Abstract: This article introduces the reader to changes in Chicago’s bus rapid transit (BRT) program. As part of a broad reform agenda to move the City for the 21st Century, Chicago is experiencing a mobility revolution. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) – in tandem with state of good repair investments, new infill rail stations, bike-sharing, bike lane network, car-sharing, transit information technology – is moving forward from concept to implementation beginning in 2012. BRT will provide a new transit mode in Chicago targeting an untapped market niche that falls between local bus service and rail. Chicago’s BRT initiative is guided by strong agency and political leadership (from local, state, and federal levels) and will have a profound impact on the connectivity of the city. Currently, there are about one million rides per day on the CTA bus system, but these numbers are down substantially from historic levels due to increased road congestion which has slowed bus speeds and created unpredictable service delivery. BRT is designed to remedy these trends by speeding bus travel times and increasing reliability on high-demand bus corridors. BRT has received strong civic support from community leaders who understand that transit investments are a vital component to make the city more livable and economically viable. In addition, federal funding has provided a tool to implement BRT capital improvements. CTA and the Chicago Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) will harness the excitement and resources to implement viable projects that leverage the existing transit network. Prudent near-term BRT investments will establish a solid foundation for a wider network in the future. This approach will ensure the continuation of a cost-effective operating plan and capital investments that are commensurate with ridership, land uses and livability initiatives. This paper provides an overview of how Chicago’s BRT program evolved. The authors describe the early initiatives and the rationale behind some of the BRT improvements that will be rolled out in the near term. They also discuss some of the BRT features that are desirable, but are contingent on other regional initiatives, legislative changes, and new capital and operating funding sources.
Publication Year: 2012
Publication Date: 2012-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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