When riding on the London Underground, it’s important that your socks match the moquette of your chosen line.

I see so many British journalists copying, word for word sometimes, press releases from companies. That’s just lazy journalism and drives me bonkers. Companies must love it, though, since they set the narrative and don’t face any scrutiny. I just want to scream “Do your jobs properly” when I see it!

An exciting milestone for travel in East and South London. The first of 54 brand-new DLR trains is now in service, featuring: ✅ Walk-through carriages ✅ Air-con ✅ Mobile charging points These new trains will support thousands of new homes and jobs and improve journeys.

My partner's sister is in London with her daughters and I was called "Uncle Jeff" for the first time in my life. As an only child, this is weirdly a big moment and I didn't expect it to give me all the feels. 😭

On my way to Antwerp for the European Transport Conference! #ETCAntwerp2025

I’m very much looking forward to the permanent pedestrianisation of Oxford Street.

I’ve discovered that TfL has a coffee (not tea) culture and all of my individual meetings thus far have been over coffee. This is great as it’s my personal stlye for meetings and I’m loving it (or maybe that’s the caffeine talking). This is a far better fit than Rail Partners (which I loved). 🚇 🚍 🚖

Oh and, yeah, life announcement: I landed a job as a planner at Transport for London. 🥳

I’m always excited to start a new job but, as I start at Transport for London today, there’s a level of excitement and curiosity that I’ve not experienced on a first day since I was 22 heading to the Chicago Transit Authority for the first time. That’s a great feeling to have.

Also Da Pope

Da Pope

What do Walt Disney, Oprah, Michael Jordan, Barack Obama (the first black US president), and Da Pope (the first American pope) have in common? Oh, right. Chicago.

I'm not Catholic, but having a fellow Chicagoan as Pope is pretty fucking cool. Long live Da Pope!

A Chicagoan for Pope? I’ll allow it!

This is a great video highlighting Rail Partners' achievements over the past few years (I even make a few appearances). I've been collecting my thoughts now that it's over and Day 1 of funemployment has begun. Kicking around the idea of restarting my blog, so I'll see how that goes.

Last official day at Rail Partners. 😢

The RTA is seeking interns for Summer 2025! 💼☀️ View open positions and apply now by visiting css-rtachicago-prd.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/Candidat...

Been having too much fun in Porto to post, but super excited for my tour and tasting at Caves Cáves!

Heartbreaking. #StandWithUkraine

I love the random question my mom asks me. Today it was: "Tell me the top three things you miss not living in Chicago anymore." That's actually a good question! Here are my three: My Chicago friends, Andersonville (my neighbourhood), and 24/7/365 subway service. No running for the 'L' at midnight!

3 years. Thinking of my Ukrainian family members, friends, and colleagues today. Slava Ukraini! Photo: @ec.europa.eu

This photo has trains, a gin distillery, and a Last Word cocktail - and a happy Jeff. Fun fact: the Last Word was invented in Michigan at the Detroit Athletic Association in the 1910s, I might add. It’s the export I’m most proud of from my home state - a cocktail (screw Madonna or vehicles)!

Not me enjoying a wee dram before heading out for more Edinburgh adventures this afternoon.

Super excited to finally take a ride on the Edinburgh Trams extension! Good excuse to visit a friend who lives near Ocean Terminal. 😂

Had another amazing journey on the Caledonian Sleeper last night - first time in 5 years! That said, the ride was pretty rough and kept me up. Network Rail is clearly neglecting the infrastructure. At one point I thought we were about to derail and had to hold on so I didn’t fall out of the bed!

Celebrating 6 years with this guy today! So glad I found someone who graciously humours me!

As an American expat who has lived in London for over 8 years, I am incredibly grateful to be living in such an incredible, diverse, open and welcoming city.

A beloved, traditional Chicago spirit shall soon be shared in London. I have laid the foundations for introducing my colleagues to Malört. It will be a day they never forget.

Just leaned that my hometown, St. Joseph Michigan, had a prohibition-era speakeasy called… “Bucket of Blood”. That’s hardcore and I’m here for it. I can picture Al Capone and his gang, who had a home(s) here, frequenting the establishment for a gin or two. Maybe this is why I love gin so much. 🤔

I couldn’t come to Chicago without going to my favourite, and best in my opinion, coffee shop - The Coffee Studio in Andersonville. If you’re in Aville, make sure to check it out and support independent, local businesses!

Oops. Saturday. I don’t function that early and without coffee. 🤣

Man it is early to be out on a Sunday morning. 🥱

Beautiful Chicago morning! I guess I better put on a light jacket today.

This view from the @chicagocta.bsky.social Brown Line never gets old. ❤️

New Orleans is one of my absolute favourite cities anywhere, and I was just there earlier this year introducing it to my partner (who also loved it). My heart is breaking and goes out to all those affected but the tragedy in the French Quarter last night.

Happy New Year from Chicago! Taking advantage of @chicagocta.bsky.social free NYE trains and buses! Huge thanks to CTA for providing the free rides so people can celebrate responsibly!

I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit. I’ve always thought combining the agencies was a no brainer - it’s need discussed for decades. That said, I really f*cking HATE (hate wasn’t strong enough and yes, I know you can’t take back “hate”) the name “Metropolitan Mobilities Agency” and here’s why:

Cleaning out my closet at my mom’s house in Michigan and I came across these @chicagocta.bsky.social CTA shirts from when I worked there back in the day (that logo will date my time there)!

Just @amtrak.com arriving at my hometown station (St. Joseph, Michigan). Totally unplanned. The station is located next to Silver Beach. Sadly it’s too dark to see, but Lake Michigan is just past the trees in the background.

Wow, @chicagocta.bsky.social is working on their strategic plan. Here is the survey: www.transitchicago.com/strategicpla...

Just hanging out in the Chicago Union Station Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge before my train to Michigan for Christmas with the family. ❤️

A beautiful sight, we’re happy tonight, walking in a Chicago wonderland! The legendary @chicagocta.bsky.social ‘L’ always puts a smile on my face. I still miss working there!

The view from my hotel room. This city is amazing. #Chicago

Hello Chicago. I’ve missed you. It’s good to be home.

I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents under the tree! See you in 8(ish) hours, Chicago!

In one week, I'll be back home in Chicago for the holidays. Already looking forward to being back in a 24-hour city and, of course, @chicagocta.bsky.social and its 24/7 rail service... and the Holiday Train! Honestly, it's been a rough year and I'm looking forward to getting out of the UK for a bit.

An interesting concept for what looks like a S-Train styke rail system in Chicago. The tricky part would be getting the freight companies to play nice for once and allow more trains on their network (for reference - freight companies own the vast majority of rail infrastructure in the US).

Know anyone who lives or travels in the suburbs of Chicago? Please encourage them to respond to our survey seeking input on the future of the Pace transit network! humantransit.org/2024/12/chic... And please share!

Woo hoo! My favorite public transport agency is on Bkuesky! Extra bonus for CTA being the best job/employer I’ve ever had (and I’ve had many amazing jobs). I worked for CTA in the early/mid 00s and it’s what solidified my love of public transport - and led me to get my PhD in transport planning. ❤️