Beloved CTA worker dubbed the ‘Queen of Armitage Avenue’ honored for decades of service at retirement party

GLENWOOD, Ill. (WGN) — The Lincoln Park community on Friday celebrated a longtime CTA employee who has greeted passengers for decades.

Chicago residents hosted a retirement party for Janet Martin, who has served the neighborhood at the Armitage Brown Line station for 25 years. Known as the ‘Mayor of the Armitage Brown Line’ and the ‘Queen of Armitage Avenue,’ CTA passengers in Lincoln Park say Martin’s infectious smile has greeted them for 29 years.

So, for a final time Friday, Martin relayed the greeting so that many have become accustomed to hearing over the last three decades.

“Good afternoon, passengers,” Martin said with a smile to a chorus of cheers and applause.

Speaking at the retirement ceremony, Martin expressed gratitude to the many faces she has come to know over the years.

“You know I love you. I know I’m going to miss every last one of you,” she said. “But you’re still going to be in my heart.”

The Chicago City Council also designated Friday, Feb. 28, as ‘Janet Martin Day.’ 

Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley also had Martin’s years of service and kindness put into the congressional record.