'Bus Priority Zones' Program Launching in Chicago

The city of Chicago will address some of the street configuration issues that plague bus service on its most-heavily used corridors.

1 minute read

April 25, 2019, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Chicago Transit Authority

Sam Wagner / Shutterstock

"Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus service is being prioritized through a series of projects to be completed this year aimed at improving pedestrian safety and the flow of traffic along Chicago's most heavily traveled corridors," reports Mischa Wanek-Libman.

The city is spending $5 million on the new Bus Priority Zones program, which will attempt to "unsnarl bus slow zones and improve service along entire bus routes." 

"The city says improvements made under the Bus Priority Zone program may include street resurfacing work and establishing designated bus-only lanes along certain stretches of the corridor to improve bus service during weekday rush periods or all-day, depending on the specific location," according to Wanek-Libman. "Other program elements include queue jump signals to give buses a head start to get in front of regular traffic, optimizing the location of bus stops, as well as improvements that support pedestrian safety and overall traffic flow for all vehicles."

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