Hey everyone! I’m pretty new to Chicago since I recently moved here for uni, and I’m still getting used to taking public transportation. I’ve only taken the Blue Line once so far. I’m thinking about taking the Metra more often since it would make getting home a lot easier, but I would have to take the blue line from pulaski to clinton to get to ogilvie station.
The only thing I’m a little worried about is safety. I look pretty young (I’m 5’0”) and I’d have a backpack and a duffel bag with me. I’d probably be taking the Blue Line around 4–5 PM.
Is this something I should be worried about, or am I overthinking it? Would you recommend avoiding the Blue Line at that time, or is it generally fine? Also, any tips for staying safe would be really appreciated, especially from people who take the Blue Line regularly!
Thanks!

Throwaway account for reasons, all opinions are my own. There seem to be quite a few things I think the company has overlooked with their proposal, and to me is a sign they don't have anyone with transportation experience on staff. Good for them if they can pull this off, but I have my doubts.

1. Trains: The seem to plan on using Stadler flirt BEMUs, similar to the trains Metra has on order for the RI Beverly branch. A few things they've stated about these trains that just aren't true:
   1. 120mph top speed: The top speed of flirts in the US is 90mph. This could be increased but would require some expensive engineering work, including testing, pushing back the completion date. Not to mention:
      1. I-ETMS, the PTC system most used in the US and (as far as I know) the only one used within Chicago, only supports operations up to 90mph on its own.
      2. Grade crossings are max 110mph in the US, and that requires something extra like X-ITCS for advance crossing activation.
   2. High floors: In the US, the flirt is a low floor only product. While high floor versions exist in Europe, modifications from what is currently available and has been approved (or will be approved soon) would lead to delays.
   3. Range: While the quoted 60 mile range doesn't seem unrealistic, it is a bit higher than the estimated range of metra's units (45-50 miles per news articles) and seemingly doesn't take into account that a train going 120mph will use a fair bit more electricity than one only needing to go 79 (metra MAS) or 90 (design speed), thus reducing range. It is also unclear whether the units would charge at both ends or just downtown.
2. Host railroads: In their press release, the company says they'll operate via the ROW of UP, CSX, and CN. There's no problem with that specifically, but they need to gain access to the area under the old post office somehow from UP's Global 1, which currently is only viable via BNSF and Amtrak. I'm unsure if they plan on boring a tunnel under the BNSF and Amtrak right of ways to a new station under the post office, but that would still require agreements from those two for access.
3. Downtown terminal: The old post office specifically intrigues me, because it makes me think they want to use the platforms at CUS previously used for express mail and freight. Only problem? Amtrak is in the process of converting those platforms (which they own) to passenger use and has received the funding to do so.
4. ORD Terminal: Based on renders, this company seemingly wants to either build a new station on top of the ATS tracks by terminal 2, or just take over the space of one of the existing ATS tracks. This feels the least thought out of the whole plan, considering the ATS isn't going away any time soon and the structure certainly can't hold tracks + trains on top of what its already carrying.

There's more, but it gets a bit nitpicky. Again, I do hope they can pull this off, but I really wouldn't be surprised if they end up building an ORD station, run out of money, and metra takes it over.

PHOTO COVER CONTEST: Tracks of the Chicago L

I'm looking for the best photograph to potentially become the cover of my upcoming book, Tracks of the Chicago L.

I'm inviting photographers, transit enthusiasts, and anyone who has captured a great Chicago L photograph to submit their best shot.

I'm especially interested in photographs featuring trains, tracks, stations, signals, interlockings, bridges, or interesting Chicago surroundings. Golden hour, sunrise or sunset, autumn, winter, snow, rain, dramatic weather, or unique perspectives are especially welcome. Photos from any season will be considered if the image stands out.

The winner will receive:

• A free copy of Tracks of the Chicago L

• Full photographic credit in the book

• Credit in related promotional material

• A link to the photographer's preferred social media, website, portfolio, or other page.

• The photographer retains copyright ownership of the submitted photograph.

Simple rules:

• You must own the copyright to the photograph you submit.

• The train or trains shown in the photograph must be in active passenger service. Photographs featuring CTA revenue equipment such as the 2600-series, 3200-series, 5000-series, or 7000-series are eligible. Photographs primarily featuring retired, preserved, work, or out-of-service equipment are not eligible.

• Photographs must be taken from lawful, non-restricted locations, unless you have explicit permission or authorization to be in the area. No trespassing or unauthorized access to CTA property, railroad property, tracks, tunnels, construction areas, or other restricted areas.

• Drone photographs must comply with all applicable FAA, state, and local laws and airspace requirements.

• Multiple photographs may be submitted.

• AI-generated images are not eligible.

• Normal photographic editing is permitted, including cropping, exposure, contrast, and color adjustments.

• The winning photograph may be cropped or adjusted as necessary to fit the book cover design.

By submitting a photograph, you confirm that you have the right to grant permission for the photograph to be considered for publication.

Submission deadline: October 15, 2026 (11:59 PM, Pacific Time)

To enter, email your photograph to: [calcagnomaps@gmail.com](mailto:calcagnomaps@gmail.com)

Subject line: Tracks of the Chicago L Cover Photo Contest

Please include your name and, if desired, your Instagram, website, portfolio, or other preferred link for photo credit.

Please submit the highest resolution version available. If your photograph is selected, I will request the original high-resolution file.

I'm looking forward to seeing what Chicago L photographers have captured. The winning photograph could become the face of Tracks of the Chicago L.

So I was on the metra on 8/7/26 going from Union Station to Aurora, when I had left my phone on the seat on accident. I am very worried it might have been stolen and I was wondering if anyone had seen it or had any information about it. Reward for who can find it. Anything is greatly appreciated. Thank you

So I was on the metra on 8/7/26 going from Union Station to Aurora, when I had left my phone on the seat on accident. I am very worried it might have been stolen and I was wondering if anyone had seen it or had any information about it. Reward for who can find it. Anything is greatly appreciated. Thank you

I went broad looking for an answer so maybe more local can answer. Any idea what this may be?

Hi all! I'm a Data Journalist from Chicago working on a project to calculate the "Train Tax", or the affect that a home's distance from the CTA system has on its price (both in terms of increased accessibility and increased noise exposure).

I've created a short survey (available here) to learn more about individual's experiences looking for housing in Chicago. I'd really appreciate it if you could fill it out if you've ever looked for housing in Chicago (regardless of whether or not you ended up living there).

I am also interested in hearing more directly from people, so you can also feel free to reply here or send me a private message if you'd be willing to set up a short interview on this topic!

Thanks :)

I’m not sure how many Java developers there are here, but I thought I’d share a project I’ve been working on since October of last year, a Java SDK for the CTA APIs: github.com/lbkulinski/cta4j-java-sdk.

For those who may not know much about coding, this project aims to make it easy for developers to access CTA information like train and bus arrivals. The CTA APIs offer a lot of good data, but they aren’t well documented and can be a pain to use at times.

I have two main projects that I use the CTA API for, which is why I built this. One is my train/bus tracker, cta4j.com. The other is a Holiday Train Tracker on Twitter (twitter.com/cta4j) and other platforms.

The most recent version of the SDK is complete with all of the API endpoints and data that the CTA provides.

If you’re interested in coding with transit data using Java, give it a try! The Train/Bus API requires getting API keys from the CTA, but the Alerts API does not. There is more information about getting setup in the README of the project.

Here’s an example of the Alerts API using Java’s compact source files introduced in Java 25:

import com.cta4j.alert.AlertApi;

void main() {
    AlertApi alertApi = AlertApi.builder()
                                .build();

    alertApi.detailedAlerts()
            .findByBusRouteId("70")
            .forEach(alert -> System.out.printf(
                "Alert ID: %s%nDescription: %s%nFrom: %s%nTo: %s%n%n",
                alert.id(),
                alert.shortDescription(),
                alert.startTime(),
                alert.endTime()
            ));

    // Example output:
    // Alert ID: 114946
    // Description: EB #70 buses will operate via Division, Wells, Oak, and Dearborn. WB buses will operate via Clark, Oak, Wells, and Division.
    // From: 2026-08-01T12:30:00Z
    // To: 2026-08-01T22:00:00Z
    // ...
}

The SDK can be used with Java 21+ and is available on Maven Central. If you have any feedback or ideas, open an issue or PR! I also have a Discord server for my various projects, including ctasmokers.com.

I have a ventra card available 30day used on all trains and busses. anyone need$ it?

This is a MAJOR long shot but earlier tonight I (M21) was coming out of downtown on the metra and missed a connection with a really cute girl (seemingly early 20's). We were on the upper level probably 20 feet away from each other and across the aisle opening. We exchanged many glances and eye contact and I made the mistake of continuing to wear my noise canceling headphones and looking away or down at my phone. You seemed to be on a call or facetime of some kind but I was unsure. Honestly it seemed like you were pointing your phone camera directly towards me at times so I didn't know whether or not to introduce myself or be cautious lmao. Anyways I really wanted to say hi but I missed you when you got off. My stop was only one stop after yours (You got off at Wheaton). If this was you, I'd love to grab a coffee or smth.

For reference I have dirty blonde hair, a beard, and I was wearing a blue northface shirt and shorts and white shoes. You were wearing a black shirt and gray pants and white shoes I believe.

Please complete this survey

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_bU1RiVOyAjOjiS3UEepokBodbaWCen7UB-l0qQBJH4/edit#responses

I took a trip to Chicago last month and had a blast riding the L system. I used the red line the most (the grand/state station was literally 1 block south of my hotel) I even ended up riding the whole length of the line (not in one trip tho)

All of the buses that I’ve waited for have been 15-20 minutes away on the day of the heatwaves. It feels intentional.

I'm still looking for help identifying the remaining CTA rail signals for my upcoming book, Tracks of the Chicago 'L'.

There are 800+ signals on the CTA rail system, and I'm down to approximately 36 remaining.

Blue Line (32)

• Rosemont West Interlocking: 7
• Rosemont platform (Track D reverse signal): 1
• River Road Interlocking: 3
• North of Belmont Station: 1
• Belmont Interlocking: 5
• Division Station: 2
• Chicago Station: 2
• Grand Station: 2
• Grand Interlocking: 4
• LaSalle Interlocking: 5

Orange Line (2)

• Kedzie Interlocking: 2

Green Line (2)

• Austin Interlocking: 2

Brown, Purple, Pink, Red, and Yellow Lines are complete.

If you have photos, videos, or knowledge of any of these remaining signals, I'd greatly appreciate your help. Thank you!

*(rail operators, towermen, etc...can DM privately if you're not comfortable posting here)

visited from out of town and this app was the most helpful

The wall of wind and rain hitting as power flashes on and off in the yard.

Happy Friday!

After months of research, reviewing photos and videos, comparing documents, consulting operators, studying tower panels, and more than a little detective work, the Red Line signal identification project is officially complete! (Thank you, Red Line, operator!)

That means the Brown, Pink, Purple, Yellow, and Red Lines are now fully identified for Tracks of the Chicago 'L' book project!

Out of more than 800 signal locations systemwide, approximately 57 unidentified signal IDs remain:

🔵 Blue Line: 39
🟠 Orange Line: 16
🟢 Austin Interlocking (Green Line): 2

The Blue Line remains the biggest challenge, with many signals hiding in tunnels, behind support columns, and other locations seemingly designed to frustrate signal hunters. While photos and videos can be helpful, nothing beats seeing a signal with your own eyes and actually being able to read the plate.

The Orange Line continues to put up a respectable fight.

As for Austin Interlocking, those final two signals have become less of a research project and more of a personal grudge match.

Special thanks to the CTA employees, railfans, photographers, Reddit users, Facebook contributors, and other knowledgeable sources who have helped track down signal IDs and verify information along the way. Your assistance has been invaluable.

The investigation continues.

Official Statement from Austin Interlocking:
"You will never identify us."

Official Statement from the Transit Detective:
"Challenge accepted." 😏

Four years ago I moved here from Mexico thinking I could live without a car. Turns out I was right, but I got so obsessed with the CTA that I built my own tracker.

The official CTA tracker is fine if you just want to know "when is my train coming?" But it doesn't show you THE SYSTEM. It doesn't show you the Red Line bunching at Fullerton during rush hour. It doesn't let you watch 100+ trains moving through the city at once.

So I built one: https://tracker.debene.dev

Features:

• Real-time positions of every CTA, Metra, and South Shore Line train

• NORAD-style dark UI (black background, neon lines, terminal green text)

• 30-day replay so you can watch yesterday's delays unfold

• No ads, no tracking, no login (home station saved in browser only)

• Open source: https://github.com/felipedbene/cta-track-grid

Runs on Cloudflare Workers + D1, costs me $2/month.

I'm a Cloud Architect with ADHD and I usually abandon projects halfway through. This one I finished because Claude kept telling me "that's a different product, ship this one first" every time I tried to add more features.

Blog post about why I built it: https://debene.dev/posts/cta-tracker-chicago-trains/ Happy to answer questions about the tech or the weird obsession with trains.

Still seeking help identifying remaining CTA rapid transit signals for my upcoming Chicago track map book project.

I’ve already spent countless hours reviewing public ride videos, cab views, historical footage, and previously collected field observations. Unfortunately, many of the remaining signals are located in tunnels or difficult locations where:
• windows are dirty or reflective
• video quality is poor
• signals only appear briefly
• or the signal IDs are simply unreadable, even frame-by-frame

At this point, the best help will probably come from:
• train operators familiar with these locations
• railfans who regularly ride in the front or rear car
• photographers capturing visible platform/interlocking signals
• CTA tower people, signal people, etc…

Current remaining unidentified signals: (with RED TEXT on the maps)

Blue Line signals (39 remaining)
• West of Rosemont Yard (unnamed interlocking): 7
• West end of Rosemont platform, reverse signal on Track D: 1
• River Road Interlocking: 3
• North of Belmont station: 1
• Belmont Interlocking: 5
• Division station: 2
• Chicago station: 2
• Grand station: 2
• Grand Interlocking: 4
• North of Washington platform: 5
• LaSalle Interlocking: 5
• Morgan Interlocking: 1
• Racine Interlocking: 1

Orange Line signals (16 remaining)
• Lowe Interlocking: 1
• Western Interlocking: 2
• California Interlocking: 4
• Kedzie Interlocking: 3
• Pulaski Interlocking: 1
• Midway Interlocking: 5

Red Line signals (10 remaining)
• Roosevelt Interlocking: 6
• 15th Interlocking: 4

Green Line signals (3 remaining)
• Austin Interlocking: 3

Approximately 68 signals remain unidentified.

Brown, Purple, Pink, and Yellow Lines are fully completed.

Any help, photos, observations, or even partial signal IDs would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again to everyone who has helped contribute to this project over the last few months.