This proposed CTA Silver Line, published by the Chicago Design Archive, would run around-the-clock between O’Hare and Midway, connecting the west edge of the city and enabling seamless transfers to Illinois’ largest airports. At a distance of 19.67 miles, the trip could be completed in as little as 45 minutes, comparable to the time it takes to drive.

Who will this serve? you and your neighbors, in all likelihood!

• 101 million people flying through O’Hare and Midway every year.
• 68 million CTA, Metra, and Pace passengers: this alignment would enable transfers between CTA Blue, Orange, and Pink Lines; Metra BNSF, UP-W, MD-W, and NCS Lines; and the Pace Pulse Dempster Line.
• 500,000 locals across 15 communities: O’Hare, Rosemont, Schiller Park, Franklin Park, Melrose Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Oak Park, Austin, North Lawndale, Cicero, South Lawndale, Garfield Ridge, Archer Heights, and West Elsdon.

Why this route? it gets people places, and it’s cost-effective.

• Access to points of interest: educational institutions, such as Dominican University and Triton College; green spaces like Columbus Park and the Cook County Forest Preserves; and commercial areas from Rosemont's entertainment district to Cicero Marketplace.
• Advantages over alternatives: the Silver Line enables direct connections between communities along the Des Plaines River, despite the river’s interruption to the bus system and street grid. This contrasts with proposals along Cicero and Western, which are already served by bus.
• Potential for expansion: once ridership patterns are established, there is an opportunity for express service between the airports. Likewise, a Green Line extension would allow travelers to connect to the Silver Line from Humboldt Park and Bellwood.
• Ease of funding: by linking two major airports, the Silver Line becomes both a state and federal interest, reducing the need for funding from municipalities and the city.
• Existing right-of-ways: rails are already in place along the entire route, which minimizes development costs, environmental impact, and disruption to communities. This method was used to construct the Orange Line—the last major expansion to the “L” system—nearly 40 years ago. With RTA ridership exceeding 366 million in 2024, Chicago is ready for more.

By signing this petition, you can help bring the Silver Line to life. Make your voice heard by writing letters urging your city, state, and federal representatives to support this project.

Let us know what the Silver Line will connect you to!