June 17, 2026
BREAKING: Chicago City Council today approved $19.2 million purchase of Chicago Intercity Bus Station at 630 W. Harrison in a 39-10 vote. The ordinance was introduced by Mayor Brandon Johnson earlier this year and was passed by the Housing and Real Estate Committee on June 10, 2026.
Lena Guerrero Reynolds, ELPC Policy Advocate, said:
“We are thrilled that the City Council passed this important ordinance for clean and equitable transportation. This vote brings the City of Chicago’s intercity bus service into the future and solidifies our place as a major transportation hub in the Midwest.
“The Environmental Law & Policy Center has been instrumental with our partners in urging City Hall to step up and ensure everyone has access to affordable and sustainable travel to and from Chicago. We are thankful to the Mayor’s Office and multiple City of Chicago departments for championing our most vulnerable travelers. We thank Aldermen Bill Conway and Jason Ervin for their support. We also are grateful to City Council members who voted to get this important ordinance over the finish line.
“As gas prices climb and people seek affordable alternatives to flying or driving, intercity bus travel is a growing market. Over a quarter of Chicago’s households have no car and everyone deserves options. For too long the bus has been treated as a mode of last resort rather than one of the most equitable and sustainable transportation options.”