Negotiations have hit a snag: ChicagoBusiness.com
More than 140,000 passengers passing through the station every day might get caught in the middle, as Metra's lease on the rail terminal nears expiration amid a financial dispute.
Negotiations have broken off between Amtrak and Metra for a new lease governing the suburban rail agency's use of Chicago Union Station, casting a deep shadow on future operations of a rail terminal that serves more than 140,000 passengers a day.
In what amounts to a lawsuit, Amtrak, which owns Union Station, this week formally asked the U.S. Surface Transportation Board to impose new lease terms on Metra. The current contract between the two agencies expires next week, on July 29, and in its petition Amtrak said the parties “have reached an impasse” on a new deal.
Amtrak wants to hike by several million dollars the current rent of $9.66 million a year and wants a firm commitment by Metra to contribute capital to upgrade facilities, according to a source close to the matter. Metra wants to cut its rent to less than $7 million a year and seeks control or even ownership of the station before deciding on capital, that source adds.
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Next stop, Willoughby
~el Jefe :: RAILROAD.NET Site Administrator/Co-Owner; Carman at Naugatuck Railroad
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~el Jefe :: RAILROAD.NET Site Administrator/Co-Owner; Carman at Naugatuck Railroad
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