CTA Adjusts Lake Shore Drive Bus Stop Access
CTA eliminates Stratford stop for three lakefront bus routes starting April 16
CTA Cuts Bus Stop on Inner Lake Shore Drive
Chicago Transit Authority riders who use three bus routes along Inner Lake Shore Drive will need to walk to different stops starting April 16. The CTA announced Thursday it'll eliminate the Stratford stop for routes 135, 146, and 151 in both directions, affecting commuters who rely on the lakefront corridor. Officials haven't said when or if the stop might return.
Context and Background
The change affects the 135 Clarendon/LaSalle Express, 146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express, and 151 Sheridan routes that serve Chicago's lakefront neighborhoods. Transit officials classified the modification as a bus stop note, indicating it's a location-specific change rather than a broader service adjustment. The CTA typically makes stop eliminations to improve travel times, address low ridership, or resolve operational issues, though officials didn't specify the reason for this particular change. The duration is listed as to be determined, meaning the stop closure could be temporary or permanent.
Key Details
Southbound riders will need to use alternative stops at Inner Lake Shore Drive and Cornelia or Inner Lake Shore Drive and Roscoe, officials said. Northbound passengers should board at Inner Lake Shore Drive and Cornelia or Inner Lake Shore Drive and Hawthorne instead. The Cornelia stop serves as the primary replacement in both directions, located approximately one block south of the eliminated Stratford stop. Officials advised passengers to plan trips accordingly and allow extra time to reach the new boarding locations, though they didn't provide specific walking distance estimates between the stops.
Timeline and Implementation
The stop elimination takes effect Thursday, April 16, 2026, the CTA confirmed. Officials haven't announced whether the change is temporary or permanent, listing the duration as to be determined. The agency didn't say whether it'll provide advance signage at the Stratford location or how it'll notify riders who regularly use that stop.
Rider Impact and Information
Passengers who regularly board at Stratford will need to walk one block in either direction to reach alternative stops starting mid-April. The change could add several minutes to trip times for riders with mobility challenges or those carrying heavy items. For questions, riders can contact CTA customer service at 1-888-YOUR-CTA. Moovit provides real-time bus locations and alternative route options for CTA riders adjusting to the stop change.
