Amtrak is seeking the ideas of the traveling public, station users and area residents on the reimagining of the Concourse at Chicago Union Station.
The survey marks the start of the design phase of the project and is open throughout January. To participate, individuals must scan the QR code shown on video screens throughout the station.
Planned improvements include modernized amenities, new services and a streamlined boarding process.
The station serves the Chicago Hub Improvement Program, Amtrak and Metra. This will be the first major enhancement in 32 years. In 1991, Amtrak had an annual passenger count of 2.3 million. That had increased to 3.3 million in 2019. Metra ridership grew from 26.6 million to 32.6 million.
Amtrak has new routes planned to and from Chicago in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and other Amtrak MidwestSM states.
“The work at Chicago Union Station, our most critical linchpin for travel across the national network, will be performed using federal capital funds along with generous contributions from our partners for both the design and construction elements of the project.” Jeannie Kwon, Amtrak vice president of mega programs development and coordination, said.
Chicago-based Epstein, in partnership with New York-based FXCollaborative, will lead the design team.