CTA Route 36 Stop Closure Prompts Chicago Riders to Adapt

CTA discontinues Route 36 service at Desplaines and Harrison stop effective Tuesday

CTA Cuts Stop on Route 36 in Chicago

Chicago Transit Authority's Route 36 bus no longer stops at Desplaines and Harrison, affecting riders who use the Broadway corridor. The CTA discontinued service to the stop Tuesday, according to a high-severity alert issued by the transit agency. Officials didn't say how many daily riders are affected by the closure or provide ridership data for the location.

Context

Route 36 is one of 127 bus routes operated by the CTA, which carried approximately 239 million bus rides in 2024, according to agency data. The Broadway route runs north-south through multiple Chicago neighborhoods and serves as a major transit corridor. The CTA classified this stop closure as high severity, indicating the agency considers it a significant disruption for affected riders. Officials haven't said whether the closure affects service in one or both directions on the route.

Details

The temporary discontinuation affects only the Desplaines/Harrison stop, transit officials said. Service continues at other stops along the Route 36 corridor. The CTA hasn't provided details about the reason for the service change or whether it's related to construction, safety concerns, or operational adjustments. Officials also didn't specify which nearby stops riders should use as alternatives. The agency hasn't said whether buses will continue to pass the location without stopping or if routes have been modified.

Timeline

The service change took effect Tuesday, but officials haven't announced when service to the stop is expected to resume. The CTA didn't provide a timeline for how long the temporary discontinuation will last or whether the closure could become permanent. Transit agencies typically review temporary service changes periodically, though officials haven't said whether that'll happen in this case.

Impact

Riders who regularly use the Desplaines/Harrison stop should plan alternative routes or use nearby stops, though the CTA hasn't specified which locations are closest. Officials said passengers should check the transit agency's service alerts for updates on when normal operations will return. Moovit provides real-time updates for CTA Route 36 and can help riders identify alternative stops and plan adjusted routes during the service disruption.