The "L" - Chicago's Elevated Trains

Perhaps the most distinguishing feature to the city of Chicago is its elevated train system.  The above ground subway system gives Chicago its character and provides for the easy commute of many suburbanites into the Downtown area.  The first line was the South Side line opened in 1892 and it quickly spread from there.

The "L" was hailed by Chicagoans and quickly became a necessity to the growing city.  By 1909 all of Chi-town's sides were serviced by this rapid transit system which was used by everyone from the factory worker to the gentleman.


The "L", South Side Line.

The "L", Bird's Eye View.

 The elevated train system runs all day and all night and is one of the most reliable methods of transportation available.  By day the "L" carries loads of passengers to their jobs and are the busiest during rush hours.  At night the stations are quiet and relatively empty.  During the weekends, crowds are unpredictable and rush periods fluctuate.

The most famous portion of the "L" system is what is known as The Loop.  It is so named for its large "O" shape which circles around Downtown.  The name has been expanded upon over the years to also refer to the portion of Downtown to lie within the circle.

The "L" is steeped in romanticism as it provides mystery and rich atmospheres in which the imagination can soar.  It can be a meeting place late at night for those wishing to avoid prying eyes, a place to hide, a place to think, or simply a means by which to get to the other end of town.  The streets and alleys beneath the elevated trains are shrouded by the wide steel tracks, creating a setting commonly associated with film noir.

Resting among the rising concrete and steel jammed tightly together along the busy streets of Chicago, the tracks of the "L" wind 

through the city.  The trains travel along their routes like great rumbling angry serpents kicking up wind, dirt, trash, and soot as they rush by.  The pedestrians below are accustomed to this treatment as the mechanical wonder sends rushes of winds through their hair and carries with it the smells so often associated with larger metropolises.

The roaring beasts are uncaring, moving through the city above the Chicagoans, thinking only of the schedules they are to maintain.  Below them they cast the streets in shadows and darkness, sheltering them from the elements. 

Still, the "L" provides much needed relief from the congestion and many could not imagine what hell they would face without their lofty caretaker. 


Passing underneath the tracks, one will notice the massive weight of its steel support columns crowding the streets and alleys save for just two narrow strips of light over the sidewalks.  Cars beep in protest to the slow pedestrian obstructing their route, as he is left temporarily deaf under the rumbling rush of the "L" as it screams overhead. 

Racing up to meet the next train our determined traveler encounters a flood of his fellows rushing down to the streets below and swims up the stairs much like a salmon heading upstream to spawn.


The "L", Tracks over Chicago Street.


The "L", Station Entry.

The "L", Close up of Station Stairway.


The "L", Station Platform.

Once atop the platform, he waits impatiently for the signs of the train and is not disappointed when finally the planks in the platform begin to vibrate.  Soon, the light of the "L" rounds the corner and its low distinctive rumble builds as it sails to the

station.  It screeches to a halt sending a rush of wind  containing healthy portions of oil and carbon monoxide particles over the traveler and rustling stray newspapers about the station.  Its metal doors slide open with a gasp as the undaunted salmon braves another rush of his peers slipping inside the train with the skill of a practiced veteran.  Without much fanfare, the doors slide close with a hiss as the traveler braces himself against the metal poles and chairs in the crowded serpent, taking great care to neither look directly at another of his fellows nor to look away in the customary Chicago way. Slowly the metal beast rolls away from the platform filled with its cargo and steadily continues on its never-ending course.