Problematic, convenient, sustainable and iconic are all adjectives for a service many of us use daily: public transport.
Especially when living in a city like Chicago or Rockford, there are a multitude of options to choose from when making a commute. In DeKalb, we have our flawed yet cherished Huskie Bus Line.
Despite where you might be going, is the best way to get from point A to point B with a city bike, scooter, train, bus or ferry?
BIKES AND SCOOTERS
Divvy bikes are a popular transportation method in Chicago. Those interested are able to pay a fee per hour and enjoy a sweet ride along Chicago Avenue, Harlem, Lake Shore Drive and most other places for up to 24 hours.
Similarly, Lime scooters are a fresh way of moving around the city.
These bikes and scooters offer more autonomy over a route unlike other types of public transport. They allow you to enjoy the outdoors and environment without a window being in the way.
With bikes, being able to exercise is also a huge added benefit to a daily commute. This can wake you up and give you some motivation for the day!
Many students use bikes and electric scooters daily at NIU to get to classes and around DeKalb because they are often quicker than hopping on a bus.
Unfortunately biking and scootering isn’t too convenient for those going to work and trying to look presentable or to those who may be coming from a shopping trip.
TRAINS
Trains come in many shapes and forms. Many NIU students are familiar with the Elburn Metra station, a common way to get from NIU to Chicago.
With two floors to choose from and wide cushions, the Metra provides a really comfy experience for those who want to relax for a bit or get some homework done.
The large windows are great for sightseeing, and the outlets next to every chair are awesome. There is even a bathroom on board. The Metra is in no way luxury, but it’s welcoming and pleasant for the price of usually less than $10.
A Chicago Transit Authority train may also come to mind. With eight routes, it’s pretty simple to get around Chicago via the railway.
Whether it be for errands or work, the CTA train provides a convenient and comfortable way to get around Chicago. Anyone who takes these railways will also gain a dozen stories to tell about the characters they saw and talked to on the CTA.
BUSES
NIU students interact with the Huskie Bus Line everyday.
It’s hard to find a student, however, that hasn’t had a negative experience with the “vintage” SPOT app or hasn’t experienced being stranded an hour’s walk away from campus.
But at least the Huskie Bus Line gives NIU students a conversation starter.
Despite its difficulties, the Huskie Bus Line is generally there for us and can usually be used to get around campus and nearby DeKalb for low to no cost for NIU students.
The CTA also offers 127 bus routes to travel through and around Chicago. These buses stay on a consistent schedule with delays once in a while but are mostly reliable. Chicago residents often opt for Ventra cards because of the reduced fees and convenience.
Buses are a nice option to get to closer distances without having to worry about the troubles that come with a car, like parking and paying for gas.
FERRIES
Unfortunately there are no ferries to take NIU students across the East Lagoon or to Goose Island.
But the Chicago Water Taxis, on the other hand, are an experience with bathrooms, and they occasionally have climate controlled cabins and bars on board. They provide an interesting commute with scenic views of the city’s river and accessibility to waterfront locations.
It’s also great to beat the traffic by hopping on a water taxi. Unfortunately, a ticket for a one way trip is $10, which is almost five times the amount of a CTA bus fare.
Ferries are a really cool option when traveling because they offer immersion into a new place and access to new sights that may not be spotted otherwise.
Results from last week’s poll: What’s the best way to spend a hot day?
Gulping down water — 0%
Lounging by a fan — 6%
Hiding away in an air-conditioned room — 53%
Embracing the heat — 41%
