CTA puts new 7000-series rail cars into scheduled service

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has begun to test 7000-series rail cars along its Blue Line, the second-most heavily traveled rail line in the agency's system.

The new rail cars feature redesigned, all-glass windbreak panels flanking the passenger side doors; double-sided displays with a moving rail system map that shows the line, next station and the upcoming stations; pre-recorded announcements with visual indicators; an improved active vehicle suspension system that use sensors to adjust the car's height to a platform; and LED lighting.

The CTA has been testing 10 prototype 7000-series cars since fall 2020, operating them out-of-service on eight lines.