Red Line (CTA) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red Line |
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A Red Line train of 5000-series cars
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| Overview | |
| Status | Operational |
| Locale | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Termini | Howard 95th/Dan Ryan |
| Stations | 33 |
| Service | |
| Type | Rapid transit |
| System | Chicago "L" |
| Operator(s) | Chicago Transit Authority |
| Depot(s) | Howard Yard, 98th Yard |
| Rolling stock | 5000-series |
| Daily ridership | 251,813 (avg. weekday 2012) |
| History | |
| Opened | Oldest section: May 31, 1900; current operation as Red Line: February 21, 1993 |
| Technical | |
| Line length | 23.4 mi (37.7 km) |
| Character | Subway, elevated, surfaced |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Electrification | Third rail, 600 V DC |
The Red Line is a very important train line in Chicago. It's part of the city's train system called the Chicago "L", and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) runs it. Sometimes people call it the Howard-Dan Ryan Line or the North-South Line. It's the busiest train line in Chicago, with hundreds of thousands of people riding it every weekday.
The Red Line is about 23.4 miles (37.7 km) long. It has 33 stations in total. The line starts at Howard station in Rogers Park on the north side. It then goes through an underground tunnel called the State Street subway. Finally, it ends at 95th/Dan Ryan station in Roseland on the south side.
One cool thing about the Red Line is that it runs all day, every day of the year! This means you can catch a Red Line train 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Only a few other train systems in the United States do this, like the Blue Line in Chicago, the PATCO Speedline, Staten Island Railway, the PATH lines, and the New York City Subway.
Contents
What is the Chicago "L"?
The Chicago "L" is Chicago's rapid transit system. "L" stands for "elevated," because many of its tracks are built above the streets. The Red Line uses different types of tracks. Some parts are underground in a subway. Other parts are elevated above the ground. And some sections are at ground level.
How the Red Line Works
The trains on the Red Line get their power from a "third rail." This is an extra rail next to the main tracks that carries electricity. The trains use 600 volts of direct current (DC) to move. The Red Line mainly uses modern 5000-series train cars. These cars are designed to be efficient and comfortable for passengers.
History of the Red Line
The oldest parts of what is now the Red Line opened on May 31, 1900. Over the years, different train lines were combined and changed. The Red Line as we know it today started operating on February 21, 1993. It has been a key part of Chicago's transportation ever since.
Images for kids
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The south entrance used by Red Line trains.
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During construction, southbound Red Line trains came out from the State Street subway near 13th Street.
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A Red Line train traveling in the middle of the Dan Ryan Expressway.
See also
In Spanish: Línea Roja (Metro de Chicago) para niños
