Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about bus lanes

Customers wait for the #79 79th bus at the Red Line station. The line has experienced crowding problems. Photo: James Porter

Which CTA bus lines are still seeing crowding during the pandemic?

By Courtney Cobbs | Jun 16, 2020 | No Comments

Yesterday the CTA launched a Ridership Information Dashboard to give riders a heads-up about crowding issues, so they can make an informed decision when planning their commutes.

Potential access ramp layout for center-running bus lanes. Image: IDOT

Bus-only lanes are needed on North LSD. Here are some possible scenarios.

By Jessica Papanek | Apr 1, 2020 | No Comments

More advocacy is needed to make sure we don't wind up with a car-centric North Lake Shore Drive redesign.

An Open Streets car-free event on Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park in 2013. Photo: John Greenfield

Let’s respond to coronavirus and climate change with car-free streets, bus and bike lanes

By Courtney Cobbs | Mar 25, 2020 | No Comments

Creating more car-free streets for safe transportation and recreation during the current pandemic crisis would also address the longterm challenge of climate change.

Outgoing Active Trans interim director Melody Geraci announces the group's big goals at last week's awards ceremony. Photo: John Greenfield

Active Trans announces three “moonshot” goals for the next decade

By John Greenfield | Mar 9, 2020 | No Comments

The group wants a unified regional transit system; more bike and bus lanes, and car-free streets; and downtown congestion pricing to fund sustainable transportation.

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.

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