July 5, 2010 (CHICAGO) --
As a result of June's fire on the Red Line train tracks, the CTA says is looking for a new lubricant for its wheels and rails.An electrical arc between the running rail and the restraining rail near the Clark and Division stop caused the fire. The arc set fire to the grease used to keep the wheels running. The CTA now wants a substance with a higher flashpoint.
The current lubricant burns at 300 degrees. A previous test of a grease with a higher threshold didn't perform as well.