12 Roosevelt (Between Museum Campus and Roosevelt & Monitor via Roosevelt Rd., early morning until late evening). Taking the #12 from [...]]]> (Note: Originally, the book had narrative descriptions of every CTA bus route. The final format simply didn’t allow for all this material, so periodically I’ll post selected entries here with updates when appropriate.)

12 Roosevelt (Between Museum Campus and Roosevelt & Monitor via Roosevelt Rd., early morning until late evening). Taking the #12 from one end to the other seems to show the city in microcosm, from the beautiful lake shore and booming South Loop on the east, and then through a series of gentrifying (and not-so-gentrifying) ethnic and inner city neighborhoods as you travel past the Near West Side, North Lawndale, and Austin. But unlike some of the other ‘epic’ routes, many people really do ride end to end, particularly those who need to access downtown and rapid transit options from points west. For those less interested in urban sociology, the #12 offers access to the Museum Campus at the lake, connections to most El lines at State St., service to St. Ignatius College Prep at Morgan St. (1000W), access to both sides of the UIC campus (between Halsted and Damen, 800W-2000W)), and a few blocks north from the stop at Kedzie (3200W), to the southern tip of Garfield Park. To much to process? Think it all over with a pastrami sandwich and a Dr. Brown’s Cel-Ray at Manny’s Deli (1141 S. Jefferson, 312-939-2855).

X9 Ashland Express (Between Sheridan Red Line stop and Ashland & 95th, morning rush through evening rush, Monday-Friday). Covering much of [...]]]> (Note: Originally, the book had narrative descriptions of every CTA bus route. The final format simply didn’t allow for all this material, so periodically I’ll post selected entries here with updates when appropriate.)

X9 Ashland Express (Between Sheridan Red Line stop and Ashland & 95th, morning rush through evening rush, Monday-Friday). Covering much of the same ground as the regular 9 Ashland bus, the X9 offers two big plusses over 9 ordinaire. First, it connects directly with the Red Line at the bus route’s northern terminus (stop in at Emerald City Café next to the station for coffee and a snack while waiting for the driver to finish up his break). And second, it speeds down Ashland Ave. (1600W) bypassing non-major streets. This speed advantage makes the X9 one of the better methods for getting from the north side to the Illinois Medical Campus, particularly Rush University Hospital (exit at Ashland and Harrison), and the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital (exit at Ashland and Taylor). Assuming you weren’t visiting your cardiologist, after your appointment, treat yourself to an Italian sub at Conte di Savoia (1438 W. Taylor) before heading back north.