CTA’s Pride Train Features New Design on Full 8-Car Train, Celebrating Chicago’s Diversity and Inclusiveness
Iconic train will run on the Red Line through fall
To celebrate Pride Month, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today announced the return of the celebrated Pride Train, reflecting the dynamism and continuing evolution of the LGBTQIA community in Chicago and nationwide.
This year’s train features a new design, which will appear on all eight cars of the train. Celebrating its sixth anniversary, the train will run on the Red Line starting Monday, June 6.
"Chicago is proud to be home to a thriving and vibrant LGBTQ community," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "The Pride Train is a reminder to residents and visitors alike that our LGBTQ sibling are not only welcome here in Chicago, but celebrated. As we attend Pride events throughout the month of June, I encourage folks to use the CTA and continue doing their part to make Chicago a more inclusive place for all people—no matter who they love or how they identify."
“The Pride Train is a colorful reminder that transit is for everyone,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. “We are a progressive and open-minded organization that has long supported equality and inclusion, and we want all our riders and employees to know that no matter who they love or how they identify, they are welcomed at the CTA.”
This year’s train wrap, sponsored ViiV Healthcare and their “ReThinkPrEP.com” campaign, features both the “Philly Flag” and the Transgender Flag. The Philly Flag adds a black and brown stripe to the traditional six-color Pride Flag. Widely used across the country, it’s seen as a more inclusive expression of the traditional Pride flag.
As transgender issues and rights have moved to the forefront over the last few years, the CTA also added the Transgender Flag - featuring blue, pink, and white – to the new railcar design.
In 2017, the CTA became the first major U.S. transit agency to unveil a Pride Train.
The 2022 Pride Train will travel the Red Line as part of regular service through this fall.
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