Weekend service offers convenient, direct connections from CTA Red, Blue, Green and Pink lines.
Beginning Saturday, May 27, Cook County residents can take advantage of a stress-free travel option when planning their visit to Brookfield Zoo by using the Pace Brookfield Zoo Express weekend bus service, which connects several CTA train stations directly to the world-class zoo.
Through a partnership between Pace, the Forest Preserves of Cook County, and the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages the zoo, Pace Brookfield Zoo Express routes 770, 771, 772 will begin operating the routes on Saturday, May 27. A new express bus route, 778, will operate on certain Saturdays beginning June 17.
Regular fare is $1.75 with a Ventra Card, and $2 when using cash. Please note that transfers are only available when using a Ventra Card. Reduced fare and free ride programs for eligible seniors and people with disabilities are available through the RTA (www.rtachicago.org).
“This marks the fourth season of the Pace Brookfield Zoo Express. Service has improved every year thanks to feedback from customers and our partners, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and their Board of Commissioners, and the Chicago Zoological Society,” said Pace Chairman of the Board Richard Kwasneski. “The Brookfield Zoo Express is tailored to meet the needs of zoo patrons with nine different departure sites for convenient access to this affordable service.”
“This partnership has provided an excellent opportunity for Cook County residents to not only enjoy one of the gems of the County, but to experience the beauty of nature close to home,” said Arnold Randall, General Superintendent of the Forest Preserves. “We are happy to continue working with Pace and Brookfield Zoo to increase transportation options to a destination located within the Forest Preserves.”
Route 770 – Operates Saturday and Sunday service approximately once each hour with stops at the CTA’s Harlem/Lake Green Line station and the Forest Park Blue Line station. Later evening service is provided on select Saturdays for the Zoo’s Summer Nights program. Service begins Saturday, May 27, and will operate via its Sunday schedule on the Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day holidays.
Route 771 – Operates Saturday and Sunday service approximately once each hour between Brookfield Zoo and the CTA 54th/Cermak Pink Line station. Later evening service is provided on select Saturdays for the Zoo’s Summer Nights program. Service begins Saturday, May 27. The route will operate via its Sunday schedule on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Route 772 – Operates Saturday service with two round trips from the CTA’s 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line station. An additional evening return trip is provided on select Saturdays for the Zoo’s Summer Nights program. Service begins Saturday, May 27. The route will operate via its Sunday schedule on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Route 778 – Express bus service will operate on certain Saturdays between June 17 and August 26, 2017 from five rotating sites: Humboldt Park, Riis Park, Theodore Roosevelt H.S., CTA’s Logan Square Blue Line station and Kosciuszko Park. For specific dates and times of operation, see the schedule for each site served. No weekday service.
“We are proud to once again partner with Pace, the Forest Preserves of Cook County and their Board of Commissioners to welcome guests from all over Cook County to Brookfield Zoo this summer,” said Dr. Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society. “The Brookfield Zoo Express will provide an easy and affordable travel option for inner-city residents looking to connect with wildlife and nature in a fun and informative setting.”
“I am very pleased to see that PACE and the Brookfield Zoo will continue partnering to serve the residents of the 8th Cook County District, some of who without the help of public transportation would not have the opportunity to enjoy a jewel of our County. Our kids deserve to visit the Zoo as often as possible to learn about animals and the efforts by the Zoo to contribute to animal conservation,” said Cook County Commissioner Luis Arroyo, Jr.
Schedule information is posted at PaceBus.com. Seating on buses is first come, first served though riders are asked to observe priority seating areas for seniors, people with disabilities, expectant mothers and other passengers in need. Large groups are asked to contact Pace in advance for assistance with planning by calling (847) 228-4296.
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About the Forest Preserves of Cook County
Don’t you sometimes just want to escape? Explore the natural beauty of Cook County for an hour, a day or even a night. When you’re surrounded by 70,000 acres of wild and wonderful there’s no better place to feel free.