Secret tunnel under Chicago just for buses called the BUS WAY.
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- Опубліковано 20 жов 2023
- 12 hours of driving in circles in downtown Chicago. This was a event shuttle for McCormick place. I was assigned the Hilton hotel in Downtown Chicago so I drove my bus between the Hilton hotel and McCormick Place for 12 hours. I also got to driving through the mysterious tunnel that goes underneath the city of Chicago called the bus way.
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Driver at the bottom of the steps offering an arm to the passengers as the disembark. Really makes a huge difference in perception of the professional look of a company. Hadn't paid close attention until now but you made it look good!
Thank you 👍😊
It's always a pleasure watching someone enjoy what they do. I can clearly see the pride you take in your work, and also in your video editing. Don't ever let go of that.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
I don’t think people realize just how much time is saved with the bus way
that's why i recently started driving it w/ my personal vehicle.
@@noob.168 Is that allowed or are you just ruining it for all the HOVs
@@Mawyman2316 selfish people will always do without thinking if it affects others.
@@noob.168 is your personal vehicle a bus?
Nothing like good old Jim’s right next to Maxwell St. - Those fries stay piping hot for ages and go great with that polish loaded with the onions and mustard
I remember my first McCormick run on the bus way as a driver. The first few times you do it, you think there's no way you'll ever be able to do it safely. You just have to dive in and do it and then after the first few hours you get the hang of it and start to feel invincible. If you can do a mccormick shuttle for 12 hours then you can drive anywhere! The first run is always stressful. I had to pick up at Westin and Drake hotels and man that was tough at times. The long lunch breaks were definitely a nice treat.
You described it to the T!
Mr. Wang, Thank you for sharing a work shift with us. This was really cool to watch. Nice Bus too.
This actually a smart move given that McCormick Place is a *VERY* busy convention center and the last thing people want are big buses clogging the streets around that convention center.
Used this many a time from 25th South to the Lower Wacker and the River. We used to call it Daley’s Highway. It was designed for the movement of Convention Buses from Mc Cormack Place to hotels by Michigan Ave and Wacker. They did not want all those buses clogging up Michigan Ave.
congesting. you cant "clog" a road, its not a pipe or a culvert. you might be able to clog a tunnel though.
While driving one thing I dislike was doing the Mary Kay shuttling in Dallas during their National Convention.
I attended a conference at McCormack Place and stayed at the Hyatt on Wacker Ave. I boarded the shuttle bus and we went a couple blocks and turned right and went into something that looked like an under ground parking garage. I blurted out WHERE IN THE HELL IS THIS GUY GOING. We came out on a blacktop by the rail yard and went all the way to McCormack Place a private road for shuttle buses pretty neat. I did shuttle work in my day be happy you have automatic and not a manual tranny. Neat to see Tri State Tours out of Galena IL. a nice company.
"Never under-estimate Chicago traffic" - A fascinating insight into a working day in Chicago. This was a pleasure to watch this working day and geography lesson. At least "someone" thought about getting mass-transit (motor coaches) across the city during the last phase of construction (I still prefer the Blue Line in from O'Hare, but that's partly because of the inspiring view of the cityscape as you head eastbound to the city). As a semi-regular visitor to Chicago from the UK, you have alerted me to another piece of city infrastructure which helps to keep Chicago moving. Excellent to see a cheerful pre-check at 2:09 before the working day! I finally realised where you were at 9:09 - lovely city tour. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words
I like you showing the realistic side of the Motorcoach industry showing up and being overwhelmed with information yet you are still behind the wheel of a coach. 😂
Your a video production is excellent !
A lot of people don’t realize what it takes to make a good quality video; Which involves storytelling, establishing shot, panning, camera angles, audio, etc. as well as the various editing techniques to make the video informative and engaging.
I love your style of production and look forward to seeing more of your work.
Thank you for the kind words. Much appreciated
James, I did the underground trip many times driving for Lamers Bus Lines. That was without gps which was not invented yet and also with a stick shift, double clutching, about 25 yrs ago. Did this many times from my home at Green Bay durning my 36 year career driving for Lamers. The first time with a new J series MCI was really a big improvement. Over 400 trips to Chicago during my career. Enjoy your videos, keep the info coming. Jim Young, Green Bay ,Wosc
The fact that you went to Jim’s, legendary bro
Loved this video. Been doing conventions every other year at McCormick for the last 25 years or so. I have a great appreciation for all the coach drivers during the conventions. I'm always thinking about the elevated platform and rail supports you have to navigate. I drive a 40' private coach predominately in the desert Southwest and west coast. I wouldn't want to try Chicago traffic.
Same, but for fewer years and purely as a convention-goer and Chicagoland resident. I always love it when I'm on a route that takes the busway most of the way because it removes the unpredictability of the traffic. In my regular life, the underground roads* are often pretty fast, but my phone GPS can't locate me whenever I'm down there.
*Lower Wacker Drive or, rarely, Lower Lower Wacker Drive, for us non-busses.
That looks like an interesting gig. Well done!
instantly gained a new subscriber in the first 3 minutes - keep up the quality content!
Thank you so much! Appreciate the sub. Welcome aboard.
I'm a locla bus driver here in Florida and I'm so interested in applying to some sort of multi-state charter, especially after watching this, being more OTR seems like such cool lifestyle
I don't know how your video ended up in my feed but I've been picked up and shuttled to McCormick Place from that exact spot on the south side of the Hilton when I attended music conferences in the winter. Very cold but always a fun trip! I may have to try Jim's next time I'm there that looked great! Great video!
Thank you so much Steven. Appreciate the kind words and comment.
@@JWangvlogs Heh. You are getting enough typing traffic about Jim's, maybe they could sponsor your videos... lol :D
This video reminded me of the cruise ship excursions.
2 hour drive from the depot to the Cruise Ship, then 7 hours of doing a 1 hour Lap where the excursion was going over a particular road. 2 hour drive then clean the coach. Did that as a passenger who will be a Bus driver soon enough.
It's an awesome video!! My dad was an intercity bus driver in San Francisco. Brings back great memories. I'm very excited that I found you here on UA-cam. Looking forward to share many more adventures with you. Thank you for sharing and safe journeys. 😊
I find it kinda crazy that routes aren't preassigned so you actually have some time to figure out where you need to be.
Just driving through Chicago was a nightmare.
I can't imagine it for 12 hours! Ugh!
I super appreciate your videos very much inspirational. My father also was a bus driver for Coach USA. I've been a bus fan since the day I stepped foot on one. I love all your videos and I soon will be driving coach buses .. my favorite all time bus is MCI DL3
Loved here all my 50+ and had no idea this existed. Thank you for this video.
In Vegas, the same service is available. I had fun🎉🎉🎉thank you for sharing your day, i appreciate it🎉🎉🎉🎉
Can't imagine driving a huge diesel pusher in Chicago traffic, it was stressful just trying to navigate a small whip thru rush-hour traffic 😎
James, you have nerves of steel and the patients of a saint. My upmost admiration my friend.
Thank you for the kind words!
I liked to work shuttle when I was working,retired driving coaches and city buses,so much fun,good job you handled the bus very nicely,my first time watching your vlogs,love it ,be safe.
Hey welcome aboard thank you for the comments.
Hi James, Wow a 12 Hour day with all the stops, starts & traffic, & You Love it!!
As for Bryan & Me...neither one of us likes it & only 2 times have we drove to Chicago to see Scotty!!
Thanks for sharing Your video & the place you love to eat at!!
I Wish you the Best at Your Job & for Your Family!! Have a Wonderful Evening James, Lidiya, Leah, & Vera!!❤
Love Barb from Central Illinois
Thank you Barb!
Your absolutely right, never underestimate Chicago traffic. I drive a semi and left lake station TA this morning and it took almost 2 hours to get into Illinois because of a damn wreck and the rain
Oh yes it rained alot today in Illinois. Especially up in Chicago. I went up there today for a meeting.
I really enjoy your videos.
This is my first time watching 'a day in the life'.
Fascinating!
I just stumbled on your videos and needless to say I’m hooked on watching your awesome videos. I am a retired truck driver of 45 years driving over the road and local. I always wondered what it would be like driving a coach and watching your videos I should would like to drive one. Your videos are very professional and so is your driving in taking care of your passengers. Keep up the great work on your videos and have fun and be safe !!! Oh you have a beautiful family and have you ever thought about a doing a food channel with all of the different varieties of food you eat on your videos 😂
Hey Robertnewlon. Thank you for your kind words. We have a few retired truckers that came to drive for us. They don't regret it a bit. The only challenge most of the ex truckers that drive for us express is that they are not used to not being alone and having privacy during long trips. Their cargo becomes a lot more needy and judgmental lol. But if you can handle that you will enjoy driving a coach. Its not as bad a driving a school bus or transit. You know Ive thought about making a food channel. But I would not be able to sustain all the editing... As of right now between my motorcoach videos and my job and my family, Im stretched pretty thin lol. But maybe one day.
@@JWangvlogs ❤️
I drove a bus for 38 years. I understand everything you say and show in this video. I miss some of the aspects of the job, but not being sent out to drive somewhere I haven’t driven before with little to no (or vague) instruction as to where I am going. Too many times I was sent blindly into places that aren’t bus friendly and then it was up to me to find my way out of there without getting stuck or hitting something. Never in Chicago, but up and down the western states including places like Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, Orange County and plenty of other sketchy places. When I turned 60 I quit driving a bus and decided to do something else before it killed me. Hats off to you brother. It was a great video reminiscing of the challenges that went on daily.
That really is a challenge. Most drivers do some research on the route with Google Street view. It helps but there is nothing like actually being there.
Yes. There’s only so much apps or Google Earth can do for help. And they don’t address things like parked cars or construction or unplowed snow in tight areas.
Thanks for the ride J. Great views of Chicago on a sunny day ☀️
cool, I thought I knew about all the secret spots in Chicago to explore, never saw this area before, pretty sweet.
Wow long 12h + Schaumburg transits of 3+h total, but happy it was safe and thanks for sharing the ride!
I love Jim's Original! Thanks for showing me where I was. It's hard coming through there with a group and not being able to stop all though my bus to get off the exit! 😜
Speaking of Chicago…and food places…and around the McCormack Place area…. Does any one remember Tommy Gunns Garage dinner theater? It was on South Wabash and East Comack. A roaring ‘20s show with the singers and dancers also being the wait staff. I was there a few times with a bus load of high school students. It’s closed now. But omg, THE BEST PRIME RIB!! Best I ever had!
My bad. East Cermak…
It was a great place
I only planned to eat then scoot out but I ended up staying for most of it. Like I said, best prime rib I ever had.
Nice video and I always watched them safe travels J Wang!!!
Fun stuff. We deal with that traffic in San Francisco too.
Long days. I really enjoy your videos when I get to watch them. 👍
3:17 very nice effects! 3:21 beautiful drive sir. 🖖🏼🤘🏼👋🏼✊🏼
hey j great video one main dream of mine is to drive route 66 and see the windy city of Chicago most of my friends used to live here in CA but by 97-98 their parents were like: we have to go we see and talk to each other thru Facebook but it's not the same
Great video! I used to be a school bus driver in a smaller town. Always wondered what it would be like trying to navigate Chicago in a bus.
Nice to have a route planner. I sometimes get my assignment 5-minutes before heading out to somewhere I've never been which gives me 30-seconds or less to plan and execute route. I prefer to have my dispatches the night before so I can look it up and research routes but many times I have just mere seconds and have to make route changes and program GPS while traveling in very heavy traffic so that I arrive in time. That is why I call myself a miracle worker. Very very stressful even after driving commercial vehicles for 39-years, it doesn't get any easier. I absolutely hate flying blind but sometimes that is what we have to do because it is expected of us. Thank goodness for all the technology we now have access to because years ago this was all done on a pay phone on the side of the road. You can have Chicago James, I've got Nashville which traffic wise is no easier.
I have no idea how this popped up on my home page but I don’t care. Great video. Great bus driver, and great taste in music. Earned a sub.
Thank you for the kind words. Appreciate the sub.
I have attended a conference at McCormick place, they were even using Greyhound buses in addition to all other private bus companies!
This 3:35 is genius. Every major metropolis in America should have this system
Agreed.
While you were providing a free shuttle from the Hilton to the McCormick Center bus depot, anyone could have walked out to the front of the Hilton on S. Michigan and hopped on the #3 Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus. In less than 10 minutes the #3 CTA drops one off in front of McCormick Center. Of course one would have had to purchase a Ventra Card to use the CTA bus. The bus runs by the Hilton about every 7 to 10 minutes. Not a Chicago native. Whenever I visit Chicago and my stay involves visiting McCormick, I stay at hotels near S. Michigan and take the #3 to the convention center.
Large conventions can easily overwhelm local public transit, causing a ripple effect through the city and creating chaos for locals just trying to go about their normal day. Most venues for large conferences require the host have its own adequate transit service. Not to mention many of the attendees at these conferences are usually not locals and certainly not familiar with the public transit routes in the area.
Driving underground was a daily occurrence with the "Old" Greyhound/Trailways station. Another great trick is getting from the West side to the East side of Chicago. Roosevelt Rd. Yes, buses can clear the bridges, Yes you have traffic lights, Yes, some of the neighborhoods can be rough. Need to get from Elmhurst, Ill to the United Center and traffic is at a stand still, because someone is streaking on the highway. (Yes, it has happened to me)
Roosevelt Rd, Baby !!
Haven't seen a Peoria Charter bus in years! Thanks for the video!
Loved the video! Very entertaining and had great music. Loved to see the inner workings of a city maze. First video I've seen of yours. Already subscribed, and can't wait to see more!
Thank you so much I appreciate the kind words ❤️
Great video, as a driver myself ( SUV Black Car Service ) in Chicago I appreciate your detailed video. Thank you 👍
What's Up Buddy!
greetings from peoria ! i love seeing peoria charter out on the road. such a great company to have in central illinois. keep up the good work Driver
As a driver I used to appreciate people’s instructions but most people don’t take into account they’re making it worse for you because they’re not intelligent enough to describe it to you with enough detail that it’s actually going to be helpful
haha yeah that has happened to me before. In this case the instructions were very clear, only I didnt like reading them and trying to memorize them 10 minutes before my shuttle starts lol
Yeah, that is typical for a lot of these scenarios. I don't know if it's about intelligence, per se. A lot of people are not skilled communicators.
I kinda know what you mean about driving around in loops. I drove a transit bus in a downtown loop for eight hours. Loop was only 10 minutes long. 42 miles worth of loop in eight hours.
Great, very interesting video. You are a true professional!! What a long day driving in circles..
You just gave me PTSD from all the past shuttles. Could have added rush hour traffic.
Great editing, thanks for the insight…be safe be happy.
God bless our bus drivers, absolute legends.
Ooo, lower Wacker and Lower Michigan! Those are fun in buses.
Interesting video. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I love your videos coming from a 22 year old motorcoach operator for coach USA here in Atlanta and may I say your videos are amazing!!!!
Thank you for your kind words
@@JWangvlogs since I’m new to the motorcoach world 2 months in may I ask do you have any advice or tips?
ayeeeee schaumburg here! Great video. If I see you i'll make sure to honk! hehe
Hey James, Long time no see lol, I've been still playing catch up on your vids. Hope you are well.
Smart looking VH coach you have, and a very tedious shift by the looks! Fair play you love your Jim's Original lol.
Great seeing what you're doing even though just shuttling. Stay Safe Mate!
Cool video! Used to go to UIUC and Peoria Charter is how id get to the airport and go home, which was the best ever! Also live in the South Loop so pretty cool to see the inner workings of a Shuttle. Good choice with Jims!
When there's a bus there's a way
Well said!
Lunch looked great, you're a great driver! Appreciate you!
Thank you. I can think of no better compliment!
Very sympathic Dude. Thank you to get us for a Trip at your work. Greetings from Germany
Very enjoyable video, thanks.
Gotta say I'm really loving the hair. Really liking the whole look.
Also, I really like the vlogs. Know it's a lotta work but it's real fun to watch.
Best wishes from NYC
Chicago must be more bus friendly now. I did a lot of driving in Chicago in the 90s. Those were "fun" times
Awesome video my Cdl brother be safe out there.
thumbs up for the jims original. my favorite.
Jim’s original is the best 💯💯💯
Amen to that 😊
Hello Colleague. I have driven such a form of bus driving. From cruise ships and around Copenhagen. Today, I drive route bus. Greetings Kim from Denmark. Congratulations, you have received a press on the subscribe and like button from me.
I watch your videos here in Brazil, I've been a bus driver for 15 years
Always nice to meet a fellow bus operator from a different part of the world. Thank you for watching my videos and appreciate the comment. Safe travels sir!
I'd never do these kind of trips (I've tried though), I hate the uncertainty all day. Respect!
I take the Metra Electric District to the city. The Metra Electric District and South Shore Line between McCormick Place Station and Van Buren Station. I have seen the buses on the Bus way along the road.
Spot on regarding the info dump with little time to hone in on the surroundings…,maybe target reference points to prepare for lefts and right’s. It’s a challenge.
You really had a long day but you did a great job. See you next time. Stay safe!
Thank you! Appreciate the comment.
It's actually called The McCormick Place busway, I run it all day everyday. Thank God regular motorists aren't allowed there, only buses and Metra and us garbagemen. Yup those dumpsters are me. Really only 10% is underground.
Thank you for your service
17 hour day, Wow, good work!
hour and a half through Chicago traffic? Sounds about right
Hey Brother, its great to see more videos about bus/coach drivers. I drive Urban/School service buses in SEQ (South East Queensland) Australia. Ive also driven Coaches for Charter Companies, so I feel your angst when it comes to things like this video. Im at a stage where Im happy to stick with Urban/School services for now. Quick question, the music you used in this video, what & who? I like it. Keep up the good fight Sir
Hey Justin. Always nice to meet a fellow bus driver from other parts of the world. I would love to visit Australia one day. Its on my bucket list. I'm glad you like the music. Some of the songs I've used are:
Wonderful Life by Zorro
Around by AGST
Everytime I Fall by Hallman
LOVE it!
very enjoyable video. who knew i would ever say that on a bus video.
A town in England uk called Runcorn has its own busway loop, it was designed around the new town construction in the 70s
Drove coaches from 1990 through 2016. Lower Walker used to be how greyhound exited their terminal back when they were on Clark and Randolph. I always rejected shuttles downtown. Hated it. Did 90% over the road. I don’t miss it.
Auto correct spelled Wacker wrong
I used the Bus Way this morning for the 1st time trying to avoid LSD/downtown traffic it was great. I've lived here my whole life and never knew this route!!!!
That's awesome lol. What were you driving?
@@JWangvlogs Yeah I was running late and my GPS gave me this route. Started at McCormick and meet up at lower Michigan were I driven forever. It was really cool. Oh, I wasn't driving a bus, just my Jetta GLI😀😀
Seeing all this traffic doesn't make me miss driving MCIs in downtown Cleveland
Had 8,000 people at a conference, its going to be a week straight of circling about 100 buses.
Love it🎉🎉
Thanks for the insight on your job, that’s going to be a longer tunnel once they finally cover the rest of the metra tracks. I can’t see those metra tracks being exposed in grant park in the future especially with all the skyscrapers being built on the south end of grant park.
Well, I must say that, contrary to others, I LOOOOOOVED the black VH! Interesting tunnel. Am I mistaken or the loop didn´t included using it? A request: more Tourrider videos, pleeeease. Your channel is awesome!
Thanks Rad. Yeah you are correct, My route did not utilize the bus way tunnel. I kind of said that at 7:09 but I didn't finish my sentence so its very misleading. I have a bad habit of not finishing my sentences when im in a rush lol. Drives my wife and coworkers nuts lol. Thank you for your kind words. More videos to come. Including Tourrider content.
Sorry I missed this earlier. But yes no one wants to drive any big city for 12 hours. It's not fun! But you make anything look fun.... Bless you son I don't think I could do that I'd rather drive mass transit PS I'm glad you didn't say a bad word on the camera because you know your wife is a principal
LOL No worries Beryl. Thank you for the the comment. And My wife said you were probably a teachers pet. LOL
I thought driving here in New Zealand was bad enough, driving over there in America looks like it's nuts.
Great video James. Loved the production as well and the trip to Jim's Original. Just one question as I am not a professional driver, how does that work with your duty hours? I know u were driving legal but how does that work with driving limits? Thanks.
Good question. During the day we were not constantly driving. We had 30 to 45 minutes stops after each round. We also had a long lunch break in the middle of our day. We would show off duty. So though the day was still a 12 hour day.. it wasn't illegal because we were within dot limits
@@JWangvlogsWhat’s a passenger carrier max total on duty time allowed (both driving and on duty not driving)?
@@mjfreespirit if it's anything like a normal truck you can drive 11 hours, no longer than 8 consecutive hours without a half hour non-driving break, all driving time must be done within the first 14 hours of your shift, you can do non-driving work past the 14 hour mark but will need 10 consecutive off-duty hours before driving again.
@@mjfreespirit15 hours on duty, (that includes driving as well as time that you are working but not driving) And 10 hours of driving. When I stopped for breaks or had down time I was no responsible for any passengers so I went off duty. At the end of the day I had about an hour left on my 15 hour clock.