Chicago's federally funded pilot program will target some of the city's most congested arteries with new bus-rapid transit lines that will feature dedicated lanes, pre-paid boarding, "next bus" signs, and potentially bicycle sharing.
"CTA bus-only lanes will be built on portions of 79th Street, Chicago Avenue, Halsted Street and Jeffery Boulevard as part of the plan to speed up public transportation and entice commuters from their cars.
In addition, officials said Friday that transit stations will be built at key points along the bus lines, all set up so passengers can pre-pay fares before quickly boarding new hybrid buses through the front and back doors.
The shelters also would feature electronic message boards linked to the CTA's Bus Tracker system, which uses GPS technology to provide riders with information about the locations of buses on routes.
In the longer term, "public bicycles" that commuters could use for free or for a small fee could be available at the stations.
"We are optimistic about decreasing travel times into the places people are trying to go and increasing ridership," said Sarah Kremsner, CTA vice president of performance management.
The details were released after U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters came to Chicago last week to sign an agreement with Mayor Richard Daley to provide $153 million in federal funds. The pilot project is geared toward reversing the traffic chokehold on Chicago, which ranks No. 2 in the nation for roadway gridlock."
FULL STORY: Officials choose 79th, Chicago, Halsted and Jeffery for bus-only lanes pilot program
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