Riding the CTA Pink Line from Cicero to 54th/Cermak

CTA's Pink Line (formerly the Douglas Branch of the Blue Line before Pink Line service via the Loop was introduced in 2006 to provide more frequent service on the branch, along with a renovation of the line and its stations) is one of three CTA 'L' lines that runs at ground-level in alleys. This branch continued at one time past 54th/Cermak to Oak Park Avenue, but was cut back in the '70s. Here, I ride the Pink Line to its terminal at 54th Avenue in the immediate Chicago "suburb" of Cicero. This terminal is probably the most unusual on the CTA rail system- inbound trains arrive on the same track as outbound trains leave on, by way of a crossover between the outbound and inbound tracks. There are two platforms on this one track, the first of which is occupied by a Pink Line train about to leave for the Loop, the second of which will be taken by my terminating train here. It will lay over, then proceed to the inbound platform once the train ahead of it leaves. Also note, at Laramie Avenue just before the start of the 54th/Cermak station, the disused station house from the pre-renovation Laramie station.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• CTA
• Chicago
• transit
• urban
• city
• transport
• transportation
• rail
• rapid transit
• metro
• subway
• el
• elevated
• Cicero
• Berwyn
• 54th/Cermak
• Cermak
• Douglas Branch
• Pink Line
• Blue Line

[BDNproductions]

Also, I have to laugh at "far as this train goes". You'd think they'd come up with something a little more elegant.

[BDNproductions]

Not anymore, at least not during the day. A regular run is now 4 cars, sometimes 6 during rush hours.

[vguiu]

@clubpenguingodess there are allways 2cars

[clubpenguingodess]

Why was there a 2 car pink line?