3200-series (CTA)
| Industry | Railcar manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Hornell , United States |
| Products | Chicago "L" 3200-series railcars |
The 3200-series (numbers 3201–3457) represents a collection of Chicago "L" railcars manufactured between 1992 and 1994 by Morrison-Knudsen at their Hornell, New York facility, with the car bodies subcontracted to the Brazilian company Mafersa. A total of 257 units were constructed, with 255 still actively operating.
This series marks the final installment in the High Performance Family and was the last Chicago Transit Authority order to utilize direct current motors; subsequent procurements have transitioned to alternating current technology.
The initial batch of 256 cars was ordered to support the debut of the Orange Line in October 1993, with production concluding by 1994. The 3200-series incorporated various advancements over its predecessor, the 2600-series, such as microprocessor-controlled cab and traction systems, which enhanced diagnostic capabilities and operational performance. Additionally, fluted steel siding was reinstated as a measure against graffiti vandalism, and hopper windows were installed to provide ventilation during air conditioning outages.
Units numbered 3441 through 3456 were originally fitted with pantographs to draw power from the Yellow Line’s overhead catenary system until its conversion to third rail in 2004. Some pantographs were removed earlier when these cars were reassigned to the Brown Line. Car number 3457 was specially constructed to operate paired with a damaged 2600-series vehicle and currently runs on the Brown Line alongside both series.
Presently, the 3200-series mainly operates on the Blue and Brown Lines. Towards the end of 2018, several cars were transferred from the Brown and Orange Lines to the Blue Line as part of a strategic fleet realignment, which involved replacing older cars on certain routes with newer or different series. These adjustments demonstrate ongoing efforts to efficiently manage CTA’s rolling stock across its transit network.
Mid-life overhaul
Starting in May 2014, two trainsets from the 3200-series—one assigned to the Brown Line and another to the Orange Line—underwent upgrades that included installation of LED destination signs similar to those found on 5000-series vehicles as part of a mid-life refurbishment program. Official approval for this overhaul was granted on August 14, 2014. The modernization encompassed new LED destination and run number displays, upgraded air conditioning units, as well as rebuilt propulsion equipment, passenger door motors, and wheelsets. Rehabilitation work commenced in 2015 and was finalized by 2018, with refurbished Brown Line cars reintroduced into service during summer 2015.
Retirement
Although initial considerations involved replacing the 3200-series fleet with new 7000-series cars, recent developments indicate that CTA will not pursue these options. Instead, plans now point towards phasing out the 3200-series in favor of an upcoming fleet currently under design known as the 9000-series.