In Unique Partnership with NU, Expanded #201 Service Replaces Former Campus Shuttle
The Chicago Transit Authority is reminding Northwestern University employees, students and faculty to take advantage of the new campus transit service offered along CTA’s existing #201 bus route, which operates between the Evanston campus, Ryan Field, Evanston’s central business district and other destinations beginning this fall.
During the academic school year, those displaying a valid and active Northwestern University-issued ID card, can board CTA’s #201 Central/Ridge bus route for free. As part of this unique, five-year agreement with Northwestern University, CTA’s #201 bus route replaces the University’s former Ryan Field Shuttle bus service.
University riders now have a more convenient travel option along the #201, for which estimated bus arrival times are available via CTA Bus Tracker; more frequent service; longer service hours; and convenient connections between Old Orchard Mall and CTA’s Howard bus and rail terminal.
The new bus service is available each year between September 1 and June 30 (dates will be adjusted as needed to align with the start and end of the academic school year) until 2020. During this time, the University has agreed to reimburse the CTA the cost of fares for Northwestern students and employees who use the bus service. For the remaining two months of the year, service along the #201 route will continue to be provided; however, university riders will be required to pay the standard CTA bus fare.
Service along the #201 route is provided on weekdays beginning at approximately 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Saturdays between approximately 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. In 2014, the route averaged roughly 2,000 rides each weekday and 1,100 on Saturdays. The Ryan Field Shuttle previously offered shorter weekday hours and no Saturday service.
CTA anticipates an additional 600 weekday rides along the #201 bus route as a result of this new agreement. The service is also expected to reduce local traffic congestion by consolidating redundant local transit options.
A #201 route timetable is available online at http://www.transitchicago.com/assets/1/bus_schedules/201.pdf.
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