The Chicago "L" system

Whether we call it the "L" the "El" or just "the train," the rail-based transit system in Chicago is definitely one that we locals love and love to hate. Much like most other transit systems in Chicago, the El was designed in a manner to help provide rapid transit to the CBD of Chicago, better known as the Loop. The interstate highway system and the commuter rail system (Metra) are designed in a similar manner.

The L in Chicago remains a very affordable method of transversing many miles of urban Chicago, but the system is really only fast, functional and interconnected if your travel plans lead you to the Loop area. For a traveler who might live in Uptown (perhaps near the Wilson stop on the Red line) and work in Cicero (near the 54th/Cermak stop on the Pink line), travel times are extensive, connections to local buses are infrequent, and the L system becomes a burdensome method of travel.

There are often discussions of expansion of the fixed rail system in Chicago, but little has been done with local, state or federal funding to do much with these ideas. Plans become burdened by battles between wealthier suburban interest groups who prefer money be spent on commuter train expansion (Metra) and poorer, often minority, urban interest groups who would like to see El expansion, outer loop rail construction (connecting the spokes of the current CTA "L" system) and improvement of existing facilities

The battle has implications both for transportation options and for economic development opportunities. There are a plethora of sources that point to the benefits of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) and the benefits for the immediate communities or commercial districts. While the battle for funds begins with appropriations for engineering, planning and construction, the war continues with the longer term implications of economic benefits associated with rapid transit.

Plans for the expansion of the CTA "L" system can be found on the CTA website. Details for the expansion of the CTA Red line from 95th St to 130th St, the expansion of the Orange line from Midway Airport to Ford City Mall, the expansion of the Yellow line deeper into suburban Skokie and the elusive "Circle Line" are detailed on the site (more discussion of this plan will follow).