Riding the Bus
Riding the Bus
Riding the bus is faster and more convenient when operators don't have to fight congestion and merge into traffic after each service stop. CDOT and CTA are working together on new street features to support faster travel times and smoother operations for buses.
For more information about transit including fares and schedules, please visit the CTA website: Chicago Transit Authority
Bus Only Lanes
Designated bus-only lanes support the convenience and efficiency of transit on City streets. Indicated with red and white colored pavement markings and signage, some are in effect all-day and some are only active during weekday rush hour period(s). Only CTA buses are permitted to use bus only lanes unless they are marked as turning lanes or lanes to be shared bikeways.
Bus Boarding Islands
CDOT worked closely with CTA to develop a variety of bus boarding island designs which enhance bus operations and eliminate bus-bike conflicts at bus stops. These features enable bus operators to pick up and drop off passengers without needing to merge in and out of traffic, or cross into bike lanes at the curbside.
Bus boarding islands will become a regular feature of protected bike lanes along bus routes, with dozens of locations already planned and under design improve the bus riding experience.
Bus Stop Optimization
Relocating a bus stop from the “near side” of an intersection to the “far side” can speed up service -- buses can keep moving after customers have boarded. CDOT and CTA are collaborating on relocating stop location, where feasible, on routes with active infrastructure projects.
Transit Signal Priority (TSP) technology is used on select routes to extend green traffic light phases for buses that are running behind schedule. Buses use wireless equipment to ping traffic singals for priority when approaching an intersection.
Signal timing optimization helps ensure that streets with major bus routes get the appropriate timing at traffic signal and keep traffic flowing. This helps to maintain travel time on key transitways at peak hours.
Queue jump signals are special bus-only signals which give buses a head start from regular traffic at intersections. This streamlines bus merging from curbside service stops and gives transit riders an advantage in heavy traffic.
For more information on Bus Priority Zone signal tools, please visit the CTA website.