Almost stubbornly though, cities seem to reaffirm that they are complex places. There’s a whole lot going on, and no matter how much we study them, we can never fully understand the universe of individual interactions and their outcomes thoughtsaboutcities.substack.com/p/a-new-trai...

CBS News used my dashboard to show that this wasn’t an “accident”, but a common occurrence at this intersection. When will CDOT make it stop? www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news...

Over the past few days, I've encountered 2 CTA employees sweeping the station, 1 sweeping a train and a Blue Line Station that smelled ... pleasant.

Ever wonder how transit schedules are actually built? Check out my latest article (or its accompanying Youtube video) to learn how a line on a map is turned into an operable transit timetable. Article: www.planetizen.com/blogs/137195... Demonstration Video: youtu.be/RQhe82I6j6A?...

In this edition of I hope this helps 👍🏾: 1️⃣ The Revival of Chicagoland's Malls 2️⃣ Chicago to Milwaukee by Transit 3️⃣ The Seven Levels of Stupidity 4️⃣ Read the Dystopians... 5️⃣...and remember to vote! Also... 🛤️ Gauntlet Tracks on the South Shore Hopefully you'll find something here that resonates!

If it feels like no one cares about cleanliness or rider experience, it’s going to feel like no one cares about rider security either

Perception of security on transit is almost entirely vibes. For the people who actually ride transit, you could have a rent-a-cop on every platform and triple the number of cops hanging out doing nothing in particular, but if every train still smells like weed or cigarettes, no one will feel safer.

Super excited to see where this Streetsblog series goes!

In this edition of I hope this helps 👍🏾: 1️⃣The Finch West LRT (it's very slow 🐢) 2️⃣Commentary on race in Planning 3️⃣Why you should take a sh*tty bus 4️⃣Somebody that actually took a sh*tty bus 5️⃣Plans vs Strategies 6️⃣The Swamp Rabbit Trail Hopefully you'll find something here that resonates!

Honestly, who doesn't love a bendy boy?

2026 is on the mainline 🥂. Here's what's in, and what's out (per me) In ✅Reading ✅Asking Why ✅Learning, unlearning and relearning ✅YouTube (and Substack) Out ❌ Playing with Tax Dollars ❌Blame ❌Having an Opinion On Everything

Blame is useless. It doesn’t move us any closer to a solution, and more often than not, it actively distracts from the work of listening, learning and building mutual understanding. Learn about the follies of blame, the importance of trees and the Merlin Bird ID app in my latest article!

October was a big month for transit projects across the US. Here's a rundown of some of the major lines that started revenue service last month, with commentary by me. Check it out and let me know if you have any experience with any of these projects! thoughtsaboutcities.substack.com/p/heres-a-bu...

"Some level of institutional power is necessary for any institution to carry out its core functions. However, institutional power is ultimately administered by people, and people are subject their own incentives and agendas"

Yesterday was Halloween, and today I'm driving a trolley in a Veterans Day Parade. Life comes at you fast

Y'all got a favorite seat on the bus? This is mine

Went for a bike ride on the day of the Chicago Marathon. I fear a may never make it back across the race and to my home

One thing about me. I'ma throw back some hors d'oeuvres at a cocktail hour

Check out my latest discussing about my last five years working as a public sector consultant. accessiblyurban.substack.com/p/why-public...

This includes routes on the Frequent Network that CTA is actively adding service to. This city is exhausting 🙃 www.transitchicago.com/frequent/

Focusing on assigning blame (or offloading liability) distracts us from the real work of problem solving. I think this has applications for life generally, as well as politics specifically.

Autonomous Transit just launched in Jacksonville. This and zoning (spoiler: we don't need it) in my latest!

Driving a bus is where I'm most happy. Check out my latest post where I talk about my experience behind the wheel!

Lately, life has been teaching me what it means to self sustain in a place where I'm valued for my labor, not my talent. This book has been helpful. Here's an excerpt for your morning!

‼️Parking reform is in the Zoning Committee in Chicago today‼️. Email your alderman and express your support Also, in I Hope This Helps 👍🏽: 1️⃣The Wisdom of Desire Paths 2️⃣The Importance of Clear Policy 3️⃣Bike Lanes (they're actually really good) 4️⃣Politicians Rarely Lie from the In Practice Substack

On Tuesday June 17th, an ordinance will be introduced to the zoning committee in Chicago that would remove parking mandates around transit. Here's the letter of support I sent to the committee, and my alderman. Send your own letter to the committee (mail to [email protected])

Without additional funding support, the Chicago Transit Authority (and Chicagoland transit generally) has to start planning for a 40% reduction in service. Check out my take on how we can do that without triggering a "death spiral"

Check out my article on the elements of Good Transit and let me know what you think!