advertisement

---

Prototype 5000-series rail cars will return on the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Red Line on Feb. 14. The cars most recently operated on the Yellow and Purple lines, and have been tested on all other lines.

CTA is testing the 10 prototype cars to determine performance quality while operating under year-round conditions. The prototype cars were tested first on the Red Line in spring 2010; now, their performance will be tested under winter conditions, CTA officials said in a prepared statement.

The Red Line is the system's busiest and the prototypes must pass all tests before the agency approves a full order of the cars, CTA officials said. The cars include a variety of new features and technology, and will accommodate more passengers and space per car.