Chicago: CTA to run holiday train and buses, but riders won't be able to board because of COVID-19

[brooklynite]

The CTA will run its holiday train and buses, despite the coronavirus pandemic, but only Santa, his elves and CTA workers, not regular riders, will be able to board this year because of COVID-19 dangers, the transit agency announced Friday.

The holiday train will start making its runs Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, the agency said in a news release Friday. Holiday buses will start moving through Chicago’s neighborhoods Dec. 1.

“Santa and his elves will stay socially distanced this holiday season, meaning that customers won’t be able to board the CTA Holiday Train or the CTA Holiday Bus,” according to the release. “Instead, the CTA Holiday Fleet will run along each rail line and multiple bus routes, spreading holiday cheer across the city.”

The six-car holiday train will be “decorated with holiday scenes, thousands of sparkling lights and bright LED signage displays,” with Santa and his reindeer riding on a flatbed car in the middle of the train, according to the release.

[frazzled]

1. Well, the point is to look at it

Not necessarily be in it. It’s fun to see it pass by.

We are normal CTA riders, but haven’t been on a train or bus since early last March.