New CTA train cars to make their way to Red Line
By Elliott Ramos
New CTA train cars to make their way to Red Line
By Elliott RamosThe Chicago Transit Authority announced that their new 5000-series rail cars will be rolling on the Red Line tracks this week.
“We are pleased the new rail cars will be added to the CTA’s busiest rail line, offering customers a more comfortable ride and modern amenities,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool in a statement. “The cars are a big part of our efforts to modernize the CTA and bring the system into the 21st century.”
The move comes after the CTA successfully implemented the cars on the Pink Line and Green Lines.
The CTA said two eight-car trains will be added on Monday to the existing fleet on the Red Line and additional trains will continue to be added.
The new cars will replace the 2400-series and 2600-series cars in service on the Red Line, which are 35 years old and will eventually replace the entire fleet on the Red Line, according to a CTA statement.
The newer cars have a new breaking and acceleration system the CTA says will give riders a smoother experience. The rail calls also feature aisle-facing seating, a feature that many Chicagoans have complained about, but the CTA says will add needed space for standing customers and those with backpacks, luggage, strollers and bikes.
The new cars also have additional seating for wheelchair passengers.
The scrolling “destination” signs that many riders are familiar with are gone, being replaced by LED displays. The newer cars also have LED signs with station information, time and dates that bus riders have seen.
The CTA said it will eventually receive 706 of the new cars, costing $1.137 billion.