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For the next 90 years, various plans were proposed, but ultimately, failed to garner enough federal funding to make rapid transit a reality.įinally, in 1986, President Ronald Reagan struck a funding deal with Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, part of a political favor to Representative William Lipinski (D-Ill.) for a vote cast on an issue important to the president. But the city rapidly expanded far south of 22nd Street and west of the South Side ‘L’ tracks, leaving a significant quadrant of the city unserved. The Douglas Branch of the Metropolitan ‘L’ (a predecessor of the CTA) served what was then the southwest side in 1895.
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Southwest Chicago warmly welcomed the Orange Line when it opened, since the area had gone decades without any rapid transit. The Orange Line also was the first rail line with just a single crewman operating a train, now standard procedure on the entire ‘L’ system. The 13-mile, 16-station service helped establish Chicago as the only city in the United State to have more than one airport connected to rapid transit. When service began on October 31, 1993, it was the most recent rail line built from scratch and the first ‘L’ line to open with a color name. The Orange Line boasts several distinctions in Chicago history. “This service helped create economic growth and development for our city, while also establishing Midway as a major Midwest hub for Southwest Airlines and air travelers across the country.” “For the past quarter-century, the Orange Line has flown customers past street and highway traffic on their travels between downtown, the southwest side of Chicago and flights out of Midway Airport,” said CTA President Carter.
#Line openin update
The event also included an update for customers on the Midway Modernization Project. Congressman Bill Lipinski, Chicago Aviation Department Commissioner Jamie Rhee and Southwest Airlines’ Community Affairs Manager Patty Greene.
#Line openin free
The Chicago Transit Authority today commemorated the 25th anniversary of its Orange Line service with a celebration at Midway Station, featuring commemorative posters and free oranges to travelers and remarks by CTA President Dorval Carter, U.S. Update on Midway Modernization Project, commemorative posters and fun giveaway among the highlights of celebration