Since 1997, Lee Crooks has been Chicago’s “Voice of the CTA,” his resonant tones announcing the next station, transfer possibilities, and other service updates. Recently, a local news outlet got him to ride the ‘L’ and talk to riders.

Crooks has an amazing voice. I’ve always loved listening to CTA announcements because “CTA Guy” has perfect pacing, diction, and tone. I like to joke that if I ever win the contest on NPR’s Chicago-based Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, I’d like CTA Guy to record my voicemail message instead of Carl Kassel.

And it appears he indeed does have a sense of humor.

WMATA doesn’t have recorded announcements on trains, though the 7000 series cars are capable of making them. Currently those cars make announcements by having a computer read text.

But if we ever get our own Lee Crooks, we could have a fun Voice of WMATA to identify with. I nominate Lee Crooks.

Matt Johnson has lived in the Washington area since 2007. He has a Master’s in Planning from the University of Maryland and a BS in Public Policy from Georgia Tech. He lives in Dupont Circle. He’s a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and is an employee of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. His views are his own and do not represent those of his employer.