Greyhound Expands Midwest Service Through Gary Amid Chicago Terminal Uncertainty
Greyhound Lines has made key schedule changes in the Midwest, increasing service through Gary, IN. This comes in anticipation of the potential closure of the Chicago Intercity Bus Terminal, whose lease expires in October. If the lease is not extended, four bus lines may have to vacate as early as September 20. The changes made by Greyhound could ease the transition by offering new itineraries with transfers in Gary, should Chicago’s terminal close and its bus services shift to curbside stops.
Gary’s Adam Benjamin Metro Center has become a focal point in these changes. This transit hub includes a small waiting room and Greyhound ticket counter and is now part of several key routes. Greyhound has added Gary to its routes from Chicago to destinations such as Detroit, Lexington, and the East Coast via Cleveland. Additionally, Gary is now an intermediate stop for buses heading to Davenport, IA, Des Moines, and St. Louis. Due to the added mileage, these changes have sometimes increased travel time by up to an hour.
Greyhound has also adjusted routes to increase the number of buses passing through Gary. Currently, the station sees about 25 daily operations, a significant jump from the previous 12 in August. Meanwhile, other carriers like FlixBus and Burlington Trailways have yet to add Gary as a stop, though FlixBus uses Chicago’s 95th Street transit station.
These proactive adjustments by Greyhound come amid growing concerns about Chicago’s future as a bus hub, with potential service cuts and facility downgrades looming if the terminal closes. Greyhound has not publicly commented on the Gary expansion, but schedule changes suggest the company is preparing for a fluid situation as the October lease deadline approaches.
DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute’s latest E-News issue explores how these changes impact key Midwest routes, adding Gary as a hub for transfers to cities like Detroit, Lexington, and St. Louis. With Chicago’s terminal lease expiring soon, Greyhound’s adjustments position Gary as an alternative transfer point. The E-News provides a detailed analysis of schedule shifts and their implications for passengers. Read the full issue for comprehensive insights on this evolving situation.
Feature photo: Chicago Greyhound Station by Jeramey Jannene, CC by 2.0
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