Table Of Contents - Chicago Transit Authority

Several operational complexities require further study:
CTA Express Airport Train Service Business Plan
• O’Hare terminal operations and capacity, already constrained, and with increasing ridership (see
above) effective operations control of this facility will continue to be critical.
• Operational implications of potentially intermixing Express Service and local train flows along the Blue
Line requires additional analysis by computer-based simulations.
• Additional simulation will also be helpful for developing future control strategies for State Street
subway operations, as well as the merge/diverge moves with the Green and Orange Lines south of
the Loop.
6.2 OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE COST ESTIMATE
6.2.1 Cost Estimating Model
Annual operating and maintenance costs of the Direct Service were estimated at $11.7M in 2010 using
the CTA cost allocation model calibrated on 2004 cost and level of service variables. Model assumptions
were customized to produce an estimate for costs for the airport train service. Contingencies have been
factored in to account for potential upward fluctuations in labor or materials costs. Actual payments for
O&M services made by a concessionaire to CTA would be negotiated and finalized in a concession
agreement.
6.2.2 Key Assumptions
The current CTA cost structure was assumed for the new airport trains. A management company would
likely purchase most services from CTA since, for example, operating a dedicated maintenance facility for
the relatively small number of airport train rail cars would be highly inefficient. While the cost structure is
the same, the premium nature of the new service leads to higher cost in nearly every category. Rail cars
and stations would need to be cleaned more frequently and with greater diligence than standard CTA
cars and facilities. Likewise, airport cars and stations would require additional maintenance to produce a
higher level of reliability and comfort.
6.2.3 Key Drivers and Contingencies
Operating and maintenance costs are dependent on the number of operational variables. The number of
cars per train has a significant effect on costs, since it ties into total car miles. 2-car trains were assumed
for the Direct Service, while 4-car consists were used in Express O&M cost estimates. Staffing levels,
hours of operation, ridership, and the airport train’s share of costs associated with running on CTA’s lines
also drive cost.
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