New CTA Rail Cars Stand Out
About two weeks ago, the CTA began testing its new “max capacity” reduced-seat ‘L’ cars on the Brown Line in an attempt to provide more space (and garner more revenue) from overcrowded rush-hour trains.
About a dozen seats were removed from the trial rail cars, allowing each to hold approximately 25 more riders than normal cars. Originally, the CTA planned on removing all of the seats from these cars, but engineering studies showed that this would actually provide too much capacity. If filled, they would have exceeded the train’s maximum weight limits.
With more people on their feet, the CTA has improved the cars’ suspension systems to keep them from swaying.
So what do ‘L’ riders think of the new “MAX” cars? “We’ve heard from mothers with strollers and bicyclists that the MAX car is great because it’s given us more floor space,” William Mooney, CTA chief operating officer, told the Chicago Sun-Times. Riders have also been able to board and exit train more quickly, especially at stops near and in the Loop.
Depending on how the pilot program goes, reduced-seat cars may be introduced to other lines. They would be especially useful to the Blue and Orange Lines, where riders are often carrying luggage to or from O’Hare or Midway.
Okay, so this picture isn’t totally related, but I thought it was too funny to pass up.
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) Christopher & AmyCate (1, 2), yenna
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