Greyhound Nearing Lease Extension at West Loop Station

FlixBus Secures Temporary Lease Extension with New Property Owner

Greyhound Bus won’t be leaving its West Loop station just yet, its parent company FlixBus announced Tuesday.

The bus operator said it is finalizing a lease extension with the new property owner that will allow it to continue operating buses at 630 W. Harrison St. after Sunday, when its lease was set to end.

Temporary Solution to Avoid Disruption

“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 statement said.

Lease Extension Underway, Details Not Disclosed

The spokesperson said the lease extension had not yet been signed and could not share more details about the potential arrangement.

Twenty Lake Holdings Mum on the Matter

Twenty Lake Holdings, the new property owner, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Background and Hurdles

For more than a year, FlixBus has struggled to figure out where its buses would stop after its lease ended at its long-time station.

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 Leaders Working on a Long-Term Solution

City leaders in Chicago, trying to avoid the same fate here, have been in talks with FlixBus for months to find a suitable new location for Greyhound.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office, in a statement, said Tuesday it has been working closely with Twenty Lake and Greyhound on a long-term solution.

Alternative Locations Explored

Johnson’s office said in August it preferred Greyhound to move to the curb outside Chicago Union Station. But station owner Amtrak resisted that option, saying it would increase traffic and security costs. The train operator suggested other locations near Metra stations at Ogilvie and La Salle Street.

Amtrak and Local Pols React

Amtrak praised the potential lease extension.

“This is what we asked for,” Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said. “We continue to offer our expertise in what intermodal stations look like for a more permanent 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.”

Conclusion

The lease extension provides a temporary reprieve for Greyhound, but the search for a long-term solution continues. City leaders must work diligently to find a suitable location for intercity bus service, ensuring the needs of low-income riders are met. A permanent solution is crucial to avoid the chaos and confusion that would come with outdoor bus stops, especially during harsh winter months.

FAQs

* What is the current status of the lease extension?
+ The lease extension is still being finalized, but it will allow Greyhound to continue operating at the West Loop station.
* What is the timeline for the lease extension?
+ The lease extension is expected to take effect after the current lease ends on Sunday.
* Will the city find a long-term solution for Greyhound?
+ City leaders are working to find a suitable new location for Greyhound, but a timeline for a long-term solution has not been announced.
* How will the city ensure a permanent solution for intercity bus service?
+ The city’s Transportation Department has the authority to issue permits for inter-city bus stops, and city leaders must work with FlixBus and other stakeholders to find a suitable location.