According to the Chicago Tribune, public transportation can be many things — convenient, frustrating, cost-effective and a guaranteed way to encounter a cross section of the city’s population — but is it funny?
Chicago’s Second City Theater hosted an “educomedy” variety show during September that tackled real-world issues through sketch comedy and improv routines. The show titled “Save Chicago Transit: The Comedy Show” brought public attention to the looming fiscal cliff at the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace.
However, the comedy show was not all about the laughs. A far more serious part of the program brought Chicago-area transit advocates, alderpeople, and lawmakers on stage to describe the real-world ramifications off the funding crisis. The show’s creator and writer, Ellen Steinke, told the Tribune that these guests provided a “plain-language recap of the 2025 legislative session and why a dedicated funding bill stalled,” and they also explained “why maintaining and expanding transit is critical for Chicago’s economy, environment, and daily life.”
If the funding crisis isn’t addressed, CTA, Metra and Pace are anticipating a 40% service cut and thousands of employees losing their jobs. BLET members throughout Illinois have been active in the fight to save the state’s public mass transit system from the fiscal cliff. There’s also a Take Action alert on the BLET website for members in Illinois to get involved by contacting their member of Congress.
“Save Chicago Transit: The Comedy Show” completed its run on September 30. An article with more information is behind a paywall at the Chicago Tribune website.