Chicago Mart Elevator Down — CTA Working to Restore Access

Merchandise Mart station elevator serving Brown and Purple Lines out since February 1

Merchandise Mart Elevator Out on Brown Line

Riders who need elevator access at Chicago's Merchandise Mart station can't use the platform elevator serving Brown and Purple Line trains. The elevator that connects street level to both platforms is out of service, the Chicago Transit Authority said. Officials didn't say when the elevator will return to service, though the outage was first reported February 1.

Accessibility Disruption at Major Transit Hub

The Merchandise Mart station serves as a key transfer point in Chicago's Loop area, connecting Brown and Purple Line services for thousands of daily commuters. Transit officials classified the elevator outage as a medium severity alert, indicating significant impact on riders who depend on accessible routes. The station's location in a busy commercial district means the disruption affects both commuters and visitors to the area. Specific ridership numbers for passengers requiring elevator access at this station weren't available.

Alternative Access Options Limited

The affected elevator is the primary accessible route between street level and both train platforms at Merchandise Mart, transit officials said. Riders who need elevator access will need to use alternative stations until service is restored. Officials haven't provided details about which nearby stations offer the most convenient accessible alternatives or how far riders might need to travel to reach them. The CTA didn't release information about whether temporary accommodations or shuttle services are being offered to affected passengers during the outage.

Repair Timeline Remains Unclear

Transit officials haven't announced when the Merchandise Mart elevator will return to service. The CTA reported the outage on February 1 but didn't provide an estimated completion date for repairs. Officials said they're working to restore service, though specific details about the nature of the mechanical issue or repair timeline weren't released.

Riders Advised to Check for Updates

Passengers who rely on elevator access should plan alternative routes or allow extra travel time until the Merchandise Mart elevator is repaired. Transit officials said they'll post updates as repair work progresses, though they didn't specify how frequently information will be updated. Moovit provides real-time service alerts for CTA routes, helping riders plan accessible trips and avoid stations with temporary elevator outages.