This is interesting. The added express trains will only run every 30 minutes, with 3 new Loop-bound departures from Linden at 7pm, 7:30pm, and 8pm.
Not sure if they can get the magic 39 passengers per car on a 4-car train. The usefulness of this express service will increase quite a bit once the Wilson stop opens, although by then the CTA will (hopefully) be two-tracking north of Wilson rebuilding the viaduct.
I hope this is a first step towards making the Purple Line into a legitimate North Side express train, with transfers to Red every 3-4 stops and extended operating hours. Ultimately, it would be great to make the Red Line the express train from Howard to 95th, and Purple Line would be a local from Linden to the Loop.
Quote:
Evanston prepping for CTA Purple Line express pilot program
By Bob Seidenberg
Pioneer Press
Evanston officials are preparing for a Purple Line Express evening pilot program that will test interest in extending the service beyond regular times.
The program is to run from July 1 through July 10. The pilot run would originate at Linden in Wilmette, make all local stops in Evanston and run express between Howard Street and Belmont Avenue.
CTA officials, working with the city, are testing interest in a time later than 6:30 p.m., when the last train now leaves the Linden stop. Under the pilot program, the night's final train would depart Linden at 8 p.m., stopping at Davis Street at 8:07 p.m., Capriccioso noted in a memo to aldermen.
For the service to continue past the pilot dates, CTA officials are requiring that at least 468 people ride the train, or 39-people per car, she pointed out.
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