Meet your neighbors: Rick

As part of a new feature on NeighborsBlog, we're going to post periodic profiles of people doing neighborly projects. Feel free to send us ideas for people to profile, including you.

Meet your neighbor: Rick M.
Age: 33
Neighborhood: Lakeview, Chicago
Project: Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) improvements

NP: Why did you start your project?
Rick: The increasingly poor quality and service of the CTA. CTA service has never been optimal; however, in the past few months service has deteriorated to the point where commuting to and from work is getting longer, more crowded and less reliable. Living in a city without a car, I rely on the CTA for all my transportation needs and I want Chicago to have a world-class transit system.

NP: What have you done so far?
Rick: At this point I have flyered at various El Stations to encourage other people to contact their state and local representatives and voice their support of the CTA. I have also asked my alderman to champion a city counsel resolution for better management and analysis of the bus/train systems throughout Chicago. To date, I have not heard back from the Alderman’s Office.

NP: What are the major challenges you are encountering so far during your project?
Rick: 1. Getting people within the city counsel/mayor’s office/state reps and even my own alderman to acknowledge that CTA service has deteriorated.
2. Encouraging other commuters to contact their local/state reps and telling them that CTA/transit is important to them and it should be a priority. There are a lot of people out there who are as equality frustrated as I am; I just need to motivate them into action.

NP: What do you enjoy most about your project?
Rick: Being creative and thinking of alternative ways to improve existing transit lines. Looking at the bigger picture, I enjoy being part of something that could reshape urban transit and set a better precedent for years to come. I also enjoy working in a group with similar goals and exploring other ideas promoting a car-free society.

NP: What's your advice for other people who want to get involved?
Rick: Come flyer! It’s a great way to start the morning and leaves you feeling good all day. It’s important that everyone understands that his role can have an impact on this project. Even if you only get one person to voice her concerns about the CTA, that’s one more person who might not have taken action.

Inspired by Rick? Join this project. E-mail volunteer@neighborsproject.org