CTA plans normal service Wednesday evening despite bitter cold

The Chicago Transit Authority plans to keep trains running on a normal schedule Wednesday evening despite the extreme cold brought on by the polar vortex.

While trains on the Red, Blue, Green and Yellow lines operated with longer intervals between service because of weather-related delays during the morning rush, CTA spokeswoman Catherine Hosinski said the agency is not planning to reduce service or modify schedules for the evening commute.

“Crews will be working very hard today and tonight to make sure service runs as smoothly as possible,” Hosinski said.

As of 1:30 p.m., normal service was reported on all CTA train lines. Riders were advised to dress in layers and allow extra travel time in the event that the cold affects train or bus equipment.

Temperatures will remain at “life-threatening” levels through Thursday morning, the National Weather Service said. The freezing conditions could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.