of  any  rail  terminal  for  a  nine  month  period 
with  a  rate  of  0.337,  34  per  cent  better  than  the  rail 
system's  rate  of  0.511.  During  the  third  quarter,  Jef- 
ferson Park  had  90  accident-free  days  of  passenger 
operation. 


Tom  Boyle  (left),  manager.  Safety,  presents  Public  Safety  award 
to  Bob  Suta,  Jefferson  Park  superintendent.  Jefferson  Park  was 
first  place  winner  among  rail  terminals  for  tfiird  quarter  of  1981. 


Tfie  Knute  Rockne  award  for  athletic  per- 
formance and  scfiolastic  aptitude  was 
awarded  to  Keitli  A.  Willis,  17,  son  of  CTA 
Public  Affairs  editorial  assistant  Rick 
Willis,  and  his  wife,  Dorothy.  Keith,  a 
senior  at  Bremen  High  School,  was  a 
starting  tackle  for  the  Bremen  Braves.  He 
ranks  37th  in  a  class  of  353,  and  has  a 
grade  point  average  of  4.305. 


Kyong  Ho  Paek,  16,  the  son  of  CTA  Public 
Affairs  community  news  representative 
Lawrence  Paek,  and  his  wife,  Judy,  was 
named  to  the  Maine  Township  High 
School  East  honor  roll  for  the  second 
semester  of  1981  with  a  grade  point 
average  of  4.0.  The  sophomore  youth  also 
earned  a  letter  as  a  member  of  the 
school's  varsity  soccer  team. 


The  South  Suburban  branch  of  the  Na- 
tional Association  for  the  Advancement  of 
Colored  People  (NAACP)  has  appointed 
Mrs.  Virginia  Wolfe  as  its  treasurer- 
secretary.  Mrs.  Wolfe  is  a  typist  in  the 
Schedule  section  of  the  Operations  Plan- 
ning department.  She  joined  the  CTA  in 
1975  and  has  been  an  active  member  of 
the  NAACP  since  1973. 


DECEMBER,  1981 


State/Lake  and  other  Loop  'L'  stations  are 
bright,  warm  oases  on  cold,  darit  winter 
nights. 


As  winter  approaches,  riders  at 
MadisonAA/abash  appreciate  the  shelters 
and  infrared  heaters  that  were  installed  as 
part  of  the  lighting  program. 


Bright  spot 
in  the  night 


Many  CTA  'L'  riders  will  find 
traveling  during  Chicago  winters 
nnore  bearable,  and  some  rapid 
transit  stations  much  brighter, 
thanks  to  a  recently  completed 
station  lighting  and  passenger 
heater  program. 

Patrick  Murphy,  supervisor  of 
the  Engineering  department's 
Building  Wiring  group,  said  that 
20  stations  have  been  improved 
under  this  program,  and  that  ef- 
forts are  being  made  to  obtain 
funds  for  improvements  at  60  ad- 
ditional stations  which  have  not 
yet  been  modernized. 

"We're  trying  to  achieve 
modern  lighting  levels  at  the 
lowest  possible  cost  in  terms  of 
power  purchased  and  practical 
maintenance  requirements,"  Mur- 
phy said.  "This  program  was 
designed  to  increase  the  safety 
and  comfort  of  passengers  at  our 
older  stations." 

Planning  for  the  2.9  million 
dollar  improvement  program 
began  in  the  1970s.  Initial  con- 
struction began  in  January  1979 
at  35th/Tech  on  the  North-South 
route,  63rd/Ashland  on  the 
Englewood  line,  and  54th  Avenue 
on  the  Douglas. 

This  program  has  resulted  in 
new     lighting    and     passenger 


heaters  at  all  nine  Loop  'L'  sta- 
tions; the  Merchandise  Mart  and 
Chicago  Avenue  stations  on  the 
Ravenswood;  Clinton,  Halsted 
and  Ashland  on  the  Lake  Street 
line;  54th  Avenue  on  the  Douglas, 
and  Main  Street  on  the  Evanston 
line. 

Only  modern  lighting  was  in- 
stalled at  Central  and  Linden  on 
the  Evanston  line,  and  only 
passenger  heaters  were  needed 
at  35th/Tech  on  the  North-South 
route  and  at  63rd/Ashland  on  the 
Englewood  line.  Additional 
lighting  was  also  installed  at  the 
bus  boarding  area  for  the 
63rd/Ashland  station. 

Through  the  station  lighting 
program,  DC  incandescent  bulbs 
were  replaced  with  modern 
fluorescent  and  low-pressure 
sodium  lighting  fixtures. 

The  fluorescent  light  fixtures 
were  installed  in  stations  and 
stairwells,  and  under  the 
canopied  areas  of  platforms. 
Each    stainless    steel,    vandal- 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


resistant  fluorescent  fixture  con- 
tains two  tiigh-output  lamps 
covered  with  a  polycarbonate 
lens  to  diffuse  the  light  evenly 
and  protect  the  lamps. 

In  the  uncanopied  areas  along 
the  station  platforms,  the 
smaller,  stainless  steel,  vandal- 
resistant  sodium  light  fixtures 
have  been  installed.  The  low- 
pressure  sodium  lamps  used  in 
these  fixtures  put  out  the  most 
light  per  dollar  of  any  light  source 
commercially  available,  but 
sodium  fixtures  are  not  used 
throughout  the  station  because 
they  offer  poor  color  rendition. 

New  wiring  for  the  lighting 
system  was  required  because  it 
uses  AC  power  supplied  by  Com- 
monwealth Edison.  "The  old 
lights  were  tied  into  the  DC 
system  that  powers  the  trains," 
Murphy  said.  "If  the  power  had  to 
be  pulled  because  of  a  problem 
with  a  train,  nearby  stations  went 
dark.  In  addition,  the  old  DC 
lights  were  wired  in  series  (five 
lamps  to  a  circuit),  so  if  one 
burned  out,  the  rest  of  the  lights 
on  the  same  circuit  also  went 
out,"  he  added.  "The  new  AC 
powered  system,  which  is  similar 
to  the  system  previously  installed 
in  the  subways  and  along  ex- 
pressway median  strips,  has 
none  of  these  defects." 

Where  passenger  heaters  have 
been  installed,  they  have  been 
placed  out  of  the  way  of  heavy 
passenger  traffic  flows,  yet  as 
close  as  possible  to  where  a  two- 
car  train  would  stop  during  non- 
rush    periods.    That's    because 


Left,  above:  Effectiveness  of  new  lighting  is  apparent  at  Randolph/Wabash  station. 
Above:  Brigf)t,  fluorescent  llgfiting  on  mezzanines  and  stairways  Increases  safety. 


Looking  over  blueprints  of  the  station  lighting  program  in  the  Engineering  department  are 
(left  to  right):  Joe  Siegal,  superintendent,  Power  &  Wiring;  Patrick  Murphy,  supervisor, 
Wiring  Design;  Jack  Arora,  electrical  design  engineer;  and  James  Stewart,  director, 
Equipment  Engineering. 


passengers  wait  longer  intervals 
for  trains  during  non-rush  hours 
when  service  is  less  frequent. 

Most  passenger  heater  units 
consist  of  three  fixtures  in  a  row, 
installed  about  nine  feet  above 
the  platforms  within  a  specially 
constructed  shelter.  The 
tempered  glass  shelters  are 
about  12  feet  wide  and  4  to  AV2 
feet  deep.  Each  shelter's  precise 
dimensions  are  determined  by 
the  peculiarities  of  each  station, 
and  the  heater's  location  within 
the  shelter  is  determined  by  com- 
puter to  maximize  passenger 
comfort. 


The  heaters  supply  about  3.2 
kilowatts  of  energy  per  fixture, 
and  are  activated  when  a 
passenger  pushes  a  button  on 
the  shelter  frame.  The  heaters 
shut  off  automatically  after  five 
minutes  of  operation,  but  may  be 
restarted  by  the  passengers.  The 
system  as  a  whole  is  operational 
between  November  1  and  April  1. 

Engineering  improvements, 
like  the  station  lighting  and 
passenger  heater  program,  are  an 
important  part  of  CTA's  efforts  to 
make  our  service  more  secure 
and  comfortable  for  our  riders. 


DECEMBER,  1981 


Customer  Assistance  Superintendent  Dan  Kane  and  his 
secretary,  Hattie  Peterson,  review  the  previous  day's  entries  in 
the  Customer  Assistance  journal,  before  attacking  the  next 
day's  pile  of  letters  and  telephone  call  reports. 


Serving  our  riders 
is  their  specialty 


All  CTA  operating  employees,  serving  the  public  on 
a  daily  basis,  may  be  considered  to  be  customer  ser- 
vice representatives.  Courtesy  and  job  performance 
has  a  great  effect  on  the  riders'  image  of  CTA  and 
satisfaction  with  CTA  service.  But  special  situations 
including  employee  commendations,  service  ques- 
tions, and  passenger  complaints  are  handled  by  the 
Customer  Assistance  section  of  the  Consumer  Ser- 
vices department. 

Customer  Assistance  provides  valuable  two-way 
communication.  Consumers  alert  CTA  to  service 
problem  areas  and  identify  employees  who  are  doing 
outstanding  jobs,  and  CTA  explains  operating 
policies  directly  to  individual  consumers.  This  sec- 
tion of  the  External  Affairs  Division  processes  ap- 
proximately 2,500  items  of  correspondence  each 
month,  including  400  letters,  2,000  phone  calls,  and 
100  personal  visits. 

In  recent  years,  CTA  management  has  become 
more  responsive  to  the  needs  of  consumers  and  has 
encouraged  more  direct  consumer  involvement.  Also, 
our  inflationary  economic  environment  has  led  to 
more  frequent  financial  crises  throughout  the  transit 
industry.  These  factors  have  resulted  in  a  dramatic  in- 
crease in  the  amount  of  correspondence  received  by 
Customer  Assistance. 

Years  ago,  complaints  could  be  expected  to  in- 
crease after  a  single  major  snow  storm  or  other 


Customer  Assistance  Coordinator  Michael  Cramer  alerts  the 
Control  Center  to  a  potentially  hazardous  situation  phoned  in  by 
a  rider. 


calamity  that  would  cause  service  interruption  or 
delay.  But  "crisis  months"  now  occur  more  frequent- 
ly because  recurring  fare  increases  and  service 
reductions  or  adjustments  also  lead  to  an  increase  in 
public  response.  During  these  "crisis  months,"  the 
amount  of  correspondence  may  increase  from  the 
normal  level  of  2,500  inquiries  to  a  peak  level  of 
almost  4,000  inquiries. 

Every  commendation  or  complaint  is  routed  to  the 
proper  CTA  department  for  explanation  to  Customer 
Assistance  and  disposition  including  annotation  of 
employee  records,  corrective  action  or  commenda- 
tion, and  reply  from  field  supervisory  personnel.  Sug- 
gestions or  comments  on  service  problems  are  also 
referred  to  the  appropriate  departments. 

All  inquiries  and  replies  of  an  operational  nature 
are  reviewed  by  Consumer  Services  Manager  Naomi 
L  Tillman  and  General  Operations  Manager  Harold 
H.  Geissenheimer.  Mrs.  Tillman  also  reviews  replies 
to  all  inquiries  received  through  the  CTA  Executive 
Offices  or  city  agencies. 

In  all  cases  where  consumers  have  supplied  either 
a  mailing  address  or  telephone  number,  they  receive 
specific  replies.  Although  the  entire  process  from 
date  of  inquiry  to  final  reply  to  the  consumer  may 
take  as  long  as  one  month,  it  is  a  vast  improvement 
over  the  former  system,  whe,re  the  consumer  often 
only  received  a  form  letter  acknowledging  CTA's 
receipt  of  the  correspondence.  Complaints  of  an  ex- 
tremely serious  nature  are  usually  answered  within  a 
few  days. 

All  commendations  and  chargeable  passenger 
complaints  are  entered  into  the  employees'  person- 
nel records  by  their  supervisors,  and  corrective  action 
is  taken  when  necessary.  The  disciplinary  system 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Customer  Service  Representative  James  Roche  explains  a  point 
of  CTA  operating  procedure  to  a  visitor. 


Customer  Service  Representative  Dennis  Murphy  answers  a 
phone  call  from  a  concerned  rider. 


protects  employees  by  requiring  only  caution  and  In- 
struction after  the  first  two  incidents  of  a  minor  com- 
plaint within  a  12-month  period.  Subsequent  com- 
plaints during  that  period  will  result  in  suspensions 
of  various  lengths  and  eventual  referral  to  the  Area 
Superintendent's  office  for  more  extreme  disciplinary 
measures.  In  the  event  of  a  complaint  of  a  very 
serious  nature,  the  entire  disciplinary  procedure  can 
be  accelerated. 

While  every  member  of  the  Customer  Assistance 
staff  of  five  is  adept  at  answering  all  types  of  con- 
sumer inquiries,  each  excells  in  a  particular  phase  of 
the  operation.  Customer  Assistance  Superintendent 
Dan  Kane  oversees  the  day-to-day  operation  of  the 
section,  reviews  all  correspondence  and  replies,  and 
assists  in  decision-making  concerning  policy  mat- 
ters. 

Customer  Assistance  Coordinator  Michael 
Cramer's  specialty  is  acting  as  a  liaison  between 
Customer  Assistance  and  the  Control  Center  and 
Operations  Planning  department.  Cramer's  liaison 
with  the  Control  Center  is  especially  important  when 
a  consumer  reports  a  problem  by  phone  that  could  af- 
fect passenger  safety  and  immediate  corrective  ac- 
tion is  required. 

Customer  Service  Representative  Dennis  Murphy 
concentrates  on  operating  policy,  procedural  mat- 
ters, and  service  problems,  and  Customer  Service 
Representative  James  Roche  specializes  in  fare  and 
transfer  regulations  and  other  monetary  problems. 

After  draft  replies  have  been  prepared  by  the  other 
staff  members,  the  Customer  Assistance  section's 
secretary,  Hattie  Peterson,  monitors  the  preparation 
of  formal  written  replies  by  the  Stenographic  Ser- 
vices Unit  of  the  Administrative  Services  department. 


Ms.  Peterson  also  categorizes  and  routes  all  cor- 
respondence and  maintains  the  section's  files. 

Consumers  wishing  to  make  suggestions  or 
register  commendations  or  complaints  may  contact 
Customer  Assistance  in  one  of  three  ways.  The 
easiest  way  is  to  phone  CTA  at  664-7200  and  ask  for 
"Customer  Assistance."  They  may  also  send  letters 
to  Chicago  Transit  Authority,  Customer  Assistance, 
Room  730,  Merchandise  Mart,  Chicago,  IL  60654.  Or 
they  may  visit  the  Customer  Assistance  office  be- 
tween 8  a.m.  and  4:30  p.m.,  Monday  through  Friday. 

Complaints  or  commendations  can  be  most  easily 
handled  when  the  consumer  supplies  the  following 
information:  the  bus  or  rapid  transit  route  on  which 
the  incident  occurred;  the  location,  date,  time,  and 
direction  of  travel;  the  number  of  the  CTA  vehicle  in- 
volved. Its  run  number,  and  the  badge  number  of  the 
CTA  employee  involved. 

Superintendent  Dan  Kane  believes  that,  on  a  day- 
to-day  basis,  consumers  calling  Customer 
Assistance  are  a  valuable  asset  to  CTA.  "I  like  to 
think  of  the  consumers  as  an  unpaid  inspection 
force,"  Kane  said.  "They  augment  our  own  super- 
visory and  inspection  efforts  by  pointing  out 
problems  that  need  to  be  corrected  and  identifying 
employees  who  should  be  recognized  for  out- 
standing job  performance." 

In  a  recent  news  feature  on  WLS-TV  (Channel  7), 
Sharon  King  showed  the  work  of  Customer 
Assistance,  and  told  viewers  how  they  might  avail 
themselves  of  this  service.  Commenting  on  the  value 
of  this  service  to  CTA  riders,  she  said,  "It  really  is 
worth  it  to  speak  up." 


DECEMBER,  1981 


Bus  supervisors,  agent  instructors  graduate 


Forty  bus  service  supervisors 
and  two  agent  instructors  were 
graduated  November  23  in  a  CTA 
Board  Room  ceremony  presided 
over  by  Executive  Director 
Theodore  Schuster,  General 
Operations  Manager  Harold 
Geissenheimer,  Transportation 
Manager  James  Blaa,  and  other 
top  management  personnel. 

Each  supervisor  completed  13 
weeks  of  classroom  and  field 
training  and  achieved  test  scores 
averaging  at  least  80  out  of  100  to 
qualify  for  their  new  positions.  All 
have  been  bus  operators  for  at 
least  three  years,  and  have  also 
served  as  line  instructors.  While 
awaiting  assignment  within  the 
supervisor  pool,  they  will  con- 
tinue to  serve  as  bus  operators. 

Addressing  the  graduates, 
Schuster  said,  "We  need  people 
on  the  street  to  enforce  our  stand- 
ards.   Not   only   are   our   drivers 


highly  visible,  but  also  our  super- 
visors. Every  step  that  can  be 
taken  to  serve  the  public  the  way 
we  think  they  should  be  served 
must  be  done. 

"As  the  fare  has  risen," 
Schuster  added,  "riders  feel  they 
deserve  something  extra  in  ser- 
vice, and  enforcement  of  our 
standards  on  the  street  will  be 
your  responsibility." 

The  agent  instructors  com- 
pleted the  same  amount  of 
classroom  and  field  training  as 
the  bus  supervisors,  but  were  re- 
quired to  score  a  minimum 
average  of  90  out  of  100  on  their 
qualifying  tests.  Their  training  in- 
cluded subway  familiarization 
tours  that  would  help  them  pro- 
vide assistance  in  case  of 
emergencies. 

Commenting  on  the  qualifica- 
tions of  the  graduates.  Bob 
Desvignes,  area  superintendent. 


Instruction,  said,  "Sinceourtrain- 
ing  programs  have  been 
revamped  over  the  past  several 
years,  requiring  greater  proficien- 
cy on  tests,  we  have  had  less 
than  a  2  per  cent  failure  rate. 
We're  proud  of  this  record  and  are 
confident  the  results  will  con- 
tinue to  be  reflected  in  ever-better 
service  for  our  riders." 


North  Section  agents  Francesca 
Pancewiecz  (left)  and  Sandra  ShintanI 
successfully  completed  the  Agent  Instruc- 
tor Training  Program,  and  received 
graduation  certificates  at  a  CTA  Board 
Room  ceremony  November  23. 


Relaxing  after  the  graduation  ceremony  were  (left  to  right):  Joe 
Hodge,  Richard  Moore,  Juan  Gonzalez,  Robert  Kelly,  Ronald 
Hopkins,  Charles  Kinnard,  and  Michael  Kozlowski. 


Enjoying  their  new  status  as  bus  service  supervisors  are  (left  to 
right):  Quenton  Clark,  Stan  Mihajlovic,  Gonzalo  Garcia,  Otto 
Houston,  Leon  White,  Alvin  Blackmon,  and  Ruben  Lopez. 


Ready  to  take  on  new  responsibilities  as  bus  service  supervisors 
are  (left  to  right):  Raphael  Manuel,  Stanley  Parish,  Joe  McWane, 
Maurice  Preacely,  Bruce  Bradley,  John  Hopkins,  and  John 
Lewis. 


Looking  forward  to  new  jobs  as  supervisors  are  (left  to  right): 
Joseph  Gonzales,  Errol  Simmons,  Jerome  Smith,  James  Flores, 
Fred  Williams,  and  Milan  Gracanin.  Tyrone  Dumas,  another  new 
supervisor,  was  unable  to  attend  the  ceremony. 


.. .  j_ 

-mm 

Graduates  surrounding  Instructor  John  Perkins  include  (left  to 
right):  Varleen  Smith,  Katharine  Cunningham,  Joyce  Bell, 
Yvonne  Regulus,  Phyllis  Montgomery,  and  Judy  Hedin,  planner, 
Operations  Planning,  who  took  part  in  the  program  to  gain  a 
firsthand  knowledge  of  problems  facing  operating  personnel. 


Reflecting  on  their  13-week  training  course  are  (left  to  right):  Ed 
White,  Bruce  Bell,  Martin  Delconte,  Seymour  Motin,  Madison  Ed- 
wards, Levi  Punches,  and  Paul  Januszewski,  who  ranked 
highest  of  the  graduates  academically  with  an  average  of  97.7 
points  out  of  100. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Employees  honored  with  'A  Day  in  CTA' 


Outstanding  performance  by 
three  Transportation  department 
employees  won  tliem  special 
recognition  as  "A  Day  in  CTA" 
honorees  last  month. 

Transportation  department 
management  presented  a  cer- 
tificate of  special  recognition  to 
Ms.  Joyce  C.  Johnson,  a  ticket 
agent/pool  supervisor,  for  in- 
valuable assistance  in  the  develop- 
ment of  the  Transit  Security  pro- 
gram. Charles  E.  Wadlington,  bus 
supervisor,  District  A,  was  cited  for 
his  prompt  action  that  led  to  the  ar- 
rest of  seven  unauthorized  people 
who  were  observed  selling  monthly 
riding  passes  along  79th  street. 
Wadlington  was  off  duty  when  the 
incident  occurred. 


Bm 

i^ 

K<1 

I 

Wm^"'    ' 

fl 

f~    ^ 

m 

(fi^^ii-. 

Charles  Wadlington  Joyce  Johnson  Otis  Taylor 

Motorman  Otis  C.  Taylor,  Jeffer-  along    the    right-of-way    between 

son  Park  terminal,  was  honored  for  Central    avenue    and    Austin 

halting  his  train  in  time  to  avoid  boulevard  on  the  Congress  line, 
striking  a  woman  who  was  walking 


TV  series  filmed  on  CTA 

"Chicago  Story,"  an  NBC  television  action  series  about  the 
cooperative  work  of  city  agencies  serving  the  central  city,  is 
slated  to  debut  in  early  January  on  Channel  5.  The  90-minute 
series  begins  with  a  three-hour  movie  of  the  week,  and  will  be 
followed  by  11  segments.  Scenes  include  a  chase  on  the  CTA 
Damen  Avenue  'L'  station  on  the  West-Northwest  rapid  transit 
route  (above).  The  segment,  called  "Ace  in  the  Hole,"  stars  Dennis 
Franz  of  Chicago,  who  portrays  Officer  Joe  Gilland,  one  of 
Chicago's  finest.  In  other  action  at  Damen,  stuntman  Mike  O'Con- 
ner,  also  of  Chicago,  who  portrays  the  villain,  makes  a  dramatic 
attempt  to  escape  Gilland  as  he  leaps  over  the  platform  railing  on- 
to the  roof  of  a  building  (above,  right).  Bob  Ryan,  of  the  Public  Af- 
fairs department  (right,  wearing  cap),  and  rail  service  supervisor 
Dominic  DeMaria  confer  with  MOM  director  Lee  Kazin  on  other 
location  plans.  The  CTA  team,  including  rail  terminal  supervisor 
Jack  Coleman  (not  shown),  was  on  hand  to  assist  the  movie  crew 
while  it  was  on  CTA  property. 


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DECEMBER.  1981 


Argyle  station 
colors  have 
special  meaning 

Argyle  station  on  the  North- 
South  'L'  route  has  been  painted 
in  colors  which  suggest  hap- 
piness and  prosperity. 

In  keeping  with  the  growing 
Oriental  residential  and  business 
comnnunity  around  the  'L'  station, 
the  Plant  Maintenance  depart- 
ment has  painted  the  station 
Chinese  red  (the  color  of  hap- 
piness), jade  green  (the  color  of 
prosperity)  and  white. 

The  city  plans  to  provide 
$225,000  in  beautification  and  im- 
provements along  Argyle  street 
near  the  station,  said  Howard 
Shiroma,  president  of  the  Argyle 
Business  International  Associa- 
tion. 

Charlie  Soo,  director  of  the 
Asian  American  Small 
Businessmen's  Association, 
hosted  a  luncheon  near  the  'L' 
station  honoring  the  CTA.  Among 
25  persons  attending  were  CTA 
Board  fVlembers  John  Hoellen 
and  Michael  Brady,  General 
Operations  Manager  Harold  H. 
Geissenheimer,  Len  Wiksten, 
director.  Plant  Maintenance,  and 
community  leaders. 


The  four  men  in  jackets  are  CTA  painters 
who  gave  the  Argyle  station  its  Oriental 
color  scheme.  They  are  (from  left)  Ralph 
Ziegler,  John  Mendaz,  James  Downes, 
and  Otto  Krueger.  Behind  them  are  Len 
Wilcsten,  Harold  H.  Geissenheimer,  and 
Walter  Hallford,  superintendent. 
Buildings  and  Grounds. 


Visiting  newly  painted  Argyle  'L'  station  platform  are  (from  left)  General  Operations 
Manager  Harold  H.  Geissenheimer;  CTA  Board  Members  John  Hoellen  and  Michael 
Brady;  Charlie  Soo,  director,  Asian  American  Small  Businessmen's  Association;  Howard 
Shiroma,  president,  Argyle  Business  International  Association,  and  Len  Wiksten,  direc- 
tor, Plant  Maintenance. 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


NEW  PENSIONERS 


LEONARD  J.  HARDER,  Box  Puller, 

North  Avenue,  Emp.  6-23-44 
ERLING  J.  JOHNSON,  Ticket  Agent, 

West  Section,  Emp.  7-30-55 
WILLIAM  A.  LAVIN,  Detective, 

Security,  Emp.  8-29-77 
TERRENCE  W.  McMAHON,  Supervisor, 

77th  Street,  Emp.  11-25-42 


DISABILITY  RETIREMENTS 

EDWARD  P.  FLAHERTY,  Escalator  Ser- 
viceman, West  Shops,  Emp.  1-7-63 

CLEO  JONES,  Rail  Janitor, 
Maintenance,  Emp.  1-27-70 

PAUL  C.  JONES,  Bus  Repairer, 
52nd  Street,  Emp.  12-27-68 

CARL  L.  McCORMACK,  Janitor, 
Maintenance,  Emp.  7-9-73 

EMMA  J.  RICHARDSON,  Ticket  Agent, 
Central  Assignment,  Emp.  3-4-67 


Service 
anniversaries 
in  December 


40  years 


Leroy  W.  Kutchins       Marvin  B.  Hildbold 

Electrical  Rail  North 


35  years 


Richard  H.  Bushbaum,  Electrical 
Gordon  J.  Maly,  TABEC 
Earl  F.  Rodgers,  Forest  Glen 


30  years 


Wellington  H.  Henderson,  77th  Street 
Delso  Smith,  69th  Street 
Andrew  Thornton  Jr.,  77th  Street 


insr  i^E3S/a:oR.i.A.is/fl: 


GEORGE  R.  ALLAN,  76,  69th  Street, 

Emp.  4-6-42,  Died  10-10-81 
AGATHA  E.  BARNSLEY,  87,  Purchasing, 

Emp.  5-4-42,  Died  10-9-81 
IRVING  E.  BEHLING,  77,  Archer, 

Emp.  2-20-36,  Died  10-4-81 
ALBERT  BENBOW,  88,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  3-17-26,  Died  10-20-81 
GEORGE  BINGHAM,  80,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  5-3-26,  Died  9-15-81 
THOMAS  BURIAK,  84,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  3-17-45,  Died  10-16-81 
EDWARD  W.  CARLSON,  86,  Limits, 

Emp.  2-2-28,  Died  10-28-81 
TIMOTHY  M.  CRATEN,  87,  North  Section, 

Emp.  9-20-22,  Died  10-21-81 
DONALD  J.  CURTIN,  63,  Claim, 

Emp.  5-1-40,  Died  10-21-81 
MICHAEL  DRNASO,  83,  Track, 

Emp.  2-9-24,  Died  10-2-81 
JOSEPH  J.  DVORAK,  66,  South  Section, 

Emp.  7-25-39,  Died  10-5-81 
WILLIAM  GUSTILOV,  78,  Kedzie, 

Emp.  8-3-45,  Died  10-7-81 
GEORGE  E.  HALGREN,  82,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  10-8-29,  Died  10-16-81 
EDWARD  J.  HEATTER,  64,  Transportation, 

Emp.  11-30-45,  Died  10-17-81 
RICHARD  J.  HENDRICKX,  72,  Trans- 
portation, Emp.  2-5-29,  Died  10-5-81 
JOSEPH  E.  HENNING,  79,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  6-30-25,  Died  10-17-81 
FRANK  C.  HOLZGETHAN,  84,  61st  Street, 

Emp.  10-7-15,  Died  10-4-81 
ARTHUR  A.  JAHNS,  79,  Transportation, 

Emp.  2-21-27,  Died  10-27-81 
ALBERT  J.  JORDT,  81,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  2-17-23,  Died  10-9-81 
GEORGE  JURKOVIC,  86,  Way  &  Struct., 

Emp.  11-9-23,  Died  10-24-81 


THOMAS  P.  KAMINSKI,  72,  Archer, 

Emp.  2-24-43,  Died  10-11-81 
FRANK  KELLER,  86,  West  Shops, 

Emp.  9-17-20,  Died  10-25-81 
MARY  A.  KEYES,  96,  North  Section, 

Emp.  7-10-35,  Died  9-25-81 
ANDREW  G.  KOHLER,  74,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  11-29-40,  Died  10-20-81 
IRVIN  KRAULEDIS,  60,  South  Shops, 

Emp.  12-3-43,  Died  10-7-81 
GUSTAVE  J.  KUTA,  74,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  5-10-44,  Died  10-20-81 
ERIC  W.  LARSON,  71,  Support  Services 

Emp.  1-22-36,  Died  10-6-81 
JOHN  A.  McWILLIAMS,  73,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  9-25-47,  Died  9-19-81 
WILLIAM  F.  MINCEY,  57,  Human  Resrcs., 

Emp.  8-21-51,  Died  10-2-81 
MICHAEL  J.  MORIARTY,  91,  Transpor- 
tation, Emp.  2-3-20,  Died  10-28-81 
WALTER  C.  NORVILAS,  66,  Adm.  Serv., 

Emp.  7-30-47,  Died  10-29-81 
JAMES  O'NEILL,  74,  Skokle  Shop 

Emp.  6-7-46,  Died  10-15-81 
HENRY  F.  PASS,  76,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  11-12-25,  Died  10-17-81 
ALFRED  RAHN,  71,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  11-21-42,  Died  10-6-81 
WALTER  J.  RAPACZ,  65,  Forest  Glen, 

Emp.  9-21-43,  Died  10-6-81 
PRUDENTIA  B.  REILLY,  82,  West  Section, 

Emp.  5-12-37,  Died  10-25-81 
WALTER  G.  ROBERTS,  87,  Transportation 

Emp.  1-8-20,  Died  10-12-81 
PAUL  R.  SEELENBINDER,  85,  West 

Section,  Emp.  8-15-22,  Died  10-24-81 
EUGENE  R.  SMITH,  57,  Plant  Malnt., 

Emp.  4-18-46,  Died  10-9-81 
THOMAS  J.  SMITH,  81,  77th  Street, 

Emp.  10-10-23,  Died  10-29-81 
STEPHEN  SOVISS,  70,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  11-8-56,  Died  8-29-81 
PETER  P.  TROJAN,  74,  North  Avenue, 

Emp.  11-4-43,  Died  10-20-81 
ERWIN  K.  WEICHMANN,  64,  Skokle  Shop, 

Emp.  8-11-47,  Died  10-9-81 


25  years 


Millye  L.  Beatty,  South  Section 
Frank  A.  Coronado,  North  Avenue 
Christine  F.  Evans,  South  Section 
James  E.  Fitchpatrick,  Lawndale 
Charles  N.  Harper,  South  Shops 
Curtis  Jackson  Jr.,  North  Avenue 
Richard  T.  Liace,  Maintenance 
John  B.  McGarry,  Law 
Redus  Moore,  Maintenance 
Clarence  Reese  Jr.,  69th  Street 
Marjorie  L.  Seward,  West  Section 
Foyce  S.  Whitney,  77fh  Street 


CTA  TRANSIT  NEWS 


Volume  34 


Number  12 


Published   for  employees  and   retirees  of 
the  CTA  by  the  External  Affairs  Division, 
Michael  N.  Horowitz,  Manager. 
Editorial     and     graphics    by    the    Public 
Affairs  Department,  Bill  Baxa,  Manager. 
Director  of  Publications:  Jack  Sowchin 
Production  Assistant:    Editorial  Assistant: 
Mel  Alexander  Rick  Willis 

Contributing  Writers:  Elda  Leal, 
Jeff  Stern,  Don  Yabush 
Typesetting  and  printing  provided  by  the 
Management  Services  Department. 
Distributed  free  of  charge  to  all  active  and 
retired  CTA  employees.    Annual  subscrip- 
tion price  to  others,  $2.    CTA  TRANSIT 
NEWS,     Room    734.    Merchandise    Mart 
Plaza,   P.O.    Box   3555,   Chicago,    Illinois 
60654. 


DECEMBER,  1981 


Cashier's  office  relocated 

Transit  riders  found  the  service  windows  of  the  new  CTA 
Cashier's  office  in  the  Merchandise  Mart  more  convenient  when 
the  office  was  relocated  last  month.  The  facility  was  moved  from 
room  7-160  to  a  more  spacious  room  726  near  the  building's 


center  elevators.  Daniel  Perk,  manager,  CTA  Treasury  depart 
ment,  said  the  office  will  be  easier  to  find  for  patrons  coming  tc 
the  Merchandise  Mart  to  purchase  tokens  or  monthly  passes.  The 
new  office  also  has  a  special  window  to  accommodate 
wheelchair-bound  people.  The  Treasury  department  was  aisc 
relocated  from  room  7-158  to  room  722. 


CHICAGO  TRANSIT  AUTHORITY 
P.  0.  Box  3555,  Chicago,  Illinois  60654 


BULK    RATE 

Paid 

U.  S.  POSTAGE 

PERMIT   NO.    8021 
CHICAGO.    ILL. 


TRANSPORTATION  CTR.  LIBRMY 
NORTHWESTERN  UNIVERSITY 
1810  HINMAN  AVENUE 
EVANSTON,  IL         60201 


_/ 


Heckman 

BINDERY.        INC. 
Bound-To-Pleasc* 

APRIL  01 

N.  MANCHESTER,  INDIANA  46962 

5556 


030 


71541