Loop Link Project

Loop Link Project

Speaking from a personal experience, Chicago has one of the better public transport system in the US. It also has a good bus feeder system. But, it needs to integrate both of them. That is where the Loop Link Transitway would come into play. Starting from December 2015, Loop Link aimed at speeding up service between Michigan Avenue and the West Loop on seven CTA routes from the glacial rush-hour average of 3 mph to a modest 6 mph. This was also done with the intention of improving connections between Chicago's neighbourhoods and the jobs and attractions of the central business district.

Yet, they have been some contrarian views upon its start. “Despite those benefits, it's been unclear whether Loop Link has achieved its main goal of doubling bus speeds. In addition to the car-free lanes, time-saving features include fewer stops, raised boarding platforms at the stations (so operators spend less time "kneeling" the bus for people with mobility issues), and white "queue jump" signals that give buses a head start at stoplights” (Chicago Tribune). I would say yes, it has some adjustments to be made. But, let’s not jump the queue yet.

(Image Credits: CTA)