Transit question-bus or train faster for this trip-pretty insignificant (Lincoln: how much, transfer to)

[jahk]

To get from 15th and Halsted to Belmont and Sheffield, is it faster to take the #8 Halsted bus all the way, or take something to the Roosevelt red line stop and then train to Belmont?

I've been taking the bus to the train then riding to Belmont, and figured that was faster because once i get on the train, we're not stopping at every stop sign, red light, and bus stop, or getting stuck in slow traffic. But when I checked with Google maps, it said bus all the way is faster.

I'm sure some of it depends on when I'm going. Rush hour, train's gotta be faster. But at night or on a weekend morning, how much difference does it make?

[ChicagoMeO]

yeah the train is always faster especially because the onslaught of the shoppers, commuters, crowds, tourists, Bank of America marathoners, street construction, teachers striking, and traffic jams, etc. does not get in the way.

[It'sAutomatic]

Unless you're in the middle of rush hour, one bus will be faster than one bus and one train. I actually made almost the same commute a while ago and in deadlocked rush hour, either method took about the same time. With little traffic, the Halsted bus will absolutely be faster. Consider if it's going to save you time to take the Roosevelt bus a mile through traffic so you can wait 5-15 minutes for a train, with the purpose of avoiding a three mile ride on the 8 bus.

Most people are allergic to buses for some reason. I've seen people do the most awkward, time consuming trips to avoid taking buses, including walking several miles to a train. They really aren't that complicated.

[JBVirtuoso]

Even if the Halsted bus takes a few minutes longer, I'd prefer to just sit down on the bus and enjoy my cell phone reception.

Originally Posted by It'sAutomatic

Most people are allergic to buses for some reason. I've seen people do the most awkward, time consuming trips to avoid taking buses, including walking several miles to a train. They really aren't that complicated.

My favorite is when people trying to get from North/Damen to Lincoln Park take the blue line to Jackson and transfer to the red line. They swear it's faster than the North/Armitage buses, but there's just no way in hell.

[paytonc]

Three big points of congestion along that stretch of Halsted include UIC, DePaul, and North/Clybourn. The peak hours for these trip generators don't coincide with rush hour.

That said, on balance the bus should be a bit faster -- less waiting, more direct.

[gomexico]

The Halsted St. Bus, #8. Take it N. to Belmont and then walk the three blocks W. to Sheffield. That's how I would make the trip.

[Chicago60614]

Take into account that at least up until a few days ago Halsted was completely torn up and shut down right near Wellington through Belmont.