Olympic stadium could be new Metra stop

Metra leaders are on board Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

Metra officials Friday committed to helping the city with public transit needs, even considering borrowing train cars from other commuter rail systems to help transport the thousands of tourists expected.

The show of support came after a presentation by Chicago 2016 Director of Sports, Venues and Operations Doug Arnot.

The International Olympic Committee will decide in October which of the finalist cities - Madrid, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro and Chicago - wins the games.

Most sports events will be held in the city although equestrian and shooting competitions will take place at venues in Lake County and near Aurora, respectively.

But the surge of visitors is expected to benefit suburban motels and hotels as well as those in Chicago.

In its bid package, the city has touted the region's public transit system and stated that 90 percent of events are served by two or more rail lines.

Metra Director and Arlington Heights Mayor Arlene Mulder said the agency is used to handling massive crowds, citing the Election Day celebration in Grant Park for Barack Obama.

"It's amazing what our trains did to get people out of the center of the city," she said.

Metra also announced Friday that the low cost of diesel fuel could amount to savings of $45 million to $50 million if prices hold. The agency budgeted $3.60 a gallon but is currently paying $1.18 a gallon.