The Chicago Transit Authority’s Pride Train has returned for its 2023 run. Returning to the tracks yesterday (June 12) for its sixth anniversary, CTA unveiled this year’s rainbow-wrapped train cars as well as a special-edition Pride Ventra Card that riders are able to purchase through June.
Once again the 8-car train will ride the Red Line train through October in celebration of Pride Month this time with a slightly altered horizontal rainbow design which “features new graphics representing the “Philly Flag” and the Transgender Flag, as well as the traditional Pride Flag” according to the official CTA release.
Welcoming ALL aboard the 2023 Pride Train, now in service on the Red Line through this fall! 🌈
More: https://t.co/2TKcFTzNTW pic.twitter.com/NUyUgZ1Qwm
— cta (@cta) June 12, 2023
“In Chicago, we’re proud to champion the LGBTQIA community and will continue to make our city a beacon for freedom, hope, and love for all,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Pride Train is a reminder to residents and visitors that members of the LGBTQIA community are welcome and celebrated here. As we celebrate Pride events throughout the month, I encourage everyone to use the CTA and continue doing their part to make Chicago a more inclusive place for everyone.”
In 2017, Chicago became the first major U.S. transit agency to designate a Pride Train featuring the Pride rainbow flag and this year they’ve introduced a new celebration of the LGBTQIA community in the shape of a new Pride Ventra Card.
“The Pride Train and the new Pride Ventra Card are colorful reminders 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 express themselves, everyone is welcomed at the CTA.”
More information about the 2023 Pride Train can be found at transitchicago.com while special edition Pride Ventra Cards can be bought at ventrachicago.com/purchase.
[Featured image from Instagram / @chicagocta]