1/11/06
The Chicago Transit Board approved today new express service to University of Chicago Hospitals (UCH) in Hyde Park. The new #192 University of Chicago Hospitals Express (accessible), expected to begin in February, will operate in the off-peak direction during the morning and evening rush periods between the Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station and the University of Chicago Hospitals.
?Today's action demonstrates the CTA's commitment to seeking new and better ways to serve customers throughout the region," said Chicago Transit Board Chairman Carole Brown. ?This new service will provide the Hyde Park community with another convenient transit option connecting Metra and CTA with one of our region's most significant hospitals."
Under a five-year agreement, the hospital will subsidize operating costs estimated at $221,200 for the first year of operation. Customers will pay the regular CTA fare. The new collaboration with U of C Hospitals is an outgrowth of the CTA's successful partnership with the University of Chicago. The CTA currently provides four subsidized bus routes for university students, employees and residents, and includes the #173 U. of Chicago/Lakeview Express, which operates between University of Chicago's Hyde Park, downtown and North Side campuses every evening during the school year.
?This partnership will allow the CTA to provide additional transit options to hospital employees and others in the community as well as relieve traffic congestion in the area," said CTA President Frank Kruesi. ?This is especially significant for commuters looking for convenient and efficient travel options."
The recommended service complies with the Service Standards adopted by the Board in 2001.
UCH issued a Request for Proposal for service carriers interested in providing bus service from Ogilvie and Union Station to the hospital. Service is currently provided by a private carrier. UCH accepted CTA's proposal in a competitively bid process. CTA will cover larger time periods with runs leaving downtown from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and runs leaving the Hospital campus from 3:45 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
In addition to the current service agreement with the University of Chicago, CTA has service agreements in place with UPS, Harborquest for Avon; and the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce and the Latino Information Center.
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