Transportation center opens at O’Hare International Airport

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A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held recently for the new 2.5 million-square-foot Multi Modal Facility (MMF) serving O’Hare International Airport.

The ground transportation center will improve connectivity for travelers by directing regional transit serving O’Hare from one centralized location.

MMF will be a central access point for busing, a more than 2,600 space public parking lot, Chicago’s commuter railroad Metra, and 13 rental car companies. This is expected to reduce traffic in and around the terminals.

MMF also features 12 electronic charging stations and a service-animal relief area.

“Chicago isn’t wasting any time in preparing O’Hare for the future,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. “By building modern new infrastructure to better serve passengers—we are keeping O’Hare competitive in the 21st century while creating jobs for our community. As O’Hare expands over the next decade, we’ll continue to grow opportunities for the community as we make sure the airport is positioned for future economic growth and success.”

MMF and the modernization of the airport’s train are valued at $841 million. In 2013, Emanuel and Illinois Congress members secured a $272 million loan through the Transportation Infrastructure Finance Innovation Act that partially financed the project.

The facility took three years to construct and supports 950 permanent jobs.