The Chicago Transit Board this week unanimously approved proposed changes to CTA service that would add service to 48 bus routes and the agency’s six busiest rail lines. The additional service, valued at $16 million, comes at the expense of 12 “duplicative and low-ridership” bus routes.

Despite strong public opposition to many of the proposed eliminations, the CTA Board voted to move forward on the plan without any changes.

The changes are set to go into effect on December 16, 2012.