CTA Tattler

There is zero possibility of trains running at 65 MPH as the wretched cab control system is set to limit all trains to 55 MPH everywhere on the CTA!

You may want to edit that last sentence.

I'm surprised they're saying it will take that long to repair the remainder of the Jeff Park to Harlem slow zones. It felt like it was almost complete this morning, although this was experienced in a barely-alive Monday morning commute daze.

The cab control system on most of the CTA system is set at a maximum of 55, however the system can be set for trains to go as fast as 70mph, so Co-conspirator, your statement is half-correct.

I've heard the "beginning of December" completion date for the Red Line curve from almost every train operator I've had, particularly during the evening commute. Where, can I theorize, they're confident enough about the work that they're already going much faster than they claim to be going, if not full speed. But the southbound operators in the morning seem to take that curve much more slowly than the northbound operators in the evening.

What about the slow zone on the Red Line between Fullerton and Belmont? In the two inside tracks Red Line trains slowly creep, while Brown Lines pass them by even when they have to stop at Wellington...

The cab controls go up to 70MPH, but does anyone really want to travel that fast in a Red Line car? It will be like taking a ride in the dryer. Those cars are loud and rough at 55, much more so than the newer models used on the Brown and Orange. I haven't seen if welding the rail is part of the project, but if not, you won't be able to hear yourself think at 65MPH. Hang on!

Has anyone heard when the next stages of Red Line "Slow Zone Elimination" work will be completed? I've basically given up on the Red Line, at least during rush hour, until all this work is completed. The trip is punishing enough when the trains actually move, its downright untenable when they max out at 6mph! 45+ minutes from Addison to Monroe!!

Has anyone heard when the next stages of Red Line "Slow Zone Elimination" work will be completed? I've basically given up on the Red Line, at least during rush hour, until all this work is completed. The trip is punishing enough when the trains actually move, its downright untenable when they max out at 6mph! 45+ minutes from Addison to Monroe!!

I keep hoping the work they are doing elminates the Sheridan-Wilson slow zones on Red. That one is long and it stinks even more that its such a long stretch of straight track with no stops and now its 15 mph! Also between going south from Sheridan to Addison is nothing quick either.

I love it when the train goes fast and you can barely hang on. Sometimes, at off-peak hours, the Brown Line train really books.

There is really nothing wrong with going 70 mph if the tracks and equipment are properly maintained. If they can get the O'Hare branch up to those speeds, it would probably encourage people who are now driving in to take the train. Something needs to be done about the parking structure at Cumberland, though.

I think the slow zone between Wilson and Sheridan needs fixing a lot more than the others. That one is out of control ridiculous. And, seriously, why on earth would you need to got 65 miles per hour when you're underground? After Chicago/State, all the stops are practically right next to each other!

All i can say is Brown Line, last curve heading north right after it goes over North Ave in the back of the last car. That thing is like a roller coaster. These trains are actually pretty impressive on turns and straight-aways when the tracks their running on are in good shape. Orange line is so awesome.

PS: cant wait until the banked curves between Loyola and Howard are sped up. After all, its a banked curve.. whats up with the 15/20mph.

Sorry, but they should have chosen another color scheme for the diagram. I thought it was an advertisement for a colonoscopy and I was on the wrong page!

ebob - What's wrong with the parking structure at Cumberland? I haven't parked there in a while.