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Elon Musk to build Chicago O’Hare high-speed rail link
Elon Musk says he can get travelers from downtown to Chicago O’Hare Airport in just 12 minutes, after being awarded the contract to build a new high-speed transportation system.
Musk-owned venture The Boring Company got the nod to build the new underground transit system linking Block 37 with the airport via two underground tunnels.
Musk reckons the small rail cars can reach up to 150 mph and it could be operational within three years.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel pointed out no taxpayer money will be needed as The Boring Company and backers will fund the entire project.
Estimated fare will be in the region of $20 to $25.
This is ‘the fast lane to Chicago’s future,’ Emanuel said.
The mayor acknowledged there is a lot of scepticism surrounding a largely untested system, while Musk himself is coming under pressure over the current struggles of flagship electric car company Tesla Inc.
"Chicago is always looking at what’s possible and then making it achievable. There are doubters along the way all the time who sit on the sideline and then when the thing gets built and opportunities come and the job growth happens you can’t find them," Emanuel added.
Musk says it’s a win-win for the city of Chicago and air travelers.
"I’d hope that you’d cheer us on, because if we succeed it’s going to be a great thing for the city, and if we fail, well I guess me and others will lose a bunch of money."
Riders will travel in small rail cars accommodating up to 16 people.
Currently, rides to the airport take about 40 minutes on Chicago Transportation Authority’s Blue Line train.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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