Chicago's FORGOTTEN "L" Lines- The History of Chicago Elevated Trains - IT'S HISTORY

Comments · 631

• EM

  @EmilyTienne · 4 years ago

  Been to most of the great cities of the world, Europe, Asia, North America, but when I first visited Chicago some years ago, I was blown away by this magnificent crown jewel of the Midwest.  The skyline from every angle is stunning.

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• HA

  @HandsomeLongshanks · 4 years ago

  I grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago and my memories of taking the train into the city and spending all day running around catching the L to go all over for whatever reason are the best. I always knew I was in for a good day when my friends said "wanna take the train down and do something in the city?"

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• RE

  @RealLuckless · 4 years ago

  It always impresses me that we've somehow convinced so much of society that 'public transit' should for some reason turn a profit, but almost no one bats an eye at how much are spent on roads, highways, and general public parking that is mainly used by private cars.

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• SC

  @ScottMStolz · 4 years ago

  Ironically, closing all those lines that went to the suburbs hurt them. When everyone moved to the suburbs, they had already closed those lines.

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• GE

  @georgeleslie7307 · 4 years ago

  While public transit is criminally underfunded in America, I think that we ought to consider it a miracle of what currently exists and is new. There's a reason why people would rather explore cities like Chicago over Los Angeles.

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• KH

  @kholt1776 · 4 years ago (edited)

  You forgot the Pink and Orange lines!  They are even shown on the map you spoke over!  Also, the Homan Square pillars were removed and repurposed to make the current Conservatory–Central Park Drive station on the Green Line, which reprises the old Homan station architecture.  This was a pretty negative take on the CTA.

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• SA

  @sammysam2615 · 4 years ago

  This city has it's flaws and the politics are incompetent but the people and the cities character is what I love about it. I'm typically in the loop working on a construction site but this city wouldn't be the same if the L didn't exist

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• CH

  @chiron14pl · 4 years ago (edited)

  I wish you had mentioned the extension of the Westside Metro line beyond Logan Square to connect with O'Hare airport.  This had a significant effect on boosting ridership on the Blue Line, and also the creation of the Orange line to connect to Midway airport

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• WA

  @WAL_DC-6B · 4 years ago

  "Buy off politicians" in Chicago?  NO, that can't be!  Great story on Chicago's "L" lines.  Thanks for sharing!

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• CH

  @Chevyboiz · 4 years ago

  The L trains are not forgotten because they still exist!

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• 79

  @798Muchoman · 4 years ago

  The L works so well today. Trains are frequent, they get you most of the places you want to go. You can take busses or walk where they don&apos;t. You can take commuter trains from downtown to the suburbs.<br><br>Chicago is one of only two US cities where you really dont need to own a car.<br><br>The L tracks are ridiculously old, though the red line in particular is absurdly loud and uncomfortable to ride. Still better than driving, though.<br><br>I&apos;m glad you guys are focusing on Chicago. It&apos;s one of America&apos;s most functional cities in terms of infrastructure. Alleys, diagonal boulevards, and good public transit really make a difference.

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• DE

  @deniseboldea1624 · 4 years ago

  I remember riding the L In the late 70&apos;s. &nbsp; Even though it passed through some sketchy areas, it was a far better ride than the subway in my opinion. &nbsp; At least you could see where you were heading.

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