Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city, is poised to lose its only intercity bus terminal, which jeopardises access for many low-income, elderly, and minority travellers.
This trend extends nationwide as Greyhound, along with other bus services, faces closures and relocations, impacting countless passengers who rely on these terminals.
Threatened Access and Community Impact
Chicago is on the verge of losing its sole intercity bus terminal. This change not only impacts Greyhound but also other bus lines operating from the terminal, such as FlixBus and Burlington Trailways. Greyhound’s lease on the terminal is expiring soon, and there are no proposals for a lease extension, leaving many searching for alternative solutions.
With the potential closure, Chicago could become the largest city in the Northern Hemisphere without an intercity bus terminal. This terminal serves over 500,000 passengers annually. Greyhound statistics reveal that 73% of its Chicago passengers earn under $50,000 annually, with a significant proportion being minority travellers.
Importance of Intercity Bus Services
The interconnected web of bus routes, facilitated by terminals like Chicago’s, enables passengers to travel between thousands of stops with a single ticket. Closing the terminal threatens this comprehensive network, resulting in potential service cuts for routes that require Chicago transfers.
Curbside services fail to replace the facilities provided by dedicated terminals. These terminals offer essential services like restrooms, protection from harsh weather, and food options, which curbside alternatives cannot match. Late-night or early-morning commuters, especially with long layovers, would lack a safe and comfortable waiting area.
Real-life Impacts and Community Responses
Allan James Henry, Jr. highlighted the necessity of having an indoor terminal, describing it as a matter of dignity for travellers. Waiting on the street for long periods, he asserted, treats bus passengers disrespectfully.
Max Kay, another commuter, stressed that bus travel remains cost-effective compared to flying, despite potential inconveniences from the terminal closures. He elaborated on the added comfort and facilities provided by the indoor stations, which he believes are irreplaceable.
Several advocacy groups, including those focused on transportation, environmental issues, and disability rights, have warned against the severe impacts of losing the terminal. These groups have publicly urged the local government to find a sustainable solution.
Historical Decline of Bus Terminals
The United States has seen a significant decline in intercity bus services over recent decades. According to the Chaddick Institute, the country lost nearly a third of its intercity bus service between 1960 and 1980, with over half of the remaining services disappearing between 1980 and 2006.
Recent years have witnessed the closures of several downtown bus depots in cities like Houston, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati. These closures often force companies to shift to less accessible curbside services or eliminate routes entirely, leaving many passengers without viable options.
Corporate Decisions and Their Impacts
Greyhound’s sale of its terminals to investors has exacerbated the crisis. In Chicago and other cities, Greyhound no longer owns significant terminals, having sold many to investment firms for redevelopment.
The new owners often prioritise lucrative redevelopment projects over maintaining essential transportation hubs. This trend has heightened the existential threat facing intercity bus services. Greyhound’s parent company has acknowledged the importance of these buses for the community but has struggled to negotiate with the new property owners.
Calls for Government Intervention
Advocates have suggested that intercity bus services should be treated as a public utility, necessitating greater involvement from state and federal governments. They argue that current reliance on private companies has led to underinvestment in this vital public service, especially for low-income passengers.
Chicago Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, among others, has called for a publicly owned bus terminal connected to local transit systems. He pointed to examples like Milwaukee and Boston, which have successfully integrated municipal bus terminals with train stations, suggesting that Chicago could follow similar models.
Potential Solutions and the Way Forward
There are promising models for new bus terminals, such as the recently opened terminal in Atlanta. This facility, supported by state and federal funding, offers a dedicated space for intercity buses and connects with local public transit. Advocates believe Chicago could benefit from a similar approach.
The ultimate goal, according to Ramirez-Rosa and other leaders, is to establish a public intercity bus terminal. This would modernise the service to match international standards, improving the travel experience for all commuters.
The potential closure of Chicago’s intercity bus terminal signifies a critical juncture for public transportation in America.
A concerted effort from both governmental bodies and private companies is essential to ensure that these vital services remain accessible to all. The stakes are particularly high for vulnerable groups who rely on these services for affordable and reliable transport.
