Chicago Makes ‘Pop-Up’ Bus Lanes Permanent

Even with the addition of 3.5 miles of permanent bus-only lanes, Chicago trails other cities in miles of dedicated bus lanes.

1 minute read

December 12, 2022, 8:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Bus Priority Zones

ReanC / Shutterstock

According to John Greenfield, writing for Streetsblog Chicago, a 3.5 mile stretch of “pop-up” dedicated bus lanes on Chicago Avenue between Ashland and Laramie will be made permanent. The red bus-only lanes will be in effect 24 hours a day, unlike other bus lanes elsewhere on Chicago Avenue.

In a statement, CTA president Dorval R. Carter, Jr. said, “The temporary, pop-up essential bus lanes were a useful tool we implemented during the pandemic that have since proven to be vital in ensuring that buses traveling the #66 bus can pass through what has long been a bottle-neck and major source of delays along the route.” 

Other safety improvements coming to Chicago Avenue include sidewalk extensions and bollards and speed humps to force slower left turns at dangerous intersections.

Chicago lags far behind other major cities when it comes to dedicated bus lanes, with only 11 miles across the whole city. For comparison, Los Angeles has 107 miles of dedicated lanes, while New York City, which recently began using traffic cameras to crack down on bus lane blocking violations, has 138 miles.

Friday, December 9, 2022 in Streetsblog Chicago

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.