The Forgotten Passengers

Chicago's homeless ride the El to stay warm in the winter. (Photo/Wikimedia Commons)

CTA Crime

Searchable maps near stations. (Photo/Mike Reilley)

Chicago Sidewalks

Tumblr blog documents poor conditions.

The Red Line Project: Read more about the site.

CTA Crime Maps: Search maps of various crimes near CTA lines and stations.

Chicago Marathon 2013: Full coverage of the 2013 race. (Photo/Brianna Kelly)

Chicago Stumbler: The Tumblr blog features some of the city's worst sidewalks. Story

First Stop: Wilson

The Forgotten Passengers: Chicago's Homeless on the El

In one of the worst winters in Chicago's history, many of the homeless sought refuge not in shelters or warming centers, but on CTA trains and subway platforms. Related:

Story: Fewer homeless camping on Lower Wacker Drive
Audio slideshow: Homelessness in Chicago
Archives: Discharged, then homeless | Inspiration Cafe brings hope | The homeless vote

Photo: Freddie, who's says he's homeless, rides the Red Line at night to stay warm. (Photo/Kenny Reiter)

Second Stop: Addison

Free Admission Brings Performance Art to All

Oracle Productions, a storefront theater in Wrigleyville, doesn't charge admissions to its shows. Instead, it fundraises and asks for donations to support performances.

Photo: Oracle Productions' "The Mother." (Photo courtesy Joe Mazza/Brave Lux)

Tenenbaum Hardware Belmont Chicago Photo

Third Stop: Small Business Along the Red Line

Belmont Businesses Struggling with Parking, Other Challenges

The Red Line Project site launched in 2011 with a project examining small business along the Red Line during a struggling economy. Three years later, we take another look at small business as the overall economy improves. More businesses: