God in Heavenletters™ always tells us to point out the good. In that case, I have to tell you about Chicago’s buses. I’ll start with tonight — New Year’s Eve.

Because Chicago wants the streets safe on New Year’s Eve, they are being absolutely wonderful, and I love them. They are not “cracking down” on drivers who drink. Instead everyone can ride the public buses for one penny on New Year’s Eve. Yes, that’s right. For one penny! Don’t you just love Chicago?

Ring in the New Year with extra change in your pocket.
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve
Ride any CTA bus or train for just a penny. 

Is this not the simplest most kind most generous and creative way to keep everyone in Chicago safe?

Isn’t this the way things should be? Instead of thinking what money they might be losing, the city executives are thinking of lives they are saving. I hope they know all the good will they are also creating. I like to think that good old-fashioned Christmas spirit might be lighting up city management. I really love you, Chicago Transit Authority. Three cheers for you, CTA! Let’s hear it for CTA!

I know about Chicago buses because my daughter, Lauren, lives in Chicago now.  Maybe there are other cities who share such vision and decision, and I’d like to know who they are so I can love them too.  But, so far as I know, Chicago is the leader, and I am so proud of them.

I will tell you more about Chicago and its bus management. They are my heroes. If you are 65 or older, and you are a resident of Chicago, you ride the bus free all the time.  The bus is your chariot — Compliments of the City.

This beautiful idea gives recognition and respect to those who have walked a little further than most.  Americans have not been typically known for their regard of older people, but here is the third largest city in the U.S. honoring their older people. God bless you, Chicago Transit Authority.

The third wonderful thing about Chicago transit is that they use hybrid buses.  (Heaven Admin and I want a hybrid motor home with solar power.)

The diesel-electric buses save fuel by running the engine at idle when the bus is operating at up to 25 miles per hour, officials said. Engine power is increased only when the speed exceeds 25 m.p.h., which in city traffic is not often.

During storage at night, the new buses are plugged into electrical outlets to recharge the rooftop battery packs and operate auxiliary heaters that warm the engine compartment and other systems.

It marks a big improvement over the traditional method in winter of keeping bus motors running for long periods to ensure the vehicles will start in the morning. (I remember school buses running when they were waiting for very long times.)

The new environmentally friendly buses cost about $1 million each. Yikes!

The CTA is able to afford the $156 million deal, despite tough economic times, by leasing the buses for 12 years, then taking ownership, CTA President Ron Huberman said.

The hybrid buses are estimated to save the CTA almost $7 million annually in maintenance, labor and fuel costs.

One more really wonderful thing about the buses in Chicago — I know this from personal experience when I was going by bus to the train station.

If the bus is picking up someone with luggage, for example, or someone in a wheelchair, or someone with a shopping cart, or a mother with a stroller, or just someone who can use a little help, honest to God, the bus tips over to make it easier for the people to get on or off. Chicago buses are like camels that bend down!

I love Chicago!