The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced it will extend a pilot of weekend bus service on the #39 Pershing bus route through June 2018. This extension will provide CTA with more time and data to evaluate #39 ridership demand and collect more feedback from customers about the service.
Working closely with local residents, business owners and community leaders, the CTA began testing #39 weekend bus service in June 2017, between 38th/St. Louis and 40th/Lake Park. Service runs from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays/holidays.
The #39 provides access to schools, shopping centers and key destinations including Guaranteed Rate Field, as well as access to the Orange, Red and Green lines.
The #39 pilot is among a series of improvements that have been implemented by CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr. to improve CTA bus service. Those efforts include the expansion of bus service on the South Side, the restoration of express service on Ashland and Western avenues and Loop Link downtown.
The weekend service pilot was supposed to end December 2017, but CTA decided to test the service another six months through June 2018 to further evaluate ridership trends and gather additional feedback from the surrounding community before a decision is made whether to conclude the pilot, extend it or make the service permanent.
CTA continues to work with 3rd Ward Alderman Pat Dowell and 4th Ward Alderman Sophia King to provide community outreach and help promote the #39 route.
CTA currently offers permanent service on the #39 route Monday through Friday. Weekday service on the #39 is not a part of the CTA’s pilot.
For more information about the #39 Pershing schedule and bus stop list, please visit: transitchicago.com/bus/39/.
# # #