Chicago Route 124 Expands Morning Service Options
CTA Route 124 begins earlier weekday service to Navy Pier and Union Station as of January 13
CTA Route 124 Adds Earlier Weekday Trips
Chicago's Route 124 Navy Pier now starts weekday service earlier, giving commuters more options for morning travel. The Chicago Transit Authority implemented the schedule change January 13, transit officials said. The enhancement serves riders heading to downtown jobs, Navy Pier, and Union Station during early morning hours, though officials haven't specified exact new departure times.
Background on Route 124 Service
Route 124 connects Navy Pier to Union Station via Michigan Avenue, serving major tourist and commuter destinations in downtown Chicago. The route is one of 129 bus lines operated by the CTA, which serves Chicago and 40 surrounding suburbs. Transit officials said the earlier service is part of ongoing efforts to restore and optimize service following pandemic-related reductions. The agency hasn't released projections for how the earlier service will impact ridership on the route.
Service Enhancement Details
The CTA announced the service enhancement through its travel alert system on January 9. Officials directed riders to check the complete schedule on the agency's website for specific departure times but didn't provide those details in the announcement. The agency hasn't released information about how many additional trips were added or operational costs associated with the enhancement. Transit officials said the change aims to better serve passengers who need to start their day earlier for work, school, or other commitments.
Implementation Timeline
The earlier weekday service began Monday, January 13, according to the transit agency. Officials didn't announce the change with significant advance notice, posting the alert just four days before implementation. The CTA typically announces minor service changes through its travel alert system without formal press releases or board approval. Weekend and holiday schedules for Route 124 weren't affected by the change.
Impact on Riders
The earlier departures give commuters more flexibility for morning travel to downtown Chicago destinations. Riders can find complete schedule information and real-time updates through Moovit, which provides current departure times and service alerts for all CTA routes. The CTA serves an average of 1.1 million riders on weekdays across its bus and rail system.
