Located at the junction of Cumberland Avenue and the Kennedy Expressway, the Cumberland station stands as a testament to Chicago’s transit history. The Cumberland station is more than just a stop on the Blue Line. It’s a portal connecting communities.
Proposed in 1972, the Cumberland station was part of an ambitious plan to extend the Blue Line to O’Hare International Airport. Imagine the anticipation as construction began in 1980. The project promised to revolutionize travel to and from the airport.
The Cumberland station finally opened on February 27, 1983. It opened alongside Harlem and River Road stations. These new stations brought 6,000 new riders to the northwest CTA line the following month. The Cumberland station quickly became a favorite among suburban commuters.
The Cumberland station’s design is the work of Wojciech M. Madeyski. He worked for the architectural firm Perkins and Will. The station features a single island platform in the Kennedy Expressway median. A pedestrian overpass connects the platform to the station building.
Look around and you’ll notice the public art sculpture. It is named Rock Bow by Charles Ross. The sculpture is a 40-foot high metal-cased prism set in a limestone base.
The Cumberland station also has a bus terminal and a park and ride lot. The park and ride lot originally had 706 spaces. It expanded to its current 1633 spaces in 1992.
Consider the impact of the Cumberland station on the surrounding area. Citicorp Plaza is just south of the station. It houses the headquarters of U.S. Cellular. Rand McNally’s headquarters is located north of the Cumberland station. The Renaissance Chicago O’Hare Suites Hotel is also nearby.
Trains run 24 hours a day at the Cumberland station. During peak hours, trains arrive every 2 to 7 minutes. Cumberland connects you to various destinations. O’Hare is seven minutes away. Clark/Lake in the Loop is 31 minutes away. Forest Park is 52 minutes away.
Think about the Cumberland station’s role in regional transportation. Besides CTA trains, Cumberland also serves CTA buses. Pace buses, Burlington Trailways buses, and Greyhound buses also stop here. The station is a hub for commuters from various suburbs.
In 2011, over 1.3 million passengers boarded at the Cumberland station. This reflects its importance in Chicago’s transit network. The Cumberland station has become an integral part of the daily lives of many Chicagoans and suburban residents.
As you stand here at the Cumberland station, consider its history. Consider its impact on the community. It is more than just a transit stop. It is a symbol of connectivity and progress in Chicago.