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Service History

Starting in the late 1990s, it became apparent that the 7100-series MAN Articulated buses could not remain in service much longer. Age, combined with Chicago’s harsh winters, had taken its toll on the buses. Since the CTA did not yet have the funds to purchase new articulated buses, 114 used MAN Articulated buses where purchased from Seattle.

The 7300-series was originally delivered to Seattle Metro in 1982 as the 2000-series. While the buses were a year older than CTA’s MAN Articulateds, Seattle’s gentler climate meant they were in better mechanical shape.

While the initial buses received were repainted in the CTA paint scheme, later buses retained their original Seattle Metro paint scheme.

The 7300-series was rather similar in appearance to the 7100-series, although the 7300-series contained padded leather seats and digital destination signs (although most barely worked). The 7300-series were also five feet longer.

The buses remained in service until 2004 when they were replaced with new articulated buses from NABI.