- Published: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 09:11 PM
Senate Transportation Chairman Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) was pleased to hear the Chicago Transit Board approved an extension of experimental bus service on the #35 31st/35th bus route through October 16, 2013, specifically service that includes 31st Street between Kedzie and Cicero avenues in the senator's district. The extension will allow CTA more time to determine whether the route extension should be permanent.
"This bus route is absolutely necessity for seniors, students and residents,” said Sandoval. “Access to public transportation is essential to improve the quality of life in Little Village. This bus route must remain permanent.”
“We’re committed to continuing to study this trial service on the #35 and better understand the transportation needs of this area,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool.
Senator Sandoval was instrumental in the initial 180-day experiment that began in September 2012. The Board’s action retroactively approved a 48-day extension added to the original 180-day experiment for a total of 228 days of testing; and it also approves a second 180-day trial of the route extension to begin effective immediately.
The trial service is expected to cost CTA $1.2 million for the full year of operation and will be paid for with federal funds from a Job Access Reverse Commute grant along with local matching funds, which are part of CTA’s annual operating budget.