Local Circulator Bus

While Evanston has plentiful north-south transit options, many neighborhoods are far from rail stations, and east-west connectivity is often lacking. A frequent bus service running in a loop through all nine of Evanston’s wards would link key neighborhoods, schools, rail stations, and shopping districts directly. Trips that currently require multiple transfers or long detours using existing bus routes, would become simple one-seat rides, providing a viable alternative to driving.

Not only a benefit for commuters trying to reach CTA or Metra stations without using a car, the local bus circulator would provide essential mobility for students, seniors, and service workers who need to travel within Evanston outside of traditional 9-to-5 commuting hours. By making local transit convenient and reliable, traffic and parking congestion would be alleviated. All of Evanston’s business districts would be connected, as well as City Hall, Robert Crown, Prieto Center, and other major destinations.

Many nearby communities offer similar services which could be used as a model, including Niles and Rosemont. The existing #206 "Evanston Circulator" bus operates with very limited hours and frequency, making it an unreliable option for most trips. This service could either be modified, or replaced outright by a local circulator bus.