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    1. Rail

    IL: CTA Customers Get Chance to Buy Piece of Chicago Transit History

    Dec. 12, 2013
    Agency will hold its first-ever online auction; more than 100 historic items available.
    Related To: Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
    CTA
    CTA is auctioning off items, such as this station clock.
    CTA is auctioning off items, such as this station clock.

    Want a piece of CTA history? Customers, transit enthusiasts and fans of Chicago history will be able to bid on unique CTA memorabilia for one week beginning today in the agency’s first-ever online auction.

    From a small section of “third rail” to vintage equipment and signage and retired rail cars, customers will be able to bid on items that have been used by the CTA, the nation’s second-largest transit agency.

    The auction items are surplus, individual and bulk assets of the authority that are considered collectable or memorabilia items.  The auction will feature more than 100 items, including bus stop signs, seats, switches, doors, rail ties and spikes, crossing gates and rail station clocks.  Some of the items date back decades, including 2200-Series rail cars built more than 40 years ago and recently retired from service.

    “This is a chance for transit fans to obtain a piece of Chicago history,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool. “We’re pleased to be able to offer our loyal customers a chance to collect CTA memorabilia.”

    CTA is partnering with Rick Levin Associates Inc., which will conduct the auction on behalf of the agency. 

    "We are pleased to partner with the CTA, an iconic brand in Chicago,” said Levin. “We look forward to connecting collectors and transit enthusiasts with a little piece of the CTA.”

    Bidding began this morning and will last for seven days ending Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. All auction rules and conditions including how to pick up purchased items will be available on the auctioneer’s website.