9/9/03
A bus shuttle is currently in place for customers on the Cermak (Douglas) branch of the Blue Line and will continue through the afternoon rush. The bus shuttle is in service from Racine to 54th/Cermak, making all stops at all 11 rail stations along the branch. The CTA recommends that Cermak Blue Line customers allow extra travel time.
Customers seeking alternative bus routes can use the #21 and the #18. Customers traveling between Hoyne and 54th/Cermak can use the #21 Cermak which operates along Cermak. Customers traveling between Hoyne and Cicero can use the #18 16th/18th.
The O'Hare and Forest Park Branches of the Blue Line are not affected by this incident.
Rail service was interrupted at approximately 1:30 p.m. due to the derailment of an out-of-service transfer train. No customers were on board, no injuries occurred. The train was being used to transfer a flatbed car to Lake and Harlem on the Green Line and was returning to its regular route on the Blue Line at the time of the incident.
The cause of the derailment is undetermined at this time.
The Cermak (Douglas) Branch of the Blue Line carries approximately 7,558 customers on an average weekday.
CTA apologizes for any inconvenience to its customers.
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