The Chicago Transit Authority said it will launch “Frequent Network” bus service that will arrive every 10 minutes or sooner beginning later this month.
Buses on eight routes will arrive every 10 minutes or sooner between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends beginning March 23, CTA said in a press release.
The first routes to be part of the network are J14 Jeffery Jump; #34 South Michigan; #47 47th Street; #54 Cicero; #60 Blue Island/26th; #63 63rd Street; #79 79th Street; and #95 95th Street.
The program is expected to increase service by at least 25% on the J14, #34, #47, #60, and #95 routes, the transit agency said.
The service will be added to another 12 routes and by the end of the year, the CTA said.
“A reliable and equitable public transit system is key to building strong communities, and we are committed to increasing Chicagoans’ access to the CTA so they can get to wherever they need to go,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a news release. “We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Frequent Network and fulfill the promise of increasing CTA bus service, especially for those who need it most.”
The routes included in the network are expected to see the highest levels of scheduled service since 2010, the agency said. By the end of 2025, 70% of the CTA service area is expected to be within a half mile of a frequent bus route.
“This improvement in frequency is a transformative investment in our bus service and brings 10-minute or better service within a short walk of 2.3 million residents in our area all day, every day,” acting CTA President Nora Leerhsen said in a statement.