BRIDGEPORT — The CTA has authorized an extension of the 31st Street bus pilot program through March.
The bus operates from the Ashland Orange Line station to 33rd Street and King Drive. It was shut down in 1997 due to low ridership but neighborhood advocates pushed for its reinstatement, and the CTA started a pilot program in September to see if it would attract enough ridership to be brought back permanently.
In March, the pilot program was extended for six more months.
During a monthly meeting Wednesday, the CTA board discussed possible ways to boost ridership on the line through more advertising with churches and a possible partnership with the White Sox.
The bus operates from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays with a target ridership of roughly 830 riders, according to the CTA. In the past, the limited service schedule has generated a lot of criticism from advocates for the bus.
In March, the CTA will decide whether to make the service permanent.
