The Damen Pink Line station was packed with CTA fans celebrating the train line's 20th birthday.
"I came out today to celebrate history, the 20th anniversary of the CTA Pink Line," said 8-year-old Andres, and avid CTA fan. "I find CTA a cool transportation industry for people connecting to different neighborhoods."
Carolina Garibay
Another young transit fan was 7-year-old Joey, who showed up decked out in a CTA t-shirt.
"The CTA Pink Line is the newest line that runs from 54th and Cermak to the Loop," he explained. "I like to look at the station."
Carolina Garibay
In its 20 years of service, the Pink Line has provided more than 170 million rides, connecting Chicagoans and visitors to the city’s West Side. The celebration at the Damen Pink Line station included Mariachi and Ballet Folklórico de Chicago performances.
The CTA also brought out its 4000-series Heritage Fleet railcars, which took riders around the Loop. CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said since the Pink Line began service in 2006, it's provided an estimated 170 million rides.
"Today, more than 23,000 riders depend on the Pink Line on an average weekday," she said. "And whenever the neighborhood comes alive with major events, our teams and our trains absolutely deliver."
She said the CTA will is always looking for ways to "enhance service and value to the communities we serve."
"Our commitment to this corridor is stronger than it ever has been," she said. "This train doesn't just pass through the West Loop, the Illinois Medical District, North Lawndale, Little Village and right here in Pilsen. It's woven directly into the fabric of these neighborhoods."
