The Chicago Transit Authority completed its first-ever online auction, in partnership with Rick Levin Associates Inc., providing transit fans with their very own piece of CTA history in time for the holidays.
Bidding for the week-long auction on ended Dec. 18. Customers placed more than $34,000 of bids on 117 items. The auction generated 36,000 page views, including from 61 out-of state bidders from as far away as London, with a total of 1,737 total bids placed.
“The CTA is pleased with the outcome of our first auction of bus and rail memorabilia and to be able to offer collectibles to our customers and fans,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool.
Two of the hottest items among the more than 100 offered were two 2200-series rail cars. The vintage rail cars received 59 bids, with top bids received of $13,150 and $10,000, respectively. The CTA retired the 2200-series, built between 1969 and 1971, from its fleet earlier this year.
Other popular items with bidders included a bus shelter and railway crossing that each received tops bids of $400, a #22 Clark bus stop sign that received a top bid of $250, a rail conductor seat for a winning bid of $310, and a farebox machine for $360.
"We had so many positive responses to this auction," said Rick Levin, president of the auction firm. “We are pleased to have had this opportunity to work with the CTA on this auction and to deliver history into the hands of transit history fans.”
For anyone who missed their chance to place a bid or lost an item in the auction, the CTA will consider future opportunities for additional auctions.
