Lincoln Square, Albany Park, Roscoe Village & North Center

Transportation

A CTA Train You Can't Hear Or See? Yes, It's Possible (VIDEO)

May 27, 2016 9:24am | Updated May 27, 2016 9:24am
CTA trains can be stealthily quiet when running at grade level.
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DNAinfo/Patty Wetli

LINCOLN SQUARE — The thunderous clatter of CTA "L" trains is practically the soundtrack of Chicago.

So when motorist Markeita Berry, whose van collided Thursday with a Brown Line train at Rockwell, said she didn't hear — or see — the approaching rail cars, folks were dubious of her excuse to say the least.

Setting aside that it's illegal to drive around crossing gates, a mistake Berry fully copped to, her story is plausible.

At grade-level stations, which the "elevated" tracks are between Rockwell and Kimball, trains can move with ninja-like stealth. Depending on the direction the train is traveling and where a pedestrian or motorist is positioned, the "L" can be all but silent and invisible.

For people who don't routinely commute via stations like Rockwell, a quiet CTA is a real ear-opener.
 

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