Collision Incident November 16; Skokie Swift (AKA CTA Yellow Line)

On November 16, there was a serious collision incident between a Yellow Line (former CNS&M line) and a piece of track machinery. There were thirty three injuries reported; several critical.

While the NTSB has only now arrived at the scene, it's far too early to have any ideas as to what caused the incident. It could be Operator inattention, equipment failure, or signal. That's the NTSB's job - and they are considered "the best in the business".

WBBM 780/105.9 reports this morning that the NTSB, which has been at the scene since "the morning after", or Friday, the Operator "did everything he could" to stop the train. He is "completely off the hook".

While he remains hospitalized, he is expected to fully recover.

So, whatever the Board ultimately determines, it appears such will be "mechanical", be it design or a maintenance deficiency.

NTSB Preliminary is out:

https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pag ... MR002.aspx

The Operator remains "off the hook".

WBBM 780/105.9 and surely other media outlets as well, report that the Skokie Swift resumed service as of 0-dark-30 this morning.

Only "rub" authorized speed is 35mph as opposed to the 55 previously authorized.

Uh, I don't think the North Shore, which I rode once in this life during '62, was "uh, too worried" about little matters like "authorized speed".

No timetable for reopening: NBCChicago

CTA: No timetable for reopening of Yellow Line

The Chicago Transit Authority said Wednesday that there is still no timetable for the reopening of the Yellow Line following a November crash that left 19 people hospitalized.

Responding to an inquiry from NBC Chicago, a spokesperson for the CTA said that the agency remains without an anticipated reopening date for the three-stop line also known as the "Skokie Swift."

Following a report from the National Transportation Safety Board last month, the CTA announced that the speed limit on Yellow Line trains will be reduced once the line eventually reopens.

NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy said last month that the CTA informed her agency it would reduce maximum train speeds from 55 mph to 35 mph on the North Side route, and down to 25 mph in the area near the Howard station where a train slammed into a snowplow on the track Nov. 16.
...

Later printed source confirming "what I heard on the radio":

https://abc7chicago.com/cta-yellow-line ... /14278650/