Your nearest bus route could be getting a facelift, courtesy of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).
The CTA has announced a plan to expand bus service citywide, including new additions to its Frequent Network program.
Here’s a look at which routes are impacted and what it means for your daily commute.
CTA increasing bus service, adding Frequent Network routes
Beginning Sunday, August 23, the CTA will increase service across 10 citywide bus routes, with three of those routes being added to the Frequent Network, according to a release.
The Frequent Network is an initiative that promises buses every 10 minutes or less along select routes from 6 a.m. through 9 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. through 9 p.m. on weekends.
Frequent Network buses also provided riders with easy access to Metra and Pace transfers.
The three bus routes which will now fall within the Frequent Network include the following:
- #35 31st/35th – 40% increase in weekday service.
- #74 Fullerton – 20% increase in weekday service, up to 50% increase on weekends.
- #85 Central – 30% more weekday service, 40% increase on Saturdays, 50% increase Sundays and holidays.
Additionally, the CTA will also boost service across the following routes:
- #3 King Drive
- #44 Wallace/Racine
- #70 Division
- #74 Fullerton
- #73 Armitage
- #76 Diversey
- #91 Austin
The service upgrades are made possible by the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act which was passed in late 2025.
The funding plan allocated $1.5 billion in new annual funding for the CTA, Metra, and Pace.
Learn more about the new bus upgrades and other CTA initiatives here.
