CTA From the Archives: Then and Now [REMASTERED]

This video illustrates the changes that have happened to the rail system, comparing footage from the 1950's to what it looks like today.

Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0

[halfhourheadway]

incredible cinematography, the right angles and the right speed of everything

[WAL_DC-B]

Hey, look at the burnt red or perhaps copper colored 1950 Hudson Super Six or Commodore in the parking lot shot at 0:35! Love the red CA&E (Chicago Aurora & Elgin) interurban cars in the background as well as that long gone, huge, natural gas storage tank. Well done "then & after" and thanks for sharing CTA!

[SparenofIria]

It's very interesting to see how the system has changed and, in some ways, has not changed.

[robertmolenda]

This collection is outstanding. CTA should be commended for the historical now and then videos and movies of the lines. Thank You

[williamjones]

Yeah This Collection Is Awesome I'm So Very Glad That The Chicago Transit Authority Is #1 For My Favorite Bus And Train Rides. And I Want To Say Thank You So Very Much For Letting Me Ride For The Chicago Transit Authority Bus And Train See You Soon Bye For Now

[Luke_Starkenburg]

This is a really fun video, thanks for putting it together! Its so cool seeing the streetcar under the L tracks!

[WesternOhioInterurbanHistory]

Awesome footage of the CA&E in forest park. I like how the sign and interurban cars are in this.

[Robbi]

Actually, one of the things that caused the demise of the C A & E was this transfer at Forest Park, the temporary route for the former Garfield Park route was much slower than the C A & E took to Forest Park

[flygirlfly]

Would have liked to see dates on the vintage shots

[dailydoseofsunshine]

Funny how Chicago looks more beautiful and interesting in the OLD footage

[TheRealLaughingGravy]

Pretty cool. It would be helpful, though, if you displayed a date (at least an approximate date) for each scene (then and now).

At 3:47 the train is headed west just after leaving the Canal Station and you see it snaking behind the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad Building, which is still there on the SW corner of Jackson and Clinton and is one of my favorite buildings downtown, but is almost unrecognizable beneath all the soot and grime. It looks much nicer today.

[TestTubeBabySpy]

I wish i could find something from the NW side, Particularly trolly shots on Lawrence/Pulaski because the street is coming up and you can see the old red bricks and trolley tracks underneath. It looks like the tracks made a turn from Pulaski onto Lawrence.

[sfmike]

Great vintage footage. It would have been even better and more informative if the year (actual or approximate) had been included with the names of the station and the line. Thank you for a glimpse into the past.

[ontariopastandpresent]

That's awesome!! I just made a similar video, but with Toronto's streetcars.

[montman]

i liked the architecture and the urban vibes much more in the old footage, its a shame so much has been torn down. however i suppose that's what happens when population and economic decline catches up to a city.

[menopassini]

Thanks for showing some of trains moving slowly, so you can take a good look and the titles. Can you do the same with the Northshore line on the Lakeshore route?

[norbertneighbors]

I spent 26 years fixing and teaching people how to fix those trains And yes they have changed

[joeswanson]

When was the present day recording of forest park recorded that might be our family's old black truck in the video

[bmendez]

You know the old wooden cta subway cars looks exactly like the ones that use to operate in old Manhattan and Brooklyn elevated lines here in nyc back in day which were also known as the Mud-C cars.

[AbdulKhan-dwos]

The cta didn't change at all after 1980. The trains from 1980 are still operating today and it is a pain for us