5000-series (CTA)
| Industry | Rail transport manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Plattsburgh , United States |
The 5000 series represents a group of Chicago "L" railcars produced between 2009 and 2015 by Bombardier Transportation at their facility in Plattsburgh, New York. The initial procurement consisted of 406 cars, ordered in 2006 for $577 million. In July 2011, the CTA opted to acquire an additional 300 units, which was subsequently increased to 308 cars, at a cost of $331 million.
This series replaced the aging 2200-series and 2400-series vehicles. Interestingly, the 5000 series revives a numbering sequence originally used for experimental articulated trainsets that operated from 1947 until 1985. These railcars are the first in the CTA fleet to feature interior LED displays providing dynamic information such as the current date, time, and upcoming stops, thereby improving passenger communication and operational functionality.
Specifications
Testing with the initial set of 10 cars commenced on April 19, 2010, allowing evaluation in passenger service. Following successful trials and approval, deliveries proceeded at a rate of approximately twelve cars per month until the fleet was fully assembled.
The seating arrangement is longitudinal, orienting passengers along the sides to create a wider central aisle that increases capacity by 20–30%, accommodating up to 123 riders. Vertical poles and overhead grab bars with hanging straps offer support for standing passengers. Additional enhancements include seven surveillance cameras installed per car, electronic signage for visual messaging, and "active" route maps that display the train’s current position.
Unlike the High-Performance series (2600-series and 3200-series), the 5000 series is technologically incompatible with other CTA railcars and cannot be coupled with them in mixed consists, including the newer 7000-series trains. However, this limitation is minimal since lines operating the 5000 series generally do not mix these cars with other models.
Features and usage
The 5000 series employs AC traction technology to enhance operational efficiency, simplify maintenance, and improve ride quality. Units numbered 5001 through 5114 were initially fitted with orange LED destination signs; starting from unit 5115, multi-colored LED displays were introduced to correspond with specific service lines. The earlier amber signs were retrofitted with multi-colored LEDs beginning in mid-2012.
Regular service for the first units began on November 8, 2011, on the Pink Line. By June 2012, the Pink Line was fully equipped with these cars. Subsequent deployments included the Green Line in May 2013, Yellow Line in March 2014, Purple Line in March 2015, and Red Line by November 2015. Plans to allocate 5000-series cars to the Orange Line were canceled as all units were assigned elsewhere; consequently, the Orange Line continues operating with permanently assigned 2600-series trains until the arrival of the new 7000-series. This reallocation enabled more 3200-series cars to be transferred to the Brown Line to support expanded eight-car trains following its capacity upgrade in 2009.
Issues
In December 2011, the entire fleet was temporarily withdrawn from service for inspections due to irregularities found in wheel components. The cars returned to operation on May 7, 2012. As of November 2015, this series constitutes the largest portion of CTA’s rolling stock, encompassing all vehicles on the Pink, Green, Yellow, Purple, and Red Lines.
Controversies
The seating configuration of the 5000 series has drawn criticism from riders. To address this feedback, the CTA mandated manufacturers provide multiple interior layout options featuring hybrid seating arrangements that combine both longitudinal and lateral seats to optimize passenger comfort while maintaining efficient movement within cars.
Accidents
On November 16, 2023, a collision occurred involving car 5599 of the Yellow Line and snow removal machinery near Howard station. This incident resulted in injuries to 23 of the 38 passengers aboard, with three sustaining serious but non-life-threatening wounds. The snow removal equipment had been positioned for scheduled training exercises in preparation for upcoming winter weather. The front end of the train car suffered extensive damage, leading to a temporary halt of Yellow Line operations after the crash.