Chicago "L" ()

The Chicago "L" is a rapid transit system serving the city of Chicago and some surrounding suburbs in the U.S. state of Illinois. The "L" provides 24-hour service on the Red and Blue lines, making Chicago, New York City, and Copenhagen the only three cities in the world to offer 24-hour train service on some lines in their respective city limits. . The oldest sections of the Chicago "L" began operating in 1892, making it the second oldest rapid transit system in the US, after New York City's elevated lines. The "L" has been credited with promoting Chicago's dense downtown development, one of the city's distinguishing characteristics. It consists of eight rapid transit lines in a spoke-hub distribution paradigm focusing on transit towards the loop. The "L" gets its name because large parts of the system run on elevated tracks. As a testament to its historic importance, the Chicago "L" continues to evolve, meeting the city's dynamic needs and maintaining its position as a vital artery of urban transportation.

Operator
Operation start6 June 1892
Total Lines9 Metro Lines
Total Station108 Active Stations
Metro City/CountryChicago United States
Official Webhttps://www.transitchicago.com/

Metro linesStationsTerminal stations
▣ Blue Line31O'Hare ⇄ Forest Park
▣ Brown Line27Kimball ⇄ The Loop, Belmont
▣ Green Line28Harlem ⇄ Ashland/63rd
▣ Green Line28Harlem ⇄ Cottage Grove
▣ Orange Line16Midway ⇄ The Loop
▣ Pink Line2154th/Cermak ⇄ The Loop
▣ Purple Line26Linden ⇄ The Loop
▣ Red Line33Howard ⇄ 95th/Dan Ryan
▣ Yellow Line4Howard ⇄ Dempster–Skokie

  • The Chicago "L" (short for "elevated") began operation on June 6, 1892, making it one of the oldest rapid transit systems in the world.
  • The "L" has a hub-and-spoke system in which the Loop, lines radiating from Chicago's central business district, connect various neighborhoods and surrounding suburbs.
  • The "L" consists of eight color-coded lines, including the Red Line, Blue Line, Brown Line, Green Line, Orange Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, and Yellow Line, each serving different routes.
  • While portions of the "L" run on elevated tracks above city streets, other sections operate underground in subway tunnels, creating a diverse transit experience.
  • The "L" has played a significant role in shaping Chicago's urban development and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and works of literature, contributing to its cultural significance.
  • The Loop, a winding section in Downtown Chicago, serves as a major transit hub where several "L" lines intersect and connect, allowing easy transfers for passengers.
  • Many "L" stations feature public art installations, showcasing a diverse range of artistic expressions and enhancing the overall aesthetic experience for passengers.
  • The iconic and easy-to-read "L" map, designed by Harry Weiss, has become a model for transit maps around the world, known for its simplicity and clarity.
  • The "L" integrates seamlessly with other modes of public transportation, including buses and Metra commuter rail, providing a comprehensive transit network for the Chicago metropolitan area.
  • Some "L" lines, such as the Red and Blue lines, offer 24-hour service, providing around-the-clock access for residents and visitors in a city known for its vibrant nightlife.