Chicago By 'L' Video

Geoffrey Baer hops on the CTA's famous Red, Blue, Green, Brown, Orange, Yellow, Pink, and Purple Lines to bring you a fascinating exploration of the colorful and diverse neighborhoods that Chicagoans access via the city's storied elevated train system.

Geoffrey Baer visits the redesigned 95th Red Line Station, which is home to AESOP, a DJ booth that stands for “An Extended Song of Our People.” It’s part of the CTA’s public art program, and it sometimes inspires dance parties among CTA workers and commuters.

Geoffrey Baer visits the Argyle Night Market, a weekly pan-Asian street food market. He talks to Hac Tran to learn about the community’s Asian roots and culture.

Geoffrey Baer talks to Lee Crooks, the voice of the CTA’s announcements. Crooks has been recording the voiceovers, like “doors closing” or “next stop,” since 1998.

Geoffrey Baer talks about the history of Graceland Cemetery, a large cemetery on the city’s North Side that is the final resting place for many famous Chicagoans.

Geoffrey Baer talks to the Chicagoans who live so close to the ‘L’ tracks that they can practically touch them.

Geoffrey Baer talks to the performers who fill the ‘L’ tunnels with music and rhythm.

Geoffrey Baer explores the history of O’Hare International Airport.

Geoffrey Baer talks to Arel Israel and Lori Seay, who run Original Soul Vegetarian on 75th Street. The vegan soul food restaurant was founded by their parents in 1982.

Take a ride on a nearly 100-year-old CTA train as Geoffrey Baer chats with Graham Garfield, a CTA employee and walking encyclopedia for Chicago transit history.

Hop on the CTA’s annual holiday train, where Santa rides on a fully decked out train covered in lights and holiday decorations.

Visit the Skokie Maintenance Facility, the city’s largest body shop where ‘L’ trains go for tune-ups and overhauls.

Meet Jace Ross and Tony Coppoletta, the people who run the CTA’s Twitter account. They handle the compliments, complaints, and trolls that come across the CTA’s Twitter mentions with a sense of humor.

Chicago is sometimes called a “city of neighborhoods.” But here’s the thing: neighborhoods aren’t an official designation by the City of Chicago.