America’s Greyhound bus stations are disappearing

Chicago, the country’s third-biggest city, is on the verge of losing its only intercity bus terminal, jeopardizing bus routes across the country and threatening access for low-income, elderly and minority travelers with few other transportation options.

Chicago, America’s third-biggest city, is on the verge of losing its only intercity bus terminal, jeopardizing access for many low-income, elderly and minority travelers with few other transportation options. It’s part of a nationwide trend. Greyhound’s lease for its terminal in Chicago expires next month. Not only would that mean Greyhound could leave the city, but FlixBus, Barons, Burlington Trailways and other lines that also operate from the terminal could be forced to leave as well. A representative for Greyhound told CNN that there are no proposals for a lease extension. The city, which regulates curbside pickup and drop-off locations, told CNN that it is looking for alternative options for facilities. Both Greyhound and city leaders say they are committed to finding a solution. “Intercity bus service is critically important for so many people,” said Chicago Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, who has worked to save the station. If the terminal closes, Chicago will be the single largest city in the Northern Hemisphere without an intercity bus terminal, according to DePaul University professor Joseph Schwieterman and researchers at the school’s Chaddick Institute of Metropolitan Development. The terminal serves more than 500,000 passengers annually, the Chaddick Institute estimates. Although a broad range of people take intercity buses, 73% of Greyhound passengers in Chicago earn less than $50,000 annually and more than half are Black, according to the company. Roughly three-quarters are minority riders. Allen James Henry, Jr. arrived in Chicago last week by bus from Sikeston, Missouri, a small town about 150 miles south of St. Louis. The Chicago terminal gave him a place to wait during a five-hour layover before another bus to Iowa. Then it was off to Denver. To him, the station isn’t just a place to rest – it’s a matter of dignity.