This is NOT a Blue Line Train
21,751
Published 2023-02-04
The CTA Blue Line is the longest line in Chicago’s “L” system. Normally, trains run between O’Hare and Forest Park, using the oldest and the newest trains in the CTA fleet. However, for a variety of reasons, you normally do not see any 5000 series trains. On weekday rush periods, though, you do have a chance to ride a 5000 series. These are stored in a Pink Line yard and take the Loomis Ramp from the Pink Line onto the Blue Line.
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All Comments (21)
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Thanks for the shoutout! I'm glad you uploaded this because going forward they won't be running these 5000s on the Blue Line anymore. They need the crews on the Pink Line and they were originally meant to give the Blue Line some newer cars during rush hour back in 2018, along with the Blue getting 3200s. With the new 7000s being in regular service these extra UIC-Jeff Park runs from 54th have become useless.
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Actually the 5ks don't run on the blue line because of their air suspension and increased maintenance costs to fix said air suspension because of the poor condition of the tracks whereas the 26/3200s just have regular coil suspension.
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Slightly odd routes like the one in this video are indeed one of the interesting qwerks of older and more interconnected Transit systems. Thanks for making a video about it.
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I love how informative your videos are and they always answer those quirky questions I have about transit systems, Chicago in particular. This has do be my favourite channel of the many I watch.
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Used to take the blue line to school, it definitely needs a ton of attention considering the track condition and lack of traction power. Catching all four series in one is an interesting one.
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Another fun fact: In Singapore, back in 2013 - 2015 when the Downtown Line (blue line coincidentally) is between DT14 Bugis and DT19 Chinatown (stage 1 with 6 stations), after train service hours have ended, the trains will slowly head to DT16 Bayfront (cross interchange station) and will cross over towards the Circle Line (orange line) tracks using a locomotive as both Circle line and Downtown Line uses different rolling stocks respectively.
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Nice job catching the 5000 Series, and I also realized the car you're on is the same car I was riding on the Pink Line not too long ago
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I can’t wait to see the 7000 series on more lines
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This has caught me. Running down the stairs and Clinton, seeing a train headed toward Forest Park, rush to get on... and get kicked out at UIC so I can stand around on a highway median for fifteen minutes.
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The CTA has a series of videos (normal speed and accelerated) with RFW views of all routes, including a trip via the Loomis ramp (normal speed only).
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An interesting angle on Chicago rapid transit and some details I've overlooked in re a line I often ride, illustrated with some good photography. Loved the bluesy, bleary-eyed 5am reference.
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Thanks for doing this. I'm long time transferred out of Chicago, but I loved running around on the trains and trying figure things out from the ground. Well before YouTube! Great ideas. I'm jealous as a new content creator!
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Do you know why the brown line still runs only 2600/3200 mix? I’ve been wondering this for a bit. Also nice video
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It’s pretty neat to be sure that all the lines on the “L” are the same standard gauge and same diameter in the Subway tunnels, because the engineers built in the requirement that the State Street Line must be able to go “up and over” on the Union Loop!
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Done the Halstead ride quite a bit when going to the Greektown area. Cool video about the differences; I just learned something. 😊
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Cool. So this particular 5000 series set interlines with Blue/Pink. Intresting
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What a great, informative video!!! I never knew about this special train and route. Very happy for you and your awesome channel!!!
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Yet another great informative video. Thank You!
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AWESOME Video and description, I learned a whole lot! THANKS!!!
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Back when the the blue ran along the Douglas route the conductors would say "This is a Douglas btach train, the train that goes up"
