Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about bus lanes

A driver blocks the Chicago Avenue bus lane near Clark Street. Photo: CDOT

Bus-sted: City says traffic aides will enforce Chicago Ave. and Western Ave. bus lanes

By John Greenfield | Jan 7, 2020 | No Comments

When it comes to speeding up bus service, bus lanes are basically only as good as their enforcement.

Sunset from the Lakefront Trail. Photo: John Greenfield

All the ways we can make 2020 a springboard for sustainable transportation in Chicago

By Courtney Cobbs | Dec 27, 2019 | No Comments

Here are a bunch of ways you can make a difference in the sustainable transportation landscape in Chicago,

A new stretch of bus lane on Chicago Avenue at Ogden photographed earlier this fall. Photo: CDOT

Chicago’s Bus Priority Zone program shifts into high gear

By John Greenfield | Dec 3, 2019 | No Comments

The city hopes to relieve route bottlenecks with short stretches of bus-only lanes and other upgrades. But bolder steps are needed if we really want to make the bus a more appealing travel option.

What does Chicago need to do to achieve transportation equity?

By Courtney Cobbs | Nov 27, 2019 | No Comments

Streetsblog writer Courtney Cobbs discussed the topic at an event hosted by the Chicago Style Committee of the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics.

Rendering of a short stretch of bus lanes planned near the 79th Street Red Line station as part of the Bus Priority Zones program.

Lori’s fair ride-hail tax plan needs bolder action to improve CTA bus service

By Courtney Cobbs | Nov 13, 2019 | No Comments

Lowering the tax on shared trips, the kind most South and West siders take, is a good idea. But more of the revenue should be used for CTA upgrades, including more robust bus lanes.

The Loop Link system on Washington Street. Photo: CDOT

For a More Efficient and Equitable Chicago, Swap Car Lanes for Bus and Bike Lanes

By Lynda Lopez and John Greenfield | Aug 26, 2019 | 14 Comments

Lori Lightfoot’s platform showed she understands that our city needs a less auto-centric transportation system. Let’s make sure she follows through on her promises.

Until Buses Get Priority, Living in a “Transit-Rich” Neighborhood Only Goes So Far

By Courtney Cobbs | Jun 20, 2019 | 36 Comments

Living in a neighborhood with lots of bus service is of limited use if the buses get stuck in traffic generated by drivers. That's why we need bus-only lanes and other time-saving strategies.

Rendering of the new cul-de-sac and bus boarding area at Chicago and May.

City Announces New Bus Speed Initiative, But Will Drivers Respect the New Lanes?

By John Greenfield | Apr 19, 2019 | 12 Comments

The upgrades include a new wide boarding area at Chicago/Milwaukee, a mile of bus lanes on Chicago Avenue downtown, and improvements on Western and 79th.

Where Do Lori and Toni Part Ways on Transportation?

By John Greenfield | Apr 1, 2019 | 1 Comment

Lightfoot's positions on bike/walk funding, the North LASD rehab, reduced CTA fares, and bus lane enforcement are arguably more progressive, but neither candidate is terrible on transportation.

Within a quarter mile of these bus route segments, the usual parking requirements for new developments would essentially be waived. Map: Steven Vance

How Chicago’s New Bus TOD Ordinance Could Help Underserved Communities

By David Zegeye | Dec 17, 2018 | 6 Comments

By expanding the areas that are eligible for TOD to include zones around busy bus corridors, the city could help spur investment in low-income neighborhoods.

Jeff Wegerson says CTA bus drivers sometimes use the bike and parking lanes on Fullerton in Lincoln Park as de facto bus-only lanes. Image: Google Street View

An (Imaginary) Plot to Create CTA Bus-Only Lanes?

By Jeff Wegerson | Mar 27, 2018 | 8 Comments

Jeff Wegerson envisions a clever scheme by the CTA to speed up Chicago buses.

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