Why are the CTA’s bus stop signs so vague about travel times? What do the terms “early morning” and “late evening” mean?

Q Why are the CTA’s bus stop signs so vague about travel times? What do the terms “early morning” and “late evening” mean?

A For those of us without our Internet-ready PDAs or cell phones to take part in the city’s new GPS-driven “Bus Tracker” program, the bus signs are frustratingly ill-defined. “The actual start and end times for CTA bus routes vary,” CTA spokeswoman Catherine Hosinski explained in an e-mail. “The CTA often uses the general ‘early morning through late evening’ timeframe for Overnight Owl Service routes or routes that have ridership patterns reflecting the need for service earlier than the morning rush period, which is approximately 7am to 9am.” Fluctuating ridership figures (which are reviewed on a regular basis) cause the CTA to change its bus schedules accordingly—sometimes several times a year. Switching up signage at every stop on a line that’s been rescheduled is not something the CTA can afford to do, Hosinski said. However, up-to-date timetables can be found by calling 312-836-7000 or visiting transitchicago.com, and CTA Bus & Rail Maps are available in every rail station.

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