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Happy Birthday, Transit Diaries! How does it feel to be 1 year old?

Hello to all my CTA-commuting, bike-riding, car-driving, rideshare-loving and power-walking readers! Can you believe Transit Diaries has been running for an entire year? Like, whoa.

Truth bomb: I fought back tears of horror when my managing editor first told me I was going to fill RedEye’s transit reporter position just over a year ago. We’re talking lump in the throat, awkward half-cry denials that I was disappointed in my role change, scared shitless kind of dread. How could they expect me to fulfill a weekly writing requirement about a topic I knew next to nothing about?

Sure, I’d had my share of scary midnight encounters on the CTA, uncomfortable rides without air conditioning, infuriating rush-hour delays and more. But hadn’t we all? Out of the realization that everybody has at least one crazy, funny, sad, scary or bizarre transit experience, Transit Diaries was born. (You’re welcome.)

And I have to admit it’s been a true honor being the voice of the Chicago commuter. Because obviously.

In the past year …

… I’ve offended some (many) people with my crass language and unapologetic honesty (#sorrynotsorry). I’ve given endless transit-related advice, specifically on CTA, driving, parking, walking, biking, flying and ride-sharing etiquette. I’ve used the term “ass-hat” more times than I can count. I’ve spent hours researching, learning and observing whatever I could about Chicago transportation because, after all, I AM expected to be an expert on the subject.

I’ve covered everything from dealing with a masturbator on public transit to tips on traveling with pets. I’ve had the pleasure of sharing the shocking, heartwarming and unbelievable stories of emergency onlookers, rideshare passengers and drivers, robbery and sexual harassment victims and many others.

I’ve learned the hard way that there is a great divide in opinions about bringing strollers onto crowded rush-hour buses and trains, and I receive both love and hate mail on a daily basis. I’ve learned that navigating public transit in a wheelchair is nearly impossible and that not enough people give up their seats to pregnant women, senior citizens or people with disabilities. I discovered that Chicago would be an actual shitshow if the CTA completely shut down for 24 hours, that water taxis are a legit way to get around and that no one really keeps track of rideshare and taxi accident data. Who knew?

I’ve learned that EVERYONE has a gripe about some form of Chicago transportation. And I’m not afraid to say the things I know you’re all thinking. You’ve likely read one of my columns and cheered silently because FINALLY someone gets you and your feelings toward the inconsiderate ass-hats of the commuting world.

Uber, Lyft and CTA spokespeople all know me by name. And I’ve called the CTA so many times that it’s likely they know it’s me on the phone before I even finish my greeting. I’ve learned more about the city’s rail, bus, bike and rideshare systems in one year than is probably healthy. And I still surprise myself when I rattle off a new transit-themed topic each week. (Don’t think it’s hard? You try it, then.)

So for those reading this for the first time who might not know who I am, allow me to reintroduce myself. My over-arching goal with this column has been to use it as a platform to share transit stories and experiences of Chicagoans who might not have a voice otherwise.

I’ve been lucky enough this past year to inform Chicago commuters about the transportation they use daily and share the tales of many individuals.

But I know there are a bazillion more stories I could help tell. So if you’ve experienced something moving, funny, bizarre, scary, etc., while traveling around the city, or maybe you just have transit-related questions you’d like answered, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Coming from the person who initially dreaded the thought of covering Chicago’s transit beat, a year later I’m happy to be sought out for transit knowledge and advice. So thank you all for joining me on what has been a crazy, yearlong ride!

@RianneCoale | rcoale@redeyechicago.com

The Transit Diaries runs in RedEye’s print edition every Tuesday on Page 4. If you have a story you’d like to share, email us at redeye@redeyechicago.com with “Transit Diaries” in the subject line.