Chicago Construction News staff writer
A group of Chicago business and civic leaders has unveiled plans for O’Hare Flyer, a privately funded airport express train that proponents say would provide a 15-minute connection between downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport.
The proposed service would operate on a dedicated track between a downtown station near the Old Post Office and a station at O’Hare Terminal 2. Trains would be battery-electric and operate every 15 minutes.
The project is expected to use existing freight rail rights-of-way owned by CSX, Canadian National and Union Pacific. O’Hare Flyer says it has reached an agreement on terms with CSX through a letter of intent and is continuing discussions with the other railroads.
“O’Hare Flyer will connect our world class downtown with our world class airport in fifteen minutes,” said Dave Lundy, founder and CEO of O’Hare Flyer. “This is a first-of-its-kind express train in the U.S. and will give Chicago a safe, reliable, world-class rider experience on a fast, whisper-quiet battery-electric train.”
The project is being developed as a private venture and is not seeking government subsidies or funding that would otherwise go to regional transit agencies such as the Chicago Transit Authority or Metra.
O’Hare Flyer said it has spent the past three years in exploratory development and has assembled engineering, legal, architecture, urban planning, design, marketing and public relations firms to support the project. Two of the Big Four accounting and consulting firms are also involved.
The proposed service would combine three existing freight rail rights-of-way to create a dedicated airport express route.
“By combining three existing but underused freight rights-of-way into a dedicated express rail service, we will create the best airport transportation experience in America — and one of the best in the world,” said Mark Walbrun, founder and chief engineering officer of O’Hare Flyer.
The company said the trains would include comfortable seating and luggage racks in every car. The battery-electric trains would recharge at the downtown and O’Hare stations.
Construction could create opportunities for Chicago-area contractors and union trades workers. O’Hare Flyer said it plans to work with local contractors and intends to execute a Project Labor Agreement with the Chicago and Cook County Building and Construction Trades Council.
“O’Hare Flyer will be a job creation engine and an investment in working families and communities across Greater Chicago,” said Mike Macellaio, president of the Chicago and Cook County Building and Construction Trades Council.
O’Hare Flyer and the Building and Construction Trades Council have signed a memorandum of understanding as an initial step toward a Project Labor Agreement, according to the project.
Kristi Lafleur, an O’Hare Flyer co-founder, said the project could support economic development by improving the connection between O’Hare and downtown.
The project team is targeting a launch within the next five years. It is currently meeting with public officials, business and finance groups, government representatives and community organizations and plans to expand outreach across the region.
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jack Lavin said the proposed connection could improve access between O’Hare and downtown for business travelers and visitors.
“O’Hare Flyer will be a game-changer, creating a faster, more reliable connection between the airport and downtown,” Lavin said.
World Business Chicago has also worked with the project team during its development.
The proposed rail service would add another transportation option between downtown and one of the region’s largest transportation hubs while using existing freight rail corridors rather than building an entirely new rail alignment.
