Chicago Announces ‘Better Streets for Buses’ Plan

The plan establishes a ‘toolkit’ of improvements to make the bus riding experience more reliable, comfortable, and accessible.

1 minute read

December 3, 2023, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


White, blue, and red Chicago transit bus at an urban bus station with shelter.

Heorshe / Adobe Stock

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) released a framework for improving bus service through better infrastructure such as bus stops and sidewalks, more accessible and comfortable shelters, and signal timing to improve bus reliability and speeds.

According to a press release from the city, “This plan supports key transportation goals of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, including improving bus reliability and coordination of infrastructure investments to improve transit.” The plan includes 19 options for street improvements to make the right-of-way and bus stops safer, more accessible, and more comfortable for bus riders.

“Getting to the bus, the wait at the bus stop, and the ride on the bus are all impacted by various aspects of streetscape design and signal systems and this plan will help us better plan and redesign these elements to meet today’s transit needs and ensure that public transit bus services remain the most equitable, affordable and accessible means of transit in all neighborhoods throughout the City,” said CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr.

Thursday, November 30, 2023 in City of Chicago

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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.

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