A late 1940's / early 1950's era Chicago Transit Authority photograph of a CTA former Chicago Surface Lines electric streetcar operating on the Route # 21 / Cermak Road line. Photograph courtessy of the Central Electric Railfans Association.

 

I found this vintage color photograph from the early days of the Chicago Transit Authority

on the internet today. This photograph was taken on West 22nd Street aka Cermak Road,

5 city blocks east of South Kenton Avenue near the Chicago city limits border near west

suburban Cicero Illinois.

 

The Chicago Transit Authority was formed in 1945, but did not begin operations until

November 1st, 1947, after acquiring the streetcar and bus operating Chicago Surface Lines

Company, and the elevated and subway rapid transit operator Chicago Rapid Transit Company.

 

The early red CTA circle logo on the side of this electric streetcar, indicates that this photo

that was taken on the west side of Chicago, is from post 1947 times.

 

The Chicago Transit Authority operated electric former Chicago Surface Lines electric

streetcars on the CTA Route # 21 /  Cermak Road line, until May 30th, 1954 when it was quickly

converted to transit bus operation.

 

Thanks

Eddie K.