New CTA Rail Cars on Red Line 'L'

The first 10 of the CTA's new New York-style L cars were rolled out on the Red Line Monday. (Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times)

The CTA will make available TODAY new rail cars on the Red Line that bypasses Chatham now in service.
Electronic signage, hand straps and aisle-facing seats on the CTA's 5000 Series Rail Cars, which began testing with commuters on the Red Line on Monday. New CTA rail cars featuring mostly center-facing seats to pack in more rush-hour commuters went into service this morning on the Red Line.These first 10 cars are part of an order for 406. About a dozen cars will be delivered monthly, with the full order scheduled for completion in 2013.They are replacing aging equipment prone to break down and expensive to maintain, according to CTA officials.Commuters should also find their rides smoother, the CTA says. Passengers also will see seven security cameras on board each train and electronic displays of upcoming stations and other travel information.The maximum capacity of each new car is 123 passengers, both seated and standing, some 20 to 30 more than can be accommodated on current equipment, according to the manufacturer, Bombadier Transportation.Aisles also ware wider, providing more room for passengers with luggage, backbacks, bicycles and strollers, according to the CTA.