CTA plans to close Blue Line branch

Citing low ridership, the Chicago Transit Authority says it plans to halt rapid transit train service on the 54th/Cermak branch of the Blue Line, which runs west to Cicero.

CTA president Ron Huberman said Wednesday the elimination of the Blue Line branch, which starts April 27, is part of a six-month experiment to reallocate West Side transit service. Huberman said extra service will be added to the Green Line and the other two branches of the Blue Line.

Pink Line trains will cover most of the 54th/Cermak route. But riders who use the 54th/Cermak to go to Racine, Clinton, or UIC-Halsted stops will have to either use the Forest Park branch of the Blue Line instead or take a bus from the Polk stop.