Chicago Greyhound Station Faces Uncertain Future Amid Temporary Lease
The future of the Chicago Greyhound station, a crucial hub for intercity travel located at 630 W. Harrison Street, remains uncertain as the bus company recently secured a temporary, month-to-month lease extension. Greyhound, purchased by German-based FlixMobility in 2021, did not retain ownership of its physical stations sold to separate buyers. The Chicago terminal was acquired by a private real estate company with plans to sell the property, leading to ongoing uncertainty about the station’s long-term viability.
In recent months, Greyhound has been steadily losing access to its stations across the U.S. as leases expire, leading to significant disruptions for passengers and local communities. Greyhound has been forced to operate from curbside locations in many cities without dedicated terminals, leaving travelers without indoor shelters and causing confusion about where to board and disembark. This shift has created challenges for passengers, especially regarding safety and accessibility, impacting the neighborhoods around these makeshift bus stops.
This terminal, which serves Greyhound, FlixBus, Burlington Trailways, and Barons Bus, plays a key role in Chicago’s transportation network. Its closure could leave thousands of travelers, especially those relying on affordable transportation, with fewer options for intercity travel across the Midwest and beyond.
In October 2024, just days before the original lease expired, Greyhound’s parent company, Flix, managed to secure a month-to-month extension, temporarily avoiding immediate displacement. A Flix spokesperson confirmed with NBC Chicago that the company is exploring long-term solutions but has not disclosed how long they intend to stay at the current location or what specific alternatives are under consideration. While this temporary lease ensures continued service at the West Loop station, the company continues to work on other potential options for its operations in the city.
Meanwhile, a temporary terminal location has been proposed at 20th and Michigan Avenue, allowing Greyhound and other bus lines to continue service. However, this interim solution lacks the amenities and central connectivity of the current station, raising concerns among travelers. The temporary site may present challenges in terms of accessibility, particularly for out-of-town visitors and those unfamiliar with the area.
Adding to the situation’s complexity, transportation advocates like the High-Speed Rail Alliance are calling on the state to establish a more integrated and comprehensive solution. They suggest creating an intercity bus program within the Illinois Department of Transportation’s rail division. This program could better coordinate bus services with existing train networks, providing a more seamless and efficient public transit system.
As Chicago’s Greyhound station faces an uncertain future, the city and state must prioritize finding long-term solutions to maintain critical transportation links. Whether through state intervention or private initiatives, ensuring continued access to affordable intercity bus travel is essential for Chicago’s residents and visitors.
Feature image “Greyhound Bus Champaign Urbana IL.” by Loco Steve is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
