On Sunday, September 1st, 2024, CTA hosted an event at the O'Hare Airport Blue Line station to celebrate 40 years of direct rapid transit service to Chicago's major airport. Service to O'Hare on the then called West-Northwest route began September 3rd, 1984 and has since provided a very important connection between Chicago and the world.
To mark the special occasion, CTA rolled out their Heritage Fleet 6000 series 'L' cars 6711-12 and wrapped 2600 series cars 2819-20 in their original "Spirit of Chicago" livery when they were first delivered. The 6000s originally began service on the West-Northwest route and the 2600s were brand new at the time, built by the Budd Company between 1981-1987 when the O'Hare station opened. 6711-12 offered rides between O'Hare and Rosemont yard while 2819-20 were on display at the event adorned with advertisements and strip maps from the 80s inside.
Please enjoy our perspective of this fine Sunday morning, catching the 6000s on their way to and from O'Hare and 2819-20 in passenger service on the Blue Line!
Special thanks to @TheBrunswickBowler and @tyman7853 for contributing to this video!
Thumbnail edited by @ncsrailfan7460