Flix-Greyhound Extends Lease at Chicago Bus Terminal Amid Growing Concerns Over Intercity Bus Stations
From the October issue of the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development's Intercity Bus E-News
Flix, the owner of Greyhound, has announced a month-to-month lease extension at Chicago’s Intercity Bus Terminal, ensuring continued operations beyond the initial October 20 deadline. The temporary solution allows the terminal, which handles four bus lines and serves around 500,000 passengers annually, to remain in use as the company works with stakeholders to secure a long-term facility. The extension provides breathing room for addressing Chicago’s bus terminal challenges, with some advocating for a publicly managed station similar to those in cities like New York and Boston.
Despite this temporary fix, concerns linger about the future of intercity bus services in Chicago and other cities. The High-Speed Rail Alliance has urged the Illinois Department of Transportation to unify bus and rail service planning, aiming to improve coordination and infrastructure. Two bus lines not using the Chicago terminal have raised concerns about inadequate curbside stops offered by the city.
Elsewhere, Dallas’ Greyhound station was purchased by an investor, ensuring its continued use for now. Meanwhile, in Richmond, VA, the central Greyhound station on Arthur Ashe Boulevard is set to close, with services moving to an area near Amtrak’s New Street Station. Philadelphia also faces challenges finding a permanent intercity bus stop, as neighborhood opposition blocked a plan to retrofit a parking garage. Additionally, Cleveland’s Greyhound station is expected to close soon.
As legacy bus lines struggle with station closures, passenger traffic remains strong, leaving local governments searching for solutions. Read more in the October issue of the Chaddick Institute’s Intercity Bus E-News bulletin.
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