CTA promises quick links for commuters

Changes to where Metra commuters catch Chicago buses and how they get around the Loop by bus are coming this spring.

A new "Loop Link" program intended to get buses through downtown faster and an updated Chicago Transit Authority bus terminal at Union Station were announced by the CTA Monday.

The Loop Link is intended to eliminate bottlenecks by creating designated lanes for buses, cars and bikes. It will be located on Madison, Washington, Canal and Clinton streets. Bus lanes will be painted red, and riders will board from sheltered, raised platforms.

Cars and trucks will get two designated lanes.

Work will start in mid-March and is set to finish by the end of the year. Lane closures will occur incrementally as various sections of the upgrade are done, and drivers are advised to expect delays.

Other features include screens keeping track of bus arrival times, seating at bus stops and traffic signal synchronization to move buses expeditiously through intersections.

CTA President Forrest Claypool said the improvements should provide faster and more reliable service through the Loop.

The routes affected by the project include buses that travel to and from Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, Navy Pier, the United Center, the Water Tower and Millennium Park.

Construction of the Union Station Transit Center starts this spring. The off-street boarding center will be south of Jackson Street between Canal and Clinton streets. It will connect with Union Station and offer a sheltered area to catch buses. Completion is expected in spring of 2016.