Chicago "L" Train
This is a complete rendition of the Chicago subway network known locally as the 'L' train. All of the eight major lines are included with all stations and a few of the depots. This is an advanced simulation not for those who are only just getting used to the software/the signalling of services, although much of the route has been automated all the major junctions require setting manually, it will be hard! You should definitely read this README before getting started.
The included timetable runs between 6am and 7am and has all services between these times. Some manoevures are 'guessed' but all in all the output is very close to reality. The session has all crossovers set automatically, firstly to reduce the chance of the user going mad with the constant flashing of trains reporting being held up, and secondly to make it easier to identify the direction of services.
Operational Tips
- Set the Train Info to be on, DO monitor where each service needs to call at.
- Turn on the general service info window!
- I highly recommend leaving the session speed as half to begin with, increase only once you are confident.
- DON'T PANIC! This simulation is, as I say throughout, very hard!
Station Names
This point warrants its own section. Unusual to many subways/railways across the world, the CTA subway actually has multiple stations sharing the same name! Stations are usually named after a road and as roads span a large distance this regularly leads to multiple stations en route. The limitations of Railway Operation Simulator mean it is not possible to have duplicates, which is probably a good thing considering the confusion this would cause! I have followed the covention used on CTA timetables whereby the name of the destination of a route is used within the station name, for example 'Jackson-O'Hare' resides on the Blue Line to O'Hare and 'Jackson-95th' on the Red Line to 95th/Dan Ryan. Another limitation of the simulator is that stations cannot be named using numbers as a first character (understandable given that coding variables ban this!), to cover these stations I have added an abbreviation of the route name, e.g. 'GL 43rd' for the Green Line's 43rd street station.
The Network
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates eight routes across the network of tracks which make up the 'L' train. The subway is unique in having an elevated loop section located within downtown Chicago. Note that the routes passing through the Loop can be anti-clockwise or clockwise (or in the case of the Green Line only half the loop) but not both, i.e. the same route does not operate in both directions through the Loop! The eight routes that form the CTA subway are:
| Line | Route | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red Line | Howard to 95th/Dan Ryan | |
| Purple Line | Linden to Howard | Linden to Loop during peak times |
| Green Line | Harlem/Lake to Cottage Grove or Ashland/63rd | Services alternate |
| Brown Line | Kimball to Loop | |
| Blue Line | O'Hare to Forest Park | |
| Orange Line | Midway to Loop | |
| Yellow Line | Dempster-Skokie to Howard | |
| Pink Line | Cermak/54th to Loop |
this information is repeated within the simulation, and sections that are used exclusively for one route are also marked.
Service Details
● Yellow Line
The Yellow Line, also known as the 'Skokie Swift', operates a short service from Dempster-Skokie to Howard. At Dempster-Skokie, trains enter the north platform, reverse at Dempster Headshunt, and return via the south platform. At Howard, they arrive at platform 2, reverse at Howard Headshunt, then pick up passengers at platform 4. Two trains operate this route as a shuttle. Yellow trains are given the prefix YL in the simulation.
● Pink Line
The Pink Line operates from Cermak/54th to the Loop. Cermak/54th has two platforms along a single track — west for arrivals and east for departures via the Cermak loop. In the Loop, trains run clockwise through all eight stations. Pink trains are given the prefix PK in the simulation.
● Red Line
The Red Line runs from Howard to 95th/Dan Ryan without entering the Loop. Northbound, trains stop at all stations to Belmont, then Fullerton, then into city tunnels. At Howard, services loop from line 3 → 4 → Howard Loop → line 1 → Jarvis via line 2. At 95th/Dan Ryan, trains reverse within the station. Red trains use prefix RD in the simulation.
● Purple Line
Purple Line trains usually run from Linden to Howard, but during peak hours (as in this simulation), they extend into the Loop. At Howard: enter platform 2 → crossover to line 1 → non-stop to Belmont → Wellington → Diversey → Fullerton → Armitage → Sedgwick → Loop. Within the Loop: anti-clockwise starting at Washington/Wells. Four services begin at Howard as empty stock from Howard Yard East (prefix HD). Regular Purple trains use prefix PL in the simulation.
● Blue Line
The Blue Line runs from O'Hare to Forest Park. Only manual routing is required at O'Hare; the rest of the route is automated. At Forest Park, trains automatically loop and restart. Blue trains are assigned the prefix BL in the simulation.
● Brown Line
The Brown Line travels from Kimball to the Loop. Trains enter from Kedzie-Kimball, join the main line at Belmont, then stop at all stations to Sedgwick. Routing: inbound via line 1, outbound via line 4. Loop travel is anti-clockwise, matching the Purple Line. Brown trains are assigned the prefix BR in the simulation.
● Green Line
The Green Line runs from Harlem/Lake to either Cottage Grove or Ashland/63rd. Harlem/Lake is a reversing terminal. Trains enter the Loop at Clark/Lake (from the west), exit clockwise at Adams/Wabash heading south. To distinguish branches:
- GC = Cottage Grove
- GA = Ashland/63rd
- GR = other Green Line services
● Orange Line
The Orange Line operates from Midway to the Loop. Trains reverse within Midway’s platform. Loop travel is clockwise from the south, starting at Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren. Two services begin at Midway from empty stock using prefix MD. Regular Orange trains use prefix OR.
Difficulty
I feel I should put this section in just as comfort. The simulation is hard!! Do not take it to be failure if you make a bad decision, even I have done so many times during testing. I have deliberately set the session to be half time to make it easier, if you feel things are still not going well DO reduce the rate further. Having said that I hope it is an enjoyable preview of the hustle and bustle around the windy city!