Why is the Chicago public train system called the "El" or "L" train?

Chicago Transit Authority is the debut album (and I believe the original name) of the band Chicago.

easy one for me was born in the Windy City

It's most commonly referred to as the L, not el. In recent months there has been a lot of crime on CTA trains, platforms and stations. After riding the L for more than 40 years, I'm afraid to use it.

It's not the "L." Its the "el."

Ezalb17, yes, and the CTA sued them to stop using the name. I'm from Chicago too!

"Lionel" is my favorite answer.

Shaddy1997, Best to be safe.

and the movie While you were Sleeping!

The wrong choices are funny! 😁

Shaddy1997, it's the "el", hence, the answer to this question.

MDinMD, Also have them in the Philadelphia area

Ezalb17, The Chicago Transit Authority actually sued the musical group CHICAGO and they shortened their name to just CHICAGO.

Player. Ty, there are elevated “subway” tracks that run through New York City boroughs that are also referred to as the “el”, since they don’t interfere with the traffic and were easier to construct than the underground subway system that mostly runs through Manhattan. So bedrock is not the determining factor as to why Chicago has elevated trains.

Ezalb17, They even announced their name change in the album jacket

Ezalb17, you are correct. I’m from Chicago and they were one of my favorite bands growing up in Chicago. Love Chicago the city that is.

the streets under the el make for great movie locales

ph how I wish is was short for Al Capone

Why are they elevated?... Because Chicago is mainly built on landfill, it doesn't have solid Bedrock like New York City. 👮

Don't forget the significance of the El in "While You Were Sleeping".