Chicago 'L' - Rolling Stock

Rolling Stock

The CTA operates five series of 'L' cars totaling 1,190 train cars which are permanently coupled into 595 married pairs. During peak operation periods, 986 of these cars are used. All cars on the system utilize 600 volt direct current power delivered through a third rail. The new 5000-series cars are equipped with alternating current propulsion systems and have inverters on board to convert the DC power to AC power. The older cars use DC motors.

The cars of the 2200 series, built in 1969 and 1970 by the Budd Company, are the oldest cars in operation on the 'L' system. The design of these cars was intended to reflect the architecture of the stations on the new Kennedy and Dan Ryan lines. The cars of this series are the last to feature blinker (folding) doors and are not universally accessible. This is the last series of cars to use a seating arrangement which is entirely transverse; all following car series have used a combination of transverse and longitudinal seating. The 2200-series cars are scheduled for retirement in 2013.

The 2400 series was built between 1976 and 1978 by Boeing-Vertol. Cars 2401-2424 were modified to serve as work trains, but are also used for passenger service.

The 2600 series was built between 1981 and 1987 by the Budd Company. At the completion of the order of the 2600-series cars, Budd changed its name to TransitAmerica and ceased production of railcars. With 589 cars in operation, the 2600-series is the largest of the five series of 'L' cars in operation.

The 3200 series, was built between 1992 and 1994 by Morrison-Knudsen. These cars have fluted, stainless steel sides similar to the 2200-series.

The newest series of train cars, the 5000 series, feature AC propulsion, security cameras, and aisle-facing seating.