Chicago 'L' rolling stock
Encyclopedia
The rolling stock of the Chicago 'L'
rapid transit
system consists of 1,190 rail cars (all permanently coupled into 595 married pair
s) dating from 1969 to 1994, delivered in four series: the 2200-series, 2400-series, 2600-series, and 3200-series, also known as the High Performance Family, because of innovative design and technological features from previous equipment in Chicago transit beginning with the former 2000-Series cars which operated between 1964
and 1993.
All cars are 12 ft (3.7 m) tall (from top of rail) and 48 in 3 in (14.71 m) long (over coupler pulling faces). They are 9 in 4 in (2.84 m) wide at the window sills but only 8 in 8 in (2.64 m) wide at the door sills. Currently, all rail cars operating on the Chicago 'L' are DC power
only; the next shipment of rail cars is expected to feature AC motors
, but the traction power supply will continue to use DC.
The 4000 series cars were manufactured by the Cincinnati Car Company
, between 1914, and 1924. They were the first steel cars on the Chicago 'L' system. These cars were built in 2 distinct variants, with the earlier, metal-roofed cars being known as "Baldies" (due to their smooth iron roofs), and the later, wooden-roofed cars being known as "Plushies" (due to their more comfortable, green plush seats). The "Baldies" were equipped with 6 doors per car, however the center doors were never used regularly. The "Plushies" were equipped with only the end vestibule doors, but the cars internal structure was arranged to allow for the later addition of the center doors.
These cars were built as the result of several distinct purchases (dates are the date of the order, not the actual production date):
The 445 cars of the 4000 series were the last Chicago 'L' cars purchased with air brakes.
When the State Street Subway opened in 1943, the older, wooden cars were not allowed to operate through it for safety reasons. The only cars available to operate in the subway were the 4000 series, which eventually led to production of the 5000 and 6000 series cars.
. They arrived on CTA property in 1947
. Only these four cars were ever built. These cars were the first 'L' cars to feature the "blinker door" configuration, in which the doors to the train open inward into the car rather than slide horizontally. This door configuration was then used on the 6000-series, 1-50 series, 2000-series and the 2200-series.
The technology for these cars was based on the Presidents Conference Committee streetcar
but also borrowed design elements from the North Shore Line's
Electroliner
s. The 5000-series was distinct in that each car was a three-piece articulated
unit, the only cars on the 'L' system to ever feature articulation. They were also the first series of 'L' cars to be wider at the windowsills than at the doorsills to permit more interior space and still provide clearance for station platforms.
They were originally assigned to service on the Garfield Route (a precursor of today's Blue Line
) before eventually being refitted with pantographs and renumbered 51 thru 54 for service on the Skokie Swift
where they finished out their careers. The 5000-series was retired in 1985.
and first delivered to the CTA in 1950
. 130 were ordered originally with the series eventually totaling 720.
The 6000-series built upon the design of the 5000-series, using PCC technology and blinker doors. Unlike the 5000-series, the 6000-series units consisted of two cars coupled together in married-pairs, the first series of 'L' cars to be so designed.
A large percentage of these cars were built using trucks, motors, control equipment, seats, windows, and other components salvaged from Chicago's recently retired fleet of PCC streetcar
s.
The 6000-series saw service on all of the CTA's routes except the Skokie Swift
. Use on Lake/Dan Ryan was however limited to emergencies and during car shortages in late 1969 and during the winter of 1979-80. The last of the 6000-series cars were retired in 1992.
The 1-50 series cars (numbered 1-50) were manufactured by the St. Louis Car Company
and delivered to the CTA in 1959 and 1960.
The cars were similar to the 6000 series design, but were double ended, single cars, as opposed to the 6000 series single ended, married pair configuration. The quarter point doors were adjacent to the operators cabs, allowing the operator to collect fares without leaving the cab. Like some members of the 6000 series, these cars utilized parts salvaged from Chicago's recently retired fleet of PCC streetcar
s.
Cars 1-4 were equipped for high performance test service, with higher horsepower motors, and were delivered in a distinctive maroon and silver gray paint scheme.
Originally assigned to the West-Northwest service, in later years these cars were found mainly on the Ravenswood, Skokie, and Evanston lines.
10 of these cars were converted in 5 married-pair sets, and renumbered 61a-b to 65a-b, and were utilized in Skokie service.
The last cars of the 1-50 series were retired in 1999. Seven cars of this series have been preserved by various railway museums.
The 2000 series cars (numbered 2001-2180) were manufactured by the Pullman Car Company and delivered to the CTA starting in 1964
. Like the 6000 series before them, the 2000 series were built as married-pair sets. The cars had a number of modern features, including air conditioning, fluorescent lighting, large picture windows, and sculptured fiberglass front ends for the car bodies. The car bodies were mainly aluminum. These cars were the start of the High Performance Family.
The 2000 series more modern control systems initially prevented them from being used in a train with other types, until the delivery of the 2200 series and later cars.
The 2000 series had a fairly short service life of only 29 years, with all examples being retired by the beginning of 1994. Two cars are preserved at the Illinois Railway Museum
and two more remain on CTA property stored at Skokie Shops. The rest were scrapped.
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
and first delivered to the CTA in 1969
when the Dan Ryan branch (now known as the south end of the Red Line
) was opened. 150 cars were ordered, and all delivered between 1969 and 1970. These cars, the oldest still in revenue service on the 'L', are the only CTA cars still to feature the "blinker door" configuration, in which the doors to the train open inward into the car rather than slide horizontally. These doors, which have a much narrower opening than the newer sliding doors, are unable to accommodate a wheelchair
. Because of this, all 2200-series trains in the system must be coupled with another married pair of a different series car, usually the 2600-series, in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
. In addition, during times when consists of more than four cars are operated, the 2200-series cars are relegated to "belly car" service (which means that they are not at either end of the consist).
The 2200-series also features fluted, unpainted stainless steel
sides, a unique feature in the rolling stock until the addition of the 3200-series.
Cars 2307 and 2316 were renumbered 2351 and 2352; 2351 was originally numbered 2307 and re-paired after its mate 2308 was damaged in an accident at Addison/Kennedy in 1976; 2352 was renumbered from 2316 and paired with 2351 after 2315 was damaged in fire in Skokie Shops yard in 1977.
They were rehabbed by the New York Rail Car Corporation of Brooklyn
, New York
, between 1990 and 1992.
The 2200-series currently operates only on the Blue Line
. The CTA plans to replace all of these cars with the new 5000-series cars starting in 2010. However, as of June 2011, all 136 of the surviving cars remain in regular service.
The 2400-series cars (numbered 2401-2600) were manufactured by Boeing-Vertol
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
and first delivered to the CTA in 1976
100 were ordered originally, with an option for an additional 100 (which was exercised, and the additional cars delivered through 1978). Currently, the cars are reaching the end of their expected service lifetimes and are to be replaced with the new 5000-series cars starting in 2010. However, as of June 2011, most of the 191 surviving cars remain in regular service.
The first cars for the 'L' in many decades to feature sliding rather than "blinker" doors, the 2400-series also features smooth steel exteriors, ideal for decals and, in many cases, advertisements. As delivered, the cars featured a red, white, and blue color scheme on the front and rear of the cars, as well as stripes along the sides. These were modified several times over the years and the color has been removed from most cars at present, leaving them unpainted to match the bare stainless steel scheme of the rest of the fleet. Some cars feature advertising and cars 2401–2422 are "work" cars which are identified by red and white striping along their sides as well as on the front and rear of the cars. (Cars 2423-2424 were converted to "work" cars some time after 2401-2422 had been converted.)
They were rehabbed by Skokie Shops between 1987 and 1995.
In the 1990s, the 2400-series cars were used on the Red Line in mixed consists with unrefurbished 2600-series cars. While the 2600-series cars were being rehabbed, the 2400-series cars were used temporarily on the Red Line. Today, however, this series comprises the entire rolling stock for the Green Line
and a sizeable portion of the Purple Line
.
The 2600-series cars (numbered 2601-3200) were manufactured by the Budd Company
, the same company that made the 2200-series, and first delivered to the CTA in 1981
in time for the upcoming O'Hare
Airport extension of the Kennedy Line (now known as the northwestern end of the Blue Line). Originally, an order was made for 300 cars, but eventually this was doubled to 600, all of which were delivered between 1981 and 1987. They were the final cars ever constructed by Budd, later renamed to TransitAmerica. With 594 active cars, the series is by far the most abundant in the 'L' rolling stock. They were rehabbed by Alstom
of Hornell, New York
, between 1999 and 2002. They have few features to differentiate them from the earlier 2400-series, but nevertheless remain a mainstay of the 'L'.
These cars make up the entire Red and Yellow Line fleets and are also found on the Blue, Purple, and Pink Lines.
The 3200-series cars (numbered 3201-3457) were manufactured by Morrison-Knudsen of Hornell, New York
, and first delivered to the CTA in 1992
. The original order for 256 was motivated primarily by the impending opening of the Orange Line
, which would need new cars when it opened in October 1993. The order was completed in 1994.
The 3200-series contains many innovations over the previous 2600-series. Computer
s control much of the cab functions and simplify operation for the motorman. Diagnostics are also easier to perform on this series than on previous series. In addition, fluted steel siding is included on these cars for the first time since the 2200-series, in order to reduce graffiti. The series also introduced openable hopper windows for use in case of air conditioner failure.
Cars 3441-3456 were originally equipped with pantographs
for use on the Yellow Line, which was powered by overhead lines
until 2004. The pantographs on 3451-3456 were removed in the late 1990s when they were reassigned to supplement the Brown Line
, while the rest lost their pantographs when the Yellow Line was converted to third rail
power in 2004.
Car 3457 was an additional car built specifically for the purpose of serving as a mate to the 2600-series car 3032, whose mate had been damaged. 3032 was subsequently renumbered 3458.
The 3200-series cars are currently assigned to the Orange and Brown Lines, composing their entire fleets. At various points during their service life a small number were also assigned to the Yellow and Purple Lines.
. The CTA received ten prototype cars in 2009, which underwent testing, and began operating in 2011. The order is for 406 cars, with options for up to 300 more. The Chicago Transit Authority planned to put the first ten cars into in-service testing in mid-April 2010. The first in-service test run was made on April 19.
Originally assumed to be the 3500-series, the procurement of these cars experienced several delays, including a cancellation of the original bid announcement in 2002.
The 5000-series cars are currently assigned to the Pink Line.
Chicago 'L'
The L is the rapid transit system serving the city of Chicago and some of its surrounding suburbs. It is operated by the Chicago Transit Authority...
rapid transit
Rapid transit
A rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway, metro or metropolitan railway system is an electric passenger railway in an urban area with a high capacity and frequency, and grade separation from other traffic. Rapid transit systems are typically located either in underground tunnels or on...
system consists of 1,190 rail cars (all permanently coupled into 595 married pair
Married pair
A twinset or twin unit is a set of two railroad cars or locomotives which are permanently coupled and treated as if they were a single unit. A twinset of cars or coaches can also be called a twin car.-USA:...
s) dating from 1969 to 1994, delivered in four series: the 2200-series, 2400-series, 2600-series, and 3200-series, also known as the High Performance Family, because of innovative design and technological features from previous equipment in Chicago transit beginning with the former 2000-Series cars which operated between 1964
1964 in rail transport
-April events:* April 6 - Freight transportation on Alaska Railroad between Fairbanks and Anchorage resumes after repairs from an earthquake that occurred on March 27....
and 1993.
All cars are 12 ft (3.7 m) tall (from top of rail) and 48 in 3 in (14.71 m) long (over coupler pulling faces). They are 9 in 4 in (2.84 m) wide at the window sills but only 8 in 8 in (2.64 m) wide at the door sills. Currently, all rail cars operating on the Chicago 'L' are DC power
Direct current
Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by such sources as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, and commutator-type electric machines of the dynamo type. Direct current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through...
only; the next shipment of rail cars is expected to feature AC motors
Alternating current
In alternating current the movement of electric charge periodically reverses direction. In direct current , the flow of electric charge is only in one direction....
, but the traction power supply will continue to use DC.
Locomotives
| Operator | Manufacturer | Delivered | Retired | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Side Elevated Railroad South Side Elevated Railroad The South Side Elevated Railroad was the first elevated rapid transit line in Chicago, Illinois. The line ran from downtown Chicago to Jackson Park, with branches to Englewood, Normal Park, Kenwood, and the Union Stock Yards... |
Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... |
1892–93 | 1898 | 46 | Vauclain four-cylinder compound Vauclain compound The Vauclain compound was a type of compound steam locomotive that was briefly popular around 1900. Developed at the Baldwin Locomotive Works, it featured two pistons moving in parallel, driving a common crosshead and controlled by a common valve gear using a single, complex piston... locomotives. Retired when cars were converted to electric operation. |
| Lake Street Elevated Railroad Lake Street Elevated Railroad The Lake Street Elevated Railroad was the second permanent elevated rapid transit line to be constructed in Chicago, Illinois. The first section of the line opened on November 6, 1893, and its route is still used today as part of the Green Line route of the Chicago 'L' system.-Beginnings:The Lake... |
Rhode Island Locomotive Works Rhode Island Locomotive Works Rhode Island Locomotive Works was a steam locomotive manufacturing company of the 19th century located in Providence, Rhode Island. The factory produced more than 3,400 locomotives between 1867 and 1906, when the plants locomotive production was shut down... |
1893–95 | 1900 | 35 | Retired when cars were converted to electric operation. |
Wooden cars
| Operator | Manufacturer | Delivered | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Side Elevated Railroad | Jackson and Sharp Company Jackson and Sharp Company Jackson and Sharp Company was an American railroad car manufacturer and shipbuilder in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company was founded in 1863 by Job H. Jackson , a tinsmith and retail merchant, and Jacob F. Sharp Jackson and Sharp Company was an American railroad car manufacturer... ; Gilbert Car Company Gilbert Car Company Gilbert Car Company was a railroad car builder based in Troy, New York. It began manufacturing streetcars in the late 1880s.Founded by Orsamus Eaton and Uri Gilbert , the company changed names several times as the partnership changed:... ; Jewett Car Company Jewett Car Company The Jewett Car Company was an early 20th century American industrial company that manufactured street cars.The company was founded in 1893 in Jewett, Ohio, where its first factory was located. In 1904, the company relocated from Jewett to a site along South Williams Street in Newark, Ohio, but... |
1892–1905 | The earliest trains were originally pulled by steam locomotives (Baldwin Locomotive Works Baldwin Locomotive Works The Baldwin Locomotive Works was an American builder of railroad locomotives. It was located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, originally, and later in nearby Eddystone, Pennsylvania. Although the company was very successful as a producer of steam locomotives, its transition to the production of... Vauclain four-cylinder compound Vauclain compound The Vauclain compound was a type of compound steam locomotive that was briefly popular around 1900. Developed at the Baldwin Locomotive Works, it featured two pistons moving in parallel, driving a common crosshead and controlled by a common valve gear using a single, complex piston... locomotives); the South Side Rapid Transit was the first to use multiple unit Multiple unit The term multiple unit or MU is used to describe a self-propelled carriages capable of coupling with other units of the same or similar type and still being controlled from one driving cab. The term is commonly used to denote passenger trainsets consisting of more than one carriage... electric cars. |
| Lake Street Elevated Railroad | Gilbert Car Company, Pullman Car Company; St. Louis Car Company St. Louis Car Company The St. Louis Car Company was a major United States manufacturer of railroad passenger cars, streetcars, trolleybuses and locomotives that existed from 1887–1973, based in St. Louis, Missouri.-History:... and Co. Shop |
1893–1909 | The earliest trains were originally pulled by steam locomotives, cars subsequently converted to electric operation. |
| Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad The Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad was the third elevated rapid transit line to be built in Chicago, Illinois and was the first of Chicago’s elevated lines to be electrically powered... |
Pullman Car Company, Harland and Hollingsworth Company Harland and Hollingsworth Company Harlan and Hollingsworth Company was a railway rolling stock and shipbuilder in 19th century America.The company built ships for the United States Navy in the 19th century. Jacob F... ; American Car & Foundry, Barney and Smith Car Company; Jewett Car Company |
1894–1907 | |
| Northwestern Elevated Railroad Northwestern Elevated Railroad The Northwestern Elevated Railroad was the last of the privately constructed rapid transit lines to be built in Chicago, Illinois. The line ran from the Loop in downtown Chicago north to Wilson Avenue in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood a with branch to Ravenswood and Albany Park that left the main... |
Pullman Company; American Car & Foundry; St. Louis Car Company; Jewett Car Company | 1898–1908 |
Steel cars
| Type | Operator | Manufacturer | Delivered | Retired | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4000 series | Chicago Rapid Transit Company Chicago Rapid Transit Company The Chicago Rapid Transit Company was a privately owned firm providing rapid transit rail service in Chicago, Illinois and several adjacent communities between the years 1924 and 1947... ; later Chicago Transit Authority Chicago Transit Authority Chicago Transit Authority, also known as CTA, is the operator of mass transit within the City of Chicago, Illinois and some of its surrounding suburbs.... |
Cincinnati Car Company Cincinnati Car Company Cincinnati Car Company or Cincinnati Car Corporation was a subsidiary of Ohio Traction Company. It designed and constructed interurban cars, streetcars and buses. It was founded in 1902 in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1928 it bought the Versare Car Company.The company was among the first to make... |
1914–24 | 1973 | |
| 5000 series | Chicago Transit Authority Chicago Transit Authority Chicago Transit Authority, also known as CTA, is the operator of mass transit within the City of Chicago, Illinois and some of its surrounding suburbs.... |
Pullman Car Company (5001-02) and St. Louis Car Company (5003-04) | 1947 | 1985 | Built with PCC PCC streetcar The PCC streetcar design was first built in the United States in the 1930s. The design proved successful in its native country, and after World War II was licensed for use elsewhere in the world... equipment |
| 6000 series | Chicago Transit Authority | St. Louis Car Company | 1950–59 | 1992 | Built with PCC equipment |
| 1-50 \ 61-65 series Cars | Chicago Transit Authority | St. Louis Car Company | 1959–1960 | 1999 | Built with PCC equipment |
| 2000-series Cars | Chicago Transit Authority | Pullman-Standard | 1964 | 1994 | First of "High Performance" family |
4000-series
Cincinnati Car Company
Cincinnati Car Company or Cincinnati Car Corporation was a subsidiary of Ohio Traction Company. It designed and constructed interurban cars, streetcars and buses. It was founded in 1902 in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1928 it bought the Versare Car Company.The company was among the first to make...
, between 1914, and 1924. They were the first steel cars on the Chicago 'L' system. These cars were built in 2 distinct variants, with the earlier, metal-roofed cars being known as "Baldies" (due to their smooth iron roofs), and the later, wooden-roofed cars being known as "Plushies" (due to their more comfortable, green plush seats). The "Baldies" were equipped with 6 doors per car, however the center doors were never used regularly. The "Plushies" were equipped with only the end vestibule doors, but the cars internal structure was arranged to allow for the later addition of the center doors.
These cars were built as the result of several distinct purchases (dates are the date of the order, not the actual production date):
- December 29, 1913: 66 Trailer (non motorized) cars, numbered (4001-4066), and 62 motor cars, numbered (4067-4128),"Baldies", Longitudinal seating (Car 4005 later motorized and renumbered 4456)
- December 30, 1914: 122 Motor cars, numbered (4129-4250), "Baldies", Transverse seating.
- September 1, 1922: 100 Motor cars, numbered (4251-4350), "Plushies", Transverse seating.
- April 2, 1923: 5 Motor cars, numbered (4351-4355), "Plushies", Transverse seating.
- December 13, 1923: 100 Motor cars, numbered (4356-4455), "Plushies", Transverse seating.
The 445 cars of the 4000 series were the last Chicago 'L' cars purchased with air brakes.
When the State Street Subway opened in 1943, the older, wooden cars were not allowed to operate through it for safety reasons. The only cars available to operate in the subway were the 4000 series, which eventually led to production of the 5000 and 6000 series cars.
5000-series
The 5000-series cars (numbered 5001-5004) were manufactured by the Pullman Car Company and the St. Louis Car CompanySt. Louis Car Company
The St. Louis Car Company was a major United States manufacturer of railroad passenger cars, streetcars, trolleybuses and locomotives that existed from 1887–1973, based in St. Louis, Missouri.-History:...
. They arrived on CTA property in 1947
1947 in rail transport
-January events:* January 1 – The Companhia dos Caminhos de Ferro Portugueses is reconstituted and takes over concessions of most private railway companies in Portugal....
. Only these four cars were ever built. These cars were the first 'L' cars to feature the "blinker door" configuration, in which the doors to the train open inward into the car rather than slide horizontally. This door configuration was then used on the 6000-series, 1-50 series, 2000-series and the 2200-series.
The technology for these cars was based on the Presidents Conference Committee streetcar
PCC streetcar
The PCC streetcar design was first built in the United States in the 1930s. The design proved successful in its native country, and after World War II was licensed for use elsewhere in the world...
but also borrowed design elements from the North Shore Line's
Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad
The Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad, often called the North Shore Line, was an interurban railroad line that operated between Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, until its abandonment in 1963.- Early history :...
Electroliner
Electroliner
The Electroliners were a pair of electric passenger train sets operated by the Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad, which ran between Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. These streamlined electric multiple unit interurban trains were built by St. Louis Car Company in 1941. Each...
s. The 5000-series was distinct in that each car was a three-piece articulated
Articulated car
Articulated cars are rail vehicles which are consist of a number of smaller, lighter cars which are semi-permanently attached to each other and which share common trucks. They are much longer than single passenger cars, and on the TGV Réseau, for example, 8 cars are joined this way...
unit, the only cars on the 'L' system to ever feature articulation. They were also the first series of 'L' cars to be wider at the windowsills than at the doorsills to permit more interior space and still provide clearance for station platforms.
They were originally assigned to service on the Garfield Route (a precursor of today's Blue Line
Blue Line (Chicago Transit Authority)
The Blue Line consists of a long trunk line in the Chicago Transit Authority's rapid transit system which extends through Chicago's Loop from O'Hare International Airport at the far northwest end of the city, through downtown via the Milwaukee-Dearborn subway, and across the West Side to its...
) before eventually being refitted with pantographs and renumbered 51 thru 54 for service on the Skokie Swift
Yellow Line (Chicago Transit Authority)
The Yellow Line, formerly known as the Skokie Swift, is part of the Chicago Transit Authority's Chicago 'L' heavy rail rapid transit system in Chicago, Illinois...
where they finished out their careers. The 5000-series was retired in 1985.
6000-series
The 6000-series cars (numbered 6001-6722) were manufactured by the St. Louis Car CompanySt. Louis Car Company
The St. Louis Car Company was a major United States manufacturer of railroad passenger cars, streetcars, trolleybuses and locomotives that existed from 1887–1973, based in St. Louis, Missouri.-History:...
and first delivered to the CTA in 1950
1950 in rail transport
-January events:* January 26 - To provide an all-India rail route to Assam following the Partition of India, the Northeast Frontier Railway opens to passengers a new line between Kishanganj and Fakiragram on which construction commenced only on January 26, 1948; also, Chittaranjan Locomotive...
. 130 were ordered originally with the series eventually totaling 720.
The 6000-series built upon the design of the 5000-series, using PCC technology and blinker doors. Unlike the 5000-series, the 6000-series units consisted of two cars coupled together in married-pairs, the first series of 'L' cars to be so designed.
A large percentage of these cars were built using trucks, motors, control equipment, seats, windows, and other components salvaged from Chicago's recently retired fleet of PCC streetcar
PCC streetcar
The PCC streetcar design was first built in the United States in the 1930s. The design proved successful in its native country, and after World War II was licensed for use elsewhere in the world...
s.
The 6000-series saw service on all of the CTA's routes except the Skokie Swift
Yellow Line (Chicago Transit Authority)
The Yellow Line, formerly known as the Skokie Swift, is part of the Chicago Transit Authority's Chicago 'L' heavy rail rapid transit system in Chicago, Illinois...
. Use on Lake/Dan Ryan was however limited to emergencies and during car shortages in late 1969 and during the winter of 1979-80. The last of the 6000-series cars were retired in 1992.
1-50-series
St. Louis Car Company
The St. Louis Car Company was a major United States manufacturer of railroad passenger cars, streetcars, trolleybuses and locomotives that existed from 1887–1973, based in St. Louis, Missouri.-History:...
and delivered to the CTA in 1959 and 1960.
The cars were similar to the 6000 series design, but were double ended, single cars, as opposed to the 6000 series single ended, married pair configuration. The quarter point doors were adjacent to the operators cabs, allowing the operator to collect fares without leaving the cab. Like some members of the 6000 series, these cars utilized parts salvaged from Chicago's recently retired fleet of PCC streetcar
PCC streetcar
The PCC streetcar design was first built in the United States in the 1930s. The design proved successful in its native country, and after World War II was licensed for use elsewhere in the world...
s.
Cars 1-4 were equipped for high performance test service, with higher horsepower motors, and were delivered in a distinctive maroon and silver gray paint scheme.
Originally assigned to the West-Northwest service, in later years these cars were found mainly on the Ravenswood, Skokie, and Evanston lines.
10 of these cars were converted in 5 married-pair sets, and renumbered 61a-b to 65a-b, and were utilized in Skokie service.
The last cars of the 1-50 series were retired in 1999. Seven cars of this series have been preserved by various railway museums.
2000-series
1964 in rail transport
-April events:* April 6 - Freight transportation on Alaska Railroad between Fairbanks and Anchorage resumes after repairs from an earthquake that occurred on March 27....
. Like the 6000 series before them, the 2000 series were built as married-pair sets. The cars had a number of modern features, including air conditioning, fluorescent lighting, large picture windows, and sculptured fiberglass front ends for the car bodies. The car bodies were mainly aluminum. These cars were the start of the High Performance Family.
The 2000 series more modern control systems initially prevented them from being used in a train with other types, until the delivery of the 2200 series and later cars.
The 2000 series had a fairly short service life of only 29 years, with all examples being retired by the beginning of 1994. Two cars are preserved at the Illinois Railway Museum
Illinois Railway Museum
The Illinois Railway Museum is the largest railroad museum in the United States and is located in Union, Illinois, northwest of Chicago...
and two more remain on CTA property stored at Skokie Shops. The rest were scrapped.
Current
| Type | Manufacturer | Delivered | Rehabilitated | Number produced | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2200-series 2200 series (Chicago 'L') The 2200 series is a series of Chicago 'L' car built between 1969 and 1970 by the Budd Company of Philadelphia. 150 cars were built, 136 of them remain in service as of 2011.... |
Budd Company Budd Company The Budd Company is a metal fabricator and major supplier of body components to the automobile industry, and was formerly a manufacturer of stainless steel passenger rail cars during the 20th century.... |
1969–1970 | 1990–1992 | 150 | Must be trained with cars of another type to meet ADA Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a law that was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1990. It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, and later amended with changes effective January 1, 2009.... requirements |
| 2400-series 2400 series (Chicago 'L') The 2400 series is a series of Chicago 'L' car built between 1976 and 1978 by Boeing-Vertol. 200 cars were built, though as of 2011, only 191 of them remain in service.... |
Boeing-Vertol | 1976–1978 | 1987–1995 | 200 | Cars 2401–2422 are capable of being utilized as work trains |
| 2600-series 2600 series (Chicago 'L') The 2600 series is a series of Chicago 'L' car built between 1981 and 1987 by the Budd Company of Philadelphia. 600 cars were built, 594 of them remain in service as of 2011.... |
Budd Company Budd Company The Budd Company is a metal fabricator and major supplier of body components to the automobile industry, and was formerly a manufacturer of stainless steel passenger rail cars during the 20th century.... |
1981–1987 | 1999–2002 | 600 | |
| 3200-series 3200 series (Chicago 'L') The 3200 series is a series of Chicago 'L' car built between 1992 and 1994 by Morrison-Knudsen. As of 2011, all of the 257 cars that were built remain in service... |
Morrison-Knudsen | 1992–1994 | 256 | ||
| 5000-series 5000 series (Chicago 'L') The 5000 series is a series of Chicago 'L' car built by Bombardier Transportation. An $577 million order for 406 cars was placed in 2006. In July 2011, the CTA ordered 300 more cars for $331 million as an option on the first contract.... |
Bombardier Transportation Bombardier Transportation Bombardier Transportation is the rail equipment division of the Canadian firm, Bombardier Inc. Bombardier Transportation is one of the world's largest companies in the rail-equipment manufacturing and servicing industry. Its headquarters are in Berlin, Germany.... |
2009–2014 | 706 |
2200-series
The 2200-series cars (numbered 2201-2352) were manufactured by the Budd CompanyBudd Company
The Budd Company is a metal fabricator and major supplier of body components to the automobile industry, and was formerly a manufacturer of stainless steel passenger rail cars during the 20th century....
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
and first delivered to the CTA in 1969
1969 in rail transport
-January events:* January – The PATCO Hi-Speedline, in southeastern Pennsylvania, opens.* January 5 – Last trains over the Waverley Route from Edinburgh in Scotland to Carlisle in England.- February events :...
when the Dan Ryan branch (now known as the south end of the Red Line
Red Line (Chicago Transit Authority)
The northern terminus of the Red Line is Howard Street in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago , on the City Limits farthest north. The Red Line extends southeasterly on an elevated embankment structure about a half-mile west of the lakefront to Touhy Avenue then turns south along Glenwood...
) was opened. 150 cars were ordered, and all delivered between 1969 and 1970. These cars, the oldest still in revenue service on the 'L', are the only CTA cars still to feature the "blinker door" configuration, in which the doors to the train open inward into the car rather than slide horizontally. These doors, which have a much narrower opening than the newer sliding doors, are unable to accommodate a wheelchair
Wheelchair
A wheelchair is a chair with wheels, designed to be a replacement for walking. The device comes in variations where it is propelled by motors or by the seated occupant turning the rear wheels by hand. Often there are handles behind the seat for someone else to do the pushing...
. Because of this, all 2200-series trains in the system must be coupled with another married pair of a different series car, usually the 2600-series, in order to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a law that was enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1990. It was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H. W. Bush, and later amended with changes effective January 1, 2009....
. In addition, during times when consists of more than four cars are operated, the 2200-series cars are relegated to "belly car" service (which means that they are not at either end of the consist).
The 2200-series also features fluted, unpainted stainless steel
Stainless steel
In metallurgy, stainless steel, also known as inox steel or inox from French "inoxydable", is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5 or 11% chromium content by mass....
sides, a unique feature in the rolling stock until the addition of the 3200-series.
Cars 2307 and 2316 were renumbered 2351 and 2352; 2351 was originally numbered 2307 and re-paired after its mate 2308 was damaged in an accident at Addison/Kennedy in 1976; 2352 was renumbered from 2316 and paired with 2351 after 2315 was damaged in fire in Skokie Shops yard in 1977.
They were rehabbed by the New York Rail Car Corporation of Brooklyn
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is the most populous of New York City's five boroughs, with nearly 2.6 million residents, and the second-largest in area. Since 1896, Brooklyn has had the same boundaries as Kings County, which is now the most populous county in New York State and the second-most densely populated...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, between 1990 and 1992.
The 2200-series currently operates only on the Blue Line
Blue Line (Chicago Transit Authority)
The Blue Line consists of a long trunk line in the Chicago Transit Authority's rapid transit system which extends through Chicago's Loop from O'Hare International Airport at the far northwest end of the city, through downtown via the Milwaukee-Dearborn subway, and across the West Side to its...
. The CTA plans to replace all of these cars with the new 5000-series cars starting in 2010. However, as of June 2011, all 136 of the surviving cars remain in regular service.
2400-series
Boeing Helicopters
Boeing Rotorcraft Systems is a US aircraft manufacturer, now part of Boeing Defense, Space & Security...
of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Philadelphia County, with which it is coterminous. The city is located in the Northeastern United States along the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers. It is the fifth-most-populous city in the United States,...
and first delivered to the CTA in 1976
1976 in rail transport
- March events :* March 27 - The first section, 4.6 miles , of the Washington Metro, the elevated, ground, and subway system in Washington, D.C., opens....
100 were ordered originally, with an option for an additional 100 (which was exercised, and the additional cars delivered through 1978). Currently, the cars are reaching the end of their expected service lifetimes and are to be replaced with the new 5000-series cars starting in 2010. However, as of June 2011, most of the 191 surviving cars remain in regular service.
The first cars for the 'L' in many decades to feature sliding rather than "blinker" doors, the 2400-series also features smooth steel exteriors, ideal for decals and, in many cases, advertisements. As delivered, the cars featured a red, white, and blue color scheme on the front and rear of the cars, as well as stripes along the sides. These were modified several times over the years and the color has been removed from most cars at present, leaving them unpainted to match the bare stainless steel scheme of the rest of the fleet. Some cars feature advertising and cars 2401–2422 are "work" cars which are identified by red and white striping along their sides as well as on the front and rear of the cars. (Cars 2423-2424 were converted to "work" cars some time after 2401-2422 had been converted.)
They were rehabbed by Skokie Shops between 1987 and 1995.
In the 1990s, the 2400-series cars were used on the Red Line in mixed consists with unrefurbished 2600-series cars. While the 2600-series cars were being rehabbed, the 2400-series cars were used temporarily on the Red Line. Today, however, this series comprises the entire rolling stock for the Green Line
Green Line (Chicago Transit Authority)
The Green Line is part of the CTA rapid transit system known as the Chicago 'L'. It is the only completely elevated route in the 'L' system. It utilizes the system's oldest segments , extending with 29 stops between Forest Park and Oak Park , through Chicago's Loop, to the South Side and Englewood...
and a sizeable portion of the Purple Line
Purple Line (Chicago Transit Authority)
The Purple Line of the Chicago Transit Authority is a branch line on the northernmost section of the Chicago 'L' rapid transit network. Normally, it extends south from the Wilmette terminal at Linden Avenue, passing through Evanston to Howard Street, on Chicago's northern city limits...
.
2600-series
Budd Company
The Budd Company is a metal fabricator and major supplier of body components to the automobile industry, and was formerly a manufacturer of stainless steel passenger rail cars during the 20th century....
, the same company that made the 2200-series, and first delivered to the CTA in 1981
1981 in rail transport
-February events:* February - Amtrak debuts the Desert Wind passenger train between Los Angeles, California, and Ogden, Utah.* February 21 - MBTA discontinues passenger train service to Rhode Island.-May events:...
in time for the upcoming O'Hare
O'Hare (CTA)
O'Hare is the 'L' station at the northwestern terminus of the CTA's Blue Line. It is a subway station with two island platforms serving three tracks, located at O'Hare International Airport, 17 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop. Trains are scheduled to depart from O'Hare roughly every 2-7...
Airport extension of the Kennedy Line (now known as the northwestern end of the Blue Line). Originally, an order was made for 300 cars, but eventually this was doubled to 600, all of which were delivered between 1981 and 1987. They were the final cars ever constructed by Budd, later renamed to TransitAmerica. With 594 active cars, the series is by far the most abundant in the 'L' rolling stock. They were rehabbed by Alstom
Alstom
Alstom is a large multinational conglomerate which holds interests in the power generation and transport markets. According to the company website, in the years 2010-2011 Alstom had annual sales of over €20.9 billion, and employed more than 85,000 people in 70 countries. Alstom's headquarters are...
of Hornell, New York
Hornell, New York
Hornell is a city in Steuben County, New York, United States. The population was 9,019 at the 2000 census. The city is named after the Hornell family, early settlers. Its current population has not yet been released by the new census....
, between 1999 and 2002. They have few features to differentiate them from the earlier 2400-series, but nevertheless remain a mainstay of the 'L'.
These cars make up the entire Red and Yellow Line fleets and are also found on the Blue, Purple, and Pink Lines.
3200-series
Hornell, New York
Hornell is a city in Steuben County, New York, United States. The population was 9,019 at the 2000 census. The city is named after the Hornell family, early settlers. Its current population has not yet been released by the new census....
, and first delivered to the CTA in 1992
1992 in rail transport
-March Events:*March 3 - The Podsosenka train disaster near Nelidovo, Tver Oblast in Russia kills 43.-April events:* April 3 - The Goderich Exeter Railway begins operations in Ontario, Canada....
. The original order for 256 was motivated primarily by the impending opening of the Orange Line
Orange Line (Chicago Transit Authority)
The Orange Line, is a rapid transit line in Chicago, Illinois run by the Chicago Transit Authority as part of the 'L' system. It is approximately long, and runs below grade and elevated on existing railroad embankments and new concrete and steel structures from Chicago Midway International...
, which would need new cars when it opened in October 1993. The order was completed in 1994.
The 3200-series contains many innovations over the previous 2600-series. Computer
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
s control much of the cab functions and simplify operation for the motorman. Diagnostics are also easier to perform on this series than on previous series. In addition, fluted steel siding is included on these cars for the first time since the 2200-series, in order to reduce graffiti. The series also introduced openable hopper windows for use in case of air conditioner failure.
Cars 3441-3456 were originally equipped with pantographs
Pantograph (rail)
A pantograph for rail lines is a hinged electric-rod device that collects electric current from overhead lines for electric trains or trams. The pantograph typically connects to a one-wire line, with the track acting as the ground wire...
for use on the Yellow Line, which was powered by overhead lines
Overhead lines
Overhead lines or overhead wires are used to transmit electrical energy to trams, trolleybuses or trains at a distance from the energy supply point...
until 2004. The pantographs on 3451-3456 were removed in the late 1990s when they were reassigned to supplement the Brown Line
Brown Line (Chicago Transit Authority)
The Brown Line starts out in northwest Chicago, at the Kimball and Lawrence Avenue terminal in Albany Park, where there is a storage yard and servicing shop for the trains to the east of the passenger station...
, while the rest lost their pantographs when the Yellow Line was converted to third rail
Third rail
A third rail is a method of providing electric power to a railway train, through a semi-continuous rigid conductor placed alongside or between the rails of a railway track. It is used typically in a mass transit or rapid transit system, which has alignments in its own corridors, fully or almost...
power in 2004.
Car 3457 was an additional car built specifically for the purpose of serving as a mate to the 2600-series car 3032, whose mate had been damaged. 3032 was subsequently renumbered 3458.
The 3200-series cars are currently assigned to the Orange and Brown Lines, composing their entire fleets. At various points during their service life a small number were also assigned to the Yellow and Purple Lines.
5000-series
The next series of rail cars, expected to replace the aging 2200-series and 2400-series cars, is the 5000-series. The series was built by BombardierBombardier Transportation
Bombardier Transportation is the rail equipment division of the Canadian firm, Bombardier Inc. Bombardier Transportation is one of the world's largest companies in the rail-equipment manufacturing and servicing industry. Its headquarters are in Berlin, Germany....
. The CTA received ten prototype cars in 2009, which underwent testing, and began operating in 2011. The order is for 406 cars, with options for up to 300 more. The Chicago Transit Authority planned to put the first ten cars into in-service testing in mid-April 2010. The first in-service test run was made on April 19.
Originally assumed to be the 3500-series, the procurement of these cars experienced several delays, including a cancellation of the original bid announcement in 2002.
- Type: 5000-series Cars
- Builder: Bombardier Transit Corporation
- Delivery: 2009–2014
New features
- AC motorAC motorAn AC motor is an electric motor driven by an alternating current.It commonly consists of two basic parts, an outside stationary stator having coils supplied with alternating current to produce a rotating magnetic field, and an inside rotor attached to the output shaft that is given a torque by the...
s - New LEDLight-emitting diodeA light-emitting diode is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for other lighting...
signs - Predominance of longitudinal seating
- The seat fabric will be upgraded to an anti-stain/anti-microbial fabric newly available in the industry.
- Train operators will be able to view live video from any railcar when the passenger intercom unit is activated. This will ensure operators are better able to immediately provide information to first responders.
- Adding cellular modems to railcars will allow the CTA's Control Center to communicate directly with customers in real-time via audio and text messages using speakers and six visual displays in each car.
- In the future, suitably equipped emergency vehicles could also access rail car video through the wireless connection.
- New door action.
The 5000-series cars are currently assigned to the Pink Line.
See also
- Chicago 'L'Chicago 'L'The L is the rapid transit system serving the city of Chicago and some of its surrounding suburbs. It is operated by the Chicago Transit Authority...
- Chicago Transit AuthorityChicago Transit AuthorityChicago Transit Authority, also known as CTA, is the operator of mass transit within the City of Chicago, Illinois and some of its surrounding suburbs....