100 Years of Electrified Transit in Chicago

On July 21, 1926, the first electric trains ran on the Illinois Central Railroad’s suburban line. Two weeks later, crowds gathered to celebrate “Electrification Day,” which included a 500-float parade and four decorated trains, among other fanfare.

At the time, electrification was mandated to reduce the “grimy bedlam” of steam locomotives. Considered an overwhelming success, the project spurred suburban development and helped beautify the city’s lakefront.

A century later, Metra Electric is celebrating the milestone as well as recent reforms to public transportation in the Chicago area. These include the creation of a new governing authority, the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA), and a significant boost in transit funding.

“This line has played an influential role in the history of Chicago and the south suburbs, and its electrification in 1926 had a dramatic impact on Chicago’s economic development and quality of life,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Jim Derwinski. “Now, 100 years later, public transportation still plays a key role in the region’s health, and we now have a golden opportunity with NITA to make it work better and harder for the citizens of the region.”

In celebration of the anniversary, Metra held tours of its vintage railcars at Millennium Station and popup events at various stations featuring displays and giveaways.

Learn more about Metra’s electrification history in 100 Years of Electrification.