Greyhound Signs Lease Extension at Chicago’s West Loop Station

New Lease to Keep Operations Running

Greyhound Bus won’t be leaving its West Loop station just yet, its parent company FlixBus announced Tuesday. The bus operator is finalizing a lease extension with the new property owner, Twenty Lake Holdings, to continue operating buses at 630 W. Harrison St. after Sunday, when its current lease is set to end.

Temporary Solution for Now, Long-Term Solution in the Works

“Our team is finalizing a month-to-month lease extension with Twenty Lake [Holdings], and our operations will continue without disruption,” a FlixBus spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “This is a temporary solution, and we remain actively engaged with the city and other stakeholders to secure a long-term home for intercity bus service in Chicago.” The spokesperson added that the lease extension had not yet been signed and could not share more details about the potential arrangement.

City and FlixBus Engaged in Talks for Long-Term Solution

For more than a year, FlixBus has been struggling to figure out where its buses would stop after its lease ended. The company bought Greyhound Bus in 2021 but did not buy the stations. Over the past several months, Greyhound has been losing its stations across the U.S. as its leases ended, causing chaos and confusion for passengers and neighbors of new bus stops without indoor shelter. In many cities, Greyhound has resorted to picking up and dropping off passengers at curbs.

City’s Preferred Option Rejected by Amtrak

City leaders in Chicago have been in talks with FlixBus for months to find a suitable new location for Greyhound. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office said Tuesday it has been working closely with Twenty Lake and Greyhound on a long-term solution. The city preferred Greyhound to move to the curb outside Chicago Union Station. However, Amtrak, the train operator, resisted that option, saying it would increase traffic and security costs. Amtrak suggested other locations near Metra stations at Ogilvie and La Salle Street.

Alderman Relieved by Temporary Solution, Calls for Long-Term Solution

Local Ald. Bill Conway (34th) said he was “relieved” a temporary solution was found. “A closure this weekend would have stranded thousands, including many women traveling to Chicago for reproductive healthcare,” Conway said in an emailed statement. “I look forward to working together on a long-term solution to establish a permanent multi-modal transportation hub for the region.”

Transient Expert Weighs In on Long-Term Solution

Joseph Schwieterman, director of DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development, said the lease extension, if finalized, “would provide some much-needed breathing room to sort out the complicated situation.” He hopes city leaders will pick up the pace and work out a deal. The city’s Transportation Department has the sole authority to issue permits for inter-city bus stops.

Conclusion

The temporary lease extension provides a reprieve for Greyhound and its customers, but a long-term solution remains elusive. The city and FlixBus must work together to find a suitable location for intercity bus service in Chicago. A permanent solution is crucial to ensure the safety and comfort of bus riders, many of whom are low-income individuals.

FAQs

* What is the new lease agreement for Greyhound at the West Loop station?
+ FlixBus is finalizing a month-to-month lease extension with Twenty Lake Holdings, allowing operations to continue.
* Will the lease be signed?
+ The spokesperson could not confirm the lease extension has been signed, but it is expected to be finalized soon.
* What happens next for a long-term solution?
+ The city and FlixBus are engaged in talks to find a suitable location for intercity bus service in Chicago.
* What is the city’s preferred option for a new location?
+ The city preferred Greyhound to move to the curb outside Chicago Union Station, but Amtrak rejected that option.
* What is the concern about the lack of a long-term solution?
+ Transit advocates warn that Greyhound losing its station with indoor accommodations would burden the intercity bus system, particularly for low-income users.