Thomas Bamonte
@thomasbamonte.bsky.social
Chicago. Transportation law, policy, and technology mostly. Senior Advisor, Metropolitan Planning Council. Views my own. One ticket, one timetable, one network....
Credit rating upgrades for @chicagocta.bsky.social and @rtachicago.bsky.social a positive result of @govpritzker.illinois.gov recent signing of the transit reform bill. www.bondbuyer.com/news/moodys-...
Moody's upgrades CTA and RTA in wake of Illinois transit bill
Moody's Ratings upgraded the Chicago Transit Authority to Aa3 from A1 Friday, and upgraded the Chicago-area Regional Transportation Authority to Aa2 from Aa3.
www.bondbuyer.com
December 26, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Credit rating upgrades for @chicagocta.bsky.social and @rtachicago.bsky.social a positive result of @govpritzker.illinois.gov recent signing of the transit reform bill. www.bondbuyer.com/news/moodys-...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/u... Trump Administration loses in Supreme Court on national guard deployment in Chicago. Rare S.Ct. ruling against Administration.
Supreme Court Refuses to Allow Trump to Deploy National Guard in Chicago
www.nytimes.com
December 24, 2025 at 1:42 PM
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/23/u... Trump Administration loses in Supreme Court on national guard deployment in Chicago. Rare S.Ct. ruling against Administration.
Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
The point I wish got emphasized more is that the big winners from congestion pricing are *people who urgently need to drive*. Because they are ones that travel times really matter for. I always thought that instead of congestion pricing it should be called "free streets" - free from other cars.
this is incredible stuff. most state DOTs would spend tens of billions on highway expansions to try and see numbers like this (that wouldn’t even pan out anyway thanks to induced demand lol)
December 23, 2025 at 3:10 PM
The point I wish got emphasized more is that the big winners from congestion pricing are *people who urgently need to drive*. Because they are ones that travel times really matter for. I always thought that instead of congestion pricing it should be called "free streets" - free from other cars.
Traffic is down inside New York City's congestion pricing zone but sales tax revenue growth is up compared to areas outside the zone. Biggest 2025 US transportation sector success story? www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
New York's Congestion Pricing Is Working. Five Charts Show How
Nearly a year ago, New York City embarked on a controversial program to toll drivers entering some of Manhattan’s busiest streets. The goal of the congestion pricing plan, the first of its kind in the...
www.bloomberg.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Traffic is down inside New York City's congestion pricing zone but sales tax revenue growth is up compared to areas outside the zone. Biggest 2025 US transportation sector success story? www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
Peer review request @mclean.bsky.social on his work visualizing the impact of the People Over Parking Act, which nixes government-mandated parking minimums in the vicinity of areas served by frequent transit service.
I just published a new version of the People over Parking Act map that includes a bunch of cities that will have parking mandates removed around transit.
It was kind of complex to implement the statute using gtfs, would definitely appreciate some peer review!
misterclean.github.io/illinois-peo...
It was kind of complex to implement the statute using gtfs, would definitely appreciate some peer review!
misterclean.github.io/illinois-peo...
December 22, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Peer review request @mclean.bsky.social on his work visualizing the impact of the People Over Parking Act, which nixes government-mandated parking minimums in the vicinity of areas served by frequent transit service.
Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
Like Thomas said, weigh in on this important survey at the link below engage.cmap.illinois.gov/2026-rtp/sur.... Oppose NDLSD? Oppose more vehicle lanes? Support transit? This is the survey for you. Fill it out by 12/31 to make your voice heard.
December 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Like Thomas said, weigh in on this important survey at the link below engage.cmap.illinois.gov/2026-rtp/sur.... Oppose NDLSD? Oppose more vehicle lanes? Support transit? This is the survey for you. Fill it out by 12/31 to make your voice heard.
Per new @nikhunder.com analysis, increasing bus stop spacing "could translate into speed improvements of 14-29% depending on the route, traffic levels, and how many stops are removed. That’s a remarkable increase in speed, at minimal cost to the agency." citythatworks.substack.com/p/a-plan-for...
A plan for faster buses
We can speed up the bus at (almost) no cost
citythatworks.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Per new @nikhunder.com analysis, increasing bus stop spacing "could translate into speed improvements of 14-29% depending on the route, traffic levels, and how many stops are removed. That’s a remarkable increase in speed, at minimal cost to the agency." citythatworks.substack.com/p/a-plan-for...
Rail operator staffing and recent rail service trends @chicagocta.bsky.social.
After peaking in September, CTA rail staffing has slipped back to just over the 2019 benchmark.
December 21, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Rail operator staffing and recent rail service trends @chicagocta.bsky.social.
The Chicago Agency for Planning (CMAP), the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Chicago region, is putting together its next long-range plan. Transportation projects included in the plan are green lighted for federal funding/delivery. It's a ~1/2 $T plan 👀. 🧵
December 21, 2025 at 4:37 PM
The Chicago Agency for Planning (CMAP), the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Chicago region, is putting together its next long-range plan. Transportation projects included in the plan are green lighted for federal funding/delivery. It's a ~1/2 $T plan 👀. 🧵
Update @cameronbolton.bsky.social @chi.streetsblog.org on the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways O'Hare Area Bike Network Study, which is examining ways to create a more connected bikeway network in the communities surrounding the airport. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/12/16/o...
O'Hare Area Bike Network Study takes off with first virtual meeting - Streetsblog Chicago
Last winter, the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways create the O’Hare Area Bike Network Study to examine ways to create a more connected bikeway network in the communities surroundi...
chi.streetsblog.org
December 21, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Update @cameronbolton.bsky.social @chi.streetsblog.org on the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways O'Hare Area Bike Network Study, which is examining ways to create a more connected bikeway network in the communities surrounding the airport. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/12/16/o...
Stocking stuffer idea for your transit nerd/urbanist friends and extended family. 🎅🧑🎄🎄⛄😉
Weekend long read: It’s Time to #BuildTheTunnel. The first edition of our whitepaper/zine/whatever you’d like to call it is now available.
Send me $5 and I’ll drop a dead tree version in the mail (with a few stickers) for you. DM for details.
yardsocial.wordpress.com/wp-content/u...
Send me $5 and I’ll drop a dead tree version in the mail (with a few stickers) for you. DM for details.
yardsocial.wordpress.com/wp-content/u...
December 21, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Stocking stuffer idea for your transit nerd/urbanist friends and extended family. 🎅🧑🎄🎄⛄😉
As a regular traveler on the North Ave. corridor I can walk faster than @chicagocta.bsky.social buses travel during peak times from Halsted to the Chicago River. Buses on public streets providing affordable mobility for the general public should not be boxed in by single occupancy private vehicles.
North Ave #72 bus will get more frequency, yay, now we need a bus-only lane from Clark to Milwaukee, the buses get caught up in massive clots of single-occupancy vehicles
chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
CTA adds more bus routes to its 'Frequent Network' guaranteeing arrivals every 10 minutes
The Frequent Network provides service every 10 minutes or less between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. With the update, an estimated 70% of the CTA service area is now ...
chicago.suntimes.com
December 20, 2025 at 3:13 PM
As a regular traveler on the North Ave. corridor I can walk faster than @chicagocta.bsky.social buses travel during peak times from Halsted to the Chicago River. Buses on public streets providing affordable mobility for the general public should not be boxed in by single occupancy private vehicles.
Compilation @chi.streetsblog.org of public official comments at signing of the Illinois transit reform bill. Speakers emphasized "transformative" nature of the legislation, which should guide who gets appointed to NITA's Board and expectations for NITA's staff. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/12/16/a...
A signature achievement: With Pritzker's Hancock, Illinois' groundbreaking transit reform/funding bill is a done deal. - Streetsblog Chicago
Like many Prairie State politicians and transit officials, workers, riders, and advocates, I was overjoyed after state public transportation legislation surprisingly passed in the wee hours of October...
chi.streetsblog.org
December 20, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Compilation @chi.streetsblog.org of public official comments at signing of the Illinois transit reform bill. Speakers emphasized "transformative" nature of the legislation, which should guide who gets appointed to NITA's Board and expectations for NITA's staff. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/12/16/a...
Pace Suburban Bus collecting public feedback on its feasibility studies underway for I-290 and I-88 express bus service. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/12/18/a...
An express headed west: Pace considers I-290/I-88 service at open house - Streetsblog Chicago
By Austin Busch On Tuesday, Pace held an open house at the Howard Mohr Community Center in Forest Park to collect public feedback about feasibility studies underway for I-290 and I-88 express bus serv...
chi.streetsblog.org
December 20, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Pace Suburban Bus collecting public feedback on its feasibility studies underway for I-290 and I-88 express bus service. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/12/18/a...
Automated freight and rideshare vehicles are scaling up nationally. This article looks at federal policy response. Hopefully, IDOT and local DOTs in Illinois are preparing for their arrival. enotrans.org/article/2025...
2025 Autonomous Vehicles Federal Policy Wrapped - The Eno Center for Transportation
December 19, 2025 - In 2025, expanding autonomous vehicle deployments spurred increased federal and state action on safety, data, labor, and regulatory frameworks ahead of 2026.
enotrans.org
December 20, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Automated freight and rideshare vehicles are scaling up nationally. This article looks at federal policy response. Hopefully, IDOT and local DOTs in Illinois are preparing for their arrival. enotrans.org/article/2025...
One might understandably question the motives and good faith of those who threaten to cut $50M from a public transit agency, while demanding expensive new security initiatives, but not holding highway authorities equally responsible for crime and crashes on highways and streets. Small sample: ⬇️
Trump administration threatens $50 million Chicago Transit Authority funding cut, says CTA security plan, whose implementation just started, is “materially deficient.” chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
Trump administration threatens $50 million CTA funding cut, says security plan is 'materially deficient'
Federal Transit Administrator Marc Molinaro said the CTA's increase in security staffing doesn't do enough to target violent crime and ordered the transit agency to draft a new plan by March 19 or los...
chicago.suntimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:59 PM
One might understandably question the motives and good faith of those who threaten to cut $50M from a public transit agency, while demanding expensive new security initiatives, but not holding highway authorities equally responsible for crime and crashes on highways and streets. Small sample: ⬇️
Trump administration threatens $50 million Chicago Transit Authority funding cut, says CTA security plan, whose implementation just started, is “materially deficient.” chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
Trump administration threatens $50 million CTA funding cut, says security plan is 'materially deficient'
Federal Transit Administrator Marc Molinaro said the CTA's increase in security staffing doesn't do enough to target violent crime and ordered the transit agency to draft a new plan by March 19 or los...
chicago.suntimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Trump administration threatens $50 million Chicago Transit Authority funding cut, says CTA security plan, whose implementation just started, is “materially deficient.” chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
State of Illinois joins multi-state lawsuit against Uber. chicagocrusader.com/attorney-gen...
Attorney General Raoul joins lawsuit against Uber over deceptive practices
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced today that his office, as part of a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general, joined a lawsuit against Uber
chicagocrusader.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:00 PM
State of Illinois joins multi-state lawsuit against Uber. chicagocrusader.com/attorney-gen...
"Transit Scheduling 101: Scheduling Math" by Chicago-based planner Joshua Woods. thoughtsaboutcities.substack.com/p/transit-sc...
Transit Scheduling 101: Scheduling Math ➗✖️
Frequency, runtime, layover, and how they all relate to determine how much transit service costs to operate in this installment of Transit Scheduling 101!
thoughtsaboutcities.substack.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:21 PM
"Transit Scheduling 101: Scheduling Math" by Chicago-based planner Joshua Woods. thoughtsaboutcities.substack.com/p/transit-sc...
Regional Transportation Authority approves 2026 budgets for transit agencies serving the Chicago region and looks ahead to its successor, the Northern Illinois Transit Agency (NITA). chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
RTA board OKs its final Chicago area transit budgets
After approving the CTA, Metra and Pace budgets, some board members said those replacing them must prioritize the public's top concerns about transit: crime and safety, rising construction costs and e...
chicago.suntimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Regional Transportation Authority approves 2026 budgets for transit agencies serving the Chicago region and looks ahead to its successor, the Northern Illinois Transit Agency (NITA). chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
New security effort by @chicagocta.bsky.social beefs up police presence. chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
Under CTA 'security surge plan,’ more officers to be on trains, platforms and buses
The CTA announced the program will begin Friday, the same day the Federal Transit Administration demanded the agency implement a security plan or face a claw back of federal funding.
chicago.suntimes.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:06 PM
New security effort by @chicagocta.bsky.social beefs up police presence. chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
A coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia has sued USDOT and FHWA, arguing that the federal government unlawfully reversed transportation GHG performance standards used to plan, fund, and deliver infrastructure projects. www.environmentenergyleader.com/stories/stat...
States Challenge USDOT Rollback of Transport Standards - Environment+Energy Leader
Seventeen states sue USDOT over reversing federal transportation performance standards, arguing the move disrupts infrastructure planning and long-term investment.
www.environmentenergyleader.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:55 PM
A coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia has sued USDOT and FHWA, arguing that the federal government unlawfully reversed transportation GHG performance standards used to plan, fund, and deliver infrastructure projects. www.environmentenergyleader.com/stories/stat...
Very dynamic budget situation currently in the City of Chicago. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/12/10/d...
Traffic-safety funding update: Mayor's Office says they won't make 70% cuts, but will there be flexible, locally controlled funding? - Streetsblog Chicago
Documents show the main funding source for crash prevention dropping from $791M to $212M to help cover firefighter back pay and police misconduct settlements
chi.streetsblog.org
December 18, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Very dynamic budget situation currently in the City of Chicago. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/12/10/d...
New book, "A History of Bicycling in Illinois: 160 Years of Booms and Busts," out early next month: "Bicycles were once a top export from the state of Illinois with manufacturing centers in the state...making two-thirds of all bicycles sold in the country in 1898." www.wglt.org/local-news/2...
Rediscovering an overlooked linchpin of Illinois industry: Bicycling
A Bloomington-Normal historian says bicycles were once a top export from the state of Illinois. Manufacturing centers in the state, including Peoria and Chicago, made two-thirds of all bicycles sold i...
www.wglt.org
December 18, 2025 at 5:15 PM
New book, "A History of Bicycling in Illinois: 160 Years of Booms and Busts," out early next month: "Bicycles were once a top export from the state of Illinois with manufacturing centers in the state...making two-thirds of all bicycles sold in the country in 1898." www.wglt.org/local-news/2...
If there is anyone left who hasn't read the 1000+ page Illinois transit reform bill, this is a good summary in @chi.streetsblog.org.
Here’s an independent summary of NITA, by Austin Busch for @chi.streetsblog.org
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/11/04/e...
chi.streetsblog.org/2025/11/04/e...
Everything in the new transit bill on Pritzker's desk - Streetsblog Chicago
By Austin Busch Last Friday, the Illinois General Assembly passed a transformative piece of legislation for transit reform and funding with veto-proof majorities, and Gov. JB Pritzker is widely expect...
chi.streetsblog.org
December 17, 2025 at 1:23 PM
If there is anyone left who hasn't read the 1000+ page Illinois transit reform bill, this is a good summary in @chi.streetsblog.org.