CTA to retire 2200-series cars

Today will be the last day of service for the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) 2200-series rail cars, which are being retired as part of a rail-fleet modernization program.

Described as the Blue Line's "workhorses," the 2200-series cars were built in 1969 and 1970, CTA officials said in a press release.

Most distinctive for their pivoting "blinker" entry doors, the 2200s spent most of their service years assigned to the Blue Line. They have served hundreds of millions of commuters traveling between work, home, O'Hare International Airport and other points, agency officials said.

CTA invited riders and rail fans to join in a ceremonial ride on the cars today. All eight cars will be decked out in their original decals and feature interior advertising cards from their earlier days.