Why Chicago's Trains Are Elevated

CAF docent Mike McMains explains what led to Chicago being America's only major city with an elevated train system in its downtown core.

[ElJibaro]

As a New Yorker I'm telling you, please don't demolish your elevated lines. They're beautiful.

[BrighamYen]

I don't agree that it's unsightly at all. To me, and many others who love urbanism, this is what adds to the character and charm of Chicago. So glad it's still up and running above ground!

[banana_junior_]

Nobody from Chicago would ever say the El is noisy or unsightly.

[thefpvlife]

As a Lifer native New Yorker pls don't ever demolish this beautiful historical landmark L. That ride through downtown is epic!

[tristanmoller]

Yes. I also like the elevated trains in Chicago. Riding them is a lot of fun especially because of the good views. I also don't feel as unsafe walking up where bypassers can still hear me rather than walking down a tunnel in certain areas.
But honestly, it has just become part of the Chicago feel. Everytime I see elevated trains I think of Chicago right away. The noise is bearable and quite nice and it just brings up great memories.

[rebeccagutierrez]

I am a Chicagoan born and raised. And I absolutely love Chicago's train system. It is a must for every tourist to experience this.

[axysdnyd]

I lived in Chicago for 3 years and I absolutely love the "L". No other city has anything close to this system and the fact that it has been in continuous operation for over 120 years speaks volumes about it. Since it began operating back in June of 1892, it has something no other mass transit system has and I think it's both amazing and beautiful. If nothing else, to lay claim to having been in operation since 1892 is a feat all by itself. The historic significance by itself would demand it never be taken down, so that future generations can see what things were like 120+ years ago when Chicago was at its birth of being a major city. I love the CTA "L" lines

[PepperCyanide]

I've always LOVED our elevated trains, ever since I was a kid! I think they're absolutely gorgeous to look at from street level, don't care how loud they are.

[TheRealLaughingGravy]

The first elevated trains in Chicago (and elsewhere) were regular trains pulled by coal burning steam locomotives. The embers and hot ash they produced were a constant danger to pedestrians and animals below, to buildings along the tracks, and even to the tracks themselves. The line that ran to the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition in Jackson Park demonstrated the viability of electric traction, however, and by the turn of the century all of the lines were electrified.

Once construction on Chicago's subway system began in the 1930s, it was assumed subways would replace the L everywhere in the city, and even into the 1970s many considered the Loop L an eyesore that needed to go, but today I think most people recognize the L's unique beauty and take pride in it as a symbol of the city.

[xawnia]

What's up what that music?? Please remove. I can't hear the person talking!

[chuckfinley]

Nice job, docent Mike, on your presentation. The music loop, for the video editor, was unnecessary and annoying in its repetitiveness. The sounds of the "els" sans music would have added to this video.

[MidnightM]

As a daily NYCTA subway rider whose spent some time riding the CTA lines, I say don't change a thing Chicago. It's a great system for a great city.

[Kjaja]

The best, most comfortable trains in NY are above ground. Never been to Chicago, but I imagine this is one reason people love it. "Ugliness" be damned.

[josephtacosyt]

I would never want to get rid of the El trains! Too Iconic!!

[iomex_]

There are other factors to consider, too -

- Using London Underground as an example, simply cleaning out fluff (in the form of human skin cells, clothing fibres, litter), is a large maintenance issue.
- Underground lines are harder to maintain, as the electrics are in a confined and humid space (going back to London, signal failures are a common cause of delays)
- Construction times for elevated lines are much quicker, so can meet demand in a more flexible manner compared to underground
- Likely to be more energy efficient - subway trains have a huge mass of air to push out of the way, and huge air conditioning systems are required to keep the environment tolerable
- Ease of use - you can see in the video the small distance that's required to access the platforms, vs the labyrinthian tunnels of (particularly older) subway systems.

Really, noise and sight are the only downsides of elevated rail.

[keny]

I enjoyed the video but disliked the music.

[michaelnobles]

I loved riding the “L” when I lived in Chicago. It was so much fun to get around town riding the “L”, definitely a cool experience

[kayseacamp]

Honestly I LOVE the visual of the L. It feels other worldly standing under them and they allow you to get such a good view of the city.

[bradleynoneofyourbizz]

And with an underground system you can't just move a station. If over time one station becomes unpopular but a new one is needed half a mile down line you're SOL. With above ground transportation you can easily add stations as needed.

[JL]

Good video! Forgot to mention Chicago does have a subway. The Red and Blue lines are underground in the loop and extending a few miles out each direction. The Blue line even goes back underground at Logan Square for two stops after emerging from the tunnel on it's way to O'hare. I do appreciate the unique nature of the elevated trains in the heart of the city - part of this city's charm.