The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced the launch of the Frequent Network, a service initiative that will provide bus arrivals every 10 minutes or less on 20 routes across the city.
The service will operate between 6 am and 9 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 9 pm on weekends, starting from 23 March 2025.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson 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. 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. This is an investment in our residents' opportunities to thrive and experience everything our great city has to offer.
Throughout 2025, service will be added to the 20 identified routes to maintain the 10-minute frequency standard. The initiative is expected to result in the highest levels of scheduled bus services since 2010, when funding constraints led to service reductions.
The first phase, launching in spring, will bring 35% of the population within half a mile of a Frequent Network route. Once the full programme is implemented by the end of the year, 70% of the CTA service area will have access to a high-frequency route.
Phase one will impact eight bus routes: 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.
CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen said: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. This is just one example of how strong transit funding availability allows us to provide the level of service our customers want to see.
The Frequent Network is based on findings from CTA’s Bus Vision Framing Report, which examined service patterns and identified areas for improvement, particularly during off-peak hours.
The next stage of the Bus Vision Project will invite public feedback on aspects such as service frequency, operating hours, and route design.
Amy Rynell, Executive Director of the Active Transportation Alliance said:Buses are the backbone of our public transit system, and CTA's decision to boost service frequency on key routes is a vital step forward. We're thrilled to see CTA delivering on what riders are asking for: more frequent and reliable bus service. This move could make public transportation a more viable choice for many thousands while helping build a more equitable, sustainable future for our city.
In 2024, CTA restored its bus network to pre-pandemic service levels with adjustments to reflect changing travel patterns. The Frequent Network is part of broader efforts to align services with passenger needs. Further expansions are planned for later in 2025, including additional bus routes and the introduction of a Frequent Network for rail services.
