In celebration of Pride Month, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) today unveiled the new design for the 2026 Pride Train, adorned with the colors of a rainbow that symbolize the dynamism and continuing evolution of the LGBTQ community. This year marks the ninth year the Pride Train has made its voyage on the Red Line.
"The CTA is incredibly excited to continue our tradition of celebrating Pride Month in Chicago with the unveiling of our 2026 Pride Train," said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. " We encourage CTA riders and Chicagoans to celebrate this month by catching a ride on this iconic symbol of this celebratory month in Chicago."
The new exterior design uses bold, diagonal stripes of color that cover the entire eight-car train. The ends of each railcar lead with black and brown stripes, highlighting marginalized groups, followed by the trans color trio, then the classic Pride Flag colors in the center. Inside, each of the railcars are filled with welcoming messages of warm affirmations, as well as new car cards that provide local historical facts and information about the local LBTQ community.
The CTA became the first major U.S. transit agency to unveil a Pride Train when it introduced the concept in 2017.