Who Owns the Chicago Skyway? A Tale of Tolls and Transactions
So, you're wondering who the lucky duck is that gets to rake in all that cash from the Chicago Skyway tolls, huh? Well, buckle up, because this is a story filled with more twists and turns than a Chicago hot dog.
Who Owns The Chicago Skyway Toll |
The Skyway: A Toll Road Odyssey
Let's start with the basics. The Chicago Skyway is basically a floating highway that connects the Dan Ryan Expressway to the Indiana Toll Road. It’s like a bridge, but for cars. And just like your favorite bridge troll, it demands a toll for passage.
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Who's Calling the Shots?
Originally, the City of Chicago owned the Skyway and was pocketing all that sweet, sweet toll money. But then, in a move that would make a real estate agent blush, the city decided to lease the Skyway for a whopping 99 years. Yes, you read that right, 99 years. Talk about a long-term investment!
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The lucky winner of this lease auction was a group of investors who formed a company called the Skyway Concession Company. Now, these folks are the ones who are laughing all the way to the bank (or wherever rich people keep their money).
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A Game of Corporate Musical Chairs
But wait, there’s more! The ownership of the Skyway Concession Company has changed hands a few times. It's like a never-ending game of corporate musical chairs. Currently, the majority stake is owned by Atlas Arteria, an Australian toll road company. So, yeah, Aussies are now the tollbooth bosses of Chicago. Who would have thought?
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The Big Question: Is This Fair?
Now, you might be thinking, "This whole thing sounds a bit fishy. How can the city just give away the rights to a major transportation artery for almost a century?" And you know what? You're absolutely right. But hey, that's a topic for another day.
How to... Skyway Edition
Here are some burning questions you might have about the Chicago Skyway, answered in record time:
- How to avoid the Skyway toll? Unfortunately, there's no magical shortcut. You gotta pay up, my friend.
- How to drive on the Skyway without a car? Well, you could try walking, biking, or rollerblading. But we don't recommend it.
- How to become the owner of the Chicago Skyway? Wait another 87 years and hope the lease is up for renewal. Good luck!
- How to get a refund on a Skyway toll? Check the Skyway Concession Company's website for their refund policy.
- How to appreciate the irony of an Australian company owning a Chicago toll road? Just chuckle and move on.
So, there you have it. The complicated, convoluted, and slightly absurd story of who owns the Chicago Skyway. Next time you're shelling out those hard-earned dollars at the tollbooth, remember, you're helping to fund an Australian company's lavish lifestyle. Cheers to that!
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