This is NOT a Blue Line Train

[@ChicagolandTransit]

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.

[@nashorn9745]

Are the 7000s so much lighter than the 5000s.

[@Jackyliu009]

@@nashorn9745 I'm pretty sure they're both heavier than the 2600/3200s, let alone the features that require more power.

[@Zions_Awesome_YouTube_Show6381]

Yall are great friends I watch both of your channels

[@robertivaniszyn840]

With the headways we're seeing on CTA, I refuse to call any runs "useless"

[@someguy8427]

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.

[@Thom-TRA]

Ah, makes sense. I knew it was something with the tracks and the trains being a bad combination.

[@ericcjohnson7414ej]

The active suspension is an issue with the 5000's but the suspension was not the reason they didn't run on the blue line. I was a car repairer for 9 years working on every series as far back as the 2200's. Oh also the suspension is hydraulic not air.

[@ClaudiaHernandez-dl3ff]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@ZorenManray]

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.

[@albert3801]

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.

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you so much!!!

[@legerdemain]

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.

[@dangelohartley5977]

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

[@Jackyliu009]

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.

[@SebastianDarabanWaterpolo]

Do you know why the brown line still runs only 2600/3200 mix? I’ve been wondering this for a bit. Also nice video

[@Thom-TRA]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I don’t think there’s a very specific reason for why the brown line and orange line have the older trains. It mostly just has to do with what the yards at the end of the line are equipped for. And there are purple like trains running on brown with 5000s!

[@SebastianDarabanWaterpolo]

@@Thom-TRA that’s true , Kimball is a mess. The other day I actually got on a full 2600 train at damen brown line , and when I got in the maps were blue line maps?? Do you know why that happened too

[@Thom-TRA]

@@SebastianDarabanWaterpolo probably just switching out trains

[@windycitytransit4054]

Actually they are recently transferring 50 2600s to the brown line for 50 extra 3200s.

[@daveinthewildOG]

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 KZbin! Great ideas. I'm jealous as a new content creator!

[@ck4426]

What a great, informative video!!! I never knew about this special train and route. Very happy for you and your awesome channel!!!

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you! I guess they’re not running these anymore now…

[@ck4426]

@@Thom-TRA 🥲🫠🥲🫠🥲😢

[@BGTuyau]

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.

[@bkark0935]

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!

[@KenS1267]

It happens periodically that something happens and the Red line does run on the elevated tracks. I do not recall it ever happening with the Blue line but I ride the Red not the Blue so I may just not be remembering it. Maybe both lines got rerouted during the Loop flood but that was so long ago my memory is very fuzzy.

[@bkark0935]

@@KenS1267 Only Red Line Trains (or any service that uses(or had used) the State Street Subway) can go “Over the Top”. The Blue Line (Dearborn Subway Service) from O’Hare is and was unable to go up onto the Loop, as the former west side connection (Paulina Elevated from Lake St. north up to Milwaukee Ave.) was severed in the 1950s.

[@RuiZuGoh]

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.

[@DnD_Robb404]

these operators are quick with opening and closing the doors now

[@eddieflxible379]

Cool. So this particular 5000 series set interlines with Blue/Pink. Intresting

[@Thom-TRA]

Unfortunately they stopped doing this soon after I published this video!

[@depressedbearsfan20]

I can’t wait to see the 7000 series on more lines

[@ThePizzaPoPo]

“This regular boring Forest Park train” 😂😂😂

[@scrappytracy5557]

Done the Halstead ride quite a bit when going to the Greektown area. Cool video about the differences; I just learned something. 😊

[@trainluvr]

Entertaining and informative. I'll bet they run this train just to give the crew something to do for their full day's pay.

[@Thom-TRA]

Yeah I bet the crews look forward to these runs. Though my driver that particular day looked like she’d had a long day…😂

[@davidthaler7018]

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).

[@Bigtflies321]

You gonna do a fan meetup / train ride in Chicago? Lemme know

[@AndrewTubbiolo]

Yet another great informative video. Thank You!

[@joelk4751]

I'm confused. When you talked about the 2600 series, you showed a car with green and white livery, but other videos of 2600 cars have stainless steel sides. What's up? So I've got a trip to Chicago planned in May. Which lines have the most 2600-series cars running? Are cars with low 3000's numbers also 2600 series?

[@Thom-TRA]

Most 2600s are silver, there’s just one that’s green and white.

[@ChicagolandTransit]

It's a wrap on a 2600 that's supposed to resemble the livery the CTA's 2000, 4000, and 6000 series 'L' cars once had. It's a sponsorship between Butcher Boy Cooking Oils and CTA as part of CTA's 75th anniversary.

[@256emmitt]

That's a fantasic story you made youngblood. Keep it up dude. 👍🏾

[@Jpkjr52]

Thanks again John in Chicago

[@Thom-TRA]

You’re welcome!

[@TheLewistownTrainspotter8102]

The closest one can get to an O'Hare-Douglas train.

[@DaShawnOnDemand]

AWESOME Video and description, I learned a whole lot! THANKS!!!

[@Electropickle]

Thom, your videos are excellent. Transit planning agencies could use more people with your knowledge and insights. Are you a member of any railfan or rail historical organizations?

[@Thom-TRA]

Thank you! And no, I’m not currently a member of any groups!

[@cctime731]

Did know that! I used to take that train everyday when I was commuting to UIC.

[@JustinPinedaMedia]

Blue line is the only line in the L where you can ride ALL variants of CTA's trains on their fleet. 2600, 3200, 5000 (during rush), and 7000 all on the Blue Line.

[@CharlesEzakichi]

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"

[@JFitchMedia]

Thom, which blue line stop is the best for plane spotting near O'hare?

[@Thom-TRA]

I would say Rosemont. Then take either Pace Bus 223 or 332 around O’Hare. Both drop you off at good spots for plane spotting.

[@zetorek83]

that white background blue lable belong to the old route to 54th and cermank now used to by pink link

[@JamesBond-ko7ky]

Great video as per usual!!! I really like this videos about the "L".

[@Blank00]

Does the extra weight have a benefit over the 7000 series for the regular 5000 series lines, such as more grip on the tracks or something?

[@iloveplanes1238]

Amazing Video! I love your videos because there is not much people that have good chicago videos but you have trains and chicago!!!!!!

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m glad you enjoy my content! Chicago is a great city

[@nazimuddinchicago]

Western Station forest park branch will be renovated soon.

[@dfwrider3830]

I wondered why the route selector had a uic Halsted blue line option. Now I know.

[@mrAhollandjr]

Die to recent cutbacks due to staffing shortages, schedules were adjusted on all rail lines to better reflect staffing availability and provide more consistent levels of service. As a result, these trains no longer operate on the Blue Line.

[@DMVRailfan]

Question. Do you know the run number for Racine to Jefferson Park? Just curious

[@Thom-TRA]

I’m not even sure if these are still running

[@DMVRailfan]

@@Thom-TRA I checked some timetables, they might be.

[@Thom-TRA]

@@DMVRailfan my best advice would be to ask Chicagoland Transit on KZbin. He’ll know.

[@SoftwireStudios]

I haven’t been seeing these special runs in the morning. Do they still run them?

[@Thom-TRA]

I don’t know if they run in the morning. I still see them in the evening from time to time.

[@SoftwireStudios]

@@Thom-TRAOkay, I’ll be on the lookout. I used to wait at uic halsted for 30 minutes just to catch them on the commute home 😂

[@keyshawnscott12]

Being from Chicago the blue line is my favorite to ride

[@Thom-TRA]

It’s definitely not mine

[@baseballfan99]

London Underground and Overground have a few of these anomalies but since the sub surface trains are all the same type it does no feel quite do different riding on them. It is funny though as people don’t pay attention to the destination so they look baffled when the train arrives at a different station to normal.

[@AG7-MTM]

I hope the Red and Blue lines get modern open-gangway trains now that the CRRC deal has fallen apart

[@zephyrus2219]

What is that train at 8:24 that appears to be pulling hopper cars? I've never seen that on the L before.

[@mtgibbs]

That's a work train with ballast cars. They are used to distribute ballast (stone) onto the tracks.

[@EmilePoelman]

Hi Tom, why are there so many sparks at the wheels in some of the footage?

[@Thom-TRA]

That particular section tends to spark when it’s raining or snowing. It’s kind of known for it, but I don’t know the reason.

[@EmilePoelman]

@@Thom-TRA thanks. Looks festive :-)

[@dexteralexander2437]

Darn it, I was going to ask that question! 😀

[@ericcjohnson7414ej]

Those sparks come from the sleet scrapers. They are blades that are installed to remove ice from the 3rd rail. They are installed every year starting in September and removed in March. They are raised or lowered depending on weather conditions. There are also special trolley shoes installed to put down de-icing solution. The cars that have them are called snow fighters.

[@EmilePoelman]

@@ericcjohnson7414ej thanks!

[@bryceknowles1380]

5000s make up a majority of Orange, Blue, and Brown lines. Orange and Brown are the lines where I see them the most, Orange uses them the most, while Brown has integrated newer car sets but still use 5000 cars.

[@Thom-TRA]

I think you’ve got the 5000s mixed up with the 2600s

[@bryceknowles1380]

@@Thom-TRA yeah, you’re right it was the 2600s on the Blue, Brown, & Orange lines.

[@MrDgon23]

They can have the 5000’s, the trains are crap. The only good thing about them is the TOTS screen

[@javyrodriguez332]

The tracks are bad, and it’s a major power problem. That’s why they only run to UIC halsted. Because as you stated, there is not (none) power stations capable of powering them, however CTA has asked for for a 1.4 million grant from the feds. Let’s see what happens.

[@WeiMei-t2j]

I love the L soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!

[@jameskerner7782]

What's with the train giving off all those sparks coming from the 3rd. rail?

[@bryanCJC2105]

I don't think they need those short runs anymore. I'm surprised that they still run them. I doubt that downtown activity will ever return to what it was before the pandemic. I think Chicago downtown employee back-to-work is currently hovering between 50-60% and that the most optimistic return to work forecast is at 75-80%. That's still 20% below what was before. That's why I don't think those short runs will last. I know most Chicagoans don't like the longitudinal seating but I love it. I get carsick sitting forward or backward on the L and on the bus so, I always sit in the sideways seats. The new cars gives me more options. They are a little too slidey though except the ones with butt buckets (technical term?) like on the train you were on. That Loomis ramp is a pretty cool experience.

[@Michael_afton698]

California is one of the best station you get a great view of the city and because it’s my home stop

[@Thom-TRA]

I used it every day for a year!

[@Michael_afton698]

@@Thom-TRA oh wow

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

You can also tell because of the run number. Blues have run numbers starting with 1 or 2 depending on if they're dispatched from O'Hare or Forest Park. Pinks (and formerly Blues from 54th/Cermak) start with 3. What that train *actually* does is start life as a Pink mid-afternoon, then after one or two trips between downtown and 54th via Pink switches into Blue (going out of service between Polk and UIC so as not to confuse people) and runs as Blue to Jefferson Park and then back to UIC before returning to its normal life as Pink. Dunno why they don't just bring back the Blue rush branch like they had in 2006 on maps - not like the signs aren't still there with the blue-on-white 54th/Cermak at all of the stations and on the trains too - but eh. It is what it is.

[@Thom-TRA]

They do not run 8-car sets with blue line maps on the pink line lol

[@doomsdayrabbit4398]

@@Thom-TRA Hrm. Didn't notice they were 8, but I'm sure I've seen them run with Blue maps that they just didn't change out. It's been quite a while since I've been on Pink, though. I do know for sure that the run numbers stay consistent throughout a day, and usually are run by the same operator all day long, or at least that's how it was before the rona.

[@denyzaro]

At the 1:11 the screen says 9 minutes for forest Park train and 11 mins for ohare train.

[@windycitytransit4054]

5211-5216, 5219-5228 have transferred back to the red line

[@BBBuilds12]

I vastly prefer trains with more longitudinal seating cause of better car capacity. Do you know how often 7000 series trains are on the blue line? I wanna see one in person.

[@SebastianDarabanWaterpolo]

Normally weekday’s during rush periods. Most likely 7-9 am

[@Thom-TRA]

Actually, the 7000s are in regular service now! You can ride them any time of day

[@Thom-TRA]

As someone who grew up in Tokyo, Japan, where all seating is longitudinal, I have to say I agree with you.

[@georgepr242]

I think the 7000 trains will strike a good balance, only cause Chicago trains are relatively narrow and 5000 series (fully longitudinal) trains here seem to end up fitting less people as few people want to squeeze into the middle and just stand by the doors. That’s just my perception though

[@Thom-TRA]

@@georgepr242 the 7000s are very nice inside!

[@ENYC]

The 7Ks will eventually run on the Blue Line, right?

[@Thom-TRA]

They already are! Rode one yesterday as a matter of fact

[@ENYC]

@@Thom-TRA Oh nice! Yeah, I noticed there were a bit of them on the line already. Also, keep up the great work! I am gaining an interest in the Chicago "L", and your content really helps!

[@Thom-TRA]

@@ENYC thank you! The L is an interesting system, happy to help.

[@MetxsightseerRailfan]

7:25 I wonder when that was taken?

[@richardreichardt7120]

thanks,,,,never knew about this service

[@Thom-TRA]

It’s a little secret of the blue line!

[@jacorp7476]

8:23 What's up with that train? Is that like MOW equipment or something?

[@Thom-TRA]

Probably just a yard transfer or operator training

[@mtgibbs]

That's a work train with ballast hopper cars. They are used to distribute ballast (stone) on the tracks. They are probably on their way back to 54th yard.

[@denyzaro]

The orange and brown lines are having the same problems

[@Zions_Awesome_YouTube_Show6381]

Trains Are Awesome!!!!!

[@arc4705]

Am I going insane or are the captions suddenly grey

[@trainzandplanes522]

However, I did get a 7000 series on the Pink when I rode it

[@Thom-TRA]

That is very lucky!

[@Herowebcomics]

Wow! Way to make things more complicated!

[@QuarioQuario54321]

How would weight be a problem on a line at ground level?

[@Thom-TRA]

Because it can bend the rails. It’s the foundation that’s problematic.

[@QuarioQuario54321]

@@Thom-TRA As for the power supply? Don't the 5000s have regenerative braking?

[@mtgibbs]

​@@Thom-TRA The 5000s aren't heavy enough to bend the rails or affect the track that much. The trackbed is indeed muddy and has a problematic foundation, though.

[@IamTheHolypumpkin]

They should just Tru run them to the pink line to Cicero. The trains run anyway so let them carry passengers for this leg to. Nobody gets hurt by extra service even if rather obscure and odd.

[@tylerkochman1007]

Link line does not really demand extra capacity though at the moment

[@areizman]

CTA recently announced they are bringing back rush-hour service to Halsted in response to ridership rebounds from Covid. Trains will run from O'Hare to Halsted during rush only where they will be turned back. This is to provide extra service where it is needed only. I assume they will use the Loomis ramp for the turnaround and not run to Forest park witch would be really inefficient.

[@Thom-TRA]

These are actually already running! They’re a nice addition. I believe they turn on a middle track just west of UIC-Halsted, and not on the ramp.

[@maas1208]

So these are technically blue local trains.

[@history_leisure]

What happened to the northern branch?

[@Thom-TRA]

What northern branch?

[@georgepr242]

You may be referring to the Humboldt park branch that ran next to north avenue?

[@history_leisure]

@@georgepr242 Yeah, the smaller branch off the current O'hare branch

[@maas1208]

@@history_leisure that has been demolished since the 1950s

[@michaelquinones-lx6ks]

You chigagoans really love your elevateds here in NYC we don't like them they are viewed as an 'eyesore'

[@001kkwong]

Using NYC subway broadcasting language, do we call these "pink train on blue line"? 😂

[@Thom-TRA]

Probably something like that