LINCOLN SQUARE — Advocates for the No. 11 Lincoln bus are encouraging riders to shower the route with affection on Valentine's Day.
A video released by the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with fellow chambers and the Active Transportation Alliance, asks riders to leave love notes on board the bus Tuesday as a show of support for the route. And be sure to post evidence to social media using #lovethebus.
The Western-to-Fullerton leg of the No. 11 route, which was axed in late 2012, has suffered from low ridership since returning on a trial basis in summer 2016. The CTA extended the initial six-month pilot period through June 2017, but usage needs to grow for the route to become permanent.
"We're sounding the red alert," said Ryan Warsing, a chamber staffer who also stars in the video.
CTA set a target of 1,500 riders per day during the trial period, but so far the No. 11 has only averaged 500. Given the route's truncated hours of service — 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays only — some have said the pilot is doomed to fail.
The video tackles that complaint head-on.
"I know you're not perfect, your hours could be a little more convenient," says Warsing, playing the role of a lovesick suitor. "But I'm not perfect either ... we can work on our problems together."
The video concludes with a clear message: "If we ride the No. 11, we can keep it in service. If we keep it in service, we can make it better."
In other words: It's time to stop waiting for Mr. Right and time to get on board with Mr. Right Now.
