There is also an entire walkable tunnel network for the winters to avoid the freezing wind and ice. I worked there and didn’t know about it until I got off the train once and wondered where all the passengers on the train went because I was the only one walking the streets. So the next day I followed everyone and they all went downstairs into a warm tunnel! It was like another city! Shops and bars and cafes and restaurants. I found my way to my office building and since then never walked street level again in the winter. I’d buy my favorite cookies on the way home too. What a time I had in Chicago. My favorite American city. It’s a gem and I want to live there again.
@agirlwithdreams15 that's what I wanna know cause I been at all and where can you shop and walk underground besides Jefferson transferring from red to blue
i take the orange line i remember when i was 9 my grandma picked me up from school then go to the orange line then get off at Roosevelt and take the bus to my moms work and she picked me uo and my grandma left to go to the hospital then my mom and me went back home.....cta is a big part of my childhood
I like these videos for a lot of different reasons. It's relaxing, the video and sound quality are excellent. Then there's the pure engineering aspect; the math required to fit between buildings, the amount of cement and steel required to build something on this scale, the resources required to maintain this level of service. It's all pretty amazing to me.
This video is a railfan's paradise. The ride along Belt and seeing all the rolling stock, green line trains and circling the Loop. Not to mention a smooth, fast ride especially with 2.0 speed settings. Great video!!
@@bullymaguire6168 Yes, you are right. It is comparable. But in NYC you don't have the elevated tracks in the downtown any more. So I that still makes Chicago special. But you are right. It might not be that unique.
@@OnkelJajusBahn thanks again and for the update I appreciate you doing it a little bit too thanks for Pilgrim it to me know soon thanks again and thank goodness thank
@@OnkelJajusBahn The big difference is that NYC's elevated runs on a steel construction, not on a 'long cement bridge'. I don't know which of the two needs more maintanence, but I can imagine its easier to chenge a steel beam than a whole cement element. OK, i have to correct myself. Downtown the CTA is also built on a steel beam construction.
@@bullymaguire6168 Elevated track is pretty much exclusive to the 7 Line, the J/Z lines. Every other line that has elevated track only has such track in the suburbs of New York.
Every time I see two trains passing each other, whether in this video, on my model railroad club's layout, or elsewhere, I imagine they're saying something like this: "Morning, Charles." "Morning, Frank."
And perhaps, best of all, you don't have to interact with some of the passengers, who can be really strange. I seem to my friends to be a normal looking guy. But every time I ride the CTA, unusual things happen. The last time, a middle aged black gentleman took one look at me, and started crying profusely. All the other passengers thought I did something to him. WTF!
Haberlandt Oskar I'm glad you are lol......since most of the time american mass transit and public transit systems underwhelm and underperforming compared to European ones
You said that right, Jdub! It seems no matter where one is on the system it's hurryup/slowdown/stop/hurryup/slowdown/stop for no apparent reason. "Rapid" transit in CTA's vocabulary is highly relative.
And I am greatly impressed by the European transit videos. London Tube (Jubilee Line), the Berlin (U-Bahn and S-Bahn) and Norway's Oslo (T-Bane) systems are glimspes of the near-future, that can be experienced now. For the distant future, trains will be so fast, there won't be a need for seats....we will all be riding, standing up!
These are fantastic videos so my thanks to the CTA for producing them ... I have visited Chicago twice and have ridden the 'L' and thoroughly enjoyed it ... now I can ride it from the comfort of my own home on my large computer and TV screen. Thanks again to the CTA. From the Province of Ontario, Canada.
@@jdubw9118 Yes, the TTC is pretty cool, especially their new trains with open gangways so you can see literally from one end of the train to the other and walk the complete train with no doors to go through, I was riding it last week as a matter of fact when I was visiting Toronto. If you are at the rear of the train, for example, you can see the entire front of the train when it goes around curves in the tracks and when it goes up or down slight grades.
If there's something I've been doing sometimes since 2016 is watching all these "CTA Ride the Rails" while listening to the "SimCity 3000" soundtrack in the background. It's relaxing, and the Chicago Loop is really a beautiful part of the city. I hope I'll see it by myself someday. Cheers from São Paulo, Brazil.
There is this portion from 35:20 down to and past Roosevelt that gives this incredible sensation of running through a tight crease in the city. It has a snug, urban closeness.
SUPER Videos und vielen Dank dafür. Ich finde es total genial wie das ganze Schienennetz gebaut wurde. Und Ich bin wirklich super beeindruckt wie die Bahn zwischen den Hochhäusern hindurchfährt. Das sieht für Mich persönlich super GEIL aus. Ich würde wirklich liebend gern mal mit so einer Bahn mitfahren und neben dem Lokführer sitzen...SUPER..!!!!
For years I have dreamed of riding all the CTA lines everyday... Thank you for granting that wish. I would appreciate a Purple Line express video, and the ability to transfer to trains...My Android doesn't allow it.
Thank you for posting this! I don't know if I will ever make it to Chicago in my lifetime, but I feel that I just visited while watching here from California!
Real workmanship building construction here with raised still decking, saw some really detailed track works and junctions, the system is complex and organised, wondered whether the system was used automatic trains due the apparent lack of signals, also noticed that on some occasions, no barriers to stop any possible derailed trains.
Question of the day... How does the signalling work on the CTA trains? I do not see any signals alongside the tracks, so i suppose its transferred directly to the drivers dashboard. Is it similiar to the ETCS (European Train Control System)?
Fantastic ride on the 'L'. All thanks to CTA. They have made it possible to travel by subway from one's own bedroom. Want to try the Green Line, that is from Harlem to Ashland 63. Am requesting CTA to produce the video.
this is amazing! I'm considering writing to Hamburg transport authority to upload a similar project as there are quite a few elevated lines in that city.
At the 25:48 mark, there used to be tracks going straight on to the old Garfield Park L. It was demolished to make way for the Eisenhower Expy. and the current Blue Line.
The seeming eternality of the vanishing point. Trackety-clackity of the wheels. Rattlety-clatter of the cars. Stately, speeding sweep of curves that do not end in haste for all the swiftness, but arc on and on, moment to moment, only enough to invoke serene patience. Then, again, vanishing point.
19:34 it must be a joy to live in that flat :DD also I'm impressed with the speed of the first part but when it's in the inner part of the city it seems a little slow anyways, this video is so cool, enjoyed every minutes of it
+Bracci - I always enjoyed living in Chicago without an automobile many years ago. The system is fairly convenient, but hardly rapid. The Orange Line has a great deal of relatively newly-constructed track, yet it's beleaguered with slow orders such that super elevated curves are almost uncomfortable as they were designed for faster running.
The Loop is always a bit slower but it’s a bit quicker now that two of the stations on Wabash were rebuilt as one station. Also it’s a poorly kept secret that Brown Line trains always get signal priority.
CTA Orange Line The "Loop" sign (or neon) _going Northbound and _Eastbound_ : _doors closing_ #1 Instruction I- Smoking, littering and eating are prohibited on CTA vehicles.(Original instruction "Smoking, littering and playing radios or loud devices is prohibited.") #2 Instruction II- Soliciting and gambling are prohibited on CTA vehicles. (Original instruction " Soliciting on CTA trains is prohibited. Violators will be arrested!") #3 Instruction III- Priority seating is intended for the elderly and passengers with disabilities. Your cooperation is requested. #4 Instruction II- Please keep your belongings off the seat next to you so others may sit down. #5 Instruction V- Standing passengers, please do not lean against the doors. #6 Instruction VI- Please be considerate when talking on your phone or listening to electronic devices so as not to disturb other customers. #7 Instruction VII- Please familiarize yourself with the train communication and evacuation procedures posted in each car. #8 Instruction VIII- Your safety is important. If you observe unattended packages, vandalism or suspicious activity, inform CTA personnel immediately! #9 This is an Orange Line train _to Downtown_ (or the "Loop" ) . #10 Welcome aboard Orange Line *run* 000 #11 Pulaski is next. #1a _In the direction of travel_ doors open on the left _at Pulaski_ . #12 This is *Pulaski* 🅿️♿ . #13 Kedzie is next. #1b Doors open on the left _at Kedzie_ . #14 This is *Kedzie* ♿🅿️ . #15 Western is next. #2a Doors open on the left _at Western_ . #16 This is *Western* 🅿️♿ . #17 Thirty-fifth or "35th"/Archer is next. #2b Doors open on the left _at Thirty-fifth/Archer_ . #18 This is *35/Archer* 🅿️♿ . #19 Ashland is next. #3a Doors open on the left _at Ashland_ . #20 This is *Ashland* ♿ . #21 Halsted is next. #3b Doors open on the left _at Halsted_ . #22 This is *Halsted* 🅿️♿ . #23 Roosevelt is next. #4a Doors open on the left _at Roosevelt_ . #24 Transfer to *Red* , and *Green Line* trains at Roosevelt. #25 This is *Roosevelt* ♿ . #26 Thank you for riding the CTA *Orange Line* ! The " Midway ✈️ " sign (or neon): The "Loop" (or "Downtown") area: #27 Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren (originally "Library-State/Van Buren" ) is next. #4b Doors open on the right _at Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren_ . #28 Transfer to *Red* *Blue* *Purple (weekday rush only)* and *Brown Line* trains at Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren. #29 This is an Orange Line train _to Midway_ . #30 This is *Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren* ♿ . #31 LaSalle/Van Buren is next. #5a Doors open on the right _at LaSalle/Van Buren_ . #32 Transfer to *Metra* trains at LaSalle/Van Buren. #33 This is *LaSalle/Van Buren* . #34 Quincy is next. #5b Doors open on the right _at Quincy_ . #35 Transfer to *Metra* and *Amtrak* trains at Quincy. #36 This is *QUINCY* . #37 Washington/Wells is next. #6a Doors open on the right _at Washington/Wells_ . #38 Transfer to *Pink Line* and *Metra* trains + *City Hall (weekday only)* at Washington/Wells. #39 This is *Washington/Wells* ♿ . #40 Clark/Lake is next. #6b Doors open on the right _at Clark/Lake_ . #41 Transfer to *Green* *Blue* *Purple (weekday rush only)* and *Brown Line* trains + the *Thompson Center (weekday only)* at Clark/Lake . #42 This is *Clark/Lake* ♿ . #43 State/Lake is next. #7a Doors open on the right _at State/Lake_ . #44 Transfer to *Red Line* trains at State/Lake. #45 This is *State/Lake* . #46 Randolph/Wabash (demolished and in non-existence 'since 2017' for the new "Washington/Wabash" station opened *late-summer* of that year) is next. #7b Doors open on the right _at Randolph/Wabash_ . #47 Transfer to *Metra* and *South Shore* trains at Randolph/Wabash. #48 This is *Randolph/Wabash* . #49 Madison/Wabash (demolished in 2015 *for the reconstruction of the 'Washington/Wabash' station* ) is next. #8a Doors open on the right _at Madison/Wabash_ . #50 This is *Madison/Wabash* . #51 Adams/Wabash is next. #8b Doors open on the right _at Adams/Wabash_ . #52 Transfer to *Green* *Purple (weekday rush only)* and *Brown Line* trains at Adams/Wabash. #53 This is *Adams/Wabash* . #54 Roosevelt #9a _In the direction of travel_ doors open on the left _at Roosevelt_ . The "Midway" Branch _Going Southbound_ and _Southwest_ : #55 Halsted #56 Ashland #57 Thirty-fifth or "35th"/Archer #58 Western #59 Kedzie #60 Pulaski #10a _Doors open on the left_ at Pulaski . #61 Midway is next. #62 This is *Midway* ✈️🅿️♿ _as far as this train goes_ . #63 All passengers must leave the train.
If you listen carefully in some parts (I caught it during Quincy), you *can* hear the announcements. :) Also I like how the CTA employees are clearly in on this and that they did it during a non-rush hour.
Rolling into the Harold Washington Library station, watch on the left, that's the Old Colony Building, aka where the INS in Kolchak, The Night Stalker was located, the L trains going by that iconic window lead into every episode.
Once free of the constraints of the city core it flies with a kind of betracked soaring. Only the sounds of the wheels tell us it is not airborne. This Orange Line could displace the Brown Line as my favorite.
Really??? I think the Brown line is more "scenic" with all the "S" curves. I think the Pink line is more interesting that the Orange...but to each his own!!! :)
Yes it is! Chicago has a very large geographic footprint and has a history of industry and transportation. this line goes from the direct urban center, then along existing industrial corridors and national freight train lines, and ends at our secondary airport. It's super convenient and we treasure our cta
I'm an architectural designer (architectural professional in a firm but without a license for those wondering) in Minneapolis wishing that I lived in a city that let us build skyscrapers. And one that had a metro rail system.
I lived in Chicago for two years and it is my favorite American city. Nothing like it. Jazz, restaurants, skyscrapers, and friendly people. Went there for vacation two years ago and stayed north of the river at the Embassy Suites. It was so convenient. Walked a few blocks to everything and took Uber or the bus. Whole Foods right across the street. I met people who lived there who didn’t even have to own a car. I wish I could be back one day.
At the 22:43 mark, I can never forget how curvy these tracks were in the past when I rode the green line train. It was so curvy it was shaped like an "S." I'm so happy they modified it. This is the perfect curve here. I love riding the orange line since I work as an Administrative Assistant @ the Harold Washington Library. Going home, I get off @ Kedzie and it's just a 1/2-block walk to my house. @ the 28:31 mark, are they building another train stop?
+protectorofillinois3 - I envy your convenient connection to the Orange Line. 22:43 curves really were tight. Unfortunately the present super elevation is almost too much because the trains are rarely allowed to run at an appropriate speed through them and it begins to feel like one should move to the higher side to help keep the train from falling off. 28:31 is a closed stop on the Loop [was Randolph & Wells and there were three stops on this side of the loop over Wells St.], now used for what appears to be maintenance and perhaps control systems and what have you. When I operated many years ago everything on the Loop ran counter-clockwise, with eastbound Lake Street swinging onto the inner loop at this intersection, a move no longer possible with the current interlocking layout. The Loop was used only by Lake Street, Ravenswood [now Brown], and Evanston Express [Purple] and I believe the CNS&M Interurban used the outer loop until its demise, but always counter-clockwise. Lake St. El was always inner loop. CNS&M always outer loop. Ravenswood probably inner loop, Evanston Express may have been outer loop. Not sure any more.
If you ever go to the Illinois railway museum, they have 6000 series cars that say Ford City on the destination signs just before they were retired in early 90's and still carry them.
I can't believe people literally live right next to the tracks. The buildings are so close and the windows are level to the tracks. I know not all of the buildings are condos, but some are. I hope their bedrooms are at that end of the units.
When the orange line started in 1993, the stations had all names printed in blue before they were changed a decade ago. They were either printed in grey, black, or with a color-coded stripe on each side of them. The green line started with this for the northwest side on Lake Street, with: Central, Laramie, Cicero, Pulaski (new station in 2001 and still to this day), Kedzie, California, Ashland, and Clinton. And for south side stations, 35th-Bronzeville-IIT, (in 1996) that was the then-'Tech-35th' station, Indiana, 43rd, 47th, 51st, Halsted (new station in 1996), Racine (closed to this day since 1994), and Ashland; now named Ashland/63rd (in 2012). The station has some improvements on the stairs on the east side (entrance and farecard machines) and the west side (no entry, or out) but it still stands today since 1969 when it first opened. The Garfield station is seen today on the North side of the street where you can take the 55 Garfield bus West to Midway Airport: Orange Line terminal. The south side of the street where the station used to be is no longer there since 2001 after it was demolished; it was in blue signage before the CTA became color-coded for the L in 1993. The Orange Line stations were all done in blue signage before or after the color-coded era for the L began; all stops except for Ashland, and Roosevelt (also in blue signage) does not have a park and ride. It has about seven stops, including a bus terminal, an elevator, escalator, and a stairway for each stop in addition to Roosevelt, or they can have at least a Dunkin Donuts or a Gateway newsstand. Except for Roosevelt, it doesn't have a bus terminal. Early in 2005, the signage was changed to a dark-grey tone for Pulaski, Kedzie, Western, 35th/Archer, Ashland, Halsted, and Roosevelt. The Midway station has an orange stripe on each side of the station name with an airplane image in grey to this day. It was originally designed in blue. The Orange Line goes around the loop downtown. It makes its turn on Van Buren Street: State/Van Buren ( now the rebuilt station, Library-State/Van Buren (1997) ); the signage was changed to Harold Washington Library -State/Van Buren in 2010; the station still remains to this day, and LaSalle/Van Buren. The track turns on Wells street with the stations: Quincy; in capital letters, and Washington/Wells (1995 and still to this day). The station, LaSalle/Van Buren, was originally printed in blue but was changed to a grey tone with a multicolored stripe on each side in the late 1990s. Turning right again (on Lake Street): Clark/Lake, which is a blue line station also, where you make transfer there to the subway, and State/Lake (where you transfer to the Red Line Subway from Lake on State, and turning right again back on Wabash Avenue: Randolph/Wabash, Madison/Wabash (demolished in 2015 ) for plans on a Washington/Wabash station; the work on it is not yet complete until early maybe or later in 2017, and Adams/Wabash. All stations from Lake Street to Wabash Avenue had their names changed to a dark grey tone with a multicolored stripe on each (for orange, green, pink, purple and brown lines) in 2009. The elevated track on Wabash Avenue used to turn East or West through the middle of Harrison street to the loop or Midway, but now runs across the "Self Park" parking lot today since 2003.
I knew there was something different about the track on Wabash. If I remember, it was a much sharper turn. Couldn't figure out the difference. Thanks Jhamel!!!!
Finally found something on that turn after/before Adams and Wabash...it was much sharper, cutting across Harrison...check out this footage from 1991..turn happens at about 3:40...
For the buildings that are tight to the elevated tracks, how do the owners access and maintain that part of the building? There would be no way to wash windows, tuck point the brick, etc other than coming from the top with a hanging platform..and then it’s so close I don’t see how a platform could clear.
I've been on the orange line lot because I wanted to Burger King on Pulaski to get something to eat or go to Connies Pizza on Archer Ave and I had a fun time .
Please don't tell me I l I lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllkjkjjkjjjjjnjnnjjjjnjnnnjn EWEWWWwWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWwWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEWWWwWWWWWWWWWEWEWWWwWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWwEWWWwWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEWWWwWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
+Marty Jeruzal - Marty, the power rail is the outside rail, which may be on the right or the left side, and is raised several inches above the level of the running rail. Wherever possible, at platforms the power rail is on the side away from the platform for safety's sake. Running rails are ground, third rail is 600v DC I believe.
And it well known (unofficially) that if a man urinates on the live, third rail, the electric current will run "upstream" to his cahonas. Death by Dich.
¿Quien me puede decir por favor; el por qué se desintegra un vehículo en el minuto 15;38 mas o menos?. Me a dejado ¡plop!. Es una camioneta blanca........
No direct to Soldier Field, but Green, Orange and red lines all stop at Roosevelt Road stop for quick walk there. Orange and green lines an elevated station, red a subway line.
There is also an entire walkable tunnel network for the winters to avoid the freezing wind and ice. I worked there and didn’t know about it until I got off the train once and wondered where all the passengers on the train went because I was the only one walking the streets. So the next day I followed everyone and they all went downstairs into a warm tunnel! It was like another city! Shops and bars and cafes and restaurants. I found my way to my office building and since then never walked street level again in the winter. I’d buy my favorite cookies on the way home too. What a time I had in Chicago. My favorite American city. It’s a gem and I want to live there again.
What stop?
@agirlwithdreams15 that's what I wanna know cause I been at all and where can you shop and walk underground besides Jefferson transferring from red to blue
@@BigJay064the pedway at state/lake. Multiple entry points but that’s the easiest one
i take the orange line i remember when i was 9 my grandma picked me up from school then go to the orange line then get off at Roosevelt and take the bus to my moms work and she picked me uo and my grandma left to go to the hospital then my mom and me went back home.....cta is a big part of my childhood
I like these videos for a lot of different reasons. It's relaxing, the video and sound quality are excellent. Then there's the pure engineering aspect; the math required to fit between buildings, the amount of cement and steel required to build something on this scale, the resources required to maintain this level of service. It's all pretty amazing to me.
instablaster...
CTA is amazing 🤩
This video is a railfan's paradise. The ride along Belt and seeing all the rolling stock, green line trains and circling the Loop. Not to mention a smooth, fast ride especially with 2.0 speed settings. Great video!!
I feel like every transit agency should do this.
Impressive video. I had no idea Chicago had such a great transit system. The elevated tracks are incredible!
Thanks 😊
The Orange Line to be exact.
Those elevated tracks are just awesome, very impressive, there is no city like Chicago by that means. Really enjoyed it.
What about NYC?
@@bullymaguire6168 Yes, you are right. It is comparable. But in NYC you don't have the elevated tracks in the downtown any more. So I that still makes Chicago special. But you are right. It might not be that unique.
@@OnkelJajusBahn thanks again and for the update I appreciate you doing it a little bit too thanks for Pilgrim it to me know soon thanks again and thank goodness thank
@@OnkelJajusBahn The big difference is that NYC's elevated runs on a steel construction, not on a 'long cement bridge'. I don't know which of the two needs more maintanence, but I can imagine its easier to chenge a steel beam than a whole cement element.
OK, i have to correct myself. Downtown the CTA is also built on a steel beam construction.
@@bullymaguire6168 Elevated track is pretty much exclusive to the 7 Line, the J/Z lines. Every other line that has elevated track only has such track in the suburbs of New York.
Every time I see two trains passing each other, whether in this video, on my model railroad club's layout, or elsewhere, I imagine they're saying something like this:
"Morning, Charles."
"Morning, Frank."
I never realized that 'commuting' in Chicago Land from my easy chair here in Houston could be this fun!
I agree. I'm enjoying it a lot. Very relaxing.
Very relaxing feeling especially when I realise that in my country, the speed in the inner city is just no less than 80 kph (50 mph).
if only we had this in my day
Very enjoyable series of video, we can also switch line at the interchanges!
And perhaps, best of all, you don't have to interact with some of the passengers, who can be really strange. I seem to my friends to be a normal looking guy. But every time I ride the CTA, unusual things happen. The last time, a middle aged black gentleman took one look at me, and started crying profusely. All the other passengers thought I did something to him. WTF!
I'm from Europe...I am very impressed! Great!!!
Haberlandt Oskar I'm glad you are lol......since most of the time american mass transit and public transit systems underwhelm and underperforming compared to European ones
You said that right, Jdub! It seems no matter where one is on the system it's hurryup/slowdown/stop/hurryup/slowdown/stop for no apparent reason. "Rapid" transit in CTA's vocabulary is highly relative.
And I am greatly impressed by the European transit videos. London Tube (Jubilee Line), the Berlin (U-Bahn and S-Bahn) and Norway's Oslo (T-Bane) systems are glimspes of the near-future, that can be experienced now. For the distant future, trains will be so fast, there won't be a need for seats....we will all be riding, standing up!
Real journey experience from the comforts of home !
Your service employees are so brave, I really admire them.
These are fantastic videos so my thanks to the CTA for producing them ... I have visited Chicago twice and have ridden the 'L' and thoroughly enjoyed it ... now I can ride it from the comfort of my own home on my large computer and TV screen. Thanks again to the CTA. From the Province of Ontario, Canada.
twofoottaylor1 I really like the TTC subway in Toronto lol
Two thumbs up for the Vancouver Skytrain. (From a Chicagoan).
use to live in Chi town an it was great to get to cubs and white sox games
@@jdubw9118 Yes, the TTC is pretty cool, especially their new trains with open gangways so you can see literally from one end of the train to the other and walk the complete train with no doors to go through, I was riding it last week as a matter of fact when I was visiting Toronto. If you are at the rear of the train, for example, you can see the entire front of the train when it goes around curves in the tracks and when it goes up or down slight grades.
@@michaelbrinkers3765 Yes Michael, my wife and I were riding the Skytrain way back in 2005 when we did our last trip to Vancouver, it was great!
Omg that city is so beautiful
The Magic Bush Best city in North America. Wonderful architecture.
Thank you 😊
It is. Thank you. I have to stop and look around often and remind myself not to take my city for granted.
It really is. Glad I was born and raised here
NYC is better
If there's something I've been doing sometimes since 2016 is watching all these "CTA Ride the Rails" while listening to the "SimCity 3000" soundtrack in the background. It's relaxing, and the Chicago Loop is really a beautiful part of the city. I hope I'll see it by myself someday. Cheers from São Paulo, Brazil.
There is this portion from 35:20 down to and past Roosevelt that gives this incredible sensation of running through a tight crease in the city. It has a snug, urban closeness.
This this was known as part of the "Alley L" way back when...
Am I the only one that gets off on this like that?
Whatever.
Thanks CTA.
You never thought you would be inspirational.
Nah Bruh...think many have a passion for this stuff!!!
SUPER Videos und vielen Dank dafür. Ich finde es total genial wie das ganze Schienennetz gebaut wurde. Und Ich bin wirklich super beeindruckt wie die Bahn zwischen den Hochhäusern hindurchfährt. Das sieht für Mich persönlich super GEIL aus. Ich würde wirklich liebend gern mal mit so einer Bahn mitfahren und neben dem Lokführer sitzen...SUPER..!!!!
Very neat idea of the Chicago Transit Authority to post these videos.
It would be fun to watch this in snow or rain.
No so much fun to *ride* in the snow or rain. Just sayin'.
@@robadams2140 do it for the TH-cam algorithm lol
For years I have dreamed of riding all the CTA lines everyday... Thank you for granting that wish. I would appreciate a Purple Line express video, and the ability to transfer to trains...My Android doesn't allow it.
I Loooove the ORANGE LINE, I love the ORANGE LINE when I'm on the HOLIDAY TRAIN.
As a Chicagoan that's both been to New York and watched many of the NYC subway's videos, our city is so much cleaner and less tagged up.
Chicago's actually a family-friendly town who would have ever thought. I'm from Cincinnati and it's a little family friendlier than Cincinnati
Thank you for posting this! I don't know if I will ever make it to Chicago in my lifetime, but I feel that I just visited while watching here from California!
Its not in a different country, you don't need passport for that
That is one amazing system.
Real workmanship building construction here with raised still decking, saw some really detailed track works and junctions, the system is complex and organised, wondered whether the system was used automatic trains due the apparent lack of signals, also noticed that on some occasions, no barriers to stop any possible derailed trains.
Wow! Great tour right from my bedroom!
What a fantastic idea! I love the ability to change lines too.
Kudos, excellent video my friend.
Question of the day... How does the signalling work on the CTA trains? I do not see any signals alongside the tracks, so i suppose its transferred directly to the drivers dashboard. Is it similiar to the ETCS (European Train Control System)?
Fantastic ride on the 'L'. All thanks to CTA. They have made it possible to travel by subway from one's own bedroom. Want to try the Green Line, that is from Harlem to Ashland 63. Am requesting CTA to produce the video.
this is amazing! I'm considering writing to Hamburg transport authority to upload a similar project as there are quite a few elevated lines in that city.
It's nice to know our European friends are impressed.
At the 25:48 mark, there used to be tracks going straight on to the old Garfield Park L. It was demolished to make way for the Eisenhower Expy. and the current Blue Line.
The seeming eternality of the vanishing point.
Trackety-clackity of the wheels.
Rattlety-clatter of the cars.
Stately, speeding sweep of curves
that do not end in haste for all the swiftness,
but arc on and on, moment to moment,
only enough to invoke serene patience.
Then, again, vanishing point.
19:34
it must be a joy to live in that flat :DD
also I'm impressed with the speed of the first part but when it's in the inner part of the city it seems a little slow
anyways, this video is so cool, enjoyed every minutes of it
+Bracci - I always enjoyed living in Chicago without an automobile many years ago. The system is fairly convenient, but hardly rapid. The Orange Line has a great deal of relatively newly-constructed track, yet it's beleaguered with slow orders such that super elevated curves are almost uncomfortable as they were designed for faster running.
The Loop is always a bit slower but it’s a bit quicker now that two of the stations on Wabash were rebuilt as one station. Also it’s a poorly kept secret that Brown Line trains always get signal priority.
packr72 SOMEONE FINALLY SAID IT
CTA Orange Line
The "Loop" sign (or neon) _going Northbound and _Eastbound_ :
_doors closing_
#1 Instruction I- Smoking, littering and eating are prohibited on CTA vehicles.(Original instruction "Smoking, littering and playing radios or loud devices is prohibited.")
#2 Instruction II- Soliciting and gambling are prohibited on CTA vehicles. (Original instruction " Soliciting on CTA trains is prohibited. Violators will be arrested!")
#3 Instruction III- Priority seating is intended for the elderly and passengers with disabilities. Your cooperation is requested.
#4 Instruction II- Please keep your belongings off the seat next to you so others may sit down.
#5 Instruction V- Standing passengers, please do not lean against the doors.
#6 Instruction VI- Please be considerate when talking on your phone or listening to electronic devices so as not to disturb other customers.
#7 Instruction VII- Please familiarize yourself with the train communication and evacuation procedures posted in each car.
#8 Instruction VIII- Your safety is important. If you observe unattended packages, vandalism or suspicious activity, inform CTA personnel immediately!
#9 This is an Orange Line train _to Downtown_ (or the "Loop" ) .
#10 Welcome aboard Orange Line *run* 000
#11 Pulaski is next.
#1a _In the direction of travel_ doors open on the left _at Pulaski_ .
#12 This is *Pulaski* 🅿️♿ .
#13 Kedzie is next.
#1b Doors open on the left _at Kedzie_ .
#14 This is *Kedzie* ♿🅿️ .
#15 Western is next.
#2a Doors open on the left _at Western_ .
#16 This is *Western* 🅿️♿ .
#17 Thirty-fifth or "35th"/Archer is next.
#2b Doors open on the left _at Thirty-fifth/Archer_ .
#18 This is *35/Archer* 🅿️♿ .
#19 Ashland is next.
#3a Doors open on the left _at Ashland_ .
#20 This is *Ashland* ♿ .
#21 Halsted is next.
#3b Doors open on the left _at Halsted_ .
#22 This is *Halsted* 🅿️♿ .
#23 Roosevelt is next.
#4a Doors open on the left _at Roosevelt_ .
#24 Transfer to *Red* , and *Green Line* trains at Roosevelt.
#25 This is *Roosevelt* ♿ .
#26 Thank you for riding the CTA *Orange Line* !
The " Midway ✈️ " sign (or neon):
The "Loop" (or "Downtown") area:
#27 Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren (originally "Library-State/Van Buren" ) is next.
#4b Doors open on the right _at Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren_ .
#28 Transfer to *Red* *Blue* *Purple (weekday rush only)* and *Brown Line* trains at Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren.
#29 This is an Orange Line train _to Midway_ .
#30 This is *Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren* ♿ .
#31 LaSalle/Van Buren is next.
#5a Doors open on the right _at LaSalle/Van Buren_ .
#32 Transfer to *Metra* trains at LaSalle/Van Buren.
#33 This is *LaSalle/Van Buren* .
#34 Quincy is next.
#5b Doors open on the right _at Quincy_ .
#35 Transfer to *Metra* and *Amtrak* trains at Quincy.
#36 This is *QUINCY* .
#37 Washington/Wells is next.
#6a Doors open on the right _at Washington/Wells_ .
#38 Transfer to *Pink Line* and *Metra* trains + *City Hall (weekday only)* at Washington/Wells.
#39 This is *Washington/Wells* ♿ .
#40 Clark/Lake is next.
#6b Doors open on the right _at Clark/Lake_ .
#41 Transfer to *Green* *Blue* *Purple (weekday rush only)* and *Brown Line* trains + the *Thompson Center (weekday only)* at Clark/Lake .
#42 This is *Clark/Lake* ♿ .
#43 State/Lake is next.
#7a Doors open on the right _at State/Lake_ .
#44 Transfer to *Red Line* trains at State/Lake.
#45 This is *State/Lake* .
#46 Randolph/Wabash (demolished and in non-existence 'since 2017' for the new "Washington/Wabash" station opened *late-summer* of that year) is next.
#7b Doors open on the right _at Randolph/Wabash_ .
#47 Transfer to *Metra* and *South Shore* trains at Randolph/Wabash.
#48 This is *Randolph/Wabash* .
#49 Madison/Wabash (demolished in 2015 *for the reconstruction of the 'Washington/Wabash' station* ) is next.
#8a Doors open on the right _at Madison/Wabash_ .
#50 This is *Madison/Wabash* .
#51 Adams/Wabash is next.
#8b Doors open on the right _at Adams/Wabash_ .
#52 Transfer to *Green* *Purple (weekday rush only)* and *Brown Line* trains at Adams/Wabash.
#53 This is *Adams/Wabash* .
#54 Roosevelt
#9a _In the direction of travel_ doors open on the left _at Roosevelt_ .
The "Midway" Branch _Going Southbound_ and _Southwest_ :
#55 Halsted
#56 Ashland
#57 Thirty-fifth or "35th"/Archer
#58 Western
#59 Kedzie
#60 Pulaski
#10a _Doors open on the left_ at Pulaski .
#61 Midway is next.
#62 This is *Midway* ✈️🅿️♿ _as far as this train goes_ .
#63 All passengers must leave the train.
I'm old enough to remember the instruction not to stick your head or arm out the window.
@@jayshaw63 ok
I have added this video to the playlist 'long cab rides'. I have reviewed hundreds of cab ride videos and added the ones I think are the best.
If you listen carefully in some parts (I caught it during Quincy), you *can* hear the announcements. :) Also I like how the CTA employees are clearly in on this and that they did it during a non-rush hour.
Moving to Chicago this year or beginning of next and I’m familiarizing myself with this cta system
YESSS CLARK AND LAKE STANS RISE UP
Rolling into the Harold Washington Library station, watch on the left, that's the Old Colony Building, aka where the INS in Kolchak, The Night Stalker was located, the L trains going by that iconic window lead into every episode.
I've watched quite a few of these excellent videos.. I still can't believe people live, eat dinner and sleep within feet of a train going 55-70 mph.
And go to school. @31:10 Those two buildings along both sides of the tracks are colleges. Then there's a Library @24:10. You get use to it, lol.
Once free of the constraints of the city core it flies with a kind of betracked soaring. Only the sounds of the wheels tell us it is not airborne.
This Orange Line could displace the Brown Line as my favorite.
Really??? I think the Brown line is more "scenic" with all the "S" curves. I think the Pink line is more interesting that the Orange...but to each his own!!! :)
Howland Owlle Roosevelt🎃🎄🎆🎇✨🎈🎉🎊🎋🎌🎍🎎🎏🎐🎑🎀🎁🎖🎗🎞🎟🎫🏷⚽🏀🏈🏉🎾🎱🎃🎃🎃🎄🎄
just fabulous
These are all very cool.
Chicago uses existing right of way most of their lines run with train lines or expressways. Building the stations is actually easy and cheaper
wow ...is the whole train ride in Chicago ? its so big ...greets from Holland where everything is small
marcel van der velden ... that’s what she said! Sorry, couldn’t resist ;)
Yes it is! Chicago has a very large geographic footprint and has a history of industry and transportation. this line goes from the direct urban center, then along existing industrial corridors and national freight train lines, and ends at our secondary airport.
It's super convenient and we treasure our cta
Speedy Cars they accelerate quick! Very few places in NYC with that type of Space between Stations.
It's funny watching the workers on the side of the tracks with their hands in the air like look mom I'm doing nothing
Amazing!
CTA reminds me of TV series "Kolchak" and "Chicago" (rock band).
Bro i know all of these streets until Halsted like the palm of my hand. Born and raised here in the southside!
Great view of the Chicago skyline at 2:15.
It's 13 mi from the city
These videos are great. Would be even better as 360 videos.
I'm an architectural designer (architectural professional in a firm but without a license for those wondering) in Minneapolis wishing that I lived in a city that let us build skyscrapers. And one that had a metro rail system.
I lived in Chicago for two years and it is my favorite American city. Nothing like it. Jazz, restaurants, skyscrapers, and friendly people. Went there for vacation two years ago and stayed north of the river at the Embassy Suites. It was so convenient. Walked a few blocks to everything and took Uber or the bus. Whole Foods right across the street. I met people who lived there who didn’t even have to own a car. I wish I could be back one day.
Wow that's a real long black train!
At the 22:43 mark, I can never forget how curvy these tracks were in the past when I rode the green line train. It was so curvy it was shaped like an "S." I'm so happy they modified it. This is the perfect curve here. I love riding the orange line since I work as an Administrative Assistant @ the Harold Washington Library. Going home, I get off @ Kedzie and it's just a 1/2-block walk to my house. @ the 28:31 mark, are they building another train stop?
+protectorofillinois3 - I envy your convenient connection to the Orange Line. 22:43 curves really were tight. Unfortunately the present super elevation is almost too much because the trains are rarely allowed to run at an appropriate speed through them and it begins to feel like one should move to the higher side to help keep the train from falling off. 28:31 is a closed stop on the Loop [was Randolph & Wells and there were three stops on this side of the loop over Wells St.], now used for what appears to be maintenance and perhaps control systems and what have you. When I operated many years ago everything on the Loop ran counter-clockwise, with eastbound Lake Street swinging onto the inner loop at this intersection, a move no longer possible with the current interlocking layout. The Loop was used only by Lake Street, Ravenswood [now Brown], and Evanston Express [Purple] and I believe the CNS&M Interurban used the outer loop until its demise, but always counter-clockwise. Lake St. El was always inner loop. CNS&M always outer loop. Ravenswood probably inner loop, Evanston Express may have been outer loop. Not sure any more.
Brown line is outerloop
And did you know that Harold Washington Library used to be Library first before they changed it?
there is a rumor that the Orange line will be extended from Midway Airport to Ford City Mall.
If you ever go to the Illinois railway museum, they have 6000 series cars that say Ford City on the destination signs just before they were retired in early 90's and still carry them.
It was cancelled years ago. The only extension that has a chance is the Red Line to 130th Street.
That was the original plan for this line
@@packr72 YeP
@@packr72 So the Ford City CTA orange line terminal station has zero chance, I may say!
Super Duper Cool!!!!
I can't believe people literally live right next to the tracks. The buildings are so close and the windows are level to the tracks. I know not all of the buildings are condos, but some are. I hope their bedrooms are at that end of the units.
Chitown has railroads period! Using existing ROW is smart efficient the routes exist so chea
When the orange line started in 1993, the stations had all names printed in blue before they were changed a decade ago. They were either printed in grey, black, or with a color-coded stripe on each side of them.
The green line started with this for the northwest side on Lake Street, with: Central, Laramie, Cicero, Pulaski (new station in 2001 and still to this day), Kedzie, California, Ashland, and Clinton. And for south side stations, 35th-Bronzeville-IIT, (in 1996) that was the then-'Tech-35th' station, Indiana, 43rd, 47th, 51st, Halsted (new station in 1996), Racine (closed to this day since 1994), and Ashland; now named Ashland/63rd (in 2012). The station has some improvements on the stairs on the east side (entrance and farecard machines) and the west side (no entry, or out) but it still stands today since 1969 when it first opened.
The Garfield station is seen today on the North side of the street where you can take the 55 Garfield bus West to Midway Airport: Orange Line terminal. The south side of the street where the station used to be is no longer there since 2001 after it was demolished; it was in blue signage before the CTA became color-coded for the L in 1993.
The Orange Line stations were all done in blue signage before or after the color-coded era for the L began; all stops except for Ashland, and Roosevelt (also in blue signage) does not have a park and ride. It has about seven stops, including a bus terminal, an elevator, escalator, and a stairway for each stop in addition to Roosevelt, or they can have at least a Dunkin Donuts or a Gateway newsstand. Except for Roosevelt, it doesn't have a bus terminal. Early in 2005, the signage was changed to a dark-grey tone for Pulaski, Kedzie, Western, 35th/Archer, Ashland, Halsted, and Roosevelt. The Midway station has an orange stripe on each side of the station name with an airplane image in grey to this day. It was originally designed in blue.
The Orange Line goes around the loop downtown. It makes its turn on Van Buren Street: State/Van Buren ( now the rebuilt station, Library-State/Van Buren (1997) ); the signage was changed to Harold Washington Library -State/Van Buren in 2010; the station still remains to this day, and LaSalle/Van Buren. The track turns on Wells street with the stations: Quincy; in capital letters, and Washington/Wells (1995 and still to this day). The station, LaSalle/Van Buren, was originally printed in blue but was changed to a grey tone with a multicolored stripe on each side in the late 1990s. Turning right again (on Lake Street): Clark/Lake, which is a blue line station also, where you make transfer there to the subway, and State/Lake (where you transfer to the Red Line Subway from Lake on State, and turning right again back on Wabash Avenue: Randolph/Wabash, Madison/Wabash (demolished in 2015 ) for plans on a Washington/Wabash station; the work on it is not yet complete until early maybe or later in 2017, and Adams/Wabash.
All stations from Lake Street to Wabash Avenue had their names changed to a dark grey tone with a multicolored stripe on each (for orange, green, pink, purple and brown lines) in 2009.
The elevated track on Wabash Avenue used to turn East or West through the middle of Harrison street to the loop or Midway, but now runs across the "Self Park" parking lot today since 2003.
I knew there was something different about the track on Wabash. If I remember, it was a much sharper turn. Couldn't figure out the difference. Thanks Jhamel!!!!
You're welcome.
Finally found something on that turn after/before Adams and Wabash...it was much sharper, cutting across Harrison...check out this footage from 1991..turn happens at about 3:40...
Jhamel Wade hey Jame
Mark Broadnax hey Mark😍
Can I assume that this train picks up its power off that third rail I see??
For the buildings that are tight to the elevated tracks, how do the owners access and maintain that part of the building? There would be no way to wash windows, tuck point the brick, etc other than coming from the top with a hanging platform..and then it’s so close I don’t see how a platform could clear.
Boy, I'm glad I got out of Chicago when I did. Was born and raised on the southwest side by Midway Airport. Would never want to go back there again.
The fact that you can make transfers to the other lines from this video is sick!
the 2nd locomotive at 50:53 is a one of a kind experimental paint scheme
I live in England and when ever I get a chance to go to London, I always like going on The London Underground aka The Tube.
very cool
My sister has lived in Chicago most of her life. I see now why she has never had to own an automobile.
Is all block signalling in the cab? Don't see any blocksignal lights on the right of way.
Those trains pick me up to forest park
I've been on the orange line lot because I wanted to Burger King on Pulaski to get something to eat or go to Connies Pizza on Archer Ave and I had a fun time .
How many round trips do the operators make per shift ? Do they get breaks for coffee/lunch ?
Interesting. Some parts reminded me of NYC's MTA Far Rockaway line and other parts of it remind of the PATH in Jersey City
JayJayinNYC Except a lot cleaner than both.
Surprised that there is no greasing mechanisms on the trains for those bends.
where are all the signals? I mean even SEPTA has ATC (Automatic Train Control) but even we have signals at junctions.
Signals are on train where motorman sits.
A lot of sat dishes at 20:47
Is there a grand station in Chicago like where all trains from different places terminate?
Kinda, they all go to the downtown loop, where there are a few stations they go to
Do CTA trains run by Central Train Control or by motorman?
All CTA trains are run by human beings instead of automatic control systems
I would love to have that first set of crossovers in HO guage.
Sounds like going by Midway airport. I know kind of where it's at but I've never been there
These videos are amazing, but the links don't work to change lines!
This could be addictive... :D
Great video but why is the track guy at 28:50 resting his left foot on the third rail..
it's the wood part he stepping on
What is that black structure that comes into view at 38:30? It looks like a drawbridge, but it's always in the vertical position.
bridgehunter.com/il/cook/bh57637/
I wanna see a orange line extension to ford city mall as originally planned
Please don't tell me I l I lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllkjkjjkjjjjjnjnnjjjjnjnnnjn EWEWWWwWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWwWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEWWWwWWWWWWWWWEWEWWWwWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWwEWWWwWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWEWWWwWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
Me too
@18:42 what's the building on the left
Control tower for trains to go destinations
Perfect. All videos should be shot through the front window of the engineer'scab.
where can i download the game?
How come there is barely signals?
47:00 why was the train slow, then suddenly fast?
im curious whats the 3rd rail voltage in chicago as over here in the uk its 750 volts DC 3rd rail
Note being familiar with trains like these here in Detroit, which rail is the power rail? That outside rail? Nice video.
+Marty Jeruzal - Marty, the power rail is the outside rail, which may be on the right or the left side, and is raised several inches above the level of the running rail. Wherever possible, at platforms the power rail is on the side away from the platform for safety's sake. Running rails are ground, third rail is 600v DC I believe.
Thanks Great to know
And it well known (unofficially) that if a man urinates on the live, third rail, the electric current will run "upstream" to his cahonas. Death by Dich.
anybody out there know which line that is which paralells us oout of Midway? I think it is the BRC?
Robbi496 Chicago belt
Nice video! At 39:24, why does the train make a stop. I'm curious because there is no station and no signal there.
i was infact on this train i believe. i think it was because someone leaned to far on one of the doors and it opened.
Luke Starkenburg It could be because the train is running a bit ahead of its schedule.
Mebbe the driver had an unexpected epiphany...or he suddenly remembered something his wife said to him last night, but forgot.
@@michaelbrinkers3765it's either it was early or speeding
¿Quien me puede decir por favor; el por qué se desintegra un vehículo en el minuto 15;38 mas o menos?. Me a dejado ¡plop!. Es una camioneta blanca........
Perfect
Which line takes you to Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, AT&T Field and United Center?
Red line to Wrigley
Pink line to United
Green line to solider
No direct to Soldier Field, but Green, Orange and red lines all stop at Roosevelt Road stop for quick walk there. Orange and green lines an elevated station, red a subway line.
The Chicago subway system are different than ours in New York.