Chicago labor and business leaders today released statements praising the City of Chicago and the Chicago Infrastructure Trust’s issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for respondents to present their qualifications to design, build, finance, operate and maintain an O’Hare Express operating system through a public-private agreement with the City.

“The labor movement is encouraged by this project and its potential to spur economic development and create jobs. The City of Chicago and its workers have long been pioneers in transformative transportation innovations, and this project seeks to continue Chicago's legacy of bold infrastructure advancements.”

Jorge Ramirez, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor

"O’Hare Airport is a critical economic engine for our city, region, and state.  The Civic Committee supports efforts to enhance the speed and quality of access to the Airport for those that live and work here as well as for the visitors who come to Chicago for business and pleasure.  The issuance of an RFQ on the part of the City of Chicago and its Infrastructure Trust to undertake a rigorous process to determine whether the private sector is willing to finance and build a transformative rail system to the airport is a good idea and we support it.   We look forward to seeing the results of the process."

Kelly Welsh, President, Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago

“The Chamber strongly supports Mayor Emanuel’s proposal to deliver an express service train that would take just 20 minutes to travel from downtown Chicago to O’Hare that would make commutes more efficient for our residents, tourists and business travelers. This ambitious project not only makes us more competitive as a world-class city, but at no cost to the taxpayer. That is a win-win. Chicago already serves as a major transportation hub, and this project will only strengthen O’Hare’s position as our city’s economic crown jewel.”

Michael Reever, Acting President & CEO, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.

“The Request for Qualifications announced today by Mayor Emanuel, which seeks potential developers, financiers and operators for an O'Hare Express connecting downtown to O’Hare International Airport, is a critical step forward in the City’s continuing effort to enhance and upgrade its transit system. These investments will provide Chicago residents and visitors with fast, direct access to the central business district from O’Hare International Airport, building on Chicago’s already unprecedented connectivity across the region and to the world.”

Andrea Zopp, CEO, World Business Chicago

“Increasingly, leading global visitor destinations, be they for leisure or business, count among their attributes fast and convenient mass transit hubs. As Chicago continues to break tourism records, especially international arrivals, it will be imperative that we remain competitive if not best-in-class in terms of transportation. A high speed connection to O’Hare Airport is the best way to do that, thus welcoming visitors to and from our airports and key venues.”

David Whitaker, President & CEO, Choose Chicago

“As a world-class city, one of the keys to our competitiveness will be our ability to quickly and safely transport visitors from O’Hare International Airport to the Chicago Central Business District,” said Lori T. Healey, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA).  “At McCormick Square about 90 percent of our visitors are from out of town, and they often ask what is the quickest way to get to O’Hare. The ability to offer these visitors a 20-minute express train to or from the airport would be a tremendous plus and differentiator for us.  MPEA is hopeful this crucial proposal will attract top quality responses for this public-private partnership.”

Lori T. Healey Statement in Support of O’Hare Express Proposal 

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