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Issue in Brief
Great Madison trains will move the whole region forward
Madison is home to a major research university, a medical tech hub, and Wisconsin’s state government.
At two hours or less, trains would make trips between Madison and Chicago—including O’Hare—easy and affordable.
Let’s build the support that WisDOT needs to make this route part of Wisconsin’s Rail Plan.
An important piece of a regional network
Madison – Chicago should be one link in a regional network that connects Madison with other major business centers and universities across the Midwest.
Corridor Basics
Type
- Passenger-Focused Line
Existing Service:
- Metra commuter rail Harvard – Chicago
- No service Madison – Harvard
Status:
- No government-sponsored projects underway, but there should be
Our Proposal:
- Upgrade the entire line to make the trip in 2 hours or less, and run trains every hour
Madison is a thriving community that needs more convenient travel options.
Supporting a vibrant economy
Major companies throughout Wisconsin have already shown their support for expanding Wisconsin’s passenger-train network. Adding direct service between Madison and Chicago—with a stop at O’Hare—would be even better.
Great trains would make these trips easier, faster, and more productive, supporting a prosperous Wisconsin.
What is a great train?
Fast, frequent, and affordable
- 2 hours or less, downtown to downtown
- Hourly departures – because life happens throughout the day
- Fares ranging from $18 coach to $60 business
This clearly beats driving, especially in heavy traffic and in rain, snow, and ice.
Work, socialize, or take a nap. Your time is yours on the train.
Making the most of an existing asset
The Union Pacific Northwest Line is the shortest path
Illinois and Wisconsin should partner with Union Pacific Railroad (UP) to rebuild its line from Madison to Ogilvie Station in downtown Chicago, via Janesville and Harvard.
Since there are few freight trains on this line, 110 mph speeds and electrification are achievable. Faster speeds would be achieved if highway crossings were separated.
Metra’s UP Northwest route offers a fast, direct route into Chicago.
Is this reasonable?
A nearby example says yes!
Madison and Normal, IL—a stop on the Chicago – St. Louis Corridor—are the same distance from Chicago.
Illinois has partnered with the Union Pacific to run 110 mph trains between Chicago and Normal. Already, the fastest train does the trip in two hours. The next phase, which will cut another 18 minutes, is underway.
The Bloomington/Normal, IL area has benefited greatly from fast trains.
Where would it stop?
Local and express trains could have different stopping patterns
These are potential stops:
- Madison, Oregon, Evansville, and Janesville would gain service.
- Harvard, Barrington, and Arlington Heights would be great places to connect with local Metra trains.
- Jefferson Park or Clybourn would offer great connectivity within Chicago.
- O’Hare could be served directly by some trains, or via connections at Arlington Heights or Des Plaines.
The Union Pacific Railroad is the shortest path between Madison and Chicago.
Great trains often have cafe cars where you can get a snack and socialize.
Who would use it?
People like you.
Students, faculty and staff at the University of Wisconsin. Business people. Commuters, both regular and occasional. Sports fans. Travelers going to and from O’Hare.
Anybody traveling to Chicago or the NW suburbs, for any reason.
Help Strengthen Your Community
Tell the United States Congress: It’s time to reconnect the country with high-speed and regional rail!
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