Who Owns the Chicago Skyway? A Tale of Tolls and Transactions
So, you're wondering who actually owns the Chicago Skyway, huh? I mean, it's a fair question. It's one of those things that you probably drive over a million times without really thinking about it, kind of like how you never really question the existence of cats or the fact that avocados have pits. But let's dive into this mystery together.
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| Who Owns The Chicago Skyway |
A Brief History of Skyway Ownership
Believe it or not, the Chicago Skyway wasn't always privately owned. Once upon a time, the city of Chicago was the proud owner of this elevated highway. But then, in a move that was probably met with as much enthusiasm as a root canal, the city decided to privatize the thing in 2005.
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That's right, they basically said, "Hey, we built this awesome highway, but we're too lazy/broke/incompetent to manage it, so let's sell it to someone else and hope they don't screw it up too badly."
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The Current Owners: A Game of Corporate Ping Pong
Fast forward to today, and the ownership of the Skyway is a bit of a tangled web. The current concessionaire is the Skyway Concession Company LLC, but let's not get too excited, because this is where things get a little complicated.
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- Atlas Arteria: Think of them as the big boss. They own a whopping 66.67% stake in the Skyway Concession Company. It's like they're the Thanos of toll roads, but without the infinity gauntlet.
- Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan: Yeah, those folks who teach your kids are also part owners of the Skyway. It's like they're trying to fund their retirement with your toll money. Just kidding! Or am I?
So, Who's Really in Charge?
In the grand scheme of things, it's Atlas Arteria who has the most say in how the Skyway is run. But let's be honest, they're probably more concerned with maximizing profits than making your commute any less stressful. So, don't expect any drastic improvements to the Skyway anytime soon.
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How to... Skyway Edition
- How to avoid the Skyway: This is a valid question. If possible, use alternative routes. Your sanity will thank you.
- How to prepare for Skyway tolls: Stock up on quarters or get a transponder. Nothing ruins a good mood like realizing you don't have enough change.
- How to appreciate the irony of a publicly funded road being privately owned: This is a life skill. Embrace the absurdity.
- How to dream of a toll-free Skyway: Keep dreaming, friend. Keep dreaming.
- How to accept that you'll probably never know the true cost of building the Skyway: Some mysteries are best left unsolved.
So there you have it. The complicated, confusing, and somewhat infuriating story of who owns the Chicago Skyway. Next time you're stuck in traffic on it, you can impress your carpool buddies with your newfound knowledge. Or you can just scream into a pillow. Your choice.
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