Why Chicago's Trains Are Elevated

CAF docent Mike McMains explains what led to Chicago being America's only major city with an elevated train system in its downtown core.

[@IlDiavolo2515]

As a New Yorker I'm telling you, please don't demolish your elevated lines. They're beautiful.

[@louisaugustexvi4515]

they wont lol, as he said they cant afford to build a subway underground, chicagos soil is also super mushy and soft because of the lake, and tbh its a fine system that works well. nobody from chicago dislikes the fact its elevated its just outsiders who get bothered.

[@carstarsarstenstesenn]

I've never heard anyone upset about the trains being elevated or talk about demolishing them. any true Chicagoan loves the L. it's a fundamental part of our city, ingrained in the history and culture

[@843Reboot]

as a new yorker, i hate being in a tunnel for my entire commute. tell me you see any rats on above ground metro stations

[@bugno9969]

because NY trains are underground, they're faster, as well as they also have room for four tracks for express service. there's a reason Chicago trains are slow as heck, they're elevated

[@brewcityboatclub8299]

I'm wish they hadn't taken down new York's elevated trains. I'm from Milwaukee and I have similar feeling about how they destroyed our extensive street car system in favor of busses. We have a streetcar system started, but due to pushback and COVID needed expansions have been delayed, but I'm holding hope a couple planned expansions will happen. This city is a good one for streetcars, as it's not nearly as dense and has more room to expand than a city like Chicago or NYC. Even with how small our new streetcar system is, I still use it most days, and as it expands it will be more useful to an exponential amount of people

[@BrighamYen]

I don't agree that it's unsightly at all. To me, and many others who love urbanism, this is what adds to the character and charm of Chicago. So glad it's still up and running above ground!

[@PRHILL9696]

Agreed!

[@PRHILL9696]

Steve grow up

[@robertpreston2220]

Chicago is the best

[@Razorgeist]

I grew up next to the El in Philly and agree I dont find them unsightly at all. As for the noise well dude I dont know how to explain this but uh Chicago is a big city if you want quiet move out to the country.

[@luissaucedo6332]

I lived in a taller complex and the l was right next to it and i didn’t mind the noise if all you get used to it. I ve lived there for 23 years and its been fine.

[@banana_junior_9000]

Nobody from Chicago would ever say the El is noisy or unsightly.

[@banana_junior_9000]

steve b - I don't think you have ever been to Chicago. You should! It's amazing.

[@TheSjuris]

steve b uuh no. Your confusing Deathroit and Shit Louis with Chicago.

[@robertpreston2220]

Chicago is the best and I would die if they took the el down

[@notsure6187]

except nimbys

[@michaelgray1803]

It's Chicago

[@thefpvlife7785]

As a Lifer native New Yorker pls don't ever demolish this beautiful historical landmark L. That ride through downtown is epic!

[@246spyder]

If only you could have the windows open again.

[@slipperydoorknob2173]

Do you wish New York kept their Manhattan els?

[@mohammedsarker5756]

@@slipperydoorknob2173 hell yeah dude. I’ll admit subways are more efficient and would prefer less but we should’ve waited to knock down the 2nd and 3rd ave elevateds AFTER their respective subways were built. Eastern manhattan went from having three line going to the Bronx to one overcrowded subway line and a 2nd ave development rife with overruns and the Bronx has lost so many transit options, it’s atrocious

[@carstarsarstenstesenn]

@@mohammedsarker5756 American cities stopped caring about trains after WW2, despite the fact that trains are still far more efficient and far less expensive than driving. we're lucky New York and Chicago still have the great passenger trains

[@cyganmarek]

Owners of the city won't allow to build a subway because they're using the undergrounds as a huge batteries for their towers, which are used for storing a power from storms and ether, have a look here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHelZaOhgc95edE , what does it look to you like ?

[@tristanmoller9498]

Yes. I also like the elevated trains in Chicago. Riding them is a lot of fun especially because of the good views. I also don't feel as unsafe walking up where bypassers can still hear me rather than walking down a tunnel in certain areas. But honestly, it has just become part of the Chicago feel. Everytime I see elevated trains I think of Chicago right away. The noise is bearable and quite nice and it just brings up great memories.

[@653j521]

Speaking of memories, when I was young we went to church for a while in a building by the El. We had to use an elevator and it seemed so exotic and urban. The location was a challenge because if the sermon, prayers, and music didn't come at just the right time, there was competition from the train. :)

[@cyganmarek]

Owners of the city won't allow to build a subway because they're using the undergrounds as a huge batteries for their towers, which are used for storing a power from storms and ether, have a look here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHelZaOhgc95edE , what does it look to you like ?

[@carstarsarstenstesenn]

@@cyganmarek why are you copy pasting crap in the comments?

[@lws7394]

The French Connection !

[@axysdnyd]

I lived in Chicago for 3 years and I absolutely love the "L". No other city has anything close to this system and the fact that it has been in continuous operation for over 120 years speaks volumes about it. Since it began operating back in June of 1892, it has something no other mass transit system has and I think it's both amazing and beautiful. If nothing else, to lay claim to having been in operation since 1892 is a feat all by itself. The historic significance by itself would demand it never be taken down, so that future generations can see what things were like 120+ years ago when Chicago was at its birth of being a major city. I love the CTA "L" lines

[@theodorewinston7625]

It seems to me like the stations are ridiculously close together downtown. I don't live in Chicago though. Does this bother you?

[@DoncasterA1Music]

Theodore Winston I lived there too and it’s not as close or slow as you think. The stations are convenient and can get you almost anywhere in downtown. The L runs smoothly and faster outside downtown anyways

[@alexvuai1571]

Wait ... Seattle has elevated mono rails so does Detroit and Miami

[@kingoftrainz]

New York City had ELs that dated back to the 1860s, but unfortunately the city tore them down in the 1940s-70s due to them being "loud, unsightly and in poor condition." The subway line that was supposed to replace the 3rd Avenue EL in Manhattan hasn't even been completed yet, so the East Side of Manhattan is missing a line. It'd break my heart if Chicago tore down their "L" for the same reason

[@animbot6817]

@@kingoftrainz What do you mean NYC had el trains? New York still has el trains all over the city. It sounds like the thing that's unique about Chicago is that it still has them operating in their downtown which like you mentioned NY doesn't have any in Manhattan. It does have el's in the other boroughs though.

[@rebeccagutierrez1401]

I am a Chicagoan born and raised. And I absolutely love Chicago's train system. It is a must for every tourist to experience this.

[@PepperCyanide]

I've always LOVED our elevated trains, ever since I was a kid! I think they're absolutely gorgeous to look at from street level, don't care how loud they are.

[@cyganmarek]

Owners of the city won't allow to build a subway because they're using the undergrounds as a huge batteries for their towers, which are used for storing a power from storms and ether, have a look here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHelZaOhgc95edE , what does it look to you like ?

[@TheRealLaughingGravy]

The first elevated trains in Chicago (and elsewhere) were regular trains pulled by coal burning steam locomotives. The embers and hot ash they produced were a constant danger to pedestrians and animals below, to buildings along the tracks, and even to the tracks themselves. The line that ran to the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition in Jackson Park demonstrated the viability of electric traction, however, and by the turn of the century all of the lines were electrified. Once construction on Chicago's subway system began in the 1930s, it was assumed subways would replace the L everywhere in the city, and even into the 1970s many considered the Loop L an eyesore that needed to go, but today I think most people recognize the L's unique beauty and take pride in it as a symbol of the city.

[@246spyder]

So glad that there is someone besides me that knows how and why it came to be. Steam was the primary source of power for trains originally not electricity just as the original streetcars were horse drawn, and Chicago did have cable cars also, very few.. The story of why the North bound trains have so many 90 deg turns is another story. This guy has to read more, not a good rep. There are many stories about the "EL" that you could write a book, opps someone did but my neighbor has it for now. Chicago also had one of the largest streetcar systems in the world, Chicago Surface Lines which became the Chicago Transit Authority CTA. It was the absolutely best way to get around, it went everywhere, especially to Riverview Amusement Park.

[@sulphurous2656]

I always thought the other reason was for the large clay deposits under the city making tunnelling extremely difficult/costly.

[@MultiScooter68]

@@sulphurous2656 London has very soft soil too - mostly clay and chalk and has no els other than the Docklands Light Railway and a small concrete viaduct between Hammersmith and Westbourne Park on the Hammersmith Line.

[@Kjaja07]

The best, most comfortable trains in NY are above ground. Never been to Chicago, but I imagine this is one reason people love it. "Ugliness" be damned.

[@earthandwind820]

Kjaja07 Idk how anyone can think they're ugly, but then again, I'm from here! 😄 I love the elevated trains downtown, but also the ones that run through residential brick buildings. If you're ever in Chicago, try taking the brown and blue lines. Also, go to Chicago's interpretation of The Highline - The 606. The last stretch of the trail, leading up to Ashland Ave, has a beautiful trail where you can walk in between residential brick buildings as well.

[@PRHILL9696]

I LOVE it

[@eddiejc1]

@@earthandwind820 Do people in Chicago actually use the definite article when referring to highways like people in Los Angeles do? I've seen movies set in Chicago where characters will say something like "take the 606" but I've assumed that was just Hollywood actors and Hollywood writers. But if you're from the area, I stand corrected. In the Washington, DC area----despite what you may see on shows like "24"----nobody refers to taking "the 270" or "the 495". We leave out the "the" when it comes to directions.

[@earthandwind820]

@@eddiejc1 “Take the Eisenhower”, “Take the Edens Expressway”, “Take the Dan Ryan”, “Take the Kennedy Expressway” Or “Take I-290”, “Take I-90”, “Take I-94” :)

[@cyganmarek]

Owners of the city won't allow to build a subway because they're using the undergrounds as a huge batteries for their towers, which are used for storing a power from storms and ether, have a look here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHelZaOhgc95edE , what does it look to you like ?

[@josephtacosyt]

I would never want to get rid of the El trains! Too Iconic!!

[@cyganmarek]

Owners of the city won't allow to build a subway because they're using the undergrounds as a huge batteries for their towers, which are used for storing a power from storms and ether, have a look here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHelZaOhgc95edE , what does it look to you like ?

[@iomex_]

There are other factors to consider, too - - Using London Underground as an example, simply cleaning out fluff (in the form of human skin cells, clothing fibres, litter), is a large maintenance issue. - Underground lines are harder to maintain, as the electrics are in a confined and humid space (going back to London, signal failures are a common cause of delays) - Construction times for elevated lines are much quicker, so can meet demand in a more flexible manner compared to underground - Likely to be more energy efficient - subway trains have a huge mass of air to push out of the way, and huge air conditioning systems are required to keep the environment tolerable - Ease of use - you can see in the video the small distance that's required to access the platforms, vs the labyrinthian tunnels of (particularly older) subway systems. Really, noise and sight are the only downsides of elevated rail.

[@653j521]

How about the weather? Is that a factor on a platform or steps?

[@DoncasterA1Music]

K Kr not really! Snow doesn’t pile up, and there are platform canopies

[@chatapratt7680]

@@653j521 They put salt on the platforms to melt the ice

[@sulphurous2656]

@@chatapratt7680 And the trains themselves are snowplows

[@bradleynoneofyourbizz5341]

And with an underground system you can't just move a station. If over time one station becomes unpopular but a new one is needed half a mile down line you're SOL. With above ground transportation you can easily add stations as needed.

[@Andrew-jv7tc]

And they just did that in the Loop this summer, actually. They closed one station and opened another one a block down.

[@lostwizard]

steve b perhaps. But that's also a common way to "refurbish" a station that needs extensive repair. Build a new one in close proximity (say one block over) and then demolish the old one.

[@mohammedsarker5756]

I mean... you can still do infill stations underground, just bore the space. Subways have many advantages over elevateds but I’ll admit they’re really nice to look out from

[@cyganmarek]

Owners of the city won't allow to build a subway because they're using the undergrounds as a huge batteries for their towers, which are used for storing a power from storms and ether, have a look here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHelZaOhgc95edE , what does it look to you like ?

[@chuckfinley3542]

Nice job, docent Mike, on your presentation. The music loop, for the video editor, was unnecessary and annoying in its repetitiveness. The sounds of the "els" sans music would have added to this video.

[@ceustis2004]

Agreed. It sounds like a broken music box. Not a good fit for the piece.

[@CraftyFoxe]

Not only that, but it overpowers the speaker

[@MervynPartin]

To Chuck Finley. I've just seen this video for the first time and I totally agree with you and ceustis2004 and CraftyFoxe. An excellent presentation but the unnecessary music makes it harder for me to hear the speaker as my hearing deteriorates with age

[@Jayc5001]

Chuck Finley looking for that comment

[@mikeyoung9810]

nice job docent mike and I agree in that actual sounds are better as I've never been a fan of throwing music on everything especially when someone interesting is talking.

[@xawnia]

What's up what that music?? Please remove. I can't hear the person talking!

[@chrisheli1]

xawnia even though he's yelling over the noise of Chicago I feel like he's actually trying to yell over the music

[@mottledbrain]

And let's hear the trains pass by overhead!

[@cyganmarek]

Owners of the city won't allow to build a subway because they're using the undergrounds as a huge batteries for their towers, which are used for storing a power from storms and ether, have a look here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHelZaOhgc95edE , what does it look to you like ?

[@kayseacamp]

Honestly I LOVE the visual of the L. It feels other worldly standing under them and they allow you to get such a good view of the city.

[@MidnightAspec]

As a daily NYCTA subway rider whose spent some time riding the CTA lines, I say don't change a thing Chicago. It's a great system for a great city.

[@PRHILL9696]

agree

[@davidrayner9832]

Jake; How often does the train go by?Elwood; So often you won't even notice.

[@nativetexanful]

I think the el trains are neat. He said many people say they're noisy and unsightly. But I like that sound they make, and I like the way they look. The sight of the el trains give Chicago it's character.

[@michaelnobles2643]

I loved riding the “L” when I lived in Chicago. It was so much fun to get around town riding the “L”, definitely a cool experience

[@JL03241]

Good video! Forgot to mention Chicago does have a subway. The Red and Blue lines are underground in the loop and extending a few miles out each direction. The Blue line even goes back underground at Logan Square for two stops after emerging from the tunnel on it's way to O'hare. I do appreciate the unique nature of the elevated trains in the heart of the city - part of this city's charm.

[@lisasimunaci4441]

music is so distracting!

[@LynnAMV]

Lisa Simunaci ikr

[@huntrrams]

Lisa Simunaci it will make a dope beat tho

[@tonympande]

Lisa Simunaci urejee

[@ominousmatrix9361]

Right?

[@TheShowgirl25]

Which music was that then?

[@ivyrivera8081]

The view on the pink line when you get in Downtown is breathtaking ❤️

[@saber26ful]

Yvette Beliz Orange line too

[@chatapratt7680]

Most of the lines run this downtown route

[@carmenmukoyama2593]

CHICAGO has to be the most beautiful city in the World ! I grew up here !i loved everything in the city ! Mayor Daily ruled with an IRON FIST!no other city will ever Beat the Windy City! I’m so proud I was raised Here ! My hometown with tremendous PRIDE! 😀🥰🙏✝️😁♥️🥰♥️🥰

[@ken125y]

I enjoyed the video but disliked the music.

[@thomasjcox]

ken125y my band made this shut up

[@Adam-eb3rs]

He isn't dissing the music, it's too loud, your band had no control over that. A rule of thumb is the music should be quieter than the presenter.

[@ViralGamingandDevelopment]

no it wasnt too loud, it was simply shit, and distracting. Sounds like it belongs in old vintage arcade games where you bounce around as a little cloud or something

[@TheShowgirl25]

? are u Chicaco or England?

[@virginiaconnor8350]

It's distracting when you're trying to listen to the speaker.

[@chination1796]

I'm glad Chicago kept the downtown L most cities like NYC envy us & wish they kept their elevated trains in their downtowns

[@elvueltas4955]

i´m goint to visit Chicago on september and i´m so excited to see this trains, i think it looks INCREDIBLE.

[@PRHILL9696]

You will love it!

[@spaghettigod43]

Alejandro Ida how was it

[@tillyboos]

Chicago has subways too, not ALL of the lines are the "El" -- I do think Chicago should retain it's elevated trains as well. It makes Chicago different from other cities. And Chicago is a unique city and should remain so.

[@brucewayne-cn4vd]

Wish NYC hadn't pushed everything underground. Sucks being in a dark and dingy subway underground. Good job Chicago, keep it up!

[@fake._]

Being from Chicago, what I find so interesting is that some downtown platforms still have wood flooring

[@tech83studio38]

This is chicago! this is our "L" 125 years later I love the "L" may you go on for 200 years! gods speed God bless Chicago.

[@DoncasterA1Music]

Wow, the L never caused me relapses, deafness, or imsomnia

[@Mrcharles.]

Probably because you've gotten used to the sounds of it. A person who wants to live near an elevated rail system will be annoyed by it first but then after a few weeks you get used to it.

[@krashd]

It would drive me potty. The first time I saw The Blues Brothers as a kid and you got to see the El roar past Elwood's bedroom window I was like "Nope, just nope!"

[@user-do5zk6jh1k]

Effects of the L: Disruption of child development How: Death

[@DoncasterA1Music]

charlie barnett Yeah I guess so. Well maybe it’s also partly because I have a love for transit and the L lol!

[@jameslaidler4259]

charlie barnett The California mining town of Jamestown had a machine which pounded rocks to bits using punch like hammers, 24/7. One night it failed, so the absence of sound woke the entire town. Right in the middle of the night. Talk about loud silence.

[@johnmrobertsonrblx594]

I like the Chicago L train, living about an hour - hour and a half away from Chicago in Rockford IL, I think it keeps a more original look to Chicago that other cities don't have or gotten rid of.

[@gabriellord7556]

YO IM IN BELVIDERE!

[@clearmist7170]

New York City used to have tons of them, before the 1950's. Most of them are not around anymore. It's kind of sad, because cities all throughout America used to have so many elevated trains and streetcars, before cars and highways became popular.

[@gregoryvschmidt]

How are things in RKFD, these days? Born there in 1947.

[@ajshaner9719]

Gregory Schmidt just look up statistics about the city. 😂😂😂😂 Being from Rockford I don't see much good. About the only good I personally see around here is of you manage to find something you enjoy and become a part of that community... For me it's hockey. But it is a dying city. If things keep going the way they are it will be like Detroit.... It basically already is a mini Detroit. People leaving faster than they come in.

[@PDBowden16]

Gabriel Lord London pioneered underground train travel and they had the first subway in the world. Chicago should’ve followed what London did way before New York.

[@ZacLowing]

Whats that clicking sound? wtf??

[@ScotsPipe]

Zac Alleywalker Lowing ( the background repetitive music has beeping in it

[@florisliesker]

Uganda Knuckles

[@jimmyfaustjr6413]

Floris Liesker LMAO

[@linka3177]

@Evil Bastard racist idiot

[@mariocisneros911]

True answer to the clicking sound coming from Chicago's el trains . The clicking occurs when the steel wheels roll over the spot where one track rail ends and another begins . From a true Chicagoan . I like it too. Great passing the Chicago river .

[@AlexCab_49]

Elevated trains look really cool! I wish we had that here in LA

[@emilientherrien726]

Thank you Mike. I have never seen other than video an EL but I agree with you that it seems to be a unique experience. I would definitively want to keep it. Well done video.

[@JuanGarcia-zq5tp]

Miami also has elevated trains running through downtown. It is a our Metrorail, but it is not as good a network as the CTA.

[@williamlenoch1526]

Don't think a subway would work in Miami!!

[@JuanGarcia-zq5tp]

No due to sea level and there being coral underneath. Adding lines to the Metroral would work or at least give commuters more options. With traffic the way it is I would take a train if it went to the Beach, Wynwood, etc from way out near FIU where I live.

[@wturner777]

So does Jacksonville, though I haven't been.

[@earthandwind820]

Juan Garcia I've always wanted to take a ride through the elevated trains in Miami! Chicago's network is more extensive than many cities, but certain neighborhoods get priorities and have public transit diversification, while other neighborhoods have very poor options. If you are wealthy and upper middle class in present day Chicago, then you are bound to have easy access to a subway station. If you're not, get ready to have to take a bus or two to then hop on a train. There are some exceptions, but it would be nice if the city extended the network for EVERYONE.

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

Detroit People Mover since the 1980s is elevated.

[@SpiritsBB]

answer starts at 2:13

[@williamjames212]

SpiritsBB Thank you.

[@officialspock]

SpiritsBB da real mvp

[@bam4966]

Chicago has a Subway too! Some of it comes up to this El (elevated) , some don't. The subway is literally below the street where the El is above.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Thank you Mike, great explanation, Happy new year!

[@billbeliakoff5589]

Making it a subway would take away a big part of the charm, character and history of this magnificent city.

[@aquawoelfly]

Parts of the EL are above ground others at ground and there are several underground stations as well. In the loop area (where he is standing) for instance there is even multilevel station with the red line on one track and I want to say blue on a neighboring track. Most of the major lines run through this 5x7 block area red yellow brown blue green etc as well as dozens of bus lines... making it easy to go from Evanston (purple line) to Chinatown (red line,often the same train that you caught in evanston). Oglvie (green line) to mcormic park (red line) The museum's (Red line) to the zoos (unsure). My father in laws (Austin neer 290) (yellow line?) to my uncle in laws in Cicero (blue line).

[@insanisstultitia3119]

I'm in Chicago, from Chicago and live in downtown. The L is one of many crown jewels of Chicago. The noise, the announcement of the stops and everything of it is a experience only Chicago has.

[@diogenes34]

They look a lot better now than they did when I last lived in Chicago in 1970 I’m glad to see that they’ve maintained them and have painted them probably several times by now.

[@bryan1282]

Like anything else people are initially against and gets done anyway, people get over it and it just becomes part of life and in the case of the “L” becomes a landmark and attraction.

[@That0neMonkey]

Riding the "L" and overlooking all the cool architecture in all the great neighborhoods is what makes Chi so unique! The "L" literally rumbles just a few feet past people's windows. It gives a true slice of urban life. Don't change a thing!

[@randymitchell5432]

Elevated tracks are so great and l LOVE the sound which some would consider noise. Thanks👍

[@DrFruikenstein]

I wouldn't know Chicago without the El. I grew up in Albany Park, and as a child, I relied on the El to get where I was going. I would hop on a set of 6000s at the grade level yard (Lawrence and Kimball), and go to my friends house (near Lawrence and Western), and be there in just a few minutes. It was much quicker than the bicycle, and even the bus. If they ever decided to get rid of the El in favor of a subway, it would probably kill a lot of people with such fond memories of the El.

[@amelierenoncule]

At 16 yrs. of age, two friends & I rode the CTA system (L-trains & subways), 24 hrs...on ONE fare. Our story was written-up in the Sun Times. Also, the CTA system contacted us, asking HOW we did so.

[@246spyder]

Gee, we did that back in the '50s, only by streetcar, you could go all over on one fare (10 cents) and a free transfer. Good for you though.

[@OwlGreene]

Has nothing to do with the article.

[@juelzm149]

As a Dallas resident I reeeeeeeeaaally wish we had this! I don't care how "unsightly" it is, if it helps with the traffic I'm all for it! Definitely gives the city its own character also!! As for noise, well we have 2 big airports, several municipal ones and freeway after tollway spread out all over the metroplex so it's noisy regardless

[@minikame2272]

I'm from the UK, and I've always wanted to go visit New York and Chicago to ride the elevated lines. The views look stunning. I literally just want to do laps on the train.

[@brucejones8847]

I love that the loop has elevated lines because they are unique and when you see them you know your looking at the greatest city of all my sweet home CHICAGO

[@psuro]

And the El made a great backdrop in The Blues Brothers film.

[@pisse3000]

It's one of the few things I know about Chicago and would certainly like to experience one day, so demolishing it would be a major cultural loss.

[@earthandwind820]

pisse3000 If you're ever in Chicago, you should take a stroll along the boulevards; they're my favorite part of the city! The boulevard in the Logan Square neighborhood is the closest one to my house, but there are several around the city. The grey stones around several neighborhoods in Chicago are also great to look at. If you're familiar with New York brownstones, think of grey stones as Chicago's staple! The area around the Adler Planetarium has the best view of the lake and skyline in my opinion and the Chicago Cultural Center, which is free, has great architecture and art exhibitions.

[@christopherkotsopoulos701]

It was certainly one of the attractions when I visited. As much as I love subways, I love seeing the L train because it's so visible in the city. The views from it while you're riding are great too.

[@thekamakaji]

If they replace them with below ground subways, instead of demolishing the tracks, they could convert them into an elevated park like NYC's Highline. That would actually be so freaking awesome now that I'm thinking about it. A giant looping park surrounding Chicago's downtown? That would be a great pubic space, right?

[@earthandwind820]

KamaKaji We like our elevated trains. :) There are plenty of stations that leave you amongst the buildings. Maybe they could reimagine the train stations and introduce natural elements to them! There is an elevated park inspired by The High-line, not too far away from where I live, called “The 606”. Check it out!

[@thekamakaji]

Yeah that's really cool! And also, YOU may like your elevated trains, but I'm sure there are a few who don't. One day, if the trains do ever go underground, then they could be repurposed. But I totally get the appeal. I think they're pretty cool too.

[@BrightYoungThoughts]

Loved it, Mike mcmain what a legend. Totally randomly came across this video. Glad I did. Like the music :) xx

[@lancome4600]

This was where GDragon shot one of his mv, and i fell in love with chicago's elevated train watching it.

[@BillyBob-bo9tn]

I like the elevated tracks

[@reserva120]

that music is beyond bad..why.

[@Therealmoseslupai]

This is just so interesting to me. Learning about these unique towers/skyscrapers. The trains too. Amazing!

[@Pauloada1]

What a beautiful city

[@brushcreek42]

I recall Mayor Daley pushing to replace the L with a subway around 1965. The cost back then was estimated about $500 million. Can you imagine what it would cost today? I thought back then it was a foolish idea as it would take away the meaning of the "Loop" and as Mike says it is a unique in that it is the only city left with and elevated running downtown.

[@exoressdelivers70]

brushcreek42 not true regarding elevated trains in downtown being unique to Chicago. Miami Florida has elevated trains running through its downtown as well and has been doing so for almost 30 years

[@brushcreek42]

Exoress Delivers - I've never been to Miami, but it looks like Metrorail runs thru the west side of downtown and the Metromover elevated bus loops the downtown. New York & Philadelphia have elevateds but are subways when downtown. Chicago's "L" is still a unique situation I hope continues for many decades to come.

[@PRHILL9696]

Miami is tiny and cannot compare to Chicago.

[@chasespadavecchia3514]

Also have to note: Why was it cheaper to build elevated lines? Well elevated trains in Chicago were steam powered in the mid-1800s when these lines were built. The first electric subway cars didn't appear until around 1907, as steam was the main source of railroading (and continued to be up until 1960). Trains had to be elevated due to the smoke and ash coming from the locomotives. Building underground would have required vast exhaust systems. This was proved during the construction of the PRR Hudson River tunnels (2.7 miles long) from Hackensack, NJ to New York City. That project occurred 1907 (again, around the same time when electric railway locomotives and subway cars made their debut). So constructing an exhaust system for subways back in the mid-1800s when these elevated lines were constructed would have been, at the time, near impossible. Without these vents, smoke would have clogged the tunnels and been blinding for crews and passengers (mainline railroads also had trains in and out of NYC be electric due to this reason with steam to electric locomotive transfers on each side of the city). NYC actually tried running steam underground for their subways when their first underground line was constructed, and lead to one of the most deadly rail accidents in the city's history due to the smoke being blinding to the crew causing them to miss a signal, and crash into a stopped train. Constructing train lines elevated allowed for steam to escape into the atmosphere and allow for a safer and cheaper construction and operation. In a weird twist, the wooden coaches used behind the elevated steam trains became the first electric subway cars.

[@rayfridley6649]

In New York City, the issue of tunnel ventilation became paramount then planning the first under the Hudson automobile tunnel. A bridge was not practical as it would consume too much Manhattan real estate. Designing engineer Clifford M. Holland tackled the problem head on by developing a massive system of moving fresh air into the tunnel and removing the stale air through a large duct above. What the earlier railroad and subway tunnels did was to require the trains to be pulled by electric locomotives, as noted above.

[@notsure6187]

elevated generally costs 1/3 the cost of a subway.

[@danielfloresloredo6538]

Thank you for the information about Chicago's subway System. Greetings from Monterrey, Mexico!

[@SunilkumarShinde]

Developing this concept for our City.. thanks for the details.

[@forbeshutton5487]

1892 electricity wasn't well used or reliable. Street/cable cars are best for straight lines, and putting them underground only complicates matters more.So that would leave steam power. Not a big problem above ground, but putting steam power underground is, the locomotives need fresh air, produce heat, scalding steam, smoke and carbon-monoxide. So unless chimneys/air vents were built to ground level every couple of yards you would have a sauna that would kill the passengers in a couple of stops. Even with lots of vents, you are just moving the problem to the surface, where people walking across the grates could be subjected to a huge cloud of smoke at any moment.

[@gregoryx330]

Very cool!

[@bendickmann5460]

Very interesting. I did not know these architectural videos exist until I just happened to scroll KZbin this evening. I am very pleased that the organization is sharing their knowledge with others. I've seen a storefront on Michigan Avenue that seems to focus on Chicago's architecture, but was always too hurried to explore further. Obviously, the so-called "Second City" has a lot to offer. We live in Illinois, but only four hours away...closer to St. Louis. It is typical that we fail to appreciate great architecture like that in both cities thinking we need to go to Europe before we are artistically​ whole . While the European experience must be truly amazing, there is so much for us to learn right here. Thank you!

[@246spyder]

The powers to be mostly hate the facades of our older 19th buildings and approved of killing them for the modern crap that is put up. Some are going to the expense of saving the facades and thereby keeping the character. Too bad that we have lost so many beautiful interior lobbies though.

[@kevinkimpel302]

Thanks for the info. I rode the El In the mid 80s. Adams and Wabash was my stop

[@JediDanD]

Amen, that's exactly why we need them, to see the city from a higher view :D I mean unlike everyone gets bitten by a radioactive spider, there's no way to get a higher view of Downtown other than the trains. Fun fact for people who don't know, the Spider-Man vs Doctor Octopus fight was filmed here in Chicago (the train part at least) . . .

[@dino_mt_greenwood]

The only people who complain about the L are those who try take conference calls outside while smoking. 😅

[@moonna8088]

I agree, I like the sightseeing perspective of this, very nice.

[@beginningend381]

THAT IS WHY I LOVE MY CITY...

[@wakcedout]

yea they are noisy, yea they interfere with gps signals at some points......but honestly by now theyve become a landmark of the city. taking them out then it just wouldnt be the same. for all chicagos current financial failings, the el is one of the things many tourists come to see because they are the last elevated train lines in a downtown. i say keep them up even if the train system becomes outdated and it becomes an attraction ride instead of mode of transportation.

[@246spyder]

You go guy.

[@williamlenoch1526]

Chicago does have subways however.

[@SuperCoalBlox]

William Lenoch right mine is the Logan Square blue line

[@jimbobogie8204]

The Blue Line runs under the Loop and connects to the airport.

[@raney150]

Only 2 lines, and they aren't subways for their entire lengths.

[@Justin.Franks]

+MrRane Very few subway lines in _any_ city are underground for their entire lengths.

[@earthandwind820]

William Lenoch Yes, we have elevated trains and subways. Love them both! The stations could be cleaner though.. most of my life I've taken the blue line though and sometimes the brown. Maybe the other stations at other lines are nicer?

[@danbeau9404]

Native Chicagoan. Just about born on the L. Rode the train from 63rd on the South side to Addison (B) stop to the Cub games. 3 or 4 of us, 10 or 11 years old for 2 years until high school. We went by ourselves, and never once had a problem. Years later, after the Army, took the L from the same stop, Addison, to the Univ. of Illinois Circle Campus. Rode the L for 40 years and never once had a problem, breakdown or anything else.

[@jlv3x]

Riding the "L" in the Loop give you a great view of the buildings downtown that only get on the "L". Also when you live by the "L" you get use to the sound of the trains.

[@phil6122]

Only in my hometown Chicago cta

[@tca666]

I hate subways!!! they got no views unlike elevated trains!!!

[@davidarturojaimes691]

I aslo like elevated lines. They are very interesting: Watching the trains in the curves, and seeing the daylight instead of running in an underground tunnel. I aslo like underground lines, but I like more the elevated ones.

[@nira9114]

tca the problems with subways is that they don't design them with proper ventilating systems,,that's why they stink like mold and mildew most of the time🤢🤮

[@emelsvik]

Riding these goes on my bucketlist right now

[@jimblack8692]

I would so keep them as well it is why I love the trains in Chicago

[@manisanti]

The San Juan of Puerto Rico Urban Metro (Tren Urbano or TU) is elevated, except downtown Rio Piedras, where is an underground subway.

[@PRHILL9696]

Right that is what makes Chicago special as it is elevated through downtown as well

[@xavierr.3313]

Manuel Santiago Jr. Its Atlantis now

[@MK-ex4pb]

Manuel Santiago Jr. It's not elevated anymore LMAO

[@earthandwind820]

Manuel Santiago Jr. I've always wanted to ride it! I hear it's hardly used though; I think it would've been more effective to rebuild the train network that once existed in PR. It would help move the economy, as it would make it easier for people who live in the "campo" to go to places that have work within the Pueblo or get a job somewhere else on the island and then easily come back home in the evening.

[@markmoreiras7649]

I have taken it before, it is very modern and nice, the issue is not a lot of people use it. Maybe extensions would make it more appealing to residents

[@dianesue4629]

The "Loop" is so called because the train tracks circle the downtown area forming a loop. Do you know that George Ferris, who designed the original "Ferris Wheel" for the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago, also designed the tracks?

[@246spyder]

You mean the trestle and stations and access stairs.

[@haney3773]

Great, informative video. Thank you.

[@johnchambers8528]

I am from Philadelphia where one of our heavy rail transit is a combination of el and subway. In our case the subway runs through our downtown but in the west and north east area it runs as an el. A few years ago they total rebuilt the west Phila. portion of the line. It still looks like the old structure but with the modern construction does run quieter. I have visited Chicago several times and always try to ride the Chicago El. As mentioned it is a great way to see the city and I do feel safer on an el than riding a subway.

[@phyllishamilton165]

Indeed, as others have said, the music bed is TOTALLY distracting, too loud, and just the wrong choice for the docent who is narrating, as his voice is a tenor, and he speaks quickly, so no music at all would have been a far better choice! (from an old hand in the media and production design)

[@kn00tcn]

side chain compression would have solved it without any manual changes

[@phxpaul]

Background music is too loud

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

Born New Yorker here who lived near Chicago for awhile and each visit to the city rode the L just for fun. If you go to the CTA'S KZbin channel you can ride the L 24 hours a day they have marvelous videos of each line! Very relaxing ASMR videos.

[@hollywoodharriet13]

Beautiful and wonderfully sounding

[@markfox1545]

What on EARTH possessed someone to have plinky plonky windchimes playing as the guy is talking?! Awful!!

[@tyjohn4779]

Lmao

[@cyganmarek]

Owners of the city won't allow to build a subway because they're using the undergrounds as a huge batteries for their towers, which are used for storing a power from storms and ether, have a look here kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHelZaOhgc95edE , what does it look to you like ?

[@snarkyguy]

I knew the answer but you explained it better than I could.

[@lincolnpaul1814]

Beautiful city

[@colinvespa4709]

Liverpool started the Overhead Railway as they call it, they however used decking plates which became too expensive too replace at the end of its life, Chicago and New York used "I" beams which is much cheaper and easy to replace, one other side benefit is in the harsh winter, snow can fall through to the road underneath and it can keep running. It was a wise decision to retain it, I've visit both and I'm impressed with it and we have Liverpool to thank for pioneering it.

[@maxdoe8812]

Great article but scale back the volume on the music way to loud.

[@accessfm]

Great video... but cant hear the speaker or what he is saying as the music background track level is way too high and seriously annoying

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

Used to Ride the "L" back when I was in the Navy in 1970. We couldn't afford to much else but ride the "L" and get off to explore a neighborhood that looked interesting. Looking back it was a great experience. We did the same with the subways wherever we were stationed but on the "L" you could actually see the neighborhood before to got off...

[@safeatthird6060]

Great piece.

[@toraxmalu]

silence the damn music - you can't understand that guy…

[@LatitudeSky]

Forget the rail noise. Can't even hear it over the LOUD MUSIC. Who mixed the audio in this, somebody from Disaster Area? WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THE MUSIC!

[@Casio_Cain]

As a Chicagoan the reason its elevated is because we can't afford underground. Like you have to dig out tunnels. Also it makes ronnie's look awesome at night. Rest in peace ronnie's [adult swim]

[@TheNicksflicks]

I've lived in Chicago for 4 years, and I don't think the L is unsightly. Yes, it's loud, but it's cool to look at and innovative to have elevated tracks and you get a great view of the city that you wouldn't normally get from the street.