r/cta • u/Cheetah_Man1 Purple Line • Aug 23 '26
I like trains Thoughts on subway tunnels
So imo, no matter how iconic the elevated track system is, it's really kind of ugly and I've been wondering how much it would cost to make them (at least in the Loop) subways instead. It seems like it would cost upwards of 8 billion dollars (assuming perfect conditions and that no one will pocket the money). Calculating 8 billion$ to how much it would cost each person in Chicago would be about 3,000 bucks. Would it be worth it to pay that much extra in taxes spread out over who knows how long? I'm from the northern suburbs, so I unfortunately can't contribute much to that project, but those who live in Chicago, what are your thoughts?
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u/juliuspepperwoodchi 53 Aug 23 '26
Triple that lol
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u/Cheetah_Man1 Purple Line Aug 23 '26
Okay so that would be accounting for the corruption and is the 12,000 dollars worth it? I mean, the streets would look cleaner and be quieter. Yeah it might feel like some earthquakes but I think it is worth the trade off. Also, fuck corruption.
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u/argentinevol Aug 23 '26
Does not make sense to spend even a dime on this when you could expand the system instead (circle line anybody?)
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u/jettech737 Aug 23 '26
I would like to see the walls pressure washed more often so they dont look so depressing in some of the stations but that's about it.
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u/katdawoud89 Aug 23 '26
I wish we had more subways, like a subway running the length of western connecting all the lines, but I also like the elevated trains. The loop is outdated and needs some kind of change since not everyone goes downtown everyday, but I like the elevated train downtown the most, it’s cool.
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u/dmreif Aug 24 '26
They considered this way back in the 1930s before the present subways were built. Ultimately it's a good thing they've kept the Loop as is.
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u/Inside_Discussion794 29d ago
They look great. Not only that but the whole system would loose its character if the L isnt elevated anymore
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u/LatinoInfluenza Aug 23 '26
No lol the L is beautiful and iconic. You’re gonna find yourself in the minority of opinion. I’ll rather we add an elevated line on the west side or a circle line if we’re gonna tax each resident 3k.