Pulse Cermak / 22nd Street Line

Pulse Cermak/22nd Street Line

The Pulse Cermak/22nd Street  Line is planned to connect riders between the CTA Pink Line 54th/Cermak Station in Cicero and Yorktown Center in Lombard. In collaboration with representatives from local communities, Pace identified preliminary service recommendations, station locations, and related corridor improvements for further evaluation. Pace is now gathering public input to help make the Pulse Cermak/22^nd Street Line fast, frequent, reliable, for the communities it serves.

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Features

The Pulse Cermak/22nd Street Line will enhance riders’ travel experiences with:

•    Fast, frequent, and reliable service to your favorite destinations
•    Free Wi-Fi and other amenities on Pulse-branded buses
•    Modern, heated stations with real-time next bus arrival information
•    Faster boarding and improved accessibility for everyone
•    Transit Signal Priority for buses throughout the corridor to keep buses on schedule
•   “Queue jumps” that allow buses to skip traffic backups at congested intersections
•    Bus lanes to keep Pulse moving even when traffic is heavy 
•    Improved connections to other transit services

Location

The Pulse Cermak/22^nd Street Line project extends approximately 14 miles along Cermak Road, 22nd Street, and Butterfield Road. The corridor serves Cook and DuPage Counties and ten municipalities: Cicero, Berwyn, Forest Park, North Riverside, Broadview, Westchester, Hillside, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, and Lombard. Station locations are preliminary with potential alternate locations identified for further evaluation. 

The corridor is currently served by:

• Pace Route 322
• CTA Route 21
• Connections to CTA Pink Line and Pace routes 301, 302, 307, 311, 313, 314, 315, 316, 330, 331, 332, 715, 722, 834

The future Pulse Harlem Line would also intersect the Pulse Cermak/22^nd Street Line at the border of Berwyn and North Riverside.

The Pulse Cermak/22^nd Street Line will take riders to major destinations including:

• CTA Pink Line 54th/Cermak Station
• J. Sterling Morton East and West High Schools
• North Riverside Park Mall
• Broadview Village Square
• Oakbrook Center
• Yorktown Center

Connections & Benefits

Riders will have improved transfers to connecting services and be able to better access areas in Cook and DuPage Counties. The Pulse Cermak/22^nd Street Line will provide improved access to:

• Nearby communities including Chicago, Oak Park, Brookfield, La Grange, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, and Naperville
• Major hubs at Oakbrook Center and Yorktown Center with links to downtown Naperville, Joliet, Bolingbrook, and more

Pulse Cermak FAQs

Where are we now?

The first step – the Project Definition phase – is complete. During the initial phase, Pace sought input from the Corridor Advisory Group (CAG), consisting of representatives from roadway and transit agency partners, local municipalities and nonprofit organizations, school districts, adjacent property owners, and others who represent the views of the community and transit users in the corridor.  Working with the CAG, Pace defined the corridor limits and selected preliminary station locations. The outcome of this process is published in the Project Definition Report below.

In May 2025, the project team began the second phase - Environmental Review - which consists of in-depth review of potential environmental impacts, following procedures outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This process is required for the project to be eligible for federal funding and will carefully evaluate potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of the project. During this phase there will be opportunities for the Corridor Advisory Group and the public to review concepts and share feedback. 

Pace appreciates the support of Cook County, who is funding the environmental review and Phase I design through its Invest in Cook grant program.

Future phases include detailed design and construction, with the goal of launching the Pulse Cermak/22^nd Street Line service in 2031.

What will happen to my current bus service?

The Pulse Cermak/22^nd Street Line is meant to complement existing bus service. Many riders may switch to Pulse for quicker, more frequent trips, but local service like Route 322 will remain, though schedules might be adjusted. Other routes, including CTA Route 21 and Pace connections, are not expected to change. Any major service changes in the future will include opportunities for public comment before adjustments are made. 

What is Pulse?

Pulse is Pace's arterial rapid transit (ART) bus program that offers riders limited stops, modern train-like stations with raised platforms, improved ADA access, and frequent service running every 15 minutes or better. Many of the lines also benefit from transit signal priority which has been shown to improve bus reliability in major cities throughout the country.

What are the benefits of Pulse?

Pulse gets riders to their destinations quickly with more frequent service at the same low cost of riding regular fixed-route service.

Pulse bus service is comparable to light rail train service, but the construction and operational costs are significantly lower, making it a more affordable transportation option and very cost-effective to implement. Pulse is quicker to implement than traditional rail service because it utilizes existing road infrastructure, requiring less time for planning and construction.

Also, the higher frequency of Pulse service can accommodate larger numbers of passengers who benefit from amenity-filled stations strategically placed to serve the highest ridership locations.

Pulse contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing traffic congestion and air pollution. By encouraging the use of public transportation, Pulse helps decrease the number of private vehicles on the road, leading to lower emissions and improved air quality.

Additionally, signal priority at intersections helps reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and make public transportation more reliable and efficient.

Pulse also enhances social equity by providing affordable and efficient transportation options, particularly for low-income residents and for riders with disabilities, who often rely on public transportation as their primary mode of travel. It helps bridge gaps in access to jobs, education, and other essential services.

Where are the Pulse lines located?

Pulse service currently exists on Milwaukee Avenue and Dempster Street. Additional lines are planned for South Halsted Street, 95th Street, and Cermak Road.

Pulse Priority Corridors Map

What is the process and schedule for Pulse?

The first Pulse Line, Pulse Milwaukee, began in 2019 and Pulse Dempster launched in 2023. Final designs are being developed for the Pulse 95^th Street and Pulse Halsted Lines, with the goal of launching services by 2030 and 2031, respectively. The Pulse Cermak/22^nd Street Line is in the preliminary planning stages.

Will Pulse be accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes. Pulse will be fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Stations will have raised platforms for easier boarding, and, like all Pace buses, Pulse buses will have ramps and be fully accessible for passengers using mobility devices. 

Will bicycle improvements be provided?

Like all Pace fixed-route buses, Pulse buses are equipped with bike racks. Additionally, at most Pulse stations where space is available, bicycle racks will be provided to park and secure your bike. 

It seems like there are fewer stops planned for the Pulse Lines than Pace local routes. Will I have to walk farther to my destination?

Pulse is designed to be fast and reliable. With fewer stops, buses can travel faster while still serving the busiest destinations along the route. Although Pulse stations are spaced farther apart than local bus stops, most riders will be within a short, quarter-mile walk of a Pulse station. Local buses will continue to serve the stops between Pulse stations.

How much will the fare be for Pulse Lines?

Pulse will use Pace’s standard fare structure. Riders can pay by Ventra® card or cash. Visit VentraChicago.com for fare policies and details. Reduced and free fares are available to eligible customers.

How can I stay updated on Pulse Line developments?

Get Involved with Pulse or Sign up for Email or Text Alerts