Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley announced the formation of a new O’Hare Express Blue Ribbon Committee to undertake a comprehensive study for express train service between O’Hare International Airport and downtown Chicago.

The new express rail service would provide a cost-effective and efficient transportation option for O’Hare travelers and help to mitigate congestion on the region’s roadway, according to a statement from the Mayor's office.

“In Chicago we're looking at how we might build a more efficient express transit service between O'Hare Airport and downtown,” Daley said. “The new rapid rail line will help us better connect people, and will expand economic opportunity and create jobs for our residents.”

Mayor Daley introduced the O’Hare Express Blue Ribbon Committee formed to study the feasibility of the new train service and to identify the plan for developing it.

Lester Crown, chairman of Henry Crown and Co., accepted the role of chair of the O’Hare Express Blue Ribbon Committee.

The O’Hare Express Blue Ribbon Committee is made up of a group of 17 leaders from the transportation sector, business community, construction industry and organized labor. The Committee members will review financing and downtown area terminus options, potential routes, implementation schedules and the amenities needed to make this premium service attractive to potential customers.

The new service has the potential for significantly reducing travel times between the airport and downtown, benefiting both business and leisure travelers. Several other global cities have similar infrastructure in place such as London, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo, as well as others under development, like Paris.

The express train service would not replace the Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line service. The Committee expects the new train service can be complementary to the cost-effective service provided by the CTA. 

To read the Chicago Tribune story, click here.