Chicago Bus Rapid Transit Improving Transportation in Chicago

Chicago Bus Rapid Transit

Improving Transportation in Chicago is Making the Most of Every Option • Pedestrians – Countdown Signals, Safety Improvements • Cyclists – Bike Sharing, Innovative and New Bikeways, Expand Parking • Motorists – Use technology to improve Signal Timing and Traveler Info • Freight Rail – CREATE Program to improve efficiency • Transit – Rebuild systems, Improve Access, Implement Bus Rapid Transit

Chicago is Committed to BRT Mayor Emanuel and Chicago are committed to BRT • The Mayor campaigned to “add this service to the arsenal of transportation options currently available to all Chicagoans with a goal of using BRT to connect the City’s rail lines and neighborhoods” • Mayoral transition plan calls for full BRT pilot completed within 2 -3 years

Why BRT in Chicago ? • Not all neighborhoods equally served by premium transit service • 26% of Chicago households do not own a car (transit dependent) • BRT most cost effective way to increase service quality for all, regardless of economic status – particularly during hard economic times • Shifting commuters from car to bus relieves congestion on arterials and downtown streets Western Ave ADTs

Chicago’s BRT Advantages • Existing high bus ridership and patronage; well-established rail network to anchor bus network • Existing articulated bus fleet • Traffic Signal Priority already started on Western Avenue, with CMAQ-funded expansion scheduled in 2012 • Automated traffic enforcement experience • Bus and Train Tracker systems already in place with plans for expansion to bus shelters • Upcoming Open Fare system will provide opportunity for more experimentation with payment methods and enforcement • Wide support from civic groups and other agencies

Chicago BRT Implementation Central Loop Transit Corridor Provides access via Washington and Madison between Union Station, North Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier (the State’s most popular tourist destination) Western Corridor Western and Ashland Avenues Western is Chicago’s longest, continuous thoroughfare connecting the far south side with the far north side. Multiple rail connections. Jeffery Boulevard Chicago’s first BRT – opening in late 2012. Provides access to CBD from south side via Lake Shore Drive Fully funded with Federal grant

Chicago Proposed BRT Network Central Loop BRT Western Corridor BRT Jeffery BRT These three BRT projects are part of a larger proposed BRT network. These proposed investments build onto and enhance Chicago’s robust rail network and lakefront express bus routes.

Central Loop BRT Overview • Will enhance existing bus lanes ü improved engineering ü enforcement of bus lanes • Customer amenities and an off-street bus terminal at Union Station • Funded through $25 M Federal grant • Construction in 2013, opening in 2014

Central Loop BRT Scope • Two Miles of Bus Priority Lanes ü Madison-Washington one-way pair ü Canal-Clinton one-way pair ü Video enforcement of bus-only use • Branded, Enhanced Bus Service ü Rail terminals to/from N. Michigan Ave. & Navy Pier ü Enhanced Decaux shelters under consideration ü Video screens with Bus. Tracker and other travel info • Transportation Center at Union Station ü Serves CTA buses and private shuttles ü Uses existing pedway under Jackson • Improvements for Pedestrians & Cyclists ü e. g. , Bike lanes on Madison, Washington

Central Loop BRT

Central Loop BRT Transportation Center at Union Station (conceptual design, Union Station at right)

Western Corridor BRT Market Western & Ashland Avenues Provides cross-town, non-CBD trips Multiple connections to CTA and Metra rail network Serves Illinois Medical District (IMD) Existing High Ridership Corridors connect various communities of diverse economic and ethnic backgrounds Corridor Ridership Average Weekday Average Saturday Average Sunday Western 29, 388 20, 752 13, 786 Ashland 30, 941 23, 026 16, 269

Western Corridor BRT Implementation & Funding • Federal grant received for Alternatives Analysis to study improvements on two north-south arterials: Western and Ashland Avenues • Traditional Federal “Small Start” or “New Start” grant process – if awarded – would take many years to implement • Other strategies are needed to implement BRT investments sooner, to provide more immediate results and to showcase BRT benefits üPublic-Private Partnerships üPhased Implementation

Western Corridor BRT Opportunity: 80% of the Bang for 20% of the Buck? • Avoid lengthy process – results sooner rather than later Dedicated lanes Automated enforcement Bus. Tracker Limited stops • Focus on treatments throughout corridor that are less capital-intensive • Focus on “pinch-points” • Quick-hit, low cost, yet visible and effective Distinctive Buses Distinctive Shelters • New De. Caux design • Raised boarding platforms • Information Kiosks Transit signal • Priority (CMAQ funded) • Queue jumps Pre-paid fare pilot Bumpouts Bus pads

Chicago Bus Rapid Transit Thank you

Chicago’s BRT Advantages • Existing high bus ridership and patronage; well-established rail network to anchor bus network • Existing articulated bus fleet • Traffic Signal Priority already started on Western Avenue, with CMAQ-funded expansion scheduled in 2012 • Automated traffic enforcement experience • Bus and Train Tracker systems already in place; plans for expansion to bus shelters • Upcoming Open Fare system will provide opportunity for more experimentation with payment methods and enforcement DDOT Multi-modal Display • Wide support from civic groups and other agencies