| 3500 Series |
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| In 1994 the Eastman Electric was nearing completion, but had barely any cars to run it. The best CTA could do was to fix up 18 1-50 series cars for service. with this logistical nightmare facing them, they set out for a quick fix, as no federal money was available for new cars with the Lake, Englewood, and Jackson Park rehabs underway and the Douglas project just around the corner. Then the MBTA made a pitch. They had received federal money to improve the Blue Line and part of thier agenda was to get new cars. The MBTA would have to foot a portion of the bill, and realizing the CTA's problem, offered to sell them at a fair price. Because they needed very minimal modifications, CTA purchased 60 of the cars. The cars were a blessing. Eastman ridership grew quickly, helping to build new lines. The cars even saw some Skokie service. After delivery of 7500 and 5500 series cars, the 3500's were slowly taken out of regular service. Most remain in service on the Eastman and Skokie line. The cars were built by Hawker Siddley in 1979. |