HYDE PARK — The Chicago Transit Authority and the University of Chicago reached an agreement Wednesday to continue running four bus routes for the next five years in Hyde Park.
Late last year, both parties were considering eliminating routes 170, 171, 172 and 192 because of the increased cost.
Starting in September, the university will pay the full cost of operating all four routes and be reimbursed any fares CTA collects. Currently, the CTA pays for a quarter of the cost to operate the four bus routes.
“We are pleased that we are able to continue to work with the University of Chicago and provide employees, students, faculty and visitors with reliable and affordable transit options,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool. “Last year CTA provided nearly 1.2 million rides on these University of Chicago routes, and we believe continuing to provide this service benefits the university and the surrounding community.”
Last year, the CTA decided to cut its support for all subsidized routes, which included the four university buses. In December, the university was considering privatizing the routes because of the increased fees demanded by the CTA.
“We believe it is crucial that our faculty, students, staff and neighbors have safe and efficient public transportation around campus and neighboring communities,” said Marlon Lynch, associate vice president for safety and security at the university. “We have spent more than a year working to find the best way to continue providing that service, and are very pleased to have reached this agreement with the CTA.”
The CTA currently charges the university $83.07 per hour to operate each of the bus lines. Representatives from CTA were not immediately able to provide the cost agreed to Wednesday.
