Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) have announced the completion of accessibility improvements at over 100 bus stops across the city in 2024. Since 2022, upgrades have been made to 200 bus stops as part of a broader initiative to enhance access for transit users, particularly those using wheelchairs, strollers, or other mobility devices.

"By making it easier and more accessible to reach transit and board a bus, we’re making public transportation a viable choice for more Chicagoans," said CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney. He added that CDOT will continue collaborating with CTA to expand these improvements.

"Our bus network provides accessible transit to every corner of the city, and I am grateful to the City’s commitment to improving access to this network," stated CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr.

The selection of upgraded bus stops was guided by a data-driven process focusing on maximizing impact. Factors considered included the Mobility and Economic Hardship Index, frequency of ramp deployments at bus stops, and proximity to hospitals with high ridership trends.

Infrastructure improvements vary depending on existing conditions at each stop. At locations with grass parkways, concrete pads are added adjacent to curbs for accessible landings. Other sites may require significant work like curb adjustments for accessibility.

Accessibility is also integrated into other CDOT projects such as arterial resurfacing and streetscape improvements. The Better Streets for Buses plan guides efforts to prioritize transit and enhance service citywide.

Highlights from 2024 include 65 new in-lane bus stops featuring bump outs or boarding islands for safe boarding without leaving travel lanes. This setup also reduces conflicts between buses and bikes on routes with bike lanes.

In August 2022, CTA introduced tactile bus stop signs at over 3,000 stops along city routes. These signs assist riders who are blind or have low vision by featuring "BUS STOP" in Braille and raised typeface.

Although not required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, these tactile signs reflect CTA's commitment to addressing transportation barriers. They complement the All Station Accessibility Program aimed at making all rail stations accessible by 2038.

Safety enhancements were also made at 400 intersections with features like shortened pedestrian crossings and raised crosswalks improving safety near bus stops. In Chicago, most residents walk half a mile or less to reach their nearest bus stop.