CTA question

Factual Questions
1

You wouldn’t think that CTA El trains would contain a mystery, but I’m baffled. On some of the cars that cruise around Chicago you see ladders and 2x6 planks in nifty holders by the doors. I figure that the ladders are used when the cars are uncoupled and maintenance workers need to climb into (or on top of?) the parked train cars.

But what is the 2x6 used for? They are nicely painted to match the interiors of the cars and most of them are a little scuffed up, so they must use them for something…

I realize this isn’t one of the world’s greatest mysteries, but if anyone knows the story behind these high-tech (sarcasm) accoutrements it would make my commute less fretful.

2

Are they ramps for the handicapped? That would be my guess. I have to admit I’ve never noticed them, but if there are two or them on the train, I’d guess they are for getting wheel chairs into the trains.

3

I was on a Metro North train (NYC) that broke down. About 20 minutes later, another train pulled alongside on the adjacent track and we all walked to the other train on planks. Could this be it?