Roberta Aguirre
Chicago's O'Hare Airport has had a long and troubled history with its Airport Transit System (ATS), which has been plagued by delays and technical challenges. The automated trains, which used to efficiently transport passengers and staff between terminals, have been out of service since 2018. However, after years of construction setbacks, the upgraded people-mover system finally resumed 24-hour service in April 2022, providing much-needed relief for travellers at one of the nation's busiest airports. This full operation of the people-mover system marks a significant improvement in accessibility for passengers navigating O'Hare Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Airport Transit System (ATS) |
| Location | Chicago O'Hare International Airport |
| Function | Connects O'Hare's terminals to parking lots and the consolidated rental car facility |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Cost | Free |
| Track Configuration | "Pinched-loop" |
| Number of Cars | 36 |
| Train Configuration | 3-car trains with a capacity of 147 passengers each |
| Number of Tracks | 2 |
| Number of Stations | 5 |
| Route | Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as the multi-modal facility |
| Recent Closures | January 2019 to November 2021 for refurbishment and modernization |
| Recent Upgrades | Upgraded cars, service every three minutes, full operation as of April 2022 |
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What You'll Learn
The monorail at O'Hare Airport has been out of service since 2018
The monorail at Chicago O'Hare Airport has been out of service since November 2018. The automated trains, which connected terminals and a remote parking lot, were shut down to integrate a new rail vehicle and control system. This was a challenging and unique endeavour, according to a Chicago Department of Aviation spokesperson.
The project encountered numerous delays, with the system even shutting down completely at the beginning of 2019 to finish the final phases. Emails between contractors and a consultant revealed concerns about the project's progress, with one email describing it as "regressing".
However, after years of construction and setbacks, the upgraded people-mover system, or Airport Transit System (ATS), finally resumed 24-hour service in April 2022. This was welcomed news for travellers, providing easier access when navigating the busy airport.
The full operation of the people-mover system has improved travel between Terminal 1 and the multi-modal facility, with a journey time of ten minutes and five stops along the way.
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The airport is focused on solving technical challenges
The Chicago O'Hare International Airport has been undergoing a series of improvements, including runway modernization and a revamp of the passenger experience. One of the key projects is the upgrade of the Airport Transit System (ATS), which is an automated people mover system that connects the airport terminals and parking facilities. The ATS originally opened in 1993, and the expansion plan was unveiled in 1982 to address the need for a connection between domestic and international terminals, as well as remote parking facilities.
The upgrade project for the ATS began in early 2019 with temporary closures, and the system shut down completely by the end of the year. The project included replacing the existing 15-car fleet with 36 new Bombardier Innovia APM 256 vehicles, upgrading infrastructure, and extending the line to the new Multi-Modal Facility. The original plan was to complete the project by November 2019, but various challenges and delays pushed the timeline back by years. These delays were attributed to issues such as electrical problems, contract disputes, and difficulties operating the new automated train cars in harsh weather conditions.
Throughout the upgrade process, the airport remained focused on solving these technical challenges. Chicago Department of Aviation spokesperson Christine Carrino acknowledged the unique complexities of the project, stating that "Integrating a new rail vehicle and control system on the existing rail guideway like O'Hare's is a one-off exercise that is not done every day." During this time, the airport deployed shuttle buses to transport people, incurring additional costs.
Finally, in April 2022, the ATS resumed 24-hour service with upgraded cars, providing transportation for passengers between terminals and parking facilities every three minutes. This marked the end of a lengthy and challenging period, offering improved accessibility and convenience for travelers at one of the nation's busiest airports.
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The project has been described as regressing
The O'Hare Airport Transit System (ATS) in Chicago has been described as "a project that had been in the works for years" with a series of delays that pushed the project's completion back years. The system, which opened on May 6, 1993, was closed for refurbishment and modernisation from January 2019 to November 2021. The original plan was to install new train cars and extend the service to a new rental car facility with minimal interruption to service. However, the project faced numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, contract disputes, electrical problems, and issues with the new automated train cars operating in snow, ice, and cold weather.
The delays and challenges faced by the project have been a source of frustration for many. In an email obtained by WGN Investigates, a consultant hired to oversee the project wrote, "the overall project is simply regressing." The cost of alternative bus services during the closure of the ATS also added to the project's expenses, accounting for nearly one-quarter of the project's estimated cost.
Despite the setbacks, the Chicago Department of Aviation remained committed to completing the project, acknowledging the technical challenges of integrating a new rail vehicle and control system. The contractor also cited pandemic-related delays impacting supply chains and their access to technical experts. The full operation of the people-mover system was finally achieved in April 2022, marking a significant milestone and improving access for passengers travelling through O'Hare Airport.
The completion of the ATS upgrade is part of a broader effort to improve the airport, with O'Hare undergoing $8.5 billion in construction across nearly 100 projects. These improvements include runway modernisation, two new terminals, satellite concourses, and a new Terminal 5. While the ATS upgrade faced challenges and delays, its completion represents a step forward in enhancing the overall passenger experience at O'Hare Airport.
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The upgraded people-mover system is now fully operational
Chicago O'Hare International Airport's upgraded people-mover system, the Airport Transit System (ATS), is now fully operational as of April 2022. The ATS, which first opened in 1993, is an automated system that moves users between the airport's terminals, the multi-modal facility, and parking facilities. The system is free to use and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a train arriving every 3 minutes.
The ATS underwent a period of refurbishment and modernisation from January 2019 to November 2021, with the system operating on a reduced schedule until April 2022. The upgrade included replacing the existing 15-car fleet with 36 new Bombardier Innovia APM 256 vehicles, each train now consisting of 3 cars able to carry up to 147 passengers. The previous infrastructure was also upgraded, and the line was extended by 2,000 feet to the new Multi-Modal Facility. The total cost of the project was $310 million.
The ATS is in a pinched-loop configuration, allowing multiple trains to travel along the track at once while providing service in both directions. Its route spans 3 miles, with stops at Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as the multi-modal facility, which houses the rental car centre and economy parking. The system has two tracks, and each train stops at all five stations in both directions. Its west end is at Terminal 1, and it makes a counterclockwise loop around the parking garage with stops at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.
The full operation of the upgraded people-mover system is a major win for travellers at one of the nation's busiest airports, improving access and reducing travel time within the airport. The upgrade is also part of a larger series of improvement projects at O'Hare Airport, including runway modernisation and the construction of two new terminals and satellite concourses.
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The system shut down in 2019 to complete the final project phases
The Airport Transit System (ATS) at Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a people mover system that connects the airport's terminals to parking lots and the consolidated rental car facility. The system first opened in 1993 and was designed to operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
In early 2019, the system shut down completely to allow crews to complete the final phases of a renovation project. The original plan was to complete the project by the fall of 2019, with only minimal interruptions to service. However, a series of delays pushed the completion date back, including electrical problems in October 2019 that kept the trains out of service until 2020. The project was further delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, contract disputes, and reliability issues.
During the renovation, the airport deployed a fleet of shuttle buses to transport people, but the cost of this bus service accounted for nearly one-quarter of the project's total estimated cost. The project also included replacing the existing 15-car fleet with 36 new Bombardier Innovia APM 256 vehicles, upgrading the infrastructure, and extending the line to the new Multi-Modal Facility.
After years of construction and delays, the upgraded people-mover system finally resumed 24-hour service in April 2022. The new system features upgraded cars, with service every three minutes, and can transport up to 147 passengers between the terminals and rental car and parking facilities within minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the monorail at O'Hare Airport is working. The upgraded people-mover system became fully operational in April 2022.
The O'Hare Airport Transit System (ATS) shut down completely at the beginning of 2019 to complete the final phases of the upgrade project. The automated trains had stopped working in November 2018.
The project involved integrating a new rail vehicle and control system on the existing track, expanding the fleet of vehicles from 15 to 36 cars.
The project took several years due to delays. Work to modernize and expand the ATS started in 2017.
The shutdown of the monorail caused inconvenience to passengers travelling through O'Hare Airport, making it difficult for them to move between terminals and the multi-modal facility. The resumption of the monorail service has made it easier for passengers to navigate the airport.
