CUS gets some overhaul money

[Paul CHI]

$7 million from the feds

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-union-station-upgrades-met-0411-20150410-story.html

And another 13m from Amtrak itself.

I sure wish they could find a better solution to the cattle feedlot lounge.

 

[NorthShore]

The mayor wants to secure 500 million in loans and grants?

Who is going to take out the loans? The city? We're broke, our credit sucks, there is a need for all kinds of cuts, and pension obligations will force serious tax hikes. Oh, and financing he already took out is coming due. How is he going to afford many more millions in obligations that we can't pay back?

Oh, wait, that casino that he and others have been relying upon for revenue the last decade or two. That will solve everything. Riiiiiiiiight!

 

[neroden]

There are many things I dislike about Rahm Emmanuel, but at least he understands the importance of having a functioning train station. CUS needs renovations NOW, and every day they aren't done is money disappearing from Chicago.

 

[lepearso]

I went back and re-read the master plan for Chicago Union Station that was published in 2012. www.unionstationmp.com

According to the report, it will take up to $50 million to implement all of the short-term improvements. Perhaps the purpose of the study is to get some real cost estimates so that certain elements can move forward.

I would expect the first improvement to be the relocation of the Metropolitan Lounge and the subsequent expansion of the two boarding lounges. Relocation of the Amtrak ticket office may be next in line.

Soon thereafter we can expect better access to taxis and the local bus system.

As far as the track realignment, platform expansions, relocated escalators, new vertical access, etc., they will need to find more funding sources...lots more!