Today, Chicago Transit Authority’s 5000-series prototype rail cars will move to the Purple Line as testing continues.
The 10 prototype rail cars are being tested to determine how they perform when operating in the conditions that CTA’s rail fleet is subjected to throughout the year. The prototypes must complete testing before the agency gives approval for the full order to be manufactured. The new cars are being built by Bombardier in their manufacturing facility in Plattsburg, NY.
The rail cars offer a variety of new features and technologies to benefit CTA customers. Each car will have seven networked security cameras, an event recorder system similar to a black box on an airplane and sensitive door sensors that will detect obstructions better than CTA’s current rail fleet.
The new aisle-facing seating configuration is designed to accommodate more customers per car and allow more room for customers carrying backpacks, packages, luggage, strollers and bikes.
The configuration provides 38 seats and space for two wheelchair positions, and added support poles and hand straps in the center of the car for standing customers. Other amenities include:
- An LED station indicator map with lights that move in conjunction with the train’s location.
- Electronic destination signs both inside and outside of the rail car.
- Regenerative braking that returns braking energy to the third rail for reuse to help power following trains and on-board electrical systems.
The new cars are an improvement and he CTA continues to keep their fleet modern. However the idea of making the new cars u201ccattle carsu201d with the u201cIsle facing seatingu201d is an affront to the CTA commuter. In Chicago the average ride is much longer than cities that use this type of seating. If you want to continue to have at least some comfort in riding pleas let the CTA know of your dissatisfaction with the new Isle facing seating with letters to the CTA and letters to the papers. To top it off the new seating does not give many more passengers on a train even though standing instead of seated.
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