Chicago "L" facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chicago "L" |
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A Pink Line train approaching Randolph/Wabash station
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| Info | |||
| Locale | Chicago, Illinois, United States | ||
| Transit type | Rapid transit | ||
| Number of lines | 8 | ||
| Number of stations | 145 | ||
| Daily ridership | 767,730 (average weekday, 2015) | ||
| Chief executive | Dorval R. Carter, Jr. | ||
| Headquarters | 567 West Lake St. Chicago, Illinois |
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| Operation | |||
| Began operation | June 6, 1892 | ||
| Operator(s) | Chicago Transit Authority | ||
| Technical | |||
| System length | 102.8 mi (165.4 km) | ||
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge | ||
| Minimum radius of curvature | 90 feet (27,432 mm) | ||
| Electrification | Third rail, 600 V DC | ||
| Top speed | 55 mph (89 km/h) | ||
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The Chicago "L" is a famous train system in Chicago, Illinois. The "L" is short for "elevated railway." This means many of its tracks are built high above the streets. It is a rapid transit system, which helps people travel quickly around the city.
The "L" serves Chicago and some nearby towns. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) runs the system. It is one of the biggest and busiest train systems in the United States. The "L" tracks stretch for about 102.8 miles (165.4 km).
Some parts of the Chicago "L" run 24 hours a day. This is very special! Only a few train systems in the U.S. offer service all day and night. The first parts of the "L" opened way back in 1892. This makes it one of the oldest rapid transit systems in North and South America. Only New York City's elevated lines are older.
Contents
About the Chicago "L"
The Chicago "L" is a key part of daily life for many people. It helps them get to work, school, and other places. The system has 8 different train lines. Each line has its own color, like the Red Line or the Blue Line.
How the "L" Works
The "L" trains run on electricity. They get their power from a "third rail" next to the tracks. This rail carries 600 volts of direct current (DC) electricity. The trains have special parts that touch this rail to get power.
Stations and Ridership
The Chicago "L" has 145 stations. These are places where people can get on and off the trains. Many people use the "L" every day. In 2015, about 767,730 people rode the "L" on an average weekday. In 2016, over 238 million rides were taken in total!
More to Explore
Images for kids
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A train on the "L" in 1949 as photographed by Stanley Kubrick for Look Magazine
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The Brown and Purple Chicago "L" lines run above vehicular traffic on Franklin Street in the Near North Side community area.
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Pink and Green line elevated tracks crossing Franklin Street in the Loop
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Jackson/State subway stop on the Red Line
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A Red Line train pulls into Adams/Wabash, being rerouted over elevated tracks due to construction in the State Street subway
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A 2600-series car brings up the rear of a Red Line train rerouted through Loop at Randolph/Wabash
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A 4-car train of 3200-series cars pulls into State/Lake
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"L" train wrapped in pink to mark the start of the Pink Line trial service
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The newly rebuilt Wilson Station, September 2017
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A Brown Line train passes through Tower 12 while an Orange Line train waits its turn to enter the Loop.
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Intramural Railway 1893
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The "L" in 1921
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A Metropolitan West Side Elevated Railroad "L" train passing over the Chicago river in 1918
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1922 vintage Chicago Rapid Transit Company "L" cars. This car had a trolley pole in addition to contact shoes on the trucks
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A steam train on the Lake Street Elevated Railroad
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A preserved Northwestern Elevated Railroad car dating from 1907
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See also
In Spanish: Metro de Chicago para niños
