Morse station
| Company type | Rapid transit station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit services |
Morse serves as a station on the 'L' system's Red Line, managed by the CTA. It is situated at 1358 West Morse Avenue in Chicago's Rogers Park district. Previously identified as Rogers Park or Morse-Rogers Park, this station offers entry points on West Morse Avenue, equipped with multiple turnstiles, an ATM, and fare vending machines. Additionally, there is an unattended access point on Lunt Avenue featuring a single turnstile. Although Purple Line express trains during weekday peak hours utilize the outer tracks here, they do not make stops at Morse.
History
Constructed initially in 1908, the station underwent reconstruction in 1921 coinciding with the elevation of the rail line. The existing structure, predominantly made of brick and concrete, was significantly refurbished in 2012. This renovation involved replacing the original wooden platform with a concrete one, completely renovating the interior of the station house, and extending it into adjoining retail spaces. Soon after these improvements, a vacant storefront nearby was torn down to establish a bicycle parking area.
Since 2001, the Glenwood Arts Festival has taken place annually along Glenwood Avenue, showcasing live musical performances, temporary art shops, and local culinary vendors.
Stroller incident
On November 2, 2009, an event occurred at Morse station involving a stroller and a child. Ebere Ozonwu claimed that as she hurried to board a southbound train, its doors closed on the stroller, dragging it and causing her daughter to fall onto the gravel platform. Evidence of paint on the stroller indicated possible contact with a guardrail; however, the train operator asserted that the doors were fully closed and that the train could not have moved if otherwise.
Location
Positioned centrally within Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood on the North Side, Morse station lies about half a mile east of the Rogers Park Metra commuter rail stop on Lunt Avenue and roughly half a mile west of Lake Michigan.
Beneath the Morse Avenue viaduct inside the station building are several commercial establishments including Morse El Liquors and Leni Blumyin. Nearby businesses include Pub 626 located at Morse and Glenwood. The Heartland Cafe, a family-operated venue across from the Lunt Avenue entrance for over four decades, closed in December 2018; its structure was demolished by May 2019. The vicinity also contains various markets, bodegas, and convenience stores within a short walking distance.
Rogers Park Social has recently moved to a new location on Glenwood Avenue close to the station.
Several educational institutions are accessible by foot from Morse station:
- Eugene Field Elementary School
- George B. Armstrong International Studies
- Northside Catholic Academy
- New Field Elementary School
- Chicago Math and Science Academy
The neighborhood is also notable for its "Miles of Murals," vibrant paintings adorning rail lines and underpasses along Glenwood Avenue near both Morse and Lunt avenues.
Bus connections
- 96 Lunt (operates weekdays only)
- 155 Devon
Payment
Originally, Transit Cards were utilized for fare payment, allowing riders to add value at transit locations. On July 1, 2014, the CTA adopted Ventra Cards as its primary fare system.
A single-ride fare costs $2.50 and includes free transfers to connecting rail lines. Transfers made within two hours incur a 25-cent fee. Ventra Cards can be purchased at local pharmacies, train stations, and linked to credit cards for immediate fare deduction upon tapping before boarding.