Fifteen minutes to O’Hare? No named investors. No ridership studies. No signed railroads. Only a roadshow.
O’Hare Flyer LLC is asking Chicago to approve a $2.25 billion private express train before it names its investors, and before anyone outside the company has seen its ridership study, before it has agreements with the railroads that own the track, before any environmental impact studies are done. Meanwhile it would run 80–110 mph trains every fifteen minutes, 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., through six communities that already have two public trains to O’Hare — both starved for the capacity this one would take. There are good, viable alternatives. Don’t let private investors put one over on the public.
Five reasons to say no
- The railroads haven’t agreed.
CSX signed a letter of intent. Union Pacific says there is no agreement. Canadian National says talks are ongoing. No agency can compel them.
- The money isn’t there.
The sponsor won’t say how much it has raised, who its investors are, or what the fare will be. Every private airport express before it failed on ridership or cut fares to survive.
- Single track can’t keep a 15-minute promise.
About 14 of 20 miles are single track. When one train is late, every train is late.
- The communities get the trains and nothing else.
Nine grade crossings, four that may stay at grade, and 80–110 mph trains from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. — with no stop in any community it passes.
- It takes the track a public train needs.
North of Franklin Park it uses the same Canadian National line Metra needs for frequent, public service to O’Hare.
There are ten in full, each with its source: Why oppose the project?