The Chicago Transit Authority's Holiday Fleet has revved up its engines this December, bringing joy, lights, and a dash of holiday magic to the city's commuters. In a tradition stretching back over three decades, the CTA has decked out a train and a bus with festive decorations, turning everyday transit into rides of wintry nostalgia.
The Holiday Train and Bus have been adorned with 36,000 LED lights and seasonal decor, according to the Chicago Tribune. Every year, this elaborate decoration process transforms part of the everyday grind into an unexpected yuletide journey. "Most of the time, it’s the adults that are happier than the kids," CTA spokesperson Maddie Kilgannon told the Chicago Tribune.
The Holiday Fleet made its festive return after a couple of muted pandemic years. In 2020, the fleet ran without passengers, and in 2021, Santa was absent from the rides. But now, Allstate has pledged sponsorship through at least 2024, ensuring the continuation of this beloved Chicago tradition. Santa and his elves, a select group of CTA employees, now bring holiday cheer to various routes, as reported by the WTTW.
Each fleet is skillfully and sustainably crafted, featuring reused and recycled materials from previous years. "It takes quite a bit of time to take down because we restack everything and make sure it comes down in sections," Stephen Wojnicki, a CTA senior maintenance manager, said in a statement obtained by the Chicago Tribune. The same dedication goes into planning the bus and train routes, focusing on geographic feasibility and the type of vehicle that can handle the jolly transformation.
Through the sponsorship of Allstate and the tireless efforts of CTA personnel, children's artwork replaces typical advertisements to foster a more personal connection with the community. The sight of the bus, vivid in seasonal rouge and verdant hues, is complemented by onboard festivities, including photo ops with a Santa. This experience can also be tracked in real-time via the CTA's digital tools, aiming to give Chicagoans a chance to not miss this unique holiday encounter.
