Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Pilot Program (2008)
In 2009, the Chicago Department of Transportation and the ChicagoTransit Authority will begin a pilot program to test Bus RapidTransit (BRT) service.
BRT refers to a collection of improvements to infrastructure,vehicles and scheduling, that combine to provide bus service withreduced travel times, increased service predictability, and improvedcustomer amenities compared to local bus service.
BRT will operate along certain high ridership corridors across thecity that are not currently served by rail. BRT will connect keydestination points such as employment centers, shopping destinations,rail stations, and significant CTA transfer points. The BRT PilotProgram is designed to examine and test BRT technologies and servicesto determine the best way to implement Bus Rapid Transit service inthe CTA service area.
Open Houses | Frequently Asked Questions
Open Houses
The Chicago Department of Transportation and the Chicago TransitAuthority invite the public to a presentation on the Bus RapidTransit Pilot Program, which will consider improvements andalterations to the bus routing for the #8 Halsted, #66 Chicago, #7979th, #14 Jeffery Express and #15 Jeffery Local.
Open Houses are scheduled as follows:
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Gary Comer Youth Center*
7200 South Ingleside Avenue
Chicago, IL 60619
Thursday, September 25, 2008
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Chicago Public Library, Near North Branch*
310 West Division Street
Chicago, IL 60610
*Facility accessible to people with disabilities.
Presentations will begin at 6:15 p.m.
Bus Rapid Transit Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ's)
What is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?
Bus Rapid Transit is a strategy to reduce bus travel times,increase service predictability, and improve customer amenities.
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How will I benefit from BRT?
BRT service will provide CTA customers a faster and morepredictable alternative to existing bus service by incorporating thefollowing features:
- Fewer stops
- Dedicated lanes
- Priority signals at intersections
- Improved fare collection methods
BRT will provide CTA customers improved amenities by incorporatingthe following features:
- Distinctive buses with improved customer comfort and flow.
- Enhanced bus shelters
- Next-bus arrival information at bus stops
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When can I plan to see BRT service in Chicago?
We will begin piloting BRT elements in 2009. Full implementationof BRT for all corridors is expected to be complete by 2010.
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How is BRT being funded?
In April 2008, the City of Chicago and CTA were selected toreceive a federal grant for $153.1 million to implement four BRTpilot routes in Chicago upon completion of a formal grant process.The grant requires the rollout of BRT in four pilot corridors byApril 2010.
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How is BRT different from express bus service?
While CTA express bus services (e.g., #X9 Ashland Express) makefewer stops to decrease travel times, BRT will also offer additionalenhancements such as dedicated lanes, real-time next-bus arrivalinformation and transit signal priority (TSP).
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What is transit signal priority (TSP)?
TSP is a technology to extend a green traffic light or shorten ared traffic light by several seconds when it senses a bus approachingan intersection. This will help reduce travel times and increasepredictability.
TSP is not controlled by the bus operator. Instead, it'sprogrammed on the bus and in the signal, and will not interfere withemergency vehicles or pedestrian "walk" signals.
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Where will BRT operate?
BRT will operate along certain high ridership corridors across thecity that are not currently served by rail. BRT will connect keydestination points such as employment centers, shopping destinations,rail stations, and significant CTA transfer points.
BRT pilot corridors under current consideration are ChicagoAvenue, Halsted Street, Jeffery Boulevard, and 79th Street. BRT couldexpand to other corridors after the test pilot has beenevaluated.
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When will BRT operate?
During the pilot phase, BRT will operate from early morning tomid-evening. In designated areas, dedicated lanes will be used duringboth morning and evening rush hours, in peak direction.
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What other cities currently have BRT?
BRT can be found in many cities throughout the world. Other NorthAmerican cities with BRT service include New York, Los Angeles,Boston, Kansas City, Miami, Toronto, and Vancouver.
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Will I have to pay more for BRT?
During the pilot phase, there will be no difference between BRTfares and standard bus fares.
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