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....
New report: "Paris cycling doubled between October 2022 and October 2023. The remarkable increase in bicycle traffic in Paris is one of Europe’s clearest examples of what sustained investment in cycling infrastructure can look like on the ground." #CDOT momentummag.com/paris-cyclin...
momentummag.com
September 16, 2026 at 12:37 PM
New report: "Paris cycling doubled between October 2022 and October 2023. The remarkable increase in bicycle traffic in Paris is one of Europe’s clearest examples of what sustained investment in cycling infrastructure can look like on the ground." #CDOT momentummag.com/paris-cyclin...
Analysis @rsday.bsky.social: Issuance of new housing permits in 2025: On a per capita basis, Chicago ranks 410 among all 534 jurisdictions with at least 100,000 residents. We’re dead last among the 21 jurisdictions with a population of more than a million. citythatworks.substack.com/p/were-in-a-...
A list of places that permitted more housing than Chicago last year
We're in a dead heat with Omaha, Nebraska
citythatworks.substack.com
September 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Analysis @rsday.bsky.social: Issuance of new housing permits in 2025: On a per capita basis, Chicago ranks 410 among all 534 jurisdictions with at least 100,000 residents. We’re dead last among the 21 jurisdictions with a population of more than a million. citythatworks.substack.com/p/were-in-a-...
Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
Great thread on the Cortland bridge. Took it today, it’s the best route from Lakeview to Wicker, a trip I make often.
Why might the many bicyclists using the Cortland Avenue Bridge and the now carless stretch between Elston and Clybourn to get safely across the Chicago River feel strongly that aldermanic-led plans to restore car traffic ASAP with no apparent provision for safe bicycle passage are misguided?
September 12, 2026 at 9:43 PM
Great thread on the Cortland bridge. Took it today, it’s the best route from Lakeview to Wicker, a trip I make often.
Why might the many bicyclists using the Cortland Avenue Bridge and the now carless stretch between Elston and Clybourn to get safely across the Chicago River feel strongly that aldermanic-led plans to restore car traffic ASAP with no apparent provision for safe bicycle passage are misguided?
September 12, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Why might the many bicyclists using the Cortland Avenue Bridge and the now carless stretch between Elston and Clybourn to get safely across the Chicago River feel strongly that aldermanic-led plans to restore car traffic ASAP with no apparent provision for safe bicycle passage are misguided?
Quad Cities-Chicago Amtrak project gets a reprieve from USDOT. @illinoisdot.bsky.social and other project partners missed the project delivery deadline and risked loss of federal funding. Project has been in planning stage 15+ years and counting. Cost going up. www.galesburg.com/story/news/l...
Chicago to Quad Cities rail line gets funding boost
Federal officials extended grant funding for the long delayed Chicago to Quad Cities passenger rail project.
www.galesburg.com
September 11, 2026 at 5:25 PM
Quad Cities-Chicago Amtrak project gets a reprieve from USDOT. @illinoisdot.bsky.social and other project partners missed the project delivery deadline and risked loss of federal funding. Project has been in planning stage 15+ years and counting. Cost going up. www.galesburg.com/story/news/l...
Get the word out about these and coming NITA job openings. NITA should be a magnet for talent from around the globe (and from within the Chicago region and transit operations agencies).
Want to help shape the future of transit in Northern Illinois? NITA is hiring for several key roles that will have a direct hand in building a safer, more seamless, more rider-focused regional transit system.
A few exciting opportunities open right now:
A few exciting opportunities open right now:
September 11, 2026 at 4:02 PM
Get the word out about these and coming NITA job openings. NITA should be a magnet for talent from around the globe (and from within the Chicago region and transit operations agencies).
The Transportation Committee of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has unanimously approved the proposed Regional Transportation Plan, recommending that CMAP's Policy Board (the MPO) and Board adopt the RTP at their joint meeting in October. cmap.illinois.gov/regional-pla...
September 11, 2026 at 3:40 PM
The Transportation Committee of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has unanimously approved the proposed Regional Transportation Plan, recommending that CMAP's Policy Board (the MPO) and Board adopt the RTP at their joint meeting in October. cmap.illinois.gov/regional-pla...
The ILEPA has released the final draft of its Comprehensive Climate Action Plan. Website with link to final draft and background materials: epa.illinois.gov/topics/clima...
September 11, 2026 at 2:33 PM
The ILEPA has released the final draft of its Comprehensive Climate Action Plan. Website with link to final draft and background materials: epa.illinois.gov/topics/clima...
Account @chi.streetsblog.org of yesterday's initial meeting of the board of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. chi.streetsblog.org/2026/09/10/n...
Advocates give a thumbs-up to Tom Kotarac as NITA board chair. Former aviation chief Jamie Rhee chosen as AcTINg executive director. - Streetsblog Chicago
chi.streetsblog.org
September 11, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Account @chi.streetsblog.org of yesterday's initial meeting of the board of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority. chi.streetsblog.org/2026/09/10/n...
NITA actively supporting implementation of the People Over Parking Act with an interactive map and other tools. The Act bars municipalities from imposing minimum parking requirements near transit stations and along frequent transit corridors. nita.illinois.gov/communities/...
Northern Illinois Transit Authority | People Over Parking Act
An element of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act is the creation of the People Over Parking Act (POPA), a new Illinois law effective June…
nita.illinois.gov
September 10, 2026 at 6:45 PM
NITA actively supporting implementation of the People Over Parking Act with an interactive map and other tools. The Act bars municipalities from imposing minimum parking requirements near transit stations and along frequent transit corridors. nita.illinois.gov/communities/...
NITA Board has appointed Jaime Rhee as NITA's Interim Executive Director. She was Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation before her retirement in April 2025. Initial six-month term. One dissenting vote: Director Oswaldo Alvarez. www.chicago.gov/city/en/dept...
www.chicago.gov
September 10, 2026 at 5:12 PM
NITA Board has appointed Jaime Rhee as NITA's Interim Executive Director. She was Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation before her retirement in April 2025. Initial six-month term. One dissenting vote: Director Oswaldo Alvarez. www.chicago.gov/city/en/dept...
"The rooftop of the building was planned for a large, landscaped rooftop park. Via a minor change to the Planned Development, the building’s rooftop has been converted into parking, removing the rooftop park and associated greenery planned on the building." 1/5 chicago.urbanize.city/post/redesig...
Redesigned West Garage at 1901 Project moves forward
A permit has been issued for the design changes set to be implemented for the West Garage, the first building of The 1901 Project, a $7 billion catalytic mixed-use development located around the Unite...
chicago.urbanize.city
September 10, 2026 at 3:09 PM
"The rooftop of the building was planned for a large, landscaped rooftop park. Via a minor change to the Planned Development, the building’s rooftop has been converted into parking, removing the rooftop park and associated greenery planned on the building." 1/5 chicago.urbanize.city/post/redesig...
First NITA Board meeting starts at 9 a.m. today. NITA Board Chair and Interim Executive Director selection among the agenda items. www.wbez.org/transportati...
NITA, Chicago’s new transit agency, is meeting for the first time. What will it change?
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority officially launched this month. The new agency is tasked with transforming the CTA, Metra and Pace.
www.wbez.org
September 10, 2026 at 1:34 PM
First NITA Board meeting starts at 9 a.m. today. NITA Board Chair and Interim Executive Director selection among the agenda items. www.wbez.org/transportati...
If this proposed Illinois law--Responsibility in Firearm Legislation Act--holding gun manufacturers financially accountable for a portion of impacts from shootings involving their guns passes legal muster, then could this model be extended to car/truck manufacturers? www.wbez.org/health-medic...
State bill would make gunmakers pay if their weapons are recovered in shootings
Gun violence costs Illinois about $20 billion each year. That figure includes direct costs like medical care and funeral expenses and indirect costs such as loss of income and childcare.
www.wbez.org
September 9, 2026 at 10:08 PM
If this proposed Illinois law--Responsibility in Firearm Legislation Act--holding gun manufacturers financially accountable for a portion of impacts from shootings involving their guns passes legal muster, then could this model be extended to car/truck manufacturers? www.wbez.org/health-medic...
Priorities: "Alds. Brian Hopkins (2nd) and Scott Waguespack (32nd) are planning to introduce legislation to remove the bridge’s landmark protections.... Their goal...vehicle traffic will once again have a quicker path between Bucktown and Lincoln Park." blockclubchicago.org/2026/09/08/c...
Could 124-Year-Old Cortland Bridge Lose Its Landmark Status? Alderpeople Push To Tear It Down
With the bridge closed indefinitely, Alds. Brian Hopkins and Scott Waguespack want to rescind its landmark status to make way for a new one. But preservationists want it to be reused — possibly as par...
blockclubchicago.org
September 9, 2026 at 4:38 PM
Priorities: "Alds. Brian Hopkins (2nd) and Scott Waguespack (32nd) are planning to introduce legislation to remove the bridge’s landmark protections.... Their goal...vehicle traffic will once again have a quicker path between Bucktown and Lincoln Park." blockclubchicago.org/2026/09/08/c...
Sobering chart on housing unaffordability from this paywalled article. In Illinois the People Over Parking Act—part of the NITA reforms package—is a start but more needs to be done—e.g., pass the @govpritzker.illinois.gov BUILD Act. www.wsj.com/economy/cons...
September 9, 2026 at 2:01 PM
Sobering chart on housing unaffordability from this paywalled article. In Illinois the People Over Parking Act—part of the NITA reforms package—is a start but more needs to be done—e.g., pass the @govpritzker.illinois.gov BUILD Act. www.wsj.com/economy/cons...
Looks like a full agenda for the first meeting of the @nitachicago.bsky.social Board of Directors on Thursday, 9/10. Any guesses on who the proposed Interim Executive Director might be?
The agenda for NITA's first meeting for this Thurday is already up. First orders of business: choosing a board chair AND an interim executive director.
nita.illinois.gov/uploads/file...
nita.illinois.gov/uploads/file...
September 8, 2026 at 2:09 AM
Looks like a full agenda for the first meeting of the @nitachicago.bsky.social Board of Directors on Thursday, 9/10. Any guesses on who the proposed Interim Executive Director might be?
Union membership is up in the US per new @ilepi.bsky.social study.
September 7, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Union membership is up in the US per new @ilepi.bsky.social study.
Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
Strange headline.
“Whereas other bicyclists dream of getting run over by crazy drivers on poorly designed streets.” 🥴🤷🏻
chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
“Whereas other bicyclists dream of getting run over by crazy drivers on poorly designed streets.” 🥴🤷🏻
chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
Some cyclists at Bike the Drive dream of safer roads for all
The annual ride is a fundraiser for the Active Transportation Alliance, a non-profit advocating for better conditions for walking, biking and using public transit throughout the Chicago area.
chicago.suntimes.com
September 6, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Strange headline.
“Whereas other bicyclists dream of getting run over by crazy drivers on poorly designed streets.” 🥴🤷🏻
chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
“Whereas other bicyclists dream of getting run over by crazy drivers on poorly designed streets.” 🥴🤷🏻
chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
Idaho passed seven housing bills this year - legalizing ADUs statewide, shrinking minimum lot sizes, and allowing single-stairway apartments.
Estimates found the state is short over 45,000 homes despite leading the nation in per-capita housing growth.
reason.org/commentary/i...
Estimates found the state is short over 45,000 homes despite leading the nation in per-capita housing growth.
reason.org/commentary/i...
September 7, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Idaho passed seven housing bills this year - legalizing ADUs statewide, shrinking minimum lot sizes, and allowing single-stairway apartments.
Estimates found the state is short over 45,000 homes despite leading the nation in per-capita housing growth.
reason.org/commentary/i...
Estimates found the state is short over 45,000 homes despite leading the nation in per-capita housing growth.
reason.org/commentary/i...
Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
Honestly between CDOT, cmap, and Parks I've met some phenomenal people who are capable of making a world class park along Lake Michigan with a highly efficient transpo system. Haven't met many folks from CTA but i have no question theyre capable. Let them free to do good! Chicago has the power.
September 6, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Honestly between CDOT, cmap, and Parks I've met some phenomenal people who are capable of making a world class park along Lake Michigan with a highly efficient transpo system. Haven't met many folks from CTA but i have no question theyre capable. Let them free to do good! Chicago has the power.
The #BiketheDrive @activetransportation.org raises the question why is Chicago running an 8 lane DuSable Lake Shore Drive expressway through an incredible lakefront park, creating a giant barrier between miles of neighborhoods and the lake? blockclubchicago.org/2026/09/04/a...
September 6, 2026 at 5:11 PM
The #BiketheDrive @activetransportation.org raises the question why is Chicago running an 8 lane DuSable Lake Shore Drive expressway through an incredible lakefront park, creating a giant barrier between miles of neighborhoods and the lake? blockclubchicago.org/2026/09/04/a...
Long line developing at Fullerton for #BikeTheDrive @activetransportation.org registration. Looks like great day for the ride, however.
September 6, 2026 at 11:50 AM
Long line developing at Fullerton for #BikeTheDrive @activetransportation.org registration. Looks like great day for the ride, however.
👏
Kelly: more development means more people sharing the city's property tax bill
www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/02/l...
www.chicagotribune.com/2026/09/02/l...
September 4, 2026 at 11:54 PM
👏
Background on the proposed O'Hare Flyer, which promises a 15 minute connection between ORD Terminal 2 and Downtown Chicago, in this webinar sponsored by @hsrail.bsky.social. Forest Park/River Forest opponents out in force, claiming catastrophic impacts from electric trains. youtu.be/RLx81UAK-gI?...
The O’Hare Flyer
YouTube video by High Speed Rail Alliance
youtu.be
September 4, 2026 at 9:07 PM
Background on the proposed O'Hare Flyer, which promises a 15 minute connection between ORD Terminal 2 and Downtown Chicago, in this webinar sponsored by @hsrail.bsky.social. Forest Park/River Forest opponents out in force, claiming catastrophic impacts from electric trains. youtu.be/RLx81UAK-gI?...