2600-series (CTA)
| Industry | Railcar manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1912 |
| Fate | Transitioned to Transit America |
The 2600-series represents a group of Chicago "L" railcars constructed by the Budd Company from 1981 through 1987. A total of 600 vehicles were manufactured, with 459 still actively operating today. These cars, built with stainless steel bodies and fiberglass end bonnets, primarily serve the Blue, Brown, and Orange Lines. Between 1999 and 2002, Alstom refurbished the series at their Hornell, New York facility, ensuring their continued role within the Chicago Transit Authority's fleet. Engineered for longevity and operational efficiency, each car can reach speeds up to 55 mph and is equipped with four General Electric DC traction motors producing a combined 440 horsepower. While maintenance continues for this fleet, plans are in progress to replace them with the new 7000-series or potentially the 9000-series models.
History
The 2600-series cars, numbered from 2601 to 3200, were produced by the Budd Company, which also manufactured the earlier 2200-series. As the fourth installment in Chicago's High Performance Family of railcars, they share many design similarities with the preceding 2400-series. Initially ordered as 300 units but later expanded to 600, these cars were delivered between 1981 and 1987 to support the O'Hare extension on the Kennedy Line—now known as the Blue Line. This series marked Budd's final railcar production before its transition to Transit America. From 1999 until 2002, Alstom undertook a comprehensive rebuild of the fleet in Hornell, New York.
Presently, these cars constitute the majority of the Blue Line fleet and all of the Orange Line, with some units operating on the Brown Line. Beginning in June 2014, following the introduction of 5000-series cars, newer 2600-series vehicles formerly assigned to the Red Line were relocated to the Blue Line. Concurrently, older Blue Line 2600-series cars were reassigned to replace aging 2400-series units on the Orange Line. After completing deliveries of the 5000-series, this realignment became permanent, with plans for Orange Line replacement by forthcoming 7000-series trains.
In an unusual case in 1994, car number 3032 was renumbered as 3458 and coupled with a 3200-series car following accident damage—forming a unique married pair combining two different series. As of 2025, this pair remains in service on the Brown Line.
From 1993 until 2015, these cars operated on the Red Line, before being supplanted by the newer 5000-series models and reassigned mainly to Blue and Orange Lines. Between 2010 and 2014, they also served on the Yellow Line until replaced by more modern equipment. Upon the Pink Line's inauguration in June 2006, its roster included many units from both the 2200- and 2600-series; however, by June 2012 these were phased out in favor of 5000-series trains, with most former Pink Line cars redirected to refresh older Blue Line stock.
Between late 2013 and early 2015, some Red Line-assigned 2600-series cars temporarily operated on the Purple Line, substituting for worn-out 2400-series units until mostly replaced by new 5000-series trains by mid-2014. The Purple Line utilized these cars from their introduction in 1993 until their phase-out in 2015.
In late 2018, several Blue Line cars were transferred to Orange and Brown Lines in exchange for 3200-series vehicles; currently, the Orange Line operates exclusively with the 2600 series.
Throughout their service life, these railcars have been deployed across all eight Chicago "L" lines, frequently filling temporary gaps or substituting on routes such as the Green Line.
Approximately half of this fleet was taken out of service during North America's blizzard in 1999; restoration efforts commenced shortly thereafter with refurbished cars returning by March that year and full completion achieved by October 2002.
Car number 3200 holds significance as Budd/Transit America's final railcar produced on April 3, 1987—marking an end to their railcar manufacturing era.
Since late 2022, select units have been converted for work service duties, replacing older work cars from the 2400-series.
Accidents
- On March 15, 1988, car number 3031 derailed after colliding with the platform at Wilson station due to a switch misalignment. In 1994, car 3032 was renumbered as 3458 and paired with the new 3200-series car 3457.
- A collision involving a 2600-series train occurred on September 30, 2013, at Harlem on the Forest Park branch, resulting in injuries to 33 passengers. The incident caused damage to cars 3171 and 3177.
- On March 24, 2014, a 2600-series train overran the bumper at O'Hare station, leading to injuries sustained by 32 individuals. Cars 3061 and 3062 were affected by the impact.
Retirement
The introduction of 5000-series cars led to the gradual replacement of several units from this series. The majority of the remaining 2600-series vehicles are planned to be succeeded by the upcoming 7000-series trains. Additionally, options initially designated for the 7000-series have been shifted to the 9000-series, which will ultimately phase out the last of the 2600-series fleet.
A portion of car 2753 has been preserved and is displayed in the Bulls and Blackhawks Madhouse Team Store.
See also
References
- CTA Car Assignments, Chicago-"L".org
- 2600-series Cars, Chicago-"L".org