Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple, Red, Yellow … Black Line?
A private company has created Blackline, a shuttle service from Belmont Avenue and Sheridan Road to Monroe and Franklin streets that is scheduled to begin regular service May 19.
The company boasts “guaranteed premium seating,” free WiFi, overhead storage space and air conditioning.
“Blackline is the best way to commute. Sign up today to experience what a modern and pleasant commute feels like,” a post on rideblackline.com reads. A Blackline representative did not return immediate requests for comment.
There are two weekday scheduled runs at 7:25 and 8:30 a.m. The bus picks up at Belmont Avenue and Sheridan Road in Lakeview and stops at Randolph Street and Stetson Avenue, Washington and Clark streets and Monroe and Franklin streets. From start to finish, the rides take about 25 minutes, according to Blackline.
Riders can reserve spots at rideblackline.com. A weekly pass costs $22.99 while a 10-pack of rides for anytime use costs $55. There are future plans to add evening service.
Private shuttle service is not new in Chicago. Loyola, for example, runs a free shuttle service for students, faculty and staff between its Lake Shore and Water Tower campuses. 600 West also offers shuttles to Metra and various CTA lines for tenants of its building at 600 W. Chicago Ave.
