Issue in Brief
The “Rail Revolution” starts with fixing Chicago Union Station.
The station needs to be reimagined.
Union Station should be the hub of a high-speed rail network with hundreds of daily trains to and from cities and towns across the country. Its two square blocks can have the economic impact of a major airport – right downtown.
To achieve that, several critical changes must be made. Amtrak and the state of Illinois are now planning improvements to the station, but they do not go far enough.
Your input in this process is crucial. They need to hear from you. Together, we can push them to think big.
Project Basics
Type
- 4th busiest train station in U.S.
Existing Service:
- Amtrak day trains serving Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin
- Amtrak night trains connecting 36 states coast to coast
- Metra commuter rail across the Chicago metro area
Status:
- Amtrak converting a mail platform for passengers
- Amtrak planning modest upgrades
Our Proposal:
- Begin expansions towards a 10-fold increase in travel
Key building blocks for the future of Union Station.
Five crucial improvements will remake Union Station into the hub of a modern rail network and a powerful engine of the region’s economy.
1. New Concourse
Easy access to trains.
Removing the buildings above the concourse would open up the space, making it easier to get to and from trains, through the station, and to the street.
This redesign would result in a prominent, iconic public area that celebrates both the city and modern train travel.
Status: Amtrak is currently designing concourse improvements that attempt to work around the many columns that support the existing buildings above it.
The buildings above the concourse should be removed to create an open, light-filled, and easy-to-navigate public space.
2. Station Annex
A direct entrance from Van Buren.
Converting the large mail platforms beneath the Old Post Office will significantly increase capacity, enable level boarding, and facilitate through-running. However, these platforms are not currently connected to the concourse.
To fully capitalize on the new platforms, a direct entrance through the Old Post Office is essential. The large and beautiful lobby of the building is perfectly situated as this new gateway.
Status: Amtrak has begun converting the mail platforms for passenger use, but their proposed route to it from the concourse would be both inconvenient and time-consuming. Amtrak indicates that a direct entrance may be included in a future phase of development.
The lobby of Chicago’s Old Post Office building would be a great entrance to the new platforms below.
3. Through Running
Through the city, across the Midwest, and beyond.
Today, trains start or end their journeys at Union Station. Through running would enable crosstown Metra service and make routes like Indianapolis–Madison possible. This improvement would also provide direct service to O’Hare from hundreds of cities and towns across the Midwest.
Status: Rebuilding the mail platforms is a significant step forward. Amtrak and Metra are working on initial designs for more extensive through-running capabilities.
4. Ogilvie Station Connection
Two stations working together as one.
Union Station and Ogilvie station are only three blocks apart – closer than some airport terminals. An indoor connection would streamline transfers between them and open up opportunities for new service expansions.
Status: Initial designs have been completed, but Amtrak has opted not to pursue this critical connection at this time.
An enclosed walkway between Chicago Union Station and Ogilvie Station would provide an all-weather connection for transfers between hundreds of daily trains.
5. Electrification
Faster, cheaper, cleaner, safer trains.
Union Station is plagued by smoke from diesel engines. Modern electric trains would change all that. They are not only cleaner, but also faster and safer. They’re cheaper to operate long-term, potentially lowering fares. Investing in rail electrification means investing in cleaner air, economic growth, and a more connected future. And, electrification is required for high-speed trains.
Status: Amtrak and Metra are not pursuing electrification at this time.
Caltrain recently replaced diesel trains with electric, cutting 25 minutes from the trip time.
Let’s fix Union Station!
Help us convince Amtrak and the State of Illinois to invest in the full potential of Union Station and secure its future as the hub of a high-speed rail network.
