By Jeff L. Tucker, The Chicago Times
July 1, 2022
CHICAGO – As the Chicago Transit Authority turns 75 this year, it plans to showcase color schemes throughout its history.
The CTA announced Tuesday that it will celebrate the anniversary with commemorative pins and posters, famous Chicagoans sharing their CTA memories on our social media, and “wrapping” rolling stock in vintage designs from yesteryear.
The public can expect to see modern railcars sporting heritage CTA color schemes spanning the 1950s to the 1980s.
The CTA is also expected to host its Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Daley Plaza on October 1, 2022. The public is invited to participate in celebrating the heritage of one of the world’s most iconic transit agencies.
“For 75 years, our dedicated, hard-working employees have kept CTA on track in providing the most equitable, accessible and affordable public transportation in the country. This is a milestone worth celebrating, and we have both entertaining and engaging anniversary activities planned for our customers.” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr.
In a press release, the CTA said “Red Line riders, for example, will see a green, cream and orange-colored paint scheme from the 1950s – used on our 6000-series railcars among other types, which many older residents will remember as the ‘classic’ Chicago ‘L’ train design. The Museum of Science and Industry is the proud sponsor of this railcar ‘wrap’. In the coming weeks, other rail lines will feature other vintage designs. Butcher Boy Cooking Oils is sponsoring this classic mint green and alpine white look, popular on much of CTA’s ‘L’ fleet from the mid-1960s through the 1980s. This railcar design was seen around the world on many TV shows and movies filmed in Chicago during this period.”
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