Amtrak to O'Hare?, Wants to use current Metra transfer station Options

[jacorbett70]

From the Chicago Tribune, 2/21/2011 edition:

Amtrak exploring O'Hare service
Proposal would link airport with Union Station, points downstate

In the future, one of the carriers serving travelers at O'Hare International Airport may be Amtrak.

Gov. Pat Quinn has asked Amtrak CEO Joseph Boardman to conduct a study examining what it would take, logistically and financially, to commence fast, nonstop passenger rail service between Chicago Union Station and O'Hare, your Getting Around reporter has learned.

The governor envisions the proposed rail line, which at this point is strictly conceptual, as offering a more extensive reach than the O'Hare branch of the CTA Blue Line, which runs between the Loop and the airport, and Mayor Richard Daley's plan for premium "Airport Express" service between the uncompleted Block 37 "super station" downtown and O'Hare.
...
One of the biggest problems is developing a route to O'Hare from tracks Amtrak uses. Metra's North Central Service to Antioch operates limited weekday-only service from Union Station with stops at the O'Hare Transfer Station, which is on the fringes of the airport near Economy Parking Lot F and the Cell Phone Lot. Metra uses the Wisconsin Central Railroad tracks, which are owned by the Canadian National Railway. One reason Metra has not increased its North Central Service schedule is that CN has refused to expand the commuter railroad's track privileges, officials said.

Fly over here:
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-02...-passenger-rail


The biggest issue I see is "location, location, location." It would require a bus ride that would likely turn off potential customers. The one time I ever took this connection, in the late '90s, I recall the bus making a bunch of parking lot stops so it took a while. If this were along the current Hiawatha line it might be good since there would already be a crowd on the train bound for Milwaukee and also their airport.

Strangely I had a dream last night of taking a demonstration Amtrak run to Philly's airport, an old service that was turned over (rightfully I believe) to SEPTA. (I want my 100 AGR points! ) I think the idea of more frequent runs would be better from METRA and would require a more convenient, inviting connection to the airport proper. Unless Amtrak finds a way to run through past Antioch to another city location on this line, I only see Amtrak extending an occasional train here and only if it were a relatively convenient turnaround point.

[CNJRoss]

Railway Age, 2/22:

Amtrak to O’Hare Airport? Illinois inquires

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has asked Amtrak CEO Joseph Boardman to conduct a study examining Amtrak passenger rail linking Chicago Union Station and O'Hare International Airport. Quinn has requested that the study be completed by summer.

The governor reportedly sees a synergy in linking O’Hare to the Amtrak network, including the railroad’s Chicago-to-St. Louis service, now undergoing an upgrade to 110 mph higher-speed rail (HrSR) service in a public/private partnership involving the state, Amtrak, and Union Pacific.

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