Fall 2026 Pick & Service Changes

[TaylorTank1229]

Any word on when the Fall 2026 schedules go into effect, I’m guessing the week of the 23rd since that the week when most schools start back up?

It’s also known that 35, 74 & 85 will be added to the Frequent Network as well in the Fall pick. Any other changes that anyone may be aware of?

[Mr.NewFlyer1279]

Just now, TaylorTank1229 said:

Any word on when the Fall 2026 schedules go into effect, I’m guessing the week of the 23rd since that when most schools start back up?

It’s also known that 35, 74 & 85 will be added to the Frequent Network as well in the Fall pick. Any other changes that anyone may be aware of?

fall pick will be taking effect Sunday August 23rd. 

[Sam92]

1 hour ago, TaylorTank1229 said:

Any word on when the Fall 2026 schedules go into effect, I’m guessing the week of the 23rd since that the week when most schools start back up?

It’s also known that 35, 74 & 85 will be added to the Frequent Network as well in the Fall pick. Any other changes that anyone may be aware of?

Are the FBN additions confirmed this pick? I didn't see anything but it's been awhile since I've been on that page 🧐

[MetroShadow]

On 6/17/2026 at 5:34 AM, YoungBusLover said:

Just to add some more context to the overall changes coming. 

 

3 minutes ago, Sam92 said:

Are the FBN additions confirmed this pick? I didn't see anything but it's been awhile since I've been on that page 🧐

Just to reference the updated sheet...

[TaylorTank1229]

1 hour ago, MetroShadow said:

 

Just to reference the updated sheet...

I got a clearer version. Additionally other than #10 that went into effect this summer and #57 that’ll be going into effect in December. Everything else here is slated for 2027.

[TaylorTank1229]

2 hours ago, Sam92 said:

Are the FBN additions confirmed this pick? I didn't see anything but it's been awhile since I've been on that page 🧐

Yes, they were in included in the RTA’s report for service improvements across CTA, Pace and Metra for 2026. #8 Halsted is confirmed for Winter 2026, likely waiting till the construction at Halsted/Chicago Ave is completed first.

https://www.rtachicago.org/uploads/images/general/Communities/Service-Improvements-2026.pdf

 

[Mr.NewFlyer1279]

11 minutes ago, TaylorTank1229 said:

Yes, they were in included in the RTA’s report for service improvements across CTA, Pace and Metra for 2026. #8 Halsted is confirmed for Winter 2026, likely waiting till the construction at Halsted/Chicago Ave is completed first.

https://www.rtachicago.org/uploads/images/general/Communities/Service-Improvements-2026.pdf

 

for 91 that i know of right now sundays first bus now departs jeff park at 6:00am up from 6:20am 

[TaylorTank1229]

7 minutes ago, Mr.NewFlyer1279 said:

for 91 that i know of right now sundays first bus now departs jeff park at 6:00am up from 6:20am 

If they’re really planning to extend the 91 to 54th/Cermak (which I still think the 85 probably would’ve been the better choice), then adding more service hours makes sense.

[ArcherRider]

I see on CTA alerts than #78 Montrose bus is go down Ashland instead of Clark between Montrose and Wilson.

[Mr.NewFlyer1279]

no announcement on the website yet but service is being expanded early morning on weekends on the 91 Austin.

 

IMG_5073.dng

[Elkmn]

12 hours ago, ArcherRider said:

I see on CTA alerts than #78 Montrose bus is go down Ashland instead of Clark between Montrose and Wilson.

Good! That turn off of clark onto wilson is really tight and there's often cars parked way too close!

[Elkmn]

Oh and there are alerts for 85, 35 and 74 joining the frequent network

[Sam92]

https://www.transitchicago.com/cta-bolsters-frequent-network-with-four-additional-routes-by-end-of-2026/?fbclid=IwT01FWATxRopwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHv42vJmzPU6u8XDjTns571Ryl8EWoQdMJwqikk1HOgPVLI_Z1otE3TpLDICS_aem_XaXPGyNMGgM3nie4FQWoTA

Found this:

The later 74 frequency is much needed. 

Hoping 62 gets added to FBN along with a return of X80.

Halsted joins the network Winter Pick!

[TaylorTank1229]

5 hours ago, Sam92 said:

https://www.transitchicago.com/cta-bolsters-frequent-network-with-four-additional-routes-by-end-of-2026/?fbclid=IwT01FWATxRopwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHv42vJmzPU6u8XDjTns571Ryl8EWoQdMJwqikk1HOgPVLI_Z1otE3TpLDICS_aem_XaXPGyNMGgM3nie4FQWoTA

Found this:

The later 74 frequency is much needed. 

Hoping 62 gets added to FBN along with a return of X80.

Halsted joins the network Winter Pick!

I guess this means extended hours for 37, 50, 156 & 206 will go in effect in the Winter Pick, along with the 57 extension.

Though I am glad that 73 & 76 are finally getting longer hours on the weekends. That’s been needed for years tbh

[Sam92]

26 minutes ago, TaylorTank1229 said:

I guess this means extended hours for 37, 50, 156 & 206 will go in effect in the Winter Pick, along with the 57 extension.

Though I am glad that 73 & 76 are finally getting longer hours on the weekends. That’s been needed for years tbh

You mean 201? I thought 206 only existed because pace couldn't add enough school trippers to 213 to outright cancel it? 

[TaylorTank1229]

3 hours ago, Sam92 said:

You mean 201? I thought 206 only existed because pace couldn't add enough school trippers to 213 to outright cancel it? 

No, I meant the 206 according to the RTA’s official report for 2026 service changes along the whole transportation system.

201 changes is currently slated for 2027.

[Busjack]

3 hours ago, Sam92 said:

You mean 201? I thought 206 only existed because pace couldn't add enough school trippers to 213 to outright cancel it? 

 

11 minutes ago, TaylorTank1229 said:

No, I meant the 206 according to the RTA’s official report for 2026 service changes along the whole transportation system.

201 changes is currently slated for 2027.

206 would make sense only in the sense of maybe after school. @Sam92 is correct that 206 is for ETHS, but was initiated long before the last restructuring that put 208 and the 213 via Church-Dodge trips near ETHS, and eliminated 205. The basic theory was that something had to transport 3000 ETHS students when there wasn't a school bus (see the post on the 75 cent fare), and 93 and 206 got the brunt of it. However, unless something happened recently of which I'm not aware, there is no need for a full-time local circulator, and I remember Jarrett-Walker disliking circulators because, for instance, south of Evanston's Lake St., you would have to go around the circle to get back (suppose if the first trip started at Ridge-Main on a morning trip, to get back, you would need to go to Central and take 201.

....which makes me agree with @Sam92 that unless there is other evidence, it's a typo. Extending hours or days on 201 would make more sense (compare to if the 93 Sunday service or longer hours on 213 are working).

[Busjack]

On 6/14/2025 at 2:30 AM, YoungBusLover said:

Well one thing is for sure and two things are for certain, I do not approve of 77th getting the #39 back from Kedzie. 😂😂😂😂

 

14 hours ago, Busjack said:

 

...

....which makes me agree with @Sam92 that unless there is other evidence, it's a typo. Extending hours or days on 201 would make more sense....

Based on the list previously posted by @YoungBusLover and quoted above, it is 201, and 206 was a typo. (I just remembered the debate over 201.)

[TaylorTank1229]

On 8/18/2026 at 7:24 PM, Busjack said:

 

206 would make sense only in the sense of maybe after school. @Sam92 is correct that 206 is for ETHS, but was initiated long before the last restructuring that put 208 and the 213 via Church-Dodge trips near ETHS, and eliminated 205. The basic theory was that something had to transport 3000 ETHS students when there wasn't a school bus (see the post on the 75 cent fare), and 93 and 206 got the brunt of it. However, unless something happened recently of which I'm not aware, there is no need for a full-time local circulator, and I remember Jarrett-Walker disliking circulators because, for instance, south of Evanston's Lake St., you would have to go around the circle to get back (suppose if the first trip started at Ridge-Main on a morning trip, to get back, you would need to go to Central and take 201.

....which makes me agree with @Sam92 that unless there is other evidence, it's a typo. Extending hours or days on 201 would make more sense (compare to if the 93 Sunday service or longer hours on 213 are working).

Looking back at it now… I suppose that makes sense. 

[wayfaringrob]

Well that feels like a slap in the face. After being on-again, off-again since last year, the supposed “later weekend hours” for the 73 are going to amount to maybe an additional run or two.

[Sam92]

2 hours ago, wayfaringrob said:

Well that feels like a slap in the face. After being on-again, off-again since last year, the supposed “later weekend hours” for the 73 are going to amount to maybe an additional run or two.

I feel like the next goal should be getting a minimum of service till 10:30 on support routes all 7 days and some key routes till at least 1-2am for mobility 🧐

[MetroShadow]

8 minutes ago, Sam92 said:

I feel like the next goal should be getting a minimum of service till 10:30 on support routes all 7 days and some key routes till at least 1-2am for mobility 🧐

Here are CTA's standards (although it's not as robust as I made Pace's standards).

[Sam92]

40 minutes ago, MetroShadow said:

Here are CTA's standards (although it's not as robust as I made Pace's standards).

Hmm I see 6 and 14 traded places compared to the former key route lists. I found standards for frequency in your link but not hours of service span and 84 leaves a lot to be desired in that department for a key route. 

[Rhys Pate]

North Park: it would make sense for the 49B and 201 extensions to occur at the same time, so that Howard Street does not lose service for any period of time. With the 201 being extended to Bryn Mawr Red Line, it will no longer be on Howard Street and will continue south on Ridge Avenue. 201 service on Howard Street will be replaced by the 49B, with the 49B going to Howard Station via Western, Howard, Clark, Rogers, and Howard Station (Paulina). Then, 49B trips from Howard Station will begin via Howard Station (Paulina), Howard, and Western. Likely, the 49B will take the bus stop at Howard Station that the 201 currently uses (between the 97 and the 213).

[Erin Mishkin Jr.]

Another thing not mentioned is that the relief point for the 50 Damen has been changed to Foster & Ashland