Current Chicago "L" rolling stock

1 current

1.1 2600-series
1.2 3200-series
1.3 5000-series

1.3.1 new features

current

2600-series


the 2600 series had red, white, , blue on sides , spirit of chicago logo prior rehab.



after rehab, 2600 series had colors , spirit of chicago logo removed better match rest of fleet.

the 2600-series cars (numbered 2601–3200) manufactured budd company of philadelphia, pennsylvania, same company made 2200-series, , first delivered cta in 1981, in time upcoming o hare airport extension of kennedy line (now known northwestern end of blue line). originally, order made 300 cars, order later increased 600 cars, of delivered 1981 until 1987. last railcars built budd company, later renamed transit america. cars rebuilt alstom of hornell, new york, 1999 until 2002. have few features differentiate them earlier 2400-series cars, nevertheless remain mainstay of l .

these cars make entire blue line fleet, part of orange line fleet, , car 3458 (originally car 3032) can found on brown line. in june 2014, more 5000-series cars being delivered, cta began transfer red line s 2600-series cars blue line due them being newer existing 2600-series blue line cars, transferring blue line s older 2600-series cars orange line interim replacement 2400-series cars until red , purple lines equipped 5000-series cars.

budd/transit america had completed car 3200 on april 3, 1987. car 3200 not final railcar of 2600-series order, final railcar constructed budd/transit america. once order completed, budd shut down railcar business.

the 2600-series cars replaced future 7000-series cars in 2020s.

3200-series


3200-series cars.

the 3200-series cars (numbered 3201–3457) manufactured morrison-knudsen of hornell, new york , first delivered cta in 1992. original order 256 cars used opening of orange line, needed new cars when opened in october 1993. order completed in 1994.

the 3200-series contains many innovations on previous 2600-series. computers control of cab functions , simplify operation motorman. diagnostics easier perform on series on previous series. in addition, fluted steel siding included on these cars first time since 2200-series, in order reduce graffiti. series introduced hopper windows use in case of air conditioner failure.

cars #3441-3456 equipped pantographs use on yellow line, due use of overhead catenary between skokie shops , dempster street. pantographs on 3451-3456 removed in late 1990s when reassigned supplement brown line, while rest lost pantographs when yellow line converted third rail power in 2004.

car 3457 additional car built purpose of serving mate 2600-series car 3032, after mate 3031 had been damaged derailment @ wilson station on march 15, 1988. 3032 renumbered 3458.

the 3200-series cars assigned orange , brown lines, composing entire fleet of brown line , majority of orange line fleet. @ various points during service life small number assigned yellow , purple lines.

a mid-life overhaul underway on 3200-series cars. plans include replacing cars rollsigns led destination signs similar on 5000-series, replacing air conditioning systems , rebuilding propulsion system, passenger door motors, , wheel , axle assemblies.

the 3200-series cars replaced future 7000-series cars in 2020s if options picked up, if options not picked up, 3200-series cars remain in service until 2030s.

5000-series


5000-series cars @ quincy

the newest series of railcars, replaced 2200-series , 2400-series cars, 5000-series (numbered 5001–5714). cars built bombardier of plattsburgh, new york. cta received ten prototype cars in 2009, underwent testing, , began operating in 2011. order 406 cars, options 308 cars. chicago transit authority planned put first ten cars in-service testing in mid-april 2010. first in-service test run made on april 19.

originally assumed 3500-series, order of these cars experienced several delays, including cancellation of original bid announcement in 2002.

type: 5000-series cars
builder: bombardier transportation
delivery: 2009–2015

new features

ac motors
new led signs (amber in production cars, newer cars have multicolor lights line identification)
predominance of longitudinal seating
the seat fabric upgraded anti-stain/anti-microbial fabric newly available in industry.
train operators able view live video railcar when passenger intercom unit activated. ensure operators better able provide information first responders.
adding cellular modems railcars allow cta s control center communicate directly customers in real-time via audio , text messages using speakers , 6 visual displays in each car.
in future, suitably equipped emergency vehicles access rail car video through wireless connection.
new pulsing white lights , beeping sounds built each door assembly, activate when doors closing.

the 5000-series cars make entire pink, green, yellow, purple, , red line fleets.