31st Street Bus Scrapbook

Bridgeport Alliance made the news last week when we turned out at a Chicago Transit Authority meeting to demand better bus coverage.  Curious?  You've come to the right blog.  We got coverage in a number of important news outlets.  Check out CBS Chicago here, the Chicago Tribune here, and the Chicago Sun-Times here.

CTA: Will you help Bridgeport?

Diana.

 The folks at First Lutheran Church of the Trinity in Bridgeport think the 31^st St. Bus is a great idea.  In fact, they want more of it.  More hours, a longer route, and especially access to the beach. 

Folks remember this bus from way back.  Diana, in fact, used to take it when she was a lifeguard at the 31^st St. Beach.  Now, she says, “I wish it came on the weekends.  I wish it ran for the summer months, for the kids.”  The proposed route provides only weekday service and will likely run from September to February. 

Eva, who was visiting the weekly clothing and food pantry at the church, thinks the bus would be great for the economy of Bridgeport—and beyond. ““I’m lucky, I live on 35^th . . . , but sometimes I happen to be over here [because of] the park or the store. . . . The college kids would probably need it to go from the college to the store. Or to go to Midway [via the Orange Line].”

Eva and daughter Anjeli.

The bus might be more help to the community without its current proposed hours, however, which stretch from 10am to 7pm.  Linda, another Bridgeporter who remembers the old route, says, “I remember, a long time ago, they used to have it.  I used to catch it all the time. . . . When I was, like, 16, 17 years old.  I used to work for the Jewel on the corner here [of Halsted and 31^st].”  But could today’s teenager working at Cermak produce or Walgreen’s fit a busy work/school schedule into these nine awkwardly timed hours of bus service?

But the really resounding desire, on this sticky day in July, is for an extended route that goes all the way to the 31^st St. Beach.  All three women agree on the biggest failure of the route. Says Linda, “Summer, winter, sometimes people just want to go to the lake.  Instead of walking. . . . Some elderly people can’t drive, you know? . . . It’s hard for the elderly people.  It’s hard for them.  It would be nice for them to have a bus to ride.” 

Linda.

But perhaps Linda sums it up best: “They should start thinking more within the community, what the people really need.”

Chicago Transit Authority, will you help Bridgeport get what it needs?

Want to get involved in the campaign for better public transportation in Bridgeport?  Here's what you can do:

• Attend a Bridgeport Alliance general meeting on last Thursdays at 7pm at First Trinity's Community Hall.
• Call 11th Ward Patrick Daley Thompson at (773) 254-667.
• Or just e-mail Bridgeport Alliance at BridgeportAlliance@gmail.com!
  
  Article by Theresa Rothschadl, photographs by Brendan Brown. 

Press Release - Bridgeport, Chinatown Community Groups Continue to Push for 31st Street Bus, Address CTA Board

**FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE**

June 28, 7:30AM

Monday evening, Jun 27, members of Bridgeport Alliance and Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community met with 11th Ward Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson, requesting that he sign on to a letter addressed to Dorval Carter, president of the Chicago Transit Authority, and the CTA Board.

The letter [attached] expresses gratitude that the years of work community groups put into lobbying for the restored route paid off, but disappointment that the six month pilot route (first expected to be a 12 month pilot) is lacking in morning commute hours, evening access, and access to the beach, leaving stranded seniors, students, and other active and potentially active community members.  

Upon interview, emphasizing the need for a full bus route, Debbie Liu, Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community, noted “31st St has changed in the two decades since the original CTA bus #31 has been axed. The demographics of the neighborhoods have changed and more Asian Americans who often are first generation immigrants and may be low-income (and seniors!) have settled in the area. Additionally, there is a trend of people are choosing not to own cars, creating a need for good, reliable public transportation options. The current ‘approved’ bus route is inadequate and will not serve the morning rush hour, the late nights, the weekends and is falling short of our expectations as it does not go to Museum Campus nor Mercy Hospital. We have hopes that we can come to a consensus with elected officials and city agencies to create a bus route and schedule that works for everyone.”

Esau Chavez, an IIT student, noted “I need the 31st street bus route to be better serviced as a resident of the southwest side to better connect me with my university; and as a student to open up shopping and leisure opportunities along the 31st street corridor.”

Benjamin Huey, Bridgeport Alliance member, and Rev. Tom Gaulke, pastor at First Trinity Lutheran Church noted that with the current proposal, people can still not get to church, to meditation, to bible study, or to morning worship services, as the route will not begin until 10AM. 

Quade Gallagher, Co-Chair of Bridgeport Alliance along with Suzanne Goebel, expressed that "the bus is essential for folks looking to move around the neighborhood easily and safely, to get to work, to get to essential services and public amenities. Bridgeport Alliance has made this very clear to Alderman Thompson and we look forward to his continued to support of our campaign and our community."

State Representative elect, Theresa Mah, signed onto the letter earlier this week, and the group is hopeful the the Alderman will sign on this afternoon, after review. 

"I'm excited about working with the Alderman to ensure the needs of the community are met, and we get a bus that will get me and my neighbors to work, play, the beach, hospitals,” said Brian Cerullo, BA member, and Bridgeport resident and enthusiast. 

The group plans to mail the letter to President Carter and the CTA, and to deliver it person, with their officials, at the next board meeting, July 13, 10AM, 567 W. Lake St. 

Here Comes the Bus!

Bridgeport Alliance is proud to announce that its efforts have been met with partial success!  As announced by Alderman Patrick Thompson earlier today, the Chicago Transit Authority has agreed to reinstate the 31 bus line on an experimental basis.  

This victory comes after three years of work by Bridgeport Alliance, which has organized many meetings and events to both raise awareness and push decision makers to reinstate the 31st Street route.  Our 2014 lobbying trip to Congressman Dan Lipinki’s front door—we found him gardening—was particularly spirited.  See our photo petition here and our Bike and Rolls along the route here.  

Recently, building an alliance with North Side activists by forming the CTA31/CTA11 Crosstown Bus Coalition was particularly powerful.  The support of Aldermen Patrick Thompson (11th Ward), Ameya Pawar (47th Ward), and Michele Smith (43rd Ward) has also been pivotal.  

Stay tuned for more information about a celebratory party!

We would like to thank the Crosstown Coalition, the aldermen, and the Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community for being our staunch allies.  Especially, thank you, people of Bridgeport and Chinatown, for your fighting spirit.

Information on the specifics of the pilot route is incomplete, so let’s keep up the activism!  Please check back to our blog for more on this exciting development in the coming days. 

PLEASE RIDE THE 31ST STREET BUS!

For a DNAinfo article, click here.

North and South Sides unite for better busing!

The CTA31/CTA11 Crosstown Bus Coalition has made waves!  Riding a rising tide of support, the group—made up of allied activists from the 11th and 47th Wards—packed the house at the Chicago Transit Authority’s October 14th board meeting.  The diverse crowd ranged from Chinatown senior citizens to Aldermen Patrick Thompson and Ameya Pawar. Most were clad in distinctive yellow t-shirts declaring their passion for reclaiming public transportation in Chicago (see picture).

Mr. Deng, leader of the Pine Tree Senior Council, said, “I am so proud to represent the Chinese community to express our need of the #31 bus. I will continue to fight until they give us a satisfied response.”

Alderman Thompson of the 11th Ward spoke about how extensively the 31st Street corridor has change since the 1990s, when the route was cut.  The thriving business district at 31st and Morgan, plus the construction of beautiful new harbor and park facilities at the 31st Street Beach, mean that restoring the route makes good sense. He requested a feasibility study or test route extending from Ashland Avenue to the Museum Campus.

Of course, our political and crosstown allies have only made Bridgeport Alliance’s position stronger.  As Ruby Pinto, president of Bridgeport Alliance, said, “In both the 11th and 47th wards, we deserve better. It's a joy to unite with our friends to the north in such an important effort.”

Bring Back the 31st Street Bus!

A mother and child add their support to BA's 31st Street bus photo petition.

Bridgeport Alliance is excited to announce the relaunch of its 31st Street bus campaign!  We’re looking for volunteers who care about public transportation to help us get the service that Bridgeport needs and deserves.

Since 2011, Bridgeport Alliance and its partners have been working together to lobby the Chicago Transport Authority to reinstate the 31st Street bus.  Though it was eliminated in 1997 due to “low ridership,” many people depended on the route for access to school and work, not to mention the many retail stores along the corridor, Mercy Hospital, and the 31st Street beach.  The elderly, who often are not able to walk the extra blocks to the Archer or 35th Street buses, have been hit particularly hard.

BA brought a lot of creativity to the campaign.  We’ve had a Bike/Roll along 31st Street, photo petitions, and direct actions.  We’ve even tracked down U.S. Representative Dan Lipinski at home to bring our needs to his attention (he was gardening).  In 2014, we won a major concession—the 35th Street route was extended to the 31st Street beach.

But that’s not enough!  The extension doesn’t apply in the winter months, only the summertime.  What’s more, it doesn’t serve the schools, hospital, stores, or workplaces on 31st Street.  It’s an issue of South Side justice, according to BA chair Ruby Pinto.  “The people who live here and the businesses that operate here deserve the same kind of service we see on the North Side. . . . I think that future would be a lot brighter with a 31st Street bus."

Please join us in rekindling the fight for this necessary resource!  As Reverend Thomas Gaulke of First Lutheran Church of the Trinity, who helped has helped spearhead the campaign from its beginning, “We need help in active participation and creativity on this relaunch. How can you help?”

Jump in with us!  Bridgeport Alliance meets on the last Thursday of each month at 7pm at First Trinity (643 W. 31st Street), tweet us at BridgeportAlly, or e-mail us at BridgeportAlliance@gmail.com.
 

Take the 35th Street bus to the 31st Street Beach!

Service to 31st Street Beach

How does this affect my trip?
Bus service will be extended to 31st Street Beach weekends and holidays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

Buses in both directions will operate east of 35th/Rhodes, and begin/end at 31st Street Beach. Buses will run nonstop between Rhodes/33rd Pl and the beach. Buses will serve the beach from 9:10am until 9:40pm on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Buses will continue to begin/end at 35th/Cottage Grove early morning and late evenings on weekends, and at all times on weekdays.

Why is service being changed?
Service is being extended for the convenience
of customers traveling to/from 31st Street beach.

Please Make A Call

773-843-1500


Dear Representative Acevedo, My name is _________.

I am a resident of Bridgeport, and a member of Bridgeport Alliance. I am calling to thank you for your support in our efforts to get a 31st Street Bus on the east end of the route. I am also looking forward to our meeting with you, Senator Munoz, Alderman Balcer, and the CTA.

As this bus is very important to our community and our people, it would be quite a gift to have this meeting before Christmas, this year.

As you know, we need a bus! Let's get this done together!

Press from 31st Street Bus Decision

DNA Info - CTA Approves Permanent Extension of 35th Street Bus Route

CBS - CTA Extending 31st Street Bus West To Cicero

Chicago Tribune -  31st Street bus extended to Cicero - Protesters had sought service east of Archer Avenue

Progress Illinois - CTA Study Reveals Ridership Does Not Justify Implementing A Full 31st Street Bus Route

Fight for the 31st STREET BUS + CTA Board Meeting

It's been a year since we won a feasibility study - the first step toward getting a bus to connect our communities, and give us access to food, hospitals, beaches, family, and so on. The recommendations to the CTA board as a result of the study are due at the OCTOBER 9th board meeting. This is big! People are important! Show the CTA we care and we mean it and we won't stop the fight!

 How you can help: 

Get on the bus - We will be gathering at Benton House (3052 S Gratten Ave) at 8:45 AM on the morning of the October 9th to take a bus to the CTA Headquarters. The bus leaves at 9:00. We will pack the CTA board room, and hold a press conference after the meeting. Then the bus will return to Benton House. Facebook Event Page Here 

Come to the meeting - If you don't want to join us on the bus you can still attend the meeting. Arrive at CTA Headquarters, 567 W. Lake Street, by 10 AM on the morning of October 9. Facebook Event Page Here 

Write a letter - Please see our blog post below for a sample to send to friends, family, elected officials and any other contacts you can think of!

Make signs - we will be gathering at First Trinity (31st and Lowe) on Tuesday, October 8, 6:30 - 8:00 ish to make signs and do something cool with the photo petitions. BYOS (Bring Your Own Scissors!)

Distribute Fliers - Fliers are attached. Please, print, post, share!  Contact info@bridgeportalliance.org for a pdf copy.

Social Media - Share the Facebook Event Page, use the Twitter Handle @31stStreetBus and @BridgeportAlly and Hashtag #31stStreetBus. Tell your friends!!!

 Questions? info@bridgeportalliance.org

Sample letter to ask for CTA Support

Send it to everyone that you know!

Dear (Friend),

At our last conversation with CTA staff, they said that the results of the study for the full 31st Street bus route would be presented to CTA Board members at the October 9 meeting. We were told that the results were not tabulated as yet and could be not released until that meeting.

On behalf of the residents along 31st Street, from Little Village to Bronzeville, I am asking you to write or email a letter to the CTA Board to tell of your support for reinstating this bus. Address and meeting information is listed at the end of this email.

Please pass along this request to other residents who would need a convenient east west route across the City.

I understand that you have other obligations but if you could attend the meeting, your presence would add weight to this initiative.

To update you, the trial part of the route is doing fine. Local residents however, also need to get to Mercy Hospital, the lake front, IIT and other destinations along 31st Street. When St. Anthony's opens in 2015, this transit need will only increase.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions and if you can attend the October 9 meeting.

Thank you.
(your name goes here!)

CTA Board Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 567 W. Lake Street, Boardroom

Letters may be sent to: Gregory Longhini CTA, Office of the Secretary 567 W. Lake Street Chicago, Illinois 60661-1498 Phone: 312-681-5022 Email: glonghini1@transitchicago.com

Join the Fight for the 31st Street Bus

Bike and Roll the 31st Street Bus

Click here to see more photos!

 

31st Street Bus Update for August 2013

Hello friends!

As you may know, Bridgeport Alliance, has had significant movement with the 31st Street Bus Campaign. For over a year, Congressman Lipinski refused to meet with us directly on the 31st Street Bus Campaign and the Robin Hood Tax. 

This past Thursday, we brought 100 people to visit Congressman Dan Lipinski's home to demand a meeting (after a year of dodging us) and we found him gardening!

 After talking to his constituents, he agreed to set a meeting with leaders by this Friday. On very short notice, Congressman Lipinski insisted in meeting as soon at 9:30am Monday morning. Leaders met with him early Monday morning and received commitments from him to schedule a meeting with Forrest Claypool, Alderman Balcer, and Bridgeport Alliance to take actions to make the bus happen. He also committed to call Mayor Rahm Emmanuel to support the bus. Lastly, he committed to look into and make a decision as to whether he wants to publicly support the Robin Hood Tax. He committed to follow up on these items by next Tuesday!

In the meantime, Bridgeport Alliance is scheduling our monthly planning meeting with the CTA in August and September.

In addition, we are making plans to attend CTA Board meetings and join in the Bike/Roll 31st Street Bus Route event on Saturday, August 24th at 10am - 1pm! 
Will you join us? RSVP by e-mail to let me know if you want to join.  Event T-Shirts are available ($10) so be sure to say if you want one.  Please let me know by 8/16 Friday morning!

Bike/Roll the 31st Street Bus Route

Bike/Roll the 31st Street Bus Route Join the 31st Street Bus Cross-Town Coalition 

Sat Aug 24th 

Bike/Skate Ride 

down the 31st Street Proposed Bus Route 

and help our Communities fight for 

"Our Right to Our Route" for this needed bus route. 

We will be riding from Little Village through McKinley Park, Bridgeport, and Bronzeville to the 31st Street Beach.
Ride begins at 10am in Little Village. Hop on the "Bus" in your neighborhood!

•  Bus Stop #1: Location TBA (Little Village) 
• Bus Stop #2: The Video Strip (3307 S Archer Ave, McKinley Park) 
• Bus Stop#3: Jackalope Coffee & Tea House (755 W 32nd Street, Bridgeport) There will be a 15% off for being a part of the ride. 
• Bus Stop#4: TBA (Bronzeville) 
• Final Stop and Press Conference: 31st Street Beach! 
• 12:30PM - PRESS CONFERENCE and PACE CARS ARRIVE AT THE BEACH. 

After the ride we'll party and swim at the beach.
More info to come! Please share this event on facebook and twitter. #31stStreetBus

31st Street Bus Photo Petitions

Tell us where the 31st Street Bus can take you

And collect one of these sweet pins!

Stop by 31st and Lowe

Tuesday, July 16 - 5:00 - 7:00 

Friday, July 19 - 10:00 - Noon

Saturday, July 20 - 9:00 - 2:00

Check Out The Photos Here!