ChicagoBus.org Latest Forum Topics

5000-series - Deliveries

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 20:39:19 +0000

(Moved to new post)

On my commute to howard today on the yellow line, i saw two new cars being delivered at the skokie shops. Is it possible the first cars of the 5000 series have finally arrived? I may have mistaken them for 3200's, but they were missing the furthest windows on the non cab side, between the door and motorman window.

That would be the distinctive characteristic, as one of the windows was supposedly replaced by an air duct for the brakes.

Dreyday -
Good eye. The first two prototype cars of the new 5000s were indeed delivered today. They will be tested extensively at Skokie, but probably won't go out onto the actual system until after the next pair arrives and is tested, and they can be sent out as a four-car consist.

7900-series Nova LFS - Deliveries & Assignments

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 20:09:17 +0000

Nova Smart Bus 7901 at South Shops on 2/3/ 2014

What's up with the Stimulus Artics?

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 20:03:37 +0000

I've been noticing these stimulus artics have been belching black smoke out of their exhausts lately. Saw #4178 do this on the #6, #4161 was sounding terrible one day and doing it too. I also saw another #4165? It's weird, they shouldn't be doing this, they are hybrids and are not even supposed to be producing exhaust below 25 MPH. If i was in charge of rehabs, I would say they need to do these buses first or we may have to resort to gas masks?

Rail Service Alerts

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 19:56:38 +0000

I'm going to post Minor Delays, Signifigant Delays andService Disruptions Rail Alerts in this topic when I notice them, since they do count as breakdowns in some sense. You can as well if you wish.

Here's how alerts will be posted:

Sudden Alerts: Alerts that impact rail lines due to mechanical issues, medical issues, weather-related, etc... will be posted immediately once I notice them occuring(if I happen to not notice them for whatever reason, they won't be posted. However, chicagobus.org members are free to post alerts they notice).

Construction Alerts: Alerts that impact rail lines due to construction. These could vary from station bypasses, single tracking, etc... these alerts will only be posted for ones that occur during high travel periods on the "L", which is typically between 6a-9:59p. Overnight alerts will not be posted as these are low travel periods on most lines.

This isn't just my thread.... this is all of ours. You can post the alerts here too. You can post them using the layout I use or one of your own. I do the layout you see to ID the rail line, and the severity of rail service interruption with Red being most Severe, Orange being Significant and Green being Minor

So here's the 1st one...

12/18/10 1:10p:

Orange Line Riders: Signifigant Delays at Halsted(single track) due to equipment problems in the area. Board on "Loop" bound side of platform.

1000-series D40LF - Rehabs

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 04:35:23 +0000

The first of the #1000 series rehabs are on the street now. Just spotted #1165 in the loop on the #157. It has the led interior lights like the stimulus artics and the updated clever devices signs. The bus has been repainted but I can't tell if the headlights have been updated. I'll get some pictures if I can. The bus seems to have disappeared off the tracker. New Flyer rehabbed buses so far, dates spotted in service in parenthesis: (last updated 9/30/15 @ 11:46 PM)

North Park
#1258 (3/17/14), #1259 (late 1/14), #1260 (12/13) mechanically rehabbed full rehab (11/6/14), #1261 (7/29/14), #1262 (4/24/14) mechanically rehabbed, #1277 (9/18/14) mechanically rehabbed, #1278 (12/31/13), #1279 (12/31/13) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/29/15), #1313 (6/4/14), #1314 (12/31/13), #1315 (4/8/14), #1316 (6/5/14), #1317 (6/21/14), #1318 (4/20/14), #1319 (6/28/14) mechanically rehabbed changed to full rehab (1/5/14), #1321 (6/20/14), #1322 (6/21/14), #1323 (3/31/14), #1324 (3/19/14), #1325 (3/9/14), mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/21/15), #1326 (4/23/14), #1327 (6/18/14), #1328 (3/18/14), #1331 (2/11/14), #1332 (6/15/14), #1333 (8/13/14), #1334 (1/19/15), #1336 (1/4/15), #1338 (6/18/15), #1339 (1/27/15), #1348 (6/12/14), #1349 (5/30/14), #1375 (8/19/14), #1381 (1/16/15), #1382 (8/30/14), #1383 (7/30/14), #1384 (12/9/14), #1385 (6/18/14), #1386 (1/21/15), #1387 (4/24/14), #1388 (4/16/14) red kneeling decals and rear no turn plate missing, #1389 (12/17/14), #1390 (1/7/15), #1391 (5/12/14), #1392 (9/27/14), #1393 (3/30/15), #1394 (7/10/14), #1395 (6/11/15), #1396 (8/7/14), #1397 (10/2/14), #1398 (10/2/14), #1399 (10/4/14), #1400 (7/29/14), #1401 (2/17/15), #1402 (10/8/14), #1403 (1/7/15), #1404 (9/27/14), #1405 (7/26/14), #1406 (7/29/14), #1407 (4/13/15), #1408 (6/22/15), #1409 (2/17/15), #1410 (11/10/14), #1411 (8/23/14), #1412 (3/15/14), #1413 (10/3/14), #1426 (6/18/14), #1427 (7/8/14), #1428 (8/11/14), #1429 (7/12/14), #1706 (2/17/15), #1708 (4/7/15), #1709 (2/17/15), #1710 (4/27/15), #1711 (4/7/15), #1718 (4/8/15), #1719 (4/13/15), #1720 (4/5/15), #1723 (1/10/15), #1724 (4/10/15), #1730 (12/9/14), #1742 (1/7/15), #1744 (5/4/15), #1745 (1/27/15), #1749 (3/5/15), #1762 (9/2/14), #1763 (4/27/15), #1764 (2/20/15), #1765 (4/12/15), #1766 (3/7/15), #1767 (6/8/15), #1768 (3/24/15), #1769 (7/1/15), #1770 (4/11/15), #1771 (6/8/15), #1772 (2/24/15), #1773 (11/28/14), #1774 (10/10/14), #1775 (11/19/14), #1776 (9/12/14), #1777 (6/22/15), #1778 (12/21/14), #1779 (4/6/15), #1780 (5/8/14), #1781 (6/22/15), #1782 (1/21/15), #1783 (6/8/15), #1784 (9/24/14), #1785 (6/10/15), #1787 (6/30/15), #1792 (4/27/15), #1793 (6/22/15), #1795 (6/15/15), #1797 (1/11/15), #1855 (11/18/14), #1856 (8/31/14), #1857 (5/18/15), #1860 (3/24/15), #1863 (12/31/14), #1865 (5/7/15), #1867 (3/20/15), #1871 (12/18/14), #1873 (7/4/15), #1875 (4/11/14), #1877 (10/10/14), #1879 (4/11/15), #1881 (12/16/14), #1883 (6/17/15) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/26/15), #1885 (5/7/15), #1887 (11/5/14), #1889 (6/8/15), #1891 (12/9/14), #1893 (6/3/15), #1895 (12/28/14), #1897 (9/29/14), #1899 (5/10/15), #1902 (4/20/15), #1903 (9/9/14), #1905 (6/18/14), #1907 (8/13/14), #1909 (8/11/14), #1911 (4/5/15), #1913 (8/6/14), #1915 (5/7/15), #1917 (3/30/15), #1919 (11/5/14), #1920 (3/19/15), #1921 (9/26/14), #1922 (8/17/14), #1923 (8/6/14), #1924 (9/29/14), #1925 (7/29/14), #1947 (2/9/15), #1961 originally had updated interior LEDs lights only; early 1/14) full rehab (1/21/15), #1965 (2/13/15), #1997 (6/16/14), #1998 (9/11/14)
(155 full rehabs, 2 rehabs left, including 2 mechanically rehabbed)

Chicago
#1000 (4/17/15), #1002 (12/21/14), #1003 (3/5/15), #1004 (2/25/15), #1005 (prototype rehab happening on or before 2/13, including digital headlights and a rehabbed engine only), #1007 (12/21/14), #1012 (4/24/15), #1013 (6/6/15), #1014 (2/17/15), #1017 (2/25/15), #1024 (6/15/15), #1030 (10/13/14), #1031 (6/2/14) mechanically rehabbed, (2/3/15) full rehab, #1049 (4/22/15), #1051 (2/28/14), #1052 (4/27/15), #1053 (9/17/14), #1054 (3/12/14), #1055 (8/13/14), #1056 (2/24/14), #1057 (10/1/14), #1061 (3/11/14), #1063 (11/16/14), #1064 (12/21/14), #1065 (6/26/15) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/9/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1066 (6/2/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/24/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1067 (4/28/14), #1068 (12/20/13), #1069 (1/11/14), #1070 (11/15/14), #1071 (2/25/15), #1072 (1/12/15), #1073 (3/3/14), #1074 (2/9/15), #1075 (1/21/15), #1084 (12/4/14), #1121 (3/30/15), #1148 (3/3/15), #1149 (3/24/15), #1150 (2/17/15), #1162 (3/5/15), #1194 (2/3/15), #1195 (1/16/15), #1198 (6/21/14) mechanically rehabbed, full rehab (4/27/15), #1199 (1/27/15), #1215 (2/10/15), #1231 (1/16/15), #1237 (5/4/15), #1245 (1/4/15), #1248 (3/19/15), #1249 (12/2/14), #1264 (2/17/15), #1310 (6/12/14), #1311 (6/20/14), #1312 (12/9/13), #1329 (6/18/14), #1341 (6/4/15), #1344 (3/5/15), #1363 (5/4/15), #1377 (2/18/15), #1414 (1/27/15), #1415 (8/25/14), #1416 (9/27/14), #1417 (7/10/14), #1418 (7/10/14), #1419 (9/8/14), #1420 (7/4/14), #1421 (6/14/14), #1422 (6/22/14), #1423 (1/7/15), #1424 (6/18/14), #1425 (6/12/14), #1452 (1/11/13), #1454 (3/19/14), #1468 (11/15/14), #1469 (12/20/13), #1470 (3/15/14), #1471 (2/22/14), #1761 (6/4/15), #1810 (4/26/15), #1812 (5/22/15), #1816 (6/4/15), #1820 (5/4/15), #1823 (5/9/15), #1828 (5/18/15), #1842 (4/27/15), #1932 (5/4/15), #1933 (2/25/15) mechanically rehabbed, full rehab (8/14/15), #1934 (4/5/15), #1937 (3/30/15), #1940 (6/22/15) released from the shop (9/8/15) last bus to be rehabbed mechanically, #1942 (1/28/15), #1943 (3/30/15), #1948 (7/22/14), #1950 (12/4/14), #1951 (3/5/15), #1953 (3/30/15), #1955 (12/15/13 just has the upgraded LED interior lights) (12/26/14) became a full rehab, #1956 (5/17/15), #1957 (1/20/15), #1958 (6/22/15), #1959 (1/18/15), #1960 (3/5/15), #1962 (4/12/15), #1963 (1/21/15), #1964 (3/22/15), #1966 (5/16/15), #1967 (6/18/15), #1969 (12/26/14), #1970 (3/20/15), #1971 (1/28/15), #1972 (6/18/15), #1973 (1/30/15), #1974 (1/16/15), #1975 (3/12/15), #1976 (2/17/15), #1977 (2/17/15), #1978 (2/17/15), #1979 (2/17/15), #1980 (12/4/14), #1981 (9/2/14), #1983 (4/11/15), #1984 (11/28/14), #1985 (6/1/15), #1987 (6/3/15), #1989 (4/29/15), #1990 (6/10/14) mechanically rehabbed, full rehab (11/15/14), #1991 (6/11/15), #1992 (10/1/14), #1994 (7/29/14), #1995 (8/6/14), #1996 (5/14/15), #1999 (8/23/14), #2000 (7/24/14), #2001 (7/28/14), #2002 (11/7/14), #2003 (1/23/15), #2004 (7/2/15) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/16/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #2005 (5/4/15), #2006 (6/8/15), #2007 (6/14/14) exterior rehab only, full rehab (7/2/15), #2008 (7/27/15), #2009 (1/16/15), #2010 (8/20/14), #2011 (3/12/15), #2012 (1/4/15), #2013 (6/8/15), #2014 (8/19/14), #2015 (4/14/15), #2016 (9/22/14), #2017 (12/21/14), #2018 (1/16/15), #2019 (11/14/14), #2020 (12/4/14), #2021 (7/1/15), #2022 (6/8/15), #2023 (12/29/14), #2024 (7/26/15), #2025 (7/8/15), #2026 (7/1/15), #2027 (6/22/15), #2028 (7/8/15), #2029 (6/22/15)
(163 full rehabs, 0 at Cummins & South Shops, 1 rehabs left, 1 is mechanically rehabbed)

Kedzie
#1038 (10/13/14), #1039 (11/2/13) mechanically rehabbed missing all exterior upgrades, #1076 (12/4/14) mechanically rehabbed, (4/27/15) full rehab missing all exterior upgrades, #1077 (12/9/14), #1078 (9/8/14), #1079 (8/13/14), #1080 (9/3/14), #1081 (9/2/14), #1082 (12/4/14), #1083 (3/19/13), #1085 (1/30/14), #1086 (9/8/14), #1087 (3/3/14), #1088 (7/10/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/21/15), #1089 (3/9/14) mechanical rehabbed, full rehab (8/23/15), #1090 (10/8/14), #1091 (12/13) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/24/15), #1092 (2/19/14), #1093 (2/17/14) mechanically rehabbed, full rehab (8/25/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1094 (1/20/14), #1095 (1/8/14), #1096 (12/28/13), #1128 (3/14/14), #1129 (8/23/14), #1137 (8/13/14), #1139 (4/3/15), #1167 (7/11/14), #1171 (9/27/14), #1175 (3/6/15), #1179 (4/6/15), #1181 (4/28/15), #1183 (3/5/15), #1185 (4/8/15), #1187 (4/20/15), #1188 (4/23/15), #1200 (5/9/15), #1201 (6/8/15), #1203 (1/11/15), #1204 (9/8/14), #1206 (3/28/15), #1214 (2/3/15), #1217 (1/21/15), #1223 (2/10/15), #1235 (11/28/14), #1250 (5/1/15), #1251 (4/7/15), #1254 (2/17/15), #1255 (4/20/15), #1256 (6/3/15), #1263 (3/5/14), #1271 (2/3/15), #1272 (4/20/15), #1280 (8/24/14), #1281 (9/23/14), #1282 (9/3/14), #1283 (7/29/14), #1299 (2/23/15), #1301 (2/3/14), #1306 (1/21/14), #1351 (8/19/14), #1354 (4/11/15), #1356 (1/11/15), #1357 (6/8/15), #1358 (9/17/14), #1359 (12/9/14), #1360 (7/9/14), #1361 (5/4/15), #1362 (4/20/15), #1364 (6/22/15), #1366 (4/5/15), #1367 (3/12/14), #1369 (6/14/14) mechanically rehabbed changed to full rehab (11/6/14), #1370 (5/22/15), #1371 (6/26/15), #1372 (6/22/15), #1373 (4/10/15), #1374 (4/27/15), #1376 (2/9/15), #1378 (6/18/14), #1379 (9/2/14), #1380 (4/24/15), #1430 (2/13/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/30/15), #1431 (3/8/14), #1432 (2/24/14), #1433 (6/10/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/29/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1434 (1/19/14), #1435 (5/27/14), #1436 (5/7/14), #1437 (4/16/14), #1438 (6/3/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/26/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1439 (5/18/14) with 2 sets of gray #7900 seats, #1440 (3/12/14), #1441 (6/1/14), #1442 (12/14/13), #1443 (1/22/14), #1444 (5/20/13), #1445 (5/8/14), #1446 (5/8/14) mechanical rehab, full rehab (8/22/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1447 (5/5/14), #1448 (2/24/14), #1449 (5/27/14), #1450 (2/14/14), #1451 (5/12/14), #1453 (6/9/14), #1472 (12/31/13), #1620 (3/3/14), #1621 (5/25/14), #1622 (3/3/14), #1623 (6/4/14), #1624 (3/11/14), #1625 (5/24/14), #1626 (5/5/14), #1627 (5/24/14), #1628 (4/23/14), #1629 (4/16/14), #1630 (12/31/13) interior lights redone only; updated to full rehab (9/2/14), #1631 (6/18/14), #1632 (5/30/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/26/15), #1633 (4/20/15), #1634 (8/13/14), #1635 (3/19/14) only has interior lights redone, full rehab done (1/4/15), #1636 (4/11/15), #1637 (6/29/14), #1638 (6/12/14), #1639 (4/11/15), #1640 (2/15/15), #1641 (5/6/15), #1642 (10/16/14), #1643 (8/28/14), #1644 (10/28/14), #1645 (8/7/14), #1646 (7/14/14), #1647 (2/25/15), #1649 (7/21/14), #1650 (1/21/15), #1652 (12/18/14), #1654 (9/15/14), #1656 (6/10/15) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/10/15), #1660 (8/23/14), #1662 (1/4/15), #1663 (6/10/15) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/12/15), #1664 (7/29/14), #1665 (12/17/14), #1666 (10/8/14), #1669 (6/8/15), #1670 (11/1/14), #1671 (8/19/14), #1672 (7/8/15), #1673 (8/19/15), #1674 (10/6/14), #1675 (6/18/14), #1676 (8/8/14), #1678 (6/22/15), #1679 (3/30/15), #1680 (6/8/15), #1681 (2/6/14), #1685 (12/18/14), #1686 (11/15/14), #1687 (7/24/14), #1688 (8/6/14), #1690 (1/19/15), #1691 (8/27/14), #1692 (7/2/13) mechanically rehabbed full rehab (1/10/15), #1694 (10/22/14), #1696 (11/1/14), #1699 (12/21/14), #1700 (7/29/14), #1701 (1/11/15), #1702 (1/4/15), #1703 (1/24/14), #1704 (10/13/14), #1707 (1/10/15), #1712 (10/28/14), #1714 (1/12/15), #1715 (12/21/14), #1716 (12/13/14), #1717 (10/17/14), #1722 (8/11/14), #1725 (1/16/15), #1798 (3/30/15), #1800 (4/19/15), #1804 (1/16/15), #1805 (4/5/15), #1806 (7/1/15), #1807 (4/20/15), #1808 (2/3/14), #1809 (7/20/15), #1811 (1/7/15), #1815 (4/18/15), #1819 (4/2/15), #1821 (4/16/15), #1822 (5/9/15), #1825 (4/6/15), #1826 (12/4/14), #1827 (5/19/15), #1829 (2/19/15), #1830 (1/4/15), #1834 (2/25/15), #1835 (4/5/15), #1836 (3/5/15), #1838 (6/22/15), #1839 (6/22/15), #1840 (12/21/14), #1841 (6/23/15), #1843 (4/5/15), #1844 (5/4/15), #1845 (7/1/15), #1849 (6/5/15) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/21/15), #1850 (6/22/15) mechanically rehabbed, full rehab (8/14/15), #1851 (6/11/15), #1852 (6/22/15), #1853 (6/8/15), #1854 (4/5/15), #1928 (6/15/14)
(218 full rehabs, #1000 rehabs completed here)

74th
#1033 (3/19/14), #1034 (7/10/14), #1035 (10/24/14), #1036 (8/13/14), #1037 (3/24/15), #1039 (11/2/13) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/16/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1040 (11/2/13) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/10/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1041 (3/9/14), #1042 (5/27/14), #1043 (6/1/14), #1044 (6/11/14), #1045 (11/19/14), #1046 (10/28/14), #1058 (2/11/14), #1059 (7/8/14), #1060 (11/19/14), #1062 (11/10/14), #1112 (1/21/14), #1113 (11/21/14), #1115 (10/22/14), #1116 (11/29/14), #1117 (12/9/14), #1118 (10/28/14), #1145 (7/31/14), #1146 (11/15/14), #1147 (1/16/15), #1151 (10/28/14), #1154 (3/29/14) mechanical rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/21/15), #1155 (5/27/14), #1156 (2/17/14), #1157 (4/29/14), #1158 (1/29/14), #1159 (12/4/14), #1160 (6/12/14), #1161 (1/6/14), #1163 (10/12/14), #1164 (7/24/14), #1165 (11/1/13, the pilot bus, missing updated handicapped seat inserts), #1193 (7/29/14), #1196 (2/23/14), #1197 (12/28/13) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/21/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1266 (9/15/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/17/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1267 (5/21/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/16/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1268 (9/15/14) mechanical rehab, fully rehabbed (8/16/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1269 (12/21/13), #1270 (3/7/14) mechanical rehab, fully rehabbed (8/22/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1290 (12/21/14), #1297 (11/27/14), #1300 (12/28/14), #1302 (1/29/14), #1303 (9/8/14) mechanically rehabbed fully rehabbed (8/16/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1304 (6/15/14), #1307 (3/18/14), #1308 (3/5/14), #1309 (8/14/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/10/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1317 (6/21/14), #1320 (3/23/14), #1330 (6/12/14), #1337 (12/9/14), #1340 (3/5/15), #1342 (6/10/15), #1343 (1/3/15), #1346 (11/19/14), #1350 (8/1/14), #1352 (5/9/15), #1353 (3/9/15), #1355 (6/6/15), #1365 (5/4/15), #1368 (4/17/15), #1549 (6/13/14), #1550 (6/26/14), #1551 (6/18/14), #1552 (2/14/14), #1553 (3/1/14), #1554 (7/8/14), #1555 (6/11/14), #1556 (4/11/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/20/15), #1557 (3/6/14), #1558 (1/30/14), #1559 (5/21/14), #1577 (3/16/14), #1578 (7/31/14), #1579 (11/12/13) mechanical rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/16/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1580 (4/19/14), #1581 (7/10/14). #1582 (3/14/14), #1583 (11/12/13), #1604 (9/8/14), #1721 (8/27/14), #1726 (11/15/14), #1727 (11/15/14), #1728 (4/19/14), #1729 (9/8/14), #1731 (8/25/14), #1732 (7/24/14), #1733 (12/16/14), #1734 (7/29/14), #1735 (9/8/14), #1736 (9/12/14), #1737 (8/20/14), #1738 (9/14/14), #1739 (8/19/14), #1740 (8/23/14), #1741 (4/13/14), #1743 (9/2/14), #1747 (9/17/14), #1748 (10/1/14), #1750 (9/8/14), #1751 (10/1/14), #1752 (8/28/14), #1753 (7/9/14), #1754 (9/21/14), #1755 (8/19/14), #1756 (11/14/14), #1757 (2/9/15), #1758 (10/1/14), #1759 (11/3/14), #1760 (8/6/14), #1786 (11/1/14), #1788 (9/8/14), #1789 (11/5/14), #1790 (12/8/14), #1791 (8/15/14), #1794 (8/16/14), #1796 (11/21/14), #1846 (6/27/15), #1847 (5/21/15), #1848 (6/26/15), #1858 (10/24/14), #1859 (11/7/14), #1861 (10/15/14), #1862 (12/21/14), #1864 (9/3/14), #1866 (12/21/14), #1868 (8/19/14), #1869 (11/10/14), #1870 (8/25/14), #1872 (11/15/14), #1874 (8/24/14), #1876 (8/29/14), #1878 (9/2/14), #1880 (7/28/14), #1882 (11/22/14), #1884 (3/28/15), #1886 (1/11/15), #1888 (10/10/14), #1890 (9/17/14), #1892 (12/15/14), #1894 (11/5/14), #1896 (9/8/14), #1898 (8/23/14)
(150 full rehabs, #1000 rehabs completed here)

77th
#1097 (12/16/13), #1098 (11/13), #1099 (3/15/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/27/15), #1100 (6/23/14), #1101 (6/14/14), #1102 (3/8/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/16/15), #1103 (6/18/14), #1104 (6/23/14), #1105 (6/8/14), #1106 (6/23/14), #1107 (5/29/14), #1108 (6/18/14), #1109 (6/5/14), #1116 (10/16/14) mechanical rehab changed to full rehab (11/28/14), #1152 (3/7/14), #1153 (6/9/14), #1189 (4/22/14), #1190 (8/15/14), #1191 (3/11/14), #1192 (3/28/14), #1202 (2/20/15) mechanically rehabbed, full rehab (8/25/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1205 (1/22/15), #1207 (6/4/14), #1209 (7/29/14), #1218 (9/12/14) mechanically rehabbed missing all exterior upgrades, fully rehabbed (8/12/15), #1219 (5/29/14), #1220 (6/14/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/16/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1221 (2/17/14), #1222 (3/16/14), #1224 (9/17/14), #1226 (3/20/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/30/15), #1227 (3/23/14), #1228 (10/7/14), #1229 (7/8/14), #1230 (3/22/14), #1232 (1/2?/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/24/15), #1233 (1/24/14), #1234 (1/29/14), #1236 (3/5/14), #1238 (8/7/14), #1239 (3/3/14), #1240 (9/15/14), #1241 (9/27/14), #1242 (7/3/14), #1243 (4/2/14), #1244 (8/18/14), #1246 (6/25/14) mechanically rehabbed, full rehab (8/28/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1247 (4/28/14), #1265 (8/23/14), #1273 (4/9/14), #1274 (5/26/14), #1275 (3/5/14), #1276 (3/22/14), #1284 (3/3/14), #1285 (3/7/14), #1286 (12/31/13), #1287 (4/30/14), #1288 (3/7/14) mechanically rehabbed, #1289 (2/19/15) mechanically rehabbed, #1291 (2/27/14), #1292 (11/7/13) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/24/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1293 (8/13/14), #1294 (12/14/13), #1295 (11/1/14), #1296 (3/12/14), #1298 (2/27/14), #1335 (10/15/14), #1345 (9/24/14), #1347 (8/27/14), #1455 (5/18/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/9/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1456 (2/24/14), #1457 (3/9/14), #1458 (6/6/14), #1459 (4/24/14), #1460 (1/30/14), #1461 (5/19/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/16/15), #1462 (5/14/14), #1463 (4/25/14), #1464 (5/20/14), #1465 (4/10/14), #1466 (2/19/14), #1467 (4/2/14), #1473 (9/27/14), #1474 (9/21/14), #1475 (10/8/14), #1476 (2/5/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/6/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1477 (9/1/14), #1478 (12/20/13), #1479 (9/12/14), #1480 (10/8/14) mechanically rehabbed, full rehab (8/22/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1481 (3/4/14), #1482 (6/24/15), #1483 (3/15/14), #1484 (7/17/14), #1485 (7/23/14), #1486 (4/14/14), #1487 (8/19/14), #1488 (9/8/14), #1489 (6/12/14), #1490 (6/2/14), #1491 (3/4/14), #1492 (2/13/14), #1493 (6/26/14), #1494 (9/17/14), #1540 (3/5/14), #1541 (4/6/14) mechanical rehab, full rehab (6/8/15), #1542 (3/3/14), #1543 (4/6/14), #1544 (1/22/14), #1545 (12/13/13), #1546 (3/28/14) mechanical rehab, fully rehabbed (9/8/15), #1547 (2/3/14), #1548 (5/21/14), #1560 (late 6/14) mechanically rehabbed; fully rehabbed (9/11/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1561 (2/26/14), #1562 (3/3/14), #1563 (7/8/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/1/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1564 (4/6/14), #1565 (7/5/14), #1566 (6/18/14), #1567 (6/17/14), #1568 (6/16/14), #1569 (5/15/14) just a mechanical rehab, fully rehabbed (8/8/15), #1570 (2/15/14), #1571 (4/10/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/6/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1572 (6/18/14), #1573 (6/2/14) mechanical rehab changed to full rehab (12/4/14), #1574 (3/31/14) mechanically rehabbed changed to a full rehab (11/2/14), #1575 (5/5/14), #1576 (3/20/14), #1587 (6/11/14), #1588 (5/14/14), #1589 (5/18/14), #1590 (2/8/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/8/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1591 (11/12/13) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/6/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1592 (3/21/14), #1593 (1/21/14), #1594 (12/4/13), #1595 (6/4/14), #1596 (6/4/14), #1601 (3/27/14), #1603 (1/31/14), #1606 (12/31/13), #1900 (2/14/15), #1901 (12/3/14), #1904 (9/24/14), #1906 (12/21/14), #1908 (11/15/14), #1910 (9/24/14), #1912 (5/8/14), #1914 (2/25/15), #1916 (10/25/14), #1918 (10/7/14), #1926 (11/18/14), #1927 (10/13/14), #1929 (7/8/15), #1930 (7/1/15), #1931 (1/16/15), #1935 (6/4/14) full rehab missing all exterior upgrades, #1936 (7/24/14), #1939 (12/21/14), #1941 (3/17/14), #1944 (8/13/14), #1945 (6/13/14), #1946 (1/21/15), #1952 (7/14/14), #1954 (7/24/14), #1968 (10/3/14), #1982 (7/20/14), #1986 (3/12/14), #1988 (8/19/14), #1993 (10/2/14)
(171 full rehabs, 2 rehabs left, both of those 2 are mechanical rehabs, 2 at Cummins & South Shops)

103rd
#1001 (8/24/13), #1006 (9/27/14), #1008 (3/13/15), #1009 (9/9/14), #1010 (3/17/14), #1011 (10/10/14), #1015 (9/9/14), #1016 (8/24/13), #1018 (11/1/13) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/27/15), #1019 (4/14/14) mechanically rehabbed, full rehab (12/16/14), #1020 (5/25/14), #1021 (8/14/14), #1022 (5/12/14), #1023 (5/13/14), #1025 (1/15/15), #1026 (12/31/13), #1027 (1/10/14), #1028 (8/13/14), #1029 (3/3/14), #1032 (11/28/14), #1047 (6/25/14), #1048 (11/28/13), #1050 (12/26/14), #1110 (5/21/14), #1111 (5/20/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/28/15), #1114 (1/19/14), #1119 (4/7/14), #1120 (5/28/14), #1122 (10/15/14), #1123 (6/26/15), #1124 (3/8/14), #1125 (7/20/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/30/15), #1126 (3/6/14), #1127 (6/26/14), #1130 (7/14/14), #1131 (3/17/14), #1132 (9/22/14), #1133 (4/6/14), #1134 (8/23/14), #1135 (1/11/14), #1136 (8/6/14), #1138 (3/27/14), #1140 (9/9/14), #1141 (2/7/14), #1142 (5/17/14), #1143 (3/15/14), #1144 (2/1/14), #1166 (3/31/14) mechanical rehab, full rehab (8/18/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1168 (6/20/14), #1169 (7/29/14), #1170 (8/23/14), #1172 (10/13/14), #1173 (6/17/14), #1174 (6/16/14), #1176 (10/23/14), #1177 (12/10/14), #1178 (3/7/14), #1180 (5/25/14), #1182 (6/11/14), #1184 (8/19/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/10/15), #1186 (3/29/14), #1208 (2/22/13), #1210 (12/29/14), #1211 (11/15/14), #1212 (10/17/14), #1213 (11/15/14), #1216 (11/1/14), #1225 (12/19/14), #1252 (2/5/14), #1253 (3/13/15), #1257 (11/2/13) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/3/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1495 (1/10/13), #1496 (7/24/14), #1497 (7/21/14), #1498 (7/14/14), #1499 (1/31/14), #1500 (6/25/14), #1501 (4/6/14), #1502 (4/16/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/29/15), #1503 (7/5/14), #1504 (9/8/14), #1505 (6/12/14), #1506 (7/24/14), #1507 (3/4/14, engine only) full rehab (11/14/14), #1508 (3/4/14), #1509 (3/4/14), #1510 (7/24/14), #1511 (6/18/14), #1512 (4/8/14), #1513 (10/28/14), #1514 5/14/14), #1515 (2/5/14), #1516 (3/4/14), #1517 (4/16/14), #1518 (4/9/14), #1519 (9/2/14), #1520 (11/5/14), #1521 (8/27/14), #1522 (12/9/14), #1523 (11/15/14), #1524 (9/18/14), #1525 (8/13/14), #1526 (3/6/14), #1527 (2/5/14), #1528 (3/4/14), #1529 (7/21/14), #1530 (2/13/14), #1531 (3/9/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/1/15), #1532 (3/7/14), #1533 (6/5/14) mechanically rehabbed, full rehab (8/14/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1534 (12/31/13) mechanically rehabbed; fully rehabbed (9/11/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1535 (6/2/14), #1536 (5/14/14), #1537 (2/10/14), #1538 (6/16/15) full rehab but missing all exterior upgrades, #1539 (11/2/13), #1584 (5/18/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/18/15) missing all exterior upgrades, #1585 (6/12/14), #1586 (5/15/14), #1597 (6/14/14), #1598 (3/25/14), #1599 (11/15/14), #1600 (3/8/14), #1602 (9/29/14), #1605 (10/22/14), #1607 (10/28/14), #1608 (5/20/14),#1609 (8/19/14), #1610 (2/7/14), #1611 (10/25/14), #1612 (6/4/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/30/15), #1613 (4/5/15), #1614 (3/26/14), #1615 (2/7/14), #1616 (3/1/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/30/15), #1617 (3/14) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/11/15), #1618 (6/1/14), #1619 (2/26/14), #1648 (4/20/15), #1651 (4/14/15), #1653 (4/19/15), #1655 (3/30/15), #1657 (4/13/15), #1658 (6/8/15), #1659 (4/17/15), #1661 (4/16/15), #1667 (4/7/15), #1668 (8/28/14), #1677 (4/11/15), #1682 (5/4/15), #1683 (3/5/15), #1684 (6/11/15) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (9/28/15), #1689 (4/25/15), #1693 (6/22/15), #1695 (5/1/15), #1697 (3/24/15) mechanically rehabbed, fully rehabbed (8/20/15), #1698 (4/14/15), #1705 (4/7/15), #1746 (9/22/14), #1799 (5/25/14), #1801 (8/23/14), #1802 (9/17/14), #1803 (9/2/14), #1813 (9/9/14), #1814 (11/26/14), #1817 (4/25/14), #1818 (12/4/14), #1824 (11/28/14), #1831 (11/19/14), #1832 (1/4/15), #1833 (9/2/14), #1837 (8/13/14)
(173 full rehabs, #1000 rehabs completed here)

1024 full bus rehabs completed so far. 5 mechanical rehabs completed so far (total rehabs 1029 buses)

(#1305 not counted OOS)

(3 currently finished or being worked on at Cummins & South Shops)

(5 rehabs left, all 5 of these are already mechanically rehabbed)

Link to Garmon757's what's left for #1000's rehab list below:

"http://forum.chicagobus.org/topic/3307-1000-series-d40lf-rehabs/?p=64371"

Link to Bushunter's what's left for #1000's rehab list below:

http://forum.chicagobus.org/topic/3307-1000-series-d40lf-rehabs/?p=70958

Metra 6194

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 23:39:42 +0000

Yesterday I saw Nippon-Sharyo car with advertisements on the side it was numbered 6194.

I thought these cars were 6001-6192?

Metra and PTC

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 22:55:16 +0000

The Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 mandates that passenger railroads and many freight railroads have a functional Positive Train Control (PTC) system installed by the end of 2015. The total cost for Metra to fully implement PTC is $400 million, of which $275 million still needs to be raised. Metra hopes that it will receive grants for the remaining amount not covered by fare increases. This amount includes the full cost of installing PTC on the five Metra-owned lines and shared costs with the freight railroads on the other six.

Work that still needs to be done includes upgrading signal equipment and the dispatch center, installation of wayside devices, and adding necessary equipment to locomotives and cab cars. The new Highliners are already PTC-equipped.

At this time, it is clear that the Dec. 31 deadline will not be met. The FRA has threatened to fine railroads up to $25,000 per day for operating past this date without a fully functional PTC system. For this reason, Metra has stated that it will shut down in 2016 unless the deadline is extended.

http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home/service_updates/positive-train-control.html

My personal view is that the threat of a shutdown is just a way to force Congress to extend the deadline. This action affects the freight railroads too, and I highly doubt that they would let many of the country's major rail routes come to a halt. In other words, no need to be worried about a shutdown yet.

A decommissioned CTA Flxible bus now works in fresh moves mobile produce market

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 04:29:34 +0000

http://www.wbez.org/blog/city-room-blog/2011-06-15/grocery-bus-west-siders-jump-health-bandwagon-87887

CTA Fall Pick Changes

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 04:19:27 +0000

I was reading about this article below and wow this is really going to change up the bus schedules for school runs. If the high schoolers get out at 4:30 PM, the Lane Tech school runs wouldn't even get to the west end until 5:30 and by the time they got back to LSD it would be about 6:30 maybe later accounting for traffic increases. i wonder if this will extend the mid day slowdown in service? Would they need buses pulling out starting around 2PM, if there were no kids for 2 1/2 hours? I would also wonder if places like np might need a few extra buses because those buses on the #152 would be taken away from the loop. It almost sounds like those could be pullins and never go to the loop. Should be an interesting fall pick.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150728/west-loop/your-rush-hour-cta-commute-could-be-getting-more-crowded

Chicago's Unique PCC 6000 Series

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 02:51:54 +0000

Recent interest has been shown about one unique Chicago railcar series, the PCC 6000s. Despite two large orders of railcars, the 600 Budd/Transit America's order and the current 714 order of Bombardier 5000 series, the PCC 6000s count came to be largest, 770 from several orders over the years. The 6000 series made transit history in Chicago by bringing the city from Colombian technology to modern-day operation while at the same time, sending wood/steel rail cars to the scrap heap. Chicago took from New York the vision and gave back to cities like Cleveland and Boston. The 6000 series at the start had many breakthroughs in designs but with each new order, the series made constant revisions and improvements.

The first order of 6000 series is shown in this mid 1950 shot with a two-car SB Douglas Park train leaving the Lake St. "L" at Paulina Jct. running on the temporary trackage during the Congress Expressway construction. The color scheme was in the original: mercury green, croydon cream, and swamp holly orange belt rail. The roof color was changed from cream to green within the first years. Cream got too dirty too fast. CTA Photo.

Here's a description I wrote for a video I produced.....

Electric Railway Presidents’ Conference Committee

The work of the ERPCC primarily was aimed at producing a new, technologically advanced streetcar that would aid traction companies to stem the inroads on street railway traffic being experienced throughout the country. The new technology included dynamic braking as the primary speed reduction, augmented by air. Nicknamed PCC for short the new technology was quickly adapted to heavy rail transit and in 1934 two experimental train sets were put into operation on the BMT in New York. This was followed with a 50 car order for articulated compartment cars from the Clark Company. Know as Bluebirds, only five were even built. But they pioneered the use of the single master controller and the Cineston came into being.

Development of the PCC technology shifted to Chicago following WWII where the newly formed CTA received four articulated train sets, which become known as the 5000’s. The CTA’s 5000 series were truly unique in many ways including having all electric operation......no air brakes. Design wise the body tapered outward at the waist to provide for more interior room. To gain savings in total weight, the cars used aluminum for body construction, which also allowed a top speed of 55 mph together with fast rates of both acceleration and deceleration.

The CTA abandoned the articulation concept in favor of married pairs and an order for 130 cars was placed with the St. Louis Car Company. Delivered in 1950, these 48 ft length lightweight PCC cars would become the prolific 6000 series. Articulation had been adapted in early design primarily as a weight saving measure. The married pair concept eliminated this need. Boston and Cleveland ordered somewhat heavier cars following Chicago’s experience, but they opted for air brake augmentation.

Chicago had one more major PCC contribution. Thanks to a desire for faster express trains, GE and Westinghouse developed a new 100 hp PCC motor. A four car CTA train equipped with these new motors reached a speed of 76 mph. But more importantly, the new motors enlarged the PCC operating envelope, breaking the old constraints on car weight, length, and performance. The Hudson & Manhattan/Pennsylvania (now PATH) were among the first to use this new standard.

Back home in Chicago, the 6000 series PCC cars led the way to another break-through development, namely the reuse of parts and components from a modern fleet of Green Hornet streetcars scrapped to create a modern fleet of rapid transit cars. This allowed for the elimination of outmoded wood “L” cars, and the modernization of the street transit fleet together with the elimination of costly street trackage. Within 12 years the CTA had completely changed the face of local transit in Chicago.

Shown here are two examples of early 6000, first and second orders with dual headlights with the first and single center headlight in the second order, but both with straight side blinker doors. The second order featured the new simpler color scheme without the standee window stripes. The location is Armitage interlocking where the elevated tracks one through four splits to allow the two subway "A" and "B" tracks to merge. Note the high standard interlocking signals used at that time. CTA Photo.

BGA and PACE

Wed, 30 Sep 2015 00:59:45 +0000

For you reading pleasure http://www.rebootillinois.com/2015/09/23/editors-picks/andyshaw/shaw-time-for-regional-transportation-agency-to-reconsider-future-of-pace/46365/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=9/29/2015 typical of Illinois politics. Thoughts, thanks.

Random CTA

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 18:47:00 +0000

To ask this question, so I don't go off-topic in another thread, I thought I'd create this one...

Today, I boarded CTA Bus #6102 operating the #152. It sounded different than usual. Noiser and more turbo sound on acceleration. Anyone else know if this bus just has a bad exaust system, a turbo system added or turned on in the Detroit Series-50 engine on it, or has it been fitted with a Cummins C8.3 engine? The sound reminded me vaguely of a Cummins C8.3 6300-Series bus(noisy engine + turbo sound during acceleration).

You may use this thread to share stories about a ride on the CTA Buses/Trains, but please watch your words(The CTA has many people that anger us, both Operators and Passengers, but we must keep a civil tone here)!!!

No personal attacks: Hateful language and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated by Kevin(Taken from Kevin's posting guidelines).

I'm sure this means swear words too, so let's try to keep swear words to a minimum!

Clark/Division Red Line Rehab

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 18:38:16 +0000

I took a few pictures of the Clark/Division station on the Red line. At street level, on Lasalle, they already have concrete staircases in place and the big hole over Division has been filled. Looks like they want to open up the street for November. At platform level, they have now opened up an area on the east side of the station and we can now see the decorative ceiling tiles they are installing. They also have one light bar installed, and the marble sheeting on the floor of the station in that section. (pictures from left to right are: Lasalle SE corner, Lasalle NE corner, station ceiling, station lightbar, station floor)

Random Metra

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 14:00:50 +0000

I decided to take some shots of the construction @ Ravenswood. It seems to me that the outbound station is going to look very extraordinary after completion. There's a new partial viaduct @ Leland with very bright lights underneath.

4000-series DE60LF - Updates

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:52:06 +0000

I forgot to mention yesterday that #4186 is a troubled bus due to a burned spot sustained on the right side near the back tire. The cause of that burn is unknown and I couldn't take a shot because I would be trespassing on CTA property (the entrance where 77th's not in service buses enter at on 79th).

CTA 'L' Rosters

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 04:23:19 +0000

Rosters moved to the "CTA "L" Rosters" thread for easier locating...

Red Line:(Updated 9/21/15)

2600-Series Cars(Budd Company/Transit America 1981-1987)

(28 Cars Total)

2681-2682

2705-2706

2717-2718

2733-2734

2737-2738

2785-2788

2837-2838

2891-2892

2919-2922

2941-2942

2955-2956

2991-2992

3197-3198

3200-Series Cars(Morrison-Knudsen 1991-1994)
No Cars assigned to this Line
5000-Series Cars(Bombardier Transit Corporation 2009-2015)

(414 Cars Total)

5183-5400

5501-5516

5523-5648

5651-5662

5665-5706

Red Line also borrows Purple Line equipment on occasion

Red Line loans out four random 5000-Series cars to the Yellow Line.
Red Line currently receiving 5000's. Some units may be temporarily borrowed Pink and/or Green Line units
Not all cars assigned or delivered yet. Assignments may vary...

CTA Accidents

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 23:26:30 +0000

A fiery accident involving a van crashing to CTA bus #1520 around 12:45 AM @ 93rd/Commercial leaving 1 dead (driver) and 3 injured including the bus driver (listed in fair-serious condition).

Sources:

http://voices.suntimes.com/news/breaking-news/four-injured-in-cta-bus-crash-in-calumet-heights/#.U1e10Cm9LCR

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local/chicago_news&id=9513388

http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/1723/article/p2p-79989223/

More Bus Moves

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 22:23:25 +0000

I thought it might be helpful to start a generic thread, considering the possibility that the CTA Bus Shuffle could be continuing for a while.

Since the high 1500s started arriving at 74th, it looks as if at least five 6000s from 74th have found a new home at The Glen: 6197 & 6199-6202.

Installment 1 of ???? !

New Eldorados?

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 21:20:49 +0000

Last night I saw an Eldorado on Pace 310 departing Forest Park Blue Line station. I wasn't close enough to see the bus number on it so I don't know if it was a new bus or transfer from another garage, but I was surprised to see an Eldorado out there. Have the 58 new Eldorados started arriving?

2600-series - Service Dates

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 00:34:35 +0000

Here are the in service dates and retirement dates so far for the #2600 series cars. I will be updating this in the coming weeks with new info I still need to research, but for the most part it's done (I just need to research a few retirement dates, mismatch in service dates etc.)

#2600's (last updated 7/18/15)

#2601-02 in service 4/3/81

#2603-04 in service 4/3/81

#2605-06 in service 1/82

#2607-08 in service 1/82

#2609-10 in service 1/82

#2611-12 in service 2/82

#2613-14 in service 2/82

#2615-16 in service 3/82

#2617-18 in service 3/82

#2619-20 in service 4/82

#2621-22 in service 4/82

#2623-24 in service 4/82

#2625-26 in service 4/82

#2627-28 in service 4/82

#2629-30 in service 5/82

#2631-32 in service 5/82; #2631 mated to #2722 (sitting in Skokie Shops yard area), #2632 was mated 4/3/13 with car #2721

#2633-34 in service 5/82

#2635-36 in service 5/82

#2637-38 in service 6/82

#2639-40 in service 6/82; retired from service 1/11/14 due to a fire under #2639 at Rosemont Yard; presumed scrapped

#2641-42 in service 6/82; #2642 spotted being hauled away on a flatbed for possible scrapping 7/17/15

#2643-44 in service 6/82

#2645-46 in service 6/82

#2647-48 in service 7/82

#2649-50 in service 7/82

#2651-52 in service 7/82

#2653-54 in service 7/82

#2655-56 in service 7/82

#2657-58 in service 8/82

#2659-60 in service 8/82

#2661-62 in service 8/82

#2663-64 in service 8/18/82

#2665-66 in service 9/24/82

#2667-68 in service 9/7/82

#2669-70 in service 9/82

#2671-72 in service 9/23/82

#2673-74 in service 9/24/82

#2675-76 in service 9/29/82

#2677-78 in service 10/4/82

#2679-80 in service 10/5/82

#2681-82 in service 10/19/82

#2683-84 in service 10/20/82

#2685-86 in service 11/1/82

#2687-88 in service 11/2/82

#2689-90 in service 11/17/82

#2691-92 in service 11/19/82

#2693-94 in service 12/6/82

#2695-96 in service 12/9/82

#2697-98 in service 12/16/82; retired before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2699-#2700 in service 12/82

My dream light rail and streetcar network for the Phoenix metro area

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 23:14:15 +0000

For those who were wondering where I am from, I am actually from the Phoenix metro area, however, I still have an interest in other transit systems including CTA. Considering Chicago has a great network of heavy rail, I thought I should come up with a dream light rail and streetcar network for the Phoenix metro area. Here is my list of lines:

Red Line - Existing route plus north/west extension to Metrocenter Mall and east extension to Power Road and Superstition Springs Center. Serves Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa.
Blue Line - Existing route (including Downtown Mesa extension) plus planned Capitol/I-10 West extension and an additional extension west on I-10 and north on Loop 101 to Westgate. Serves Glendale, Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa.
Green Line - The planned Tempe Streetcar.
Silver Line - Baseline and Central Avenue up Central to Indian School Road, east on Indian School Road, north on SR 51, east on Shea Blvd, and north on Tatum to Paradise Valley Mall. Serves Phoenix including the northeastern part of the city.
Orange Line - From Arrowhead Towne Center, east on Bell Road, south on 59th Avenue, east on Glendale Avenue, south on Central Avenue, east on Loop 202, south to Sky Harbor Airport, east on Broadway, south on McClintock, and east on Chandler Blvd to Chandler Fashion Center. Serves Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, Tempe, and Chandler.
Pink Line - Chandler Blvd and 48th Street, east on Chandler Blvd/Williams Field Road to Power Road, and north on Power Road to Superstition Springs Center. Serves Phoenix (Ahwatukee), Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa.
Brown Line - Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright south to Chandler Blvd, and east on Chandler Blvd to Chandler Fashion Center. Serves Scottsdale, Tempe, and Chandler.
Purple Line - 75th Avenue and Baseline to Power Road via Baseline, and north on Power Road to Superstition Springs Center. Serves Phoenix (Laveen), Tempe, Mesa, and Gilbert.
Gold Line - Downtown Phoenix from US Airways Center/Chase Field, east via existing alignment, south on Dobson Road, east on Southern Avenue, and south on Gilbert Road to Queen Creek Road. Serves Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler.

For efficient use of rail equipment, at Chandler Fashion Center Orange Line trains would leave as the Brown Line and vice-versa. Similarly, at Superstition Springs Center Pink Line trains would leave as the Purple Line and vice-versa.

How does anyone like this?

Blue Line Sights

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 17:29:07 +0000

A few Blue Line observations.

Since the 5000s have come back, seeing less and less of the 2200s. Lots of 8 and 6 car 2600 strings. Also, have noticed a number of 2600 (2605-06 and 2619-2620) as well as a couple of 2800s running on the line (I assume from the Red).

Also one night last week after rush hour on the way home I saw a move of what looked like 10 2900s (mostly 2950s from what I could pick up) headed southbound south of Jeff Park. Don't know if it was just a terminal move from Rosemont to Forest Park or if they were headed to Skokie/Howard for something. Still see a lot of 2900s (2960-99) out there though.

WMATA has a new plan to fix itself

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 13:51:18 +0000

WMATA just published a 650 page plan for correcting problems on their rail & bus system.

The first 535 pages are about the rail system, especially the Rail Operations Control Center, which is vastly understaffed, overworked & undertrained.

Here's the page with the report's PDFs: http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/safety_security/FTA_CAP.cfm

They also just had a fire that destroyed a major electrical substation, which will cause them to reduce the number of trains on three lines & slow speeds in that substation's section for at least six months until it's rebuilt.

What's Left for Pace's Orion VI's 6000s?

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 06:51:08 +0000

Might as well start with this thread of my favorite Active Pace fleet, Is the current delivery of Eldorados on the plan of replacing some of oldest 6000s Orion VIs (Northwest Division)? I already know that at least 2 of VIs from West Division have been retired/ shredded like couple years ago but can't remember the number of units. Sadly, the Orion VI retirement will be the end of Orions at Pace for good after 25 years.

Trip To Boston and NYC. Public Transit Impressions.

Sat, 26 Sep 2015 04:52:20 +0000

A week ago, I took a trip to visit Boston and NYC to celebrate my 30th birthday. I was in Boston for 1 day and NYC for two days. Boston is an ok city and NYC is amazing. Like a bigger, better version of Chicago. The entirety of my trip was spent on public transit so I got experience a small taste of the public transit infrastructure in both cities.

Stating off with Boston, The city has a horrible design so it is easy to get lost and the way their their public transit is set up there, doesn't really help things. Also, everything stops running at midnight so if you happen to be out later than that, you are screwed. The rapid transit trains don't really mesh well there like they do here in Chicago, Sort of, they just designed all the lines and they just happened to meet up at certain points and those point aren't where you want to go and can place you far away from where you want to go. Getting from Logan into the city is a pain in the neck compared to getting into the city from O'hare on the Blue Line, which coincidentally is the same name of the Boston "T" train that goes closest to the Airport. You have to take a bus to the Blue Line Train station. It's not that bad of an inconvenience but being used to either taking the Blue or Orange lines after arriving at O'Hare and Midway, it seems like a huge oversight. Logan Airport is nicer than O'hare though, albeit smaller. The Green Line, which is basically a light rail train, is the line that goes to Fenway Park. Again, with the way Boston is set up, it's really easy to get lost even though the train station is basically across the street from Fenway. Pro Tip: when leaving Red Sox games at night (or day games for that matter also) the "T" commuter rail also stops at Fenway and it is closer than walking to the Green Line station. Take that train instead to avoid the crowds on the Green Line and possibly not even pay at all. (The conductor did not collect fares either on the train nor at South Station.) As far as the physical condition of the system, the trains and stations appeared very old and dirty. The trains in particular were very old, dirty and rusty and looked like they haven't been touched since whenever they were purchased. (even our oldest #2600's looked like Rolls Royce's compared to these cars!) The commuter rail trains weren't as bad but still looked kind of rough. In total, I think Chicagoland area public transit, despite it's flaws has Boston beat by several miles.

To get to NYC I took the Acela Express train. The trip was uneventful as I fell asleep during the high speed section. (I spent the whole night looking for a 24 hour Starbucks and/or McDonald's to charge my phone and computer. I didn't find one. When I say Boston shuts down at midnight, IT SHUTS DOWN!) Arriving at Penn Station in NYC was a bit of a bummer. It is basically a bigger, glorified subway station, which I might also add is the most confusing train station in the world! I visited Grand Central Terminal before I left NYC and the two are like day and night. Grand Central Terminal is not just a station, but a living breathing work of art. I might even say it is the Wrigley Field and/or Fenway Park of train stations. As far as the actual NYC subway is concerned. I think both systems are about at the same level, the only area they have us beat is the more extensive express service throughout the city.The quality of the trains are about the same and the cleanliness is about the same also. The NYC subway system is very extensive so it helps to do your homework before you go because unlike in Chicago where every route pretty much runs the same route every day, One route can have several variations throughout the day. (I.E. The B runs weekdays only, but during rush hour, runs local in the Bronx and express in Brooklyn and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan. It's full time counterpart, the D, runs express in Manhattan at all times, down both Sixth and Eighth Avenues and also in the Bronx in the peak direction. Local everywhere else.) Yes, and that's just one route. I stayed in the Bronx the duration of my time in NYC and therefore, I spent a lot of time on the 6 train. the Lexington Avenue line is not as bad as I thought it would be, my only gripe was the trains would back up around Grand Central, causing delays. I also went to a Yankees game on 9/11. the 4, B, and D trains stop at Yankee Stadium. I don't understand how both stations are local stops (the 4 runs on the elevated, while the B and D trains are in the subway.) but then again, I don't understand why the CTA hasn't built a station on Madison on the Pink Line to serve the United Center. I went to the NYC subway museum. It is actually old decommissioned subway station. It is very nice albeit limited in exhibits. I wish Chicago had something like this. After my time in NYC, I took the Lake Shore Limited home. I had dinner in the dining car and it was surprisingly good. You get to see the Hudson River valley before nighttime hits and in the morning, you can see a little bit of Lake Erie. Overall, Boston was ok.The only reason I would go there was to attend a Red Sox game. NYC was amazing. In fact, I'm seriously thinking about moving there. They are hiring conductors for the subway, so I think I'm going to apply.

2400-series - Service Dates

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 19:26:26 +0000

Now that the #5000's are in service, soon we will be retiring #2400's. Here's a list of there in service dates, retirement dates and related info. I had to generalize a few dates, but as I continue to research I'll update what I find. I'll also be updating the retirements here as well. (last updated 2/25/15 @ 11:00 PM)

#2401-02 (prototype) in service 8/31/76 (see a at bottom of page for more info); put in work train service at Harlem Yard (Green line) 4/1/14 no longer in revenue service until 5/27/14 when they went back in work train service at Howard yard where they saw limited use on the Purple line in service up to late 6/14; since have been used in a work car only capacity

#2403-04 (prototype) in service 8/31/76 (see a for more info), put in work train service at Harlem Yard (Green line) 4/1/14, no longer in revenue service until 5/27/14 when they went back in work train service at Howard yard where they saw limited use on the Purple line in service up until late 6/14, since have been used in a work car only capacity

#2405-06 in service late 1976, put into work train service 4/1/14

#2407-08 in service late 1976, put in work train service at Harlem Yard (Green line) 4/1/14, no longer in revenue service until 6/13/14 when they went back in work train service at Howard yard where they saw limited use on the Purple line in service for about 2 weeks after 6/13/14; since they have strictly been for work car use.

#2409-10 in service late 1976, put in work train service at Harlem Yard (Green line) 4/1/14, no longer in revenue service until 6/13/14 when they went back in work train service at Howard yard where they saw limited use on the Purple line in service for about 2 weeks after 6/13/14; since they have strictly been for work car use.

#2411-12 in service late 1976, put into non revenue work train service 6/14/14

#2413-14 in service late 1976/early 1977, put into non revenue work train service 6/14/14

#2415-16 in service late 1976/early 1977, put into non revenue work train service 6/14/14

#2417-18 in service late 1976/early 1977, put into non revenue work train service 6/14/14

#2419-20 in service spring 1977, put into non revenue work train service 6/14/14

#2421-22 in service spring 1977, put into non revenue work train service 6/14/14

#2423-24 in service spring 1977, put into non revenue work train service 6/14/14

#2425-26 in service 5/77; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2427-28 in service 5/77; put on long term hold 5/14/14, retired 6/14/14 sent to scrap 7/14

#2429-30 in service 5/77

#2431-32 in service 6/77; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2433-34 in service 6/77; put on long term hold midway yard 6/10/14; selected as the IRM car; #2434 was moved there on 7/29/14 and #2433 on 7/30/14

#2435-36 in service 6/77; sent to Skokie Shops 1/15; presumed scrapped

#2437-38 in service 6/77; put on long term hold 4/14

#2439-40 in service 6/77; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2441-42 in service 7/77; sent to Skokie Shops 1/15; presumed scrapped

#2443-44 in service 7/77; put on long term hold 5/14

#2445-46 in service 7/77; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2447-48 in service 7/77; unit removed from service 8/3/79; authorized by CTA for retirement 12/21/82, held in storage as of 9/6/83 (still on property as of 9/30/85), eventually scrapped (see b for more info)

#2449-50 in service 7/77

#2451-52 in service 7/77: sent to Skokie Shops between 10-17-23/14; presumed scrapped

#2453-54 in service 7/77; sent to Skokie Shops between 10-17-23/14; presumed scrapped

#2455-56 in service 8/77; sent to Skokie Shops night of 10/23-24/14; was used for the farewell #2400's train on 1/21/15

#2457-58 in service 8/77; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2459-60 in service 8/77; sent to Skokie Shops 1/15; presumed scrapped

#2461-62 in service 9/77, put on long term hold 4/14

#2463-64 in service 9/77; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2465-66 in service 9/77; sent to skokie shops 8/19/14 presumed scrapped

#2467-68 in service 9/77

#2469-70 in service 9/77; #2470 was retired 2/24/05 cars damaged by fire at 37th Center Track on Green Line on 2/24/2005; car 2469 held in storage, repaired, re-paired with car 2504 on 5/24/2006 and returned to service; 2470 likely to be retired 2/24/2005 due to severe damage (see d for more info); #2469 paired with #2504 put on long term hold 4/14

#2471-72 in service 10/77, unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 6/5/2013; presumed scrapped

#2473-74 in service 10/77

#2475-76 in service 10/77; put on long term hold 4/14

#2477-78 in service 10/77; put on long term hold 5/14, since retired 6/14/14

#2479-80 in service 10/77; hauled away on a scrap truck 4/1/14

#2481-82 in service 11/77; car 2481 damaged in fire at 61st Street Shops 8/3/79, authorized by CTA for retirement 12/21/82, held in storage as of 9/6/83 (still on property as of 9/30/85), eventually scrapped; 2482 converted to training car at Hawthorne Training Center, re-paired with car 2531 into a mismatched pair and returned to service (see b for more info) For info about #2482 in the post Aug/1979 timeframe info see c

#2483-84 in service 11/77; unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 6/5/2013; awaiting scrapping

#2485-86 in service 11/77; put on long term hold 11/21/13; presumed scrapped

#2487-88 in service 11/77; unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 6/5/2013; presumed scrapped

#2489-90 in service 11/77; was sent to Skokie Shops before the 2014 rodeo 9/13/14; storing for now; was used for the farewell #2400's train on 1/21/15

#2491-92 in service 12/77; unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 10/2013; sold 10/13/13 to UNICOR FPI (Federal Prison Industries)

#2493-94 in service 11/79; Unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 10/18/2013; presumed scrapped

#2495-96 in service 11/79, put into work train service 4/1/14 at Harlem Yard (Green line), no longer in revenue service, was authorized for scrap 5/23/14

#2497-98 in service 11/79; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2499-#2500 in service 11/20/79; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2501-02 in service 1/78; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2503-04 in service 1/29/78; car 2503 removed from service in 5/2003 due to a leaky roof, retired and scrapped; car 2504 re-paired with car 2469 on 5/24/2006 and returned to service (see d. for more info about #2504); #2504 paired with #2469 put on long term hold 4/14

#2505-06 in service 2/78

#2507-08 in service 2/16/78

#2509-10 in service 2/17/78; sent to Skokie Shops between 10-17-23/14; presumed scrapped

#2511-12 in service 2/16/78

#2513-14 in service 2/28/78; unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 10/18/2013; presumed scrapped

#2515-16 in service 2/24/78

#2517-18 in service 3/78; unit damaged in fire at 61st Street Shops in 8/79; retired and scrapped (see b for more info)

#2519-20 in service 3/78

#2521-22 in service 3/22/78; unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 9/5/2013; presumed scrapped

#2523-24 in service 3/24/78; put on long term hold 4/14

#2525-26 in service 3/24/78; sent to Skokie Shops night of 10/27-28/14 for long term hold; taken off long term hold in 1/15; presumed scrapped

#2527-28 in service 4/3/78; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; scrapping of #2527 occurred on 6/11/14, #2528 unknown

#2529-30 in service 4/12/78; put on long term hold 4/14

#2531-32 in service 4/6/78;unit damaged in a derailment at Howard Yard on 8/26/2000, stored at Skokie; 2532 retired as a result of damage from derailment and scrapped; 2531 repaired and re-paired with car 2482 into a mismatched pair and returned to service (see c for info on #2531); sent to Skokie Shops between 10-17-23/14

#2533-34 in service 4/25/78; retired 6/14/14

#2535-36 in service 4/20/78; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; scrapped 4/14

#2537-38 in service 5/1/78; sent to Skokie Shops night of 10/27-28/14; was used for the farewell #2400's train on 1/21/15

#2539-40 in service 5/78; sent to Skokie Shops between 10-17-23/14; awaiting scrapping

#2541-42 in service 5/12/78

#2543-44 in service 5/78; sent to Skokie Shops night of 10/27-28/14; was used for the farewell #2400's train on 1/21/15

#2545-46 in service 5/78; sent to skokie shops 8/19/14 presumed scrapped

#2547-48 in service 6/78; sent to Skokie Shops night of 10/27-28/14; presumed scrapped

#2549-50 in service 6/78; long term hold since 3/14, retired 6/14/14, #2550 went to the scrapper 8/1/14

#2551-52 in service 6/78; vandalized 2/14, long term hold since 3/14, sent to Skokie Shops to scrap 5/21/14

#2553-54 in service 6/14/78; unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 6/5/2013; presumed scrapped

#2555-56 in service 6/78

#2557-58 in service 6/22/78; unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 6/5/2013; presumed scrapped

#2559-60 in service 8/2/78; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2561-62 in service 7/78; sent to Skokie Shops night of 10/23-24/14; presumed scrapped

#2563-64 in service 7/78, retired 6/14/14

#2565-66 in service 7/19/78; put in work train service at Harlem Yard (Green line) 4/1/14, was authorized to scrap on 5/23/14

#2567-68 in service 7/78; put on long term hold 11/21/13; scrapped 4/14

#2569-70 in service 8/9/78; put on long term hold 5/16/14; #2569 sent to the scrapper 8/6/14

#2571-72 in service 8/78; sent to Skokie Shops night of 10/23-24/14; presumed scrapped

#2573-74 in service 8/22/78; unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 6/5/2013; presumed scrapped

#2575-76 in service 8/78; unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 6/5/2013; presumed scrapped

#2577-78 in service 8/28/78; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

#2579-80 in service 9/78; unit moved from active service to the long-term hold list by early 2010; car 2579 retired 6/12/2011 and scrapped; car 2580 moved from active service to the long-term hold list by 6/5/2013, presumed scrapped

#2581-82 in service 9/78

#2583-84 in service 9/78;sent to Skokie Shops between 10-17-23/14; presumed scrapped

#2585-86 in service 9/22/78; put on long term hold 11/21/13; scrapped 4/14

#2587-88 in service 10/78; sent to Skokie Shops night of 10/23-24/14; presumed scrapped

#2589-90 in service 10/78; put on long term hold 11/21/13; presumed scrapped

#2591-92 in service 10/16/78; put on long term hold 4/14

#2593-94 in service 10/24/78; put on long term hold 4/14, scrapped 6/24/14

#2595-96 in service 11/9/78; put on long term hold 11/21/13; presumed scrapped

#2597-98 in service 11/2/78; put on long term hold 11/21/13; scrapped 4/14

#2599-#2600 in service 11/29/78; sent to Skokie Shops before 4/1/14; presumed scrapped

a. prototypes #2401-#2404 ran in service on most lines for a 600 hour test (at least 2 months) before delivery began on the production cars.

b. On 8/3/79 a fire broke out at 61st shop, 6 cars inside the shop were destroyed. (#2517-18, #6367-68 and #6335-36) 3 cars outside the shop and next to it were also destroyed (#2481, #2447-48) Two more cars, #2479-80, were inside when the fire broke out and were saved by two signal personnel that had just completed the ATC. The shop was never rebuilt.

c. #2482 after the 8/79 fire became a training car at the federal training center and in the past has sporadically been paired with #2503. Currently the car has been paired with #2531 which occurred around the summer of 2002.

d. #2470 burned up 2/24/05 on the green line's 37th middle track, #2469 was paired with #2504 in the summer of 2006.

On 8/31/14 the final revenue trip ran in service on the Orange line for that morning's AM rush. The last revenue cars in service were: #2449-50, #2507-08, #2511-12, #2581-82

You can view pictures of the final revenue trip and the discussion including pictures of the event here: http://forum.chicagobus.org/topic/2587-2400-series-service-dates/?p=66460

On 1/21/15, the final farewell trip of #2400's ran around the loop for a media trip, and on the Brown and Red line to Ashland/63rd's pre 1993 routing, Sb over the elevated and NB into the state street subway. The 8 cars that ran the farewell trip were: #2455-56, #2489-90, #2537-38, #2543-44.

You can view the discussion, pictures of the event, brochures of the event including ceremonial pin, and links to more pictures starting here: (pages 6 to 9)

http://forum.chicagobus.org/topic/3465-2400-farewell/?p=69839

Milwaukee County Transit System

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 17:46:30 +0000

http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/doomed-city-bus-has-tragic-history-b9958070z1-216315471.html

An interesting article about bus 4418 as it is being retired from service.

rock island bar cars

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 16:32:14 +0000

Anyone recall metra operating bar cars which had video games installed in one section? This was mid 80s?

CTA in Train Simulator

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 05:41:42 +0000

So my pet project recently has been recreating the entire CTA in the game Train Simulator 2015. I have completed part of the route but decided to restart from scratch using my own assets. Both the old route and new route are included in the download below. The old route includes the entire Brown line, Orange line, and parts of the Red and Green lines. The new route includes part of the Brown line so far. Included with both routes are two types of vehicles: the Bombardier-build CTA 5000-series railcar, and a fictional "Chicago Monorail Transit" 1000-series vehicle. All the content is a work-in-progress, so keep that in mind!

Videos

Brown Line Kimball - Loop (5000-series)

Orange Line Loop - Midway (5000-series)

Brownage Line (Brown/Orange) Kimball - Midway (5000-series, narrated)

(OLD) Brown Line Kimball - Loop

(OLD) Brown Line Loop - Kimball

(OLD) Red Line Belmont - Grand (WIP)

(OLD) Orange Line Midway - Loop

(OLD) Orange Line Loop - Midway

(OLD) Brown Line through State Street Subway*

*This happened during a reroute due to a fire. Brown Lines went through the subway to 35th/Bronzeville-IIT

Download

Download the (work-in-progress) project here!

(the latest version is usually the best)

http://briman0094.com/rw_build/

Installation instructions:

The old route included in the download (titled "CTA (Monorail)") requires the content from London to Brighton as well as New York to New Haven. These routes should both be included in Train Simulator 2015.

Download the ZIP archive from the link above
Extract the archive to a folder of your choice
Copy the "Assets" and "Content" folders to your RailWorks root directory so that they merge with the ones already there
For Steam installations, the folder should be at: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\RailWorks\
For non-Steam installations, the location may vary, but should be in the C:\Program Files (x86)\ directory.

Route Details:

There should be one route named CTA and one route named CTA (Monorail) included in the package. The one titled CTA is a very new route on which I am using as little third-party content as possible and instead using only my own models, textures, etc. The one titled CTA (Monorail) is a modified version of the old route (seen in the videos) configured for testing the fictional vehicle mentioned above, but the 5000-series will work fine.

The rolling stock is a a custom-built rail vehicle modeled after the real CTA 5000-series railcars. The sounds should be very familiar to a regular CTA commuter and the physics should be nearly identical to those of a real CTA train.

Usage Information:

The main CTA5000 vehicle is driven like most standard Train Simulator vehicles. The controls are listed below. All CTA trains have a "track brake" which is a form of emergency brake, and this can be activated by holding the "E" button. CTA trains also have a safety feature called ATC, or Automatic Train Control. ATC ensures that the driver is following a safe speed but does not have direct control over the train. If you hear a high-pitched constant beep, ATC is regulating your speed and you are required to apply full brakes. It will then beep every four seconds until you are below the speed limit set by ATC. If you don't apply the brakes within 2.5 seconds, ATC will stop the train and you will have to apply full brakes before being allowed to move again.

Controls:

W/S - Reverser Lever
A/D - Throttle Lever
E - Track Brake (hold) Note: disables ATO when pressed
Space - Horn (hold)
J/Shift+J - LED Destination Sign
U - Enable/Disable ATO
Ctrl+D - Enable/Disable ATC (Rule 6.4 restrictions not implemented yet)
T - Open Doors

The CMT1000 vehicle is driven in a similar fasion, but keep this in mind: It has no physical brakes! MagLev vehicles have no contact with the track below, and instead use only magnetic force to accelerate and slow down. The "brakes" fade out at slow speeds but will still bring the vehicle to a near-complete stop.

Both the CMT1000 and one of the versions of the CTA5000 vehicles are equipped with Automatic Train Operation which, on the "Monorail" route, will drive the train automatically obeying speed limits and stopping at all stations. Turn this on or off using the "U" button.

Credits

A big thanks goes out to Dovetail Games and their amazing simulator and content, and especially for their new developer documentation which helped me actually get this stuff in the game.

Thanks also to the members of this awesome forum for providing information to make the project more accurate and enjoyable!

6400-series Nova LFS - Retirements

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 02:59:04 +0000

This topic will be started sooner or later... So I figured I'd just lay out the groundwork for when that time comes. No retirements are scheduled yet, but I will put up the lists here and deduct when they start coming in. I'm doing the lists as full(none retired) as I don't know what is out there and what isn't. Reply in PM or response and let me know what to remove.

700-series XE40 - Deliveries & Assignments

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 02:53:17 +0000

They're here. More details soon.

7000-series - Procurement

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 01:27:44 +0000

It seems the CTA is getting ready to announce an RFP (request for proposals) for a new series of rail cars. I hear that, with options, the order could be for more than 800 cars.

Does anyone have more details?

Where to see Red 2600's?

Thu, 24 Sep 2015 13:59:14 +0000

The last 2600 runs (842/843) that I knew of running have been replaced with 5000 cars. I also noticed another thread showing 20-30 2600 cars on the Red Line roster. What times, if any, would I be able to see 2600 cars in service on the Red Line?

Miscellaneous Transit Stories

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 15:33:26 +0000

I saw a video of a Mom with a 2-yr. old forced off a TriMet Bus by the Bus Operator because the toddler was tired and wouldn't stop crying. I think this was very much the wrong way to handle this situation.

Story

Riding "Route 0 Deadhead"

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 06:16:22 +0000

So some quick background. I live on Foster in Andersonville, I work at Michigan/Randolph. This means I have like 5 different transit options to get to the office, but usually I'll just take a 147 from Foster/Sheridan.

During the morning rush hour, it's a virtual parade of buses, most of them articulated express routes, heading from the North Park garage to their normal routes. I go out there to wait on a 92, but a good 80% of the time, one of those "out of service" buses will pick up passengers and shuttle us either to Foster/Sheridan or to the red line, depending on who stops. They still collect a fare, so I frequently have "Route 0 Deadhead" on my Ventra statement.

Will bus drivers get in trouble for this? I'm still paying a fare, so I doubt the CTA would really care, but do drivers have the leeway to pick folks up when they are off-route?

IRM CTA bus route maps

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 06:10:11 +0000

Check this out http://irm-cta.org/route_descriptions.html very interesting stuff,especially when Limits was still open. And the Evanston routes wow, I'm suprised they would even pull in/out l all the way out to Centeral and Crawford. How come they didn't have them just pull in/out from Howard street only? Enjoy.

SKOKIE-SOUTH In South Side of Chicago Is Open For Business

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 02:06:04 +0000

SKOKIE-SOUTH in the south side of Chicago is open for business. Wednesday, July 22, the first trailer load consisting of CTA 3087 was dispatched on a run-about-travel to the CTA Skokie Shop in the suburbs. 3087 was one of seven car stored at Rosemont following the famous crash involving the escalator at O'Hare Terminal in the wee hours of the morning. After months of storage, the seven cars were transferred from Rosemont to 63rd St. lower yard and evidently, they will be prepared for a return trips to Skokie where they will be turned over to the contract scrapper. Still to be seen, will the southbound trip from Skokie to SKOKIE-SOUTH handle 5000 series presently stored and unable to access CTA main tracks.

The loading process took place at a siding at 63rd St. lower yard.

The first load from SKOKIE-SOUTH goes through the main gate.

Good job CTA.....the vandal writing was removed before the car was transported over public roads.....no sense giving publicity to criminals.

A caravan of escort vehicles made a mini parade as the car went, first north on State St. to Pershing Rd where they crossed beneath a 14 ft. 0 in. viaduct; then three 90 degree turns put the parade on a course to Skokie on Interstate 94.

The pace bus shuffle

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 16:53:32 +0000

OK Guys here we go 2401 in now at north.6663 in at fox and 6683 to.

Graffiti / art on rooftops from the 1980's

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 17:40:14 +0000

Does anyone recall the somewhat strange rooftop graffiti / art that was comprised of white lines painted in a geometric pattern that appeared on roofs along the right of way, especially the Red / Howard line north of Lawrence?

I am looking for a photo of this graffiti as I recall always seeing it and am hoping to include it on my CTA themed train layout.

I'm certainly not debating as to whether this was art or vandalism, but I just remember always seeing it along the right of way. I did find an old Tribune article that interviewed the "artist", but there were no photos.

Granted, this is an odd request, but if you rode the Howard back then, you couldn't help but see it.

Thanks in advance,

SE CTA Fan / Terry

CTA Bus Garage Rosters

Sat, 19 Sep 2015 12:51:20 +0000

Rosters moved to page 3 of topic with each garage having an individual thread with both numerical and photo data of bus types at each garage.

Shortcut Links:

Out Of Service/Retired Buses

BusHunter's Roster

BusHunter's New Flyer Rehab Roster

garmon757's New Flyer Rehab Roster

Old Bus Pics

Detailed 3200s Rehab Progress

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 23:33:15 +0000

I'm going to move this to its own thread so we can find it easier, because it's a pain to have to page through the 3200 Rehabs thread to find my post and edit which ones have signs

I'm gonna compile a quick list of the current rehab progress that we know of, now that signs of progress are visible.

Adjacent sets grouped together

3207-3208: LED signs
3247-3248: LED signs
3249-3250: LED signs
3275-3276: LED signs
3293-3294: LED signs
     3295: LED Interior Lighting
3305-3306: LED signs
3325-3326: LED signs
3331-3332: LED signs
3339-3340: LED signs
3347-3348: LED signs
3359-3360: LED signs
3361-3362: LED signs
3371-3372: LED signs

3377-3378: LED signs
3379-3380: LED signs

3389-3390: LED signs

3405-3406: LED signs
3407-3408: LED signs

3415-3416: LED signs

3427-3428: LED signs
3429-3430: LED signs

3445-3446: LED signs
3447-3448: LED signs

3451-3452: LED signs

Total count (signs): 48
Total count (interior lights): 1

Pulse (Milwaukee Avenue Route)

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 18:18:29 +0000

Considering this project is pretty much going to happen at this point, perhaps we should have a thread for it.

I found a presentation to the American Public Transportation Assocation this August, some good info inside: http://www.apta.com/mc/multimodal/presentations/Presentations/Kellom%20PACE.pdf

Included is a map, showing ART stops at the following:

Golf Mill Mall

Milwaukee/Dempster

Milwaukee/Main

Milwaukee/Oakton

Milwaukee/Harlem-Howard

Milwaukee/Touhy

Milwaukee/Haft-Highland

Milwaukee/Austin-Ardmore

Milwaukee/Central

Jefferson Park CTA

Construction is supposed to begin next fall.

EDIT: I'd imagine with a corrosponding reduction in local 270 service, CTA may have to implement a new route from Jeff Park to the city line.

Railroad crossing malfunction

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 02:47:33 +0000

Hello, I have always wondered when reporting a railroad crossing malfunction should you call the police, railroad or booth?Also when I have called the railroad to report suspected malfunctioning crossing they do not ask for a Mile post number or a crossing ID number do the railroads now have accurate mapping software? And last but not least are train crews required to flag the crossing and if so how do they do it? Dose the conductor get off the train walk up to the crossing, stop traffic, and signal the engineer to move forward, then once the train is in the crossing re-board? Thank you.

3200-series - Rehabs

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 00:43:03 +0000

CTA has solicitations for 261 color LED signs, 261 HVAC units, and 261 Auxillary Power Supply units. Since the number 261 seemed strange but consistent, I cracked open the sign one, which indicates that it is for 3200 series cars. So it looks like they are getting some sort of overhaul, but not the complete one previously indicated.

The 261 signs are for 261 sign kits, including sign boxes, control panels and capital spares "to
be used for the mid-life rehabilitation of series 3200 rapid transit railcars."

The signs are to be controlled by something that looks like the current two knobs.

And somebody ought to read section 4.5:

"Each destination sign unit shall include a receptacle to connect a portable test unit (PTU), which shall be a laptop computer. ... "

"4.5.2. The PTU shall be used to download the destination sign's readings."

Also on the PTU software:

"4.8.2.10 Downloading of software updates to each system."

So they aren't programmable, are they? This spec does say to start off with the 45 readings already in the 5000s.

CTA bus simulator releasing soon

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 15:06:31 +0000

hi everyone I'm a new member and I came cross a unique and highly detailed bus simulator based on the Cta 124 and 130 downtown bus route. The game is called OMSI 2 Chicago downtown. The link is here. The simulator uses D40LF and DE60LF and has real bike racks and passengers and you can park in Kedzie Garage and even put in a run number in the clever devices IBIS system. http://www.omsi-chicago.com

Fox Valley Changes

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 21:59:38 +0000

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Fox Valley (and Western DuPage), as a result of population density changes since the last restructuring 10 years ago, have proposed service changes that will affect Aurora, Naperville, and surrounding towns (later this year).

Changes of note:

4 Routes are replaced
3 Routes are modified (to accommodate displaced service)
3 New Fixed-routes
2 New Call-and-Rides (one new, one replacement route)
And a partridge in a Pace Tree.

Chicago Transit Forum: Bugs, Feedback, Questions

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 23:30:12 +0000

Welcome to Chicago Transit Forum!

Please note that while the new forum has launched, there are some punch list items remaining. Additionally, we are running on a major new release of the software that powers the forum. The software vendor has completely re-written the software from the ground up. Some features, such as search, may not be as full featured as the previous version but should see improvements over the next few months.

Please post here if you have any questions or notice that something doesn't seem to be working properly.

Twin Cities Transit Enthusiast FB page

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 16:45:00 +0000

Hello All, I've been on the forums for quite some time . Although, I don't post often I'm reading the forums regularly. I recently moved to Minneapolis and they don't have anything close to the chitransit forums. So I've started my own transit enthusiast Facebook page. Feel free to like the page especially the few twin cities people on the forums. Thanks!

https://www.facebook.com/tctransitfan

Forthcoming Changes at West

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 16:18:29 +0000

A public hearing will be held at the Forest Park Public Library on January 19, 2011 to discuss the restructuring and/or service reduction of the following routes:

303: Route will be combined with Route 325 to improve connections to the Melrose Park Metra station and other Pace bus routes. Route 303 will no longer operate on North Avenue east of 19th Avenue (in Melrose Park) to North/9th (riders must transfer to Route 318 to go there) - but will instead operate on North Avenue between 19th and 25th Avenues to link the two soon-to-be-formerly-separate routes.

304: To avoid duplication with CTA bus service, route will no longer operate east of the North Riverside Mall during the times that CTA Route 21 is operating to the Mall. Service frequency and hours of operation will be reduced.

320: Midday service and select afternoon trips will be discontinued. Route 320 will operate weekday rush periods only.

322: To avoid duplication with the CTA Route 21 service, weekday and Saturday trips will no longer operate east of the North Riverside Mall during the times that CTA Route 21 is operating to the Mall. Saturday service will also operate more frequently and will also have expanded hours of operation. Sunday service will remain unchanged, resulting in duplication of only Sunday service between North Riverside Mall and the 54th Avenue CTA Pink Line terminal.

325: Route will be combined with Route 303 to improve connections to the Melrose Park Metra station and other Pace bus routes. The portion of the current Route 325 south of North Avenue will be discontinued (no direct replacement service will be provided along that portion of the route). The new combined route is expected to take the 303 route number and the expanded 303 schedule/hours of operation. This could result in Saturday service being restored to 25th Avenue north of North Avenue for the first time since the 1980s as well as the addition of Sunday service on that portion of the route for the first time ever. This new combined route will now effectively become a "circulator" route operating from a CTA Blue Line terminal at one end to a Blue Line station close to the Blue Line terminal at the opposite end of the rail line.

Further details will be posted as soon as the public notice is posted on the Pace Web site.

Any questions or comments? Feel free to voice your opinions.

2016 Pace budget

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 16:04:19 +0000

Daily Herald article on the proposed 2016 budget, although nothing is yet up on the Pace site. Preliminary indications are that they want to go CTA with an extra 25 cents for cash fares (maybe they could do a better job with suburban vending locations, or, as the article indicates, think that the app that should have been out by now is the panacea), the repeated reference to 75 buses, and pointing out the effect of "off the top" for paratransit.

Wishful Thinking

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 19:53:45 +0000

**** I am really seeing things that aren't there **** This is what I WAS going to write, until I realized the Brown Belmont sign is just really clean, well-lit, this photo is very clear, and I'm projecting wishful thinking on my visual input:

"Ummm, now I'm really confused. Is THAT a 2600 series with LEDs? Does that mean the Blue Line's 2600s are at least going to get color LED signage in the near future like the rehabbed and/or re-signed 3200s, matching what the 5000s we currently have throughout?

Seriously, the only thing I personally think the Blue line needs before getting 7000s in the future are the new signs. Oh yeah, and a lot of maintenance and spare parts to keep the 2600s running a while longer."

**** of course that's not an LED sign, duh, but the current Blue line signs are looking scrappy in comparison to even this Brown Belmont sign - anyway, one can still wish... ****

(from "CTA 'L' rosters" thread)

Here a two shots of #842 on Sept. 10. They were posted to Facebook ChicagoL by Christopher Rinker. He says that despite the run number, the train ran in the run spot. Grand and second is 33rd St. I will try to shoot 98th yard. Since the summer they have used all the tracks all the way east on the Bishop Ford...the fence track!
I can't response to Busjack...you know why.

Why Restoring The CTA Yellow Might Take Time

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 02:00:17 +0000

East bound shows the switches leading in to the Skokie Shops where the washout is about 2000 feet in the background.

The CTA Yellow line was suspended Sunday, May 17. Hopes that service would begin in a few days where dashed. Then weeks was promised...then two weeks was the amount of time needed to predict how long it would to open the line. This weekend marks the two weeks and still no word.

Sixty years the Skokie Swift opened featuring point to point service between Dempster in Skokie and Howard terminal. The CTA had bought the line from the North Shore interurban which had gone out of business. The North Shore had constructed the line in the 1920s as a high-speed bypass carrying its trains between Chicago and Milwaukee, WI. The Rapid Transit built its shops in Skokie and used the line to ferry cars back and forth. The RT also opened a line to Demspter called the Niles Center. The line featured third rail operation as far at the shops. All other trains had to use overhead catenary west of the shops.

The suspension left the CTA unable to access the shops. Power has been shut off but the shop has power. All deliveries of new 5000 series can be made. CTA Rail has enough rail cars to supply service for months.

So, what's the problem?

IRM had to decide whether to cancel the charter trip scheduled for Saturday, June 28. Earliest date for restoration of service appears to be past 6/27 (two weeks for design and materials to arrive, "several" weeks for the actual work), but they won't know for another two weeks how extensive and time consuming reconstruction of the embankment will be. And the entire 2400 series historic fleet is marooned at Skokie Shops.

A unknown fact was revealed..... the earthen embankment doesn't belong to the CTA. The ROW existed from years old formal agreements with the Sanitary district and the Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee from the 1920s. The district owns the land. The story goes, the North Shore was not in the best shape financially. The earth for the elevation embankment probably came from the cut through Evanston. That might not be the best soil for construction. We have pictures showing had they made embankments like the Evanston. They used timber pilings and filled the supports with fill material. No one expected some one would dig next to the embankments. Yes....RIGHT!

CTA has continued to use the tracks there under an easement granted most recently by the predecessor Metropolitan Sanitary District to the North Shore in 1955. CTA assumed that but it was never formally renegotiated. In fact, it came up at the December (2014) Transit Board meeting because the latest extension of the 1955 easement agreement was expiring and they needed an emergency extension. The fee for the six months ending June 30 was $17,837.50. Cheap, if you ask me, but that's merely an extension of the 60-year-old agreement, which replaced a 30-year agreement negotiated in 1925. $17K bought a lot more in the '50s.

The CTA has had a history dealing with "L" routes owned by other railroads. Back in the 50s lease renewals was a big reasons the CTA closed its operations on the Stockyards and the Kenwood, both were owned by the Junction RR. The CTA decided differently with the north side main.....they bought the elevated from Wilson to Linden in 1953.

So looks like the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, the present name, might have to dig up that 1920 work and start all over again. We wait the boring report.

Parades and Inadequate Transit Service

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 00:02:17 +0000

Wow did you guys see the crowds on the buses coming from the Gay Pride Parade? Why was CTA running Sunday service with no extras or even any artics? Buses were packed east of the Blue line, many riders were left stranded and this was on the #77, a route known for alot of buses. I did see one artic on #74, one!!!???? One #77 was even short turned east at the Blue line, I believe #6823 and that bus was packed cause I was the last one on it. I can't believe it they short turned a packed bus!! Bus after bus was packed to the door and I saw this on the #152 as well as the #77, the #152 actually had #6591 die for a period, 30 minute service with those crowds?? The #152 had bus bunches all completely packed. I can imagine the #80 wasn't much better. I guess I'll have to mark this day on my calender, this and St. Pat's day weekend are no travel days as far as I'm concerned unless you like waiting, being packed like sardines and waiting on service that you don't know you can use when it does show up.

CTA Bus Rapid Transit (take two)

Sat, 12 Sep 2015 05:22:55 +0000

CTA appears to be throwing their hat in the ring again for BRT funding. Here is the complete story from the Chicago Tribune

CTA Service Adjustments

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 02:56:27 +0000

When the CTA has it's September 4th public meeting (at 6pm at CTA Headquarters on 567 W. Lake St) after the Labor Day Holiday, business at Forrest Claypools CTA will resume and 12 bus routes will be up for elimination and Rail service during Rush Periods will be beefed up except on Yellow & Pink Line Trains will be increased to decrease over-crowding. Some routes are elminated because of low levels of service (132, 56A (which runs parllel to Pace 270) a Southern segement on 11, the combination of 120 & 122 and a new Lasalle bus route 37 just to name a few).

Unusual Red Line Sighting

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 15:39:06 +0000

Today and once last week I spotted a Red Line train with all #2600's and Brown Line Belmont signs. The first time, I spotted the train leaving 95th around 6:00 last week and today arriving into Roosevelt around 6:25-6:30. Both trains were northbound trains during AM rush. Any explanations?

Longest NYC Subway Ride

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 02:08:58 +0000

An email newsletter I'm subscribed to shared an article about how a podcast host was given a route that an app determined would be the longest possible ride on the NYC subway. The route would be able to revisit a station or transfer between lines as many times as needed, but could not backtrack on any segment of a line. (The article also includes the app used to determine the route.)

It makes me wonder what would be the longest ride you could take on the L, using the same method.

Red & Purple Modernization Project (RPM)

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 21:48:52 +0000

There was some discussion on CTA Tattler today regarding the upcoming Red & Purple Modernization Project public scoping meetings.

There are more details about all of the proposed alternatives in the Notice of Intent filed with the FTA. (Credit to Hugh Bartling for finding this document.)

First, there's the "No Action Alternative" which would do nothing. The "Basic Rehabilitation Alternative" would essentially put lipstick on a pig, while the "Basic Rehabilitation with Transfer Stations Alternative" would add Purple Line transfer stations at Wilson and Loyola.

Both the "Modernization 4-Track Alternative" and "Modernization 3-Track Alternative" would permanently close four stations: South Blvd, Jarvis, Thorndale, and Lawrence. Both of these options would replace the existing structure and embankment with "modern concrete aerial structure" while also rebuilding most stations. The 3-Track option would allow for Purple Line Express service in only a single direction.

The "Modernization 2-Track Underground Alternative" would replace most of the existing Red Line structure with a two-track subway. Trains would transition below ground after Belmont, following the Brown Line tracks and then running under Sheffield/Sheridan to the intersection of Sheridan and Broadway, where they would then run under Broadway until returning to elevated just north of Loyola. Subway stations would be constructed at Addison, Irving Park, Wilson, Foster, Bryn Mawr, Glenlake, and Devon/Loyola. Purple Line Express service would be discontinued in favor of more frequent local service. I created a map of what this proposed subway portion would look like. (Not that I actually expect this to ever get built.)

Public meetings will be held in Uptown, Edgewater, Rogers Park, and Evanston next week to get input on the alternatives.

Shakeup the Blue Line

Sun, 06 Sep 2015 19:09:58 +0000

If you haven't noticed, which I hope you have, the terminus during rush hour seems to always be UIC-Halsted. This is a result of booming ridership on the Northwest Side, while West Side ridership has dropped significantly. Now I've thrown this idea around a couple of times and never got much feedback, so here we go. What if CTA splits the Blue Line in two. And instead of going from O'Hare to Forest Park, a super-station at Union Station would be built as a terminal for the "O'Hare Branch". As for the "Forest Park Branch", it would run from the West past Union Station into the Loop and terminate at Clark/Lake. This will allow for more trains to run along the O'Hare Branch and connect Union Station to the 'L' (Yes, I know BRT is now connecting it), all while continuing service to Forest Park.

I put a drawing in to give everyone an idea of what it would look like.

Metra Electric in Train Simulator 2015

Thu, 03 Sep 2015 01:54:38 +0000

hello every one. first of all, I would like to thank the administrators for adding me. I am introducing to you my project. the Metra Electric Route. all tracks are laid to all three branches, complete with stations. and, as a bonus, all tracks are laid and stations added for the South Shore Line to the South Bend Airport Terminal. with this route, I also hope to have route specific trains for it. here is a screen shot if one of the trains I am building. the old Illinois Central Pullman cars.

Metra, Oswego, and earmarks

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 18:49:36 +0000

Daily Herald article about whether Metra should still be doing a study about extending to Oswego and beyond, just because Denny Hastert, when Speaker of the House, got an earmark for a study for something Kendall County can't afford (and because it is out of the RTA area, Metra can't pay for, either).

If nothing else, it reenforces my belief that federal transit money is only the Consultant's Relief Plan.

CMAQ - Bus slow zone program

Wed, 02 Sep 2015 04:15:41 +0000

Thoughts on CTA-Bus Slow Zone Elimination Program?

or any other application?

http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq/program-development

TI01164058-CTA-Ashland Av Transit Signal Priority and Signal Modernization-Irving Park Rd to Cermak Rd
TI01164059-CTA-Bus Slow Zone Elimination Program
TI13164167 Pace-I-90
TI13164168 Pace-Dempster Pulse

DR01164110-CTA-Electric Buses and Charging Stations

TI13164060-IDOT-Edens Expressway/I-94 Bus on Shoulder

Bustracker

Mon, 31 Aug 2015 05:35:34 +0000

I tried this out, and assuming it is accurate (we couldn't say that for Pace's) buses are bunched, even on a Saturday night. 6700 and 6701 were within a block of each other WB, as were 6705 and 6706 going EB. This resulted eastbound of intervals of 11 (6706), 12 (6705), and 29 minutes (6713) EB at Washington & Jefferson. CTA had better find out a way to get the buses unbunched, or this will just show how badly service is regulated.

BTW, after I loaded the java plug in as requested, I didn't have any problem with this using Firefox. Both the map and the next bus time windows appeared to update automatically.

Pieces of Madison and Wabash being auctioned off

Sat, 29 Aug 2015 13:56:24 +0000

Apparently on Friday the 28th pieces of Madison and Wabash will be auctioned off

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20150826/downtown/want-piece-of-century-old-cta-station-nows-your-chance

New Pace Paratransit Vehicles

Wed, 26 Aug 2015 07:07:50 +0000

Yesterday, I was in Orland Park and happened to see a Pace paratransit bus #14005 pulling into an assisted care living facility. I didn't get a pic of it, but are they now going the direction of the year/number way of numbering their buses and getting away from the 5000s?

Public Transit in Panama

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 01:22:06 +0000

Let me tell you now, with the highest price for gas in Panama City being $0.81, everything else that needs it gets cheaper. Bus is $0.25, metro is $0.35. Also, whenever the 6400's breakdown, Panama City has the Diablos Rojo's (Red Devils), imported American school buses to help increase capacity. While every bus looks like it rolled out an episode of Pimp My Ride, these buses must surely be cheaper than anything we can get from Mike's School Bus Emporium . The white buses with an orange stripe are the regular buses (the Red Devils are mostly used on intercity routes that have 90 minutes or less of travel time). Also showcased are some pics of the Panama City Metro. Designed to help allieviate traffic, the trains (19 in total) come in a conjoined set of 3 (you can freely walk between all the cars). The platforms are long enough to accomdate 2 sets of the trains (they currently run one set). They currently run only one set now until they procure more trains. The ride is very smooth and nearly silent (not counting ambient noise from the passengers) especially compared the 2600's in the Blue Line tunnels.

Coming Soon: The Racetrack Aurora - Chicago On TS2015

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 01:30:34 +0000

Wow, I'm in shock, they are actually going to release a Metra simulator from here in Chicago on TS2015. It's going to be of the Racetrack, Metra's Aurora - Chicago route. This is going to be interesting. In the tease photograph, they really rendered the skyline well. It's hard to see if that is a F40PHM-2 loco in the shot, that is sort of rare and also are the last F40PH's ever built. Also interesting is whether there is an MP36PH-3S, included in the game. It should be if it's to be authentic. It's to be released through 3rd party developer Chicago & Southwest Productions Inc., but I can't seem to find out anything about that company.

Have 2400- or 3200-series cars ever run on the Pink Line at all?

Mon, 24 Aug 2015 00:35:00 +0000

While neither the 2400-series nor the 3200-series cars have ever been officially assigned to the Pink Line, I wonder, have either of these two series of cars ever run on the Pink Line at all, either in an emergency or from borrowing other lines' equipment? Google shows no images of any. I know when the Pink Line first entered service it used a mix of 2200- and 2600-series cars.

Return of the X, Rapid, BRT-Lite, Limited Stop Routes (was X9, X49) Thread

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 14:15:51 +0000

Can anyone point me to schedules/ stops list for same? Curious what service there was. TIA

Question About The South Halsted Routes

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 13:57:02 +0000

I was riding the 8A today and I noticed a few things. The 8 ends at 79th/Halsted. The 8A ends at 79th/Perry and goes to 127th. The 108 starts at the 95th Red Line station and goes to 127th. The 352 also starts at 95th and goes to the south suburbs. I noticed that there is a gap that the 8A covers between 79th and 95th. It makes more sense to me to extend the 8 to either the 95th Red Line or 95th and Halsted and combine the 8A into the 108. It just seems like a waste to have two buses that are basically the same route existing at the same time.

CTA Video: Ride The Rails

Fri, 21 Aug 2015 14:15:56 +0000

A super fast ride with a camera front end view, from 95th St. to Howard Terminal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPeco8tW7Tc

Why Were The #2000's Retired So Soon?

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 18:08:27 +0000

I noticed that the #2000's served the shortest amount of time for a CTA railcar series. I want to know why they were retired so quickly? It seems like CTA scrapped most of them as soon as they had the opportunity. The cars marked the beginning of the "High Performance Series" so they were compatible with everything that came after. Also, it seems strange that the CTA retired the #2000's as quick as possible but the #2200's which weren't that much newer served until just a few years ago. Heck even some of the PCC cars served a bit longer than the #2000's. What was wrong with the cars that necessitated their quick retirement and scrapping?

Wayside energy storage system

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 17:33:46 +0000

CTA has a Request for Information about a wayside energy storage system for the rapid transit system. While the solicitation basically requests technical expertise, the problem is defined as that a WESS would allow storage of the braking energy until another rail car accelerates, as well as reduce stress on the power system during surges in demand. The system would also determine whether it would pay to convert the DC to AC and sell it back to the utility.

It also says that SEPTA uses it. This explains that project.

Pace Roster

Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:00:37 +0000

This is what I have for the current Pace roster. (last updated 9/26/15 @ 1:52 AM)

North (Waukegan) (52 total)
NABI LFW-35 (2003): #6600 - #6603, #6606 - #6611, #6616, #6620, #6621, #6624 - #6628, #6630, #6632, #6633, #6636 - #6640, #6643, #6644, #6661, #6665, #6667, #6671, #6674, #6675, #6679, #6680, #6682, #6684 (38 total)
NabI LFW-40 (2003): #6206, #6214, #6220, #6222 - #6230, #6236, #6237 (14)

Northwest (169 total) (fleet total should be around 130, there's probably 40 unknown Orion retirements, if we figure 52 Axess are in service here )
Orion VI (2000 - 2003): #6000 - #6012, #6014 - #6039, #6045, #6046, #6056, #6063 - #6065, #6111 - #6139, #6141 - #6144, #6146 - #6148, #6150 - #6161 (93 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2009): #2767 - #2786 (20 total)
Eldorado Axess (2013-14): #6392- #6399 (8 total)
Eldorado Axess (2014-15): #6400 - #6412, #6414 - #6433, #6436 - #6440, #6442 - #6445, #6447 - #6452 (48 total)

North Shore (52 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2006): #2651 - #2659 (9 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2007): #2704 - #2706 (3 total)
NABI LFW-35 (2003): #6622, #6641, #6642, #6649, #6664, #6668, #6670, #6676 (8 total)
NABI LFW-40 (2003): #6231, #6233 - #6235, #6238 - #6240, #6251, #6253, #6255 - #6261 (17 total)
NABI LFW-40 (2005): #6262 - #6267, #6321, #6322 (8 total)
Eldorado Axess (2012): #6377, #6378 (2 total)
Eldorado Axess (2014-15): #6477, #6479, #6481 - #6483 (5)

River Division (Elgin) (42 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2007): #2702, #2703, #2707 - #2712, #2714 - #2726, #2736 - #2742 (28 total)
NABI LFW-35 (2003): #6614, #6623, #6631, #6648, #6652, #6666, #6669, #6683 (8 total)
Eldorado Axess (2012): #6386 - #6391 (6 total)

West (131 total)
Eldorado Axess (2012-13): #6323 - #6376 (55 total)
Orion VI (2000): #6041 - #6044, #6048 - #6055, #6057 - #6060, #6062, #6066 - #6071 (23 total)
NABI LFW-40 (2003): #6246 - #6249, #6252 (5 total)
NABI LFW-40 (2005): #6279, #6285 - #6302, #6304 -#6312, #6314 - #6316 (31 total)
NABI LFW (2003): #6604, #6605, #6612, #6618, #6647, #6650, #6651, #6660, #6662, #6672, #6673 (11 total)

Downers Grove Commuter Shuttle (6 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2006): #2602, #2603, #2650, #2699 - #2701 (6 total)

Fox Valley Division (Aurora) (35 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2006): #2605 - #2612, #2614 - #2629 (29 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2009): #2743, #2826 - #2829 ( 4 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2009): #2765, #2766 (2 total)

Fox Valley Division (Joliet) (52 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2009): #2744 - #2764 (21 total)
MCI D-4000 (2002): #6900 - #6907 (8 total)
MCI D-4500 (2014) #6950 - #6962 (13 total)
MCI D-4500? (2015) #6964 - #6971 (8 total)

First Student (Westmont/Lisle) (20 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2009): #2793 - #2812 (20 total)

First Student (Naperville) (37 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2006): #2635, #2660 - #2695 (37 total)

Southwest (60 total)
Orion VI (2000): #6072 - #6110, #6140, #6147, #6149 (42 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2009): #2787 - #2792, #2814 - #2825 (18 total)

South (127 total)
NABI LFW-40 (2003): #6162 - #6172, #6174 - #6205, #6207- #6212, #6215 - #6219, #6221, #6232, #6241 - #6245, #6250, #6254 (63 total)
NABI LFW-40 (2005): #6268 - #6278, #6280 - #6284, #6303, #6317 - #6320 (21 total)
NABI LFW-35 (2003): #6614, #6615, #6617, #6619, #6629, #6634, #6635, #6645, #6646, #6653 - #6659, #6663, #6677, #6678, #6681 (20 total)
Eldorado Axess (2012): #6379 - #6385 (7 total)
MCI D-4000 (2002): #6908 - #6912 (5 total)
MCI D-4000 (2010): #6914 - #6919 (leased MCI's) (6 total)

Niles (13 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2006): #2600, #2601, #2604, #2640 - #2649 (13 total)

City Of Highland Park (11 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2006): #2630 - #2634, #2636 - #2639 (9 total)
Orion Hybrid (2011): #2830, #2831 (2 total)

Dupage - Wheaton (8 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2007): #2727 - #2735 (9 total)

Mchenry (still exists?) (3 total)
Eldorado EZ-Rider (2006): #2696 - #2698 (3 total)

Pace 550 to Crystal Lake

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 18:24:06 +0000

IYCMI - Route 550, a route that operates on North Randall will be extended to Crystal Lake and midday service will be restored.

GM New Look bus returned to service

Tue, 18 Aug 2015 15:51:47 +0000

OK, so the Flxible bus converted into a fresh market store did not work out.
Here is a much better retrofitting of a ex-transit bus. It's a GM New Look bus as well. It was serving as a semi-hospitality suite at the Oak Park Micro Brew Review on Saturday, 15 August. I would think it will be sent to other beer-worthy events in the metropolitan area, so get on out there and see it.

The Breakdown Thread

Fri, 14 Aug 2015 02:26:38 +0000

The broken down Flxible 6000 I saw today inspired me to make this thread....

If you have a broken down bus or train story(whether you were on the vehicle or not), please share it. It can be any bus or train type the CTA or PACE uses or used(Metra stories are OK too). If you happen to remember the bus/train car#, you may share that as well(I guess being the son of a Bus Mechanic makes me like hearing breakdown stories, go figure).:P

Posted Stops Only

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 20:23:19 +0000

I noted that Pace has installed bus stop signs on Pfingsten, Willow, and Sanders for route 270. That portion is basically a loop for Glenbrook Hospital rush hour trips to serve Allstate on Sanders, but up to now hasn't generated any ridership itself (among other reasons, it would be about a 1:20 trip to Jefferson Park).

Does anyone know if this is a precursor to making 270 (which has been proposed for ART) a Posted Stops Only route?

Pace Bus Wraps

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 16:57:29 +0000

Did anyone notice this idea in the newest Moving Forward newsletter?

Wrap it up: older buses look new again
The problem: after eleven years of wear and tear from road salt, weather and more, Pace buses that entered the fleet in 2003 are showing their age. The solution: an exterior vinyl wrap refreshes the appearance of the bus while saving money versus repainting.
Pace is in the midst of wrapping approximately 50 buses in the old color scheme of a white bus with a yellow stripe down each side outlined in blue. When completed, the buses are nearly identical to the current livery of a blue bus with white logos.
The cost to wrap a bus versus repainting saves $8,000 per bus and the wrapping process takes just seven hours. To repaint a bus would require it to be out of service for 24 days.
The result is a bus that looks considerably more attractive and more closely resembles the newer, blue buses that now make up a majority of Pace’s fleet. The first blue buses joined Pace’s fleet in 2005 as part of a rebranding campaign that included a new agency logo and color scheme.
Wraps have been used by Pace for many years for advertise-ments and promotion of special events services.

What do you think?

Moving Forward 081514.pdf

ChicagoBus.org Updates

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 14:58:41 +0000

A couple of minor changes, 1 update (rehabs), and 1 additional photo added in the New Flyer 1000s page if anybody wants to check it out.

http://chicagobus.org/buses/1000

How the US has destroyed Public Transportation

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 02:44:50 +0000

Figured this was an interesting article.

http://www.vox.com/2015/8/10/9118199/public-transportation-subway-buses

Random Pace

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 21:21:06 +0000

Since it isn't Random CTA and not Miscellaneous:

Trib Local just had a story that they had to evacuate a Pace 364 bus due to a biohazard because someone drank two beers and then had to take a leak. Apparently a long ride from Harvey to Orland Park.

CMAQ Grants

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 17:52:13 +0000

CMAQ (Congestion Management and Air Quality) grants are part of the federal transportation program, and in Chicago they are administered by CMAP (Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning). The CMAQ committee has made recommendations for the funding of specific projects in the 2016-2020 timeframe, and the plan will be submitted to the Transportation Committee in July and released for public comment.

http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/documents/10180/437344/CMAQ_16-20_Staff_Rec_Program_061815.pdf/e4266265-d3fb-4c44-b292-4517f1f08ee2

Project summary documents are also available: http://www.cmap.illinois.gov/mobility/strategic-investment/cmaq/program-development

Transit recommendations of interest:

$125 million to Red/Purple Phase 1

$10 million to Edens Expwy bus shoulder

$8.9 million to Ashland TSP from Irving Park to Cermak

$19.7 million to Pace I-90 Transit Access

$8.6 million to Aurora Transportation Center improvements

$4.2 million to RTA Access to Transit projects

$1.6 million to Mundelein Metra pedestrian bridge

$527,000 to Rosemont CTA pedestrian crossing

Also interesting are the projects that were not deemed worthy of funding:

Blue Line Washington St. reconstruction

Red Line Monroe St. reconstruction

State/Lake reconstruction

CTA Bus Slow Zone Elimination

Pace Pulse Dempster St. line

Pace/CTA North Shore Coordination Plan

Wed, 12 Aug 2015 13:08:03 +0000

Maybe something for which I have been advocating for 10 years is actually going to happen. Pace has a Request for Proposals for a Pace CTA North Shore Transit Service Coordination Plan and Market Analysis.

Cracking this open, it states that the objective is to review and coordinate CTA and Pace services in the North Shore area, specifically where they overlap, including Evanston, Skokie, Chicago, and other adjacent North Shore communities. It says that it is a continuation of the Pace North Shore Initiative of 2004 and the CTA Service Coordination Project of 2012, which I assume is the Crowd Reduction Plan.The study will review existing services and determine best routing alignment and service connections where service areas overlap. The study area includes Pace 208, 210, 213, 215, 250, 421, 422, 423, and CTA 54A, 93, 97, 201, 205, 206. The study also includes the Red, Yellow, Purple and Brown lines and the Metra UP-N.

The tasks include meeting with the Pace and CTA project teams (emphasis added). There is also supposed to be public involvement, and surveys of riders on the routes listed above. It is to take into account proposed ART for 250 and 208.

The contractor is supposed to complete the study and recommendations in 24 months.

Academy/Pace operations.....

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 15:10:12 +0000

Here is a rundown of equipment currently assigned to Academy/Pace operation, Routes 326,600,606,616,696,699

for those of you who might be interested....

Correct me if I miss one....

NABI 35ft

6604 6645 as of 2-19-08

6605 6646 as of 2-19-08

6606

6607

6608

6609

6610

6611

6612

NABI 40FT

6249 as of 10/09

ORION 40ft

2293 2307 2296

2297 2326 2375

2300 2327 2376 removed from roster as of 02-08

2301 2330 2377

2302 2372 2308

2304 2373 2374

New Express Routes Coming Soon.

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 14:43:26 +0000

I've been skimming thru a RFP Pace recently put up and they are looking for contractors to operate two new express routes including route #855. Looks like Pace is going full steam ahead with its I-55 BRT plan.

The two new routes are #655 Bolingbrook-Schaumburg Express & #755 Plainfield-UIC Express.

The RFP states that the contractor will have to coaches for the 1st year of service, after that Pace will provide its own motor coaches.

The new services will start November 30, 2009.

For all the details you can download the RFP:

http://www.pacebus.com/sub/purchasing/bid_...1&nogol=sey

CTA Historical Internal documents Website

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 21:37:34 +0000

All,

While I was browsing the web yesterday, I came across this site, http://irm-cta.org. It contains a wealth of information such as old bus/rail schedules, bus/rail equipment assignments and a whole lot of other information that would be useful. Even better, pretty much all of the documents are in .pdf form also. Check it out.

New Barns 13 &14 Under Construction at IRM

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 23:04:05 +0000

Well looks like they got the funding they needed to build some new barns. Question is where on the property is this located? There was a couple spots they could actually build now that I'm thinking of it. One is the spot where the turbine Union Pacific GTEL is and I'm thinking of a spot where they had steam locos out in the open next to the barn that always has the Electroliner in it.

They also had some engines stored down the way from I believe that's Olson Rd. by the front gate. So sounds like they need some some barns to protect the trains from weathering issues. Here's the link....

http://www2.irm.org/blogs/archives/1845-The-long-wait-is-over.html

If I ran Transit for one day...

Tue, 04 Aug 2015 05:43:34 +0000

Since everyone on here shares a lot of CTA information, it has me asking this question:
"What if I ran CTA for one day?"

I'll start with this: If I ran CTA for one day, I would have the following X (Express) routes restored and introduce new ones (new ones are in bold):

X3 King Drive Express
X4 Cottage Grove Express
X9 Ashland Express
X14 Jeffery Express
X20 Madison Express
X29 State Express
X49 Western Express
X55 Garfield Express
X66 Chicago Express

Also I would have new Green Line Stations at Damen/Lake and Western/Lake and new Pink Line stations at Madison and Roosevelt. Anyway, what do you guys think? And also explain what would you guys do if you ran CTA for one day.

WMATA 7000 Series + Retired MTA Cool Comfort Bus

Tue, 04 Aug 2015 00:55:05 +0000

755/855 Expansion Coming Forthwith.

Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:38:31 +0000

Speaking of 855...Alerts should be out in the next week or so.

http://www.pacebus.com/sub/schedules/route_notice_detail.asp?Notice_ID=4421

To summarize:

855 will be split up to streamline the route, especially out of Bolingbrook and Romeoville. 850 and 851 will be the service in that particular area, and 855 will directly serve Plainfield and Burr Ridge.

755 will add a trip in each direction.

Wilmette fireworks shuttle

Tue, 28 Jul 2015 23:54:01 +0000

Good evening,

I would like to know how for Wilmette's annual July 4th fireworks the PACE shuttle service is subsidized. It is run by the North shore division using buses bassed at the Evanston garage. A link can be found here file:///C:/Users/Max/Documents/13_Wilmette_Fireworks_Shuttle.pdf Is this a holdover from the Wil-bus era? Is Wilmette the only town that has subsidized PACE service to the fireworks show or do other towns have slimier arrangements? Thank you

No Summer pick for 2015?

Sun, 26 Jul 2015 18:30:43 +0000

I've been both on the forum and transitchicago and I have yet to see about any schedule changes related to the summer pick.... Anyone know what's the deal with that? Could the Yellow Line closure be that much of an issue to where both the bus picks AND rail picks are postponed for a while?

Paratransit contract changes--unemployment?

Sun, 26 Jul 2015 15:55:06 +0000

I checked out the North Cook paratransit situation. As I previously noted, the contract awards page said that it went to MV. I checked out the MV location in Niles and both Pace equipment and their equipment were in the lot, including the Arlington Heights-Rolling Meadows C&R bus. First Transit has removed any indication of its operations in Glenview.

Also, it appears that there are new operators in Du Page and Kane.

The question is--since service seems unaffected--what happens to the drivers? Are they automatically offered jobs by the new contractor, have to apply for those jobs but get some preference, go to other First operations, or are on the unemployment lines?

Electric Buses in the US

Sat, 25 Jul 2015 13:38:34 +0000

http://www.washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2015/05/13/new-dc-circulator-buses-will-have-usb-ports-and-better-air-conditioning/

They seem to be coming.... Everywhere....

New Buses & Numbering

Sat, 25 Jul 2015 13:37:25 +0000

This seems like the best place to discuss this....

With Nova soon-to-be delivering it's third(perhaps final) batch of LFS buses to Chicago, the thought about how the numbers reach Chicago is again in my mind. Going back to production, lets use four completely made up VIN #'s for them

NB6DL5B18RT507301
NB6DL5B18RT507302
NB6DL5B18RT507303
NB6DL5B18RT507304

Now these four buses are built and on Plattsburgh's lot ready to roll. NB6DL5B18RT507301 came off the assembly line first, so shouldn't Nova brand that bus #8100, being the first one off the line? I know buses do come out of order, but NB6DL5B18RT507301 should be #8100, not #8149. If there was a issue with #8100 that needed to be worked out before it was driven to Chicago, I can see. But that bus that first rolled off the line shouldn't be nothing more than #8100, and 507301 should be #8101 and so on. They should be rolling off numerically in order and be delivered as close to order as possible, though issues with the bus may require them staying at Plattsburgh longer and other buses going out ahead of them.

New OTR buses

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 13:14:00 +0000

Saw 6971 coming into Chicago to take up a 755 journey this afternoon.

Checked bustracker and 6965 was also on 755 and 6967 on 851.

New Detroit Xcelsior in Chattanooga, TN

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 18:31:53 +0000

Someone spotted a new flyer Xcelsior being delivered to Detroit in Chattanooga,TN. I wonder why he was so far south?

(All pictures credited to Winston Wright)

Trivia Corner

Sun, 19 Jul 2015 16:19:17 +0000

So, I wanted to bring a bit of fun to the forum, especially after my long absence. What better way to start than with "GUESS THAT BUS ROUTE!" I shall provide 3-5 clues, every Friday or Saturday, with answers due by the following Sunday or Monday. Here we go!

1) This route's northern terminus starts with "B"

2) This route is a whopping 15.9 miles long

3) This route serves 5 CTA rail stations (this clue should narrow it down a lot)

7900 series problems.

Sun, 19 Jul 2015 13:26:49 +0000

Bus 8048 has just broken down. The engine just cut out at archer and pulaski. According to the driver this is not an unusual occurence. "First the low coolant light comes on then the engine shuts off" Has abybody else experienced this. If thats the case this may be a 7500 series repeat, especially since this bus is less than 6 months old