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CTA's Jeffery Jump Debuts Today; New Rail Cars Added To Red Line

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 12, 2012 5:15PM

The Jeffery Jump, Chicago Transit Authority's maiden foray into bus rapid transit, debuted this morning and, if all goes according to plan, could reduce the commute for residents heading downtown from the Far South side. Some of the features of the project include designated "Bus Only" lanes on Jeffery between 67th and 83rd Streets, bus stops every half mile between 67th and 103rd Streets to speed up the commutes, and eventually extended green lights for buses between 73rd to 84th streets and a bypass lane at Jeffery and Anthony Avenue that will allow buses to advance ahead of general traffic.

Meanwhile Bombardier 5000 Series rail cars, Our Town's latest civic headache, are being added to the Red Line. Two eight-car trains debut today, with the plan for more to be added. The 5000 Series cars will eventually be added to every line except the Blue Line and Skokie Swift.