“SBC versus smoking on the CTA” part six: A software engineer turns to crowdsourcing to hold officials accountable for finding solutions
If you've been following Streetsblog Chicago's quest for holistic approaches (not just more policing) to encourage people not to smoke on CTA trains, you know why this is an important issue, and have read about my shenanigans on this front. If not, check out more links at the bottom of this post.
April 6, 2026
Inside CTA HQ, board discussed Revised Security Enhancement Plan. Outside, rallying bus drivers chanted “Respect us, protect us, pay us.”
It was perhaps fitting that much of the March 11 meeting of the CTA's board was held to the chanting and shouts from a rally taking place right outside.
March 11, 2026
CTA board signs off on smoke mitigation pilot, discusses public safety challenges
On Wednesday, the CTA board had its first meeting of 2026, and there were some hot topics to discuss.
January 15, 2026
CTA board responded to FTA ultimatum, bid farewell to Michelle Lee, heard more Grand-standing from protected bike lane NIMBYs
Reporting for this piece is by Igor Studenkov, and commentary is by editor John Greenfield.
December 10, 2025
CTA board approves budget, lauds new transit bill. Car activist Roger Romanelli makes a disingenuous Grand Avenue bus lane proposal.
The general reporting on the meeting is by Igor Studenkov, and the commentary on the Grand Avenue project is by John Greenfield.
November 12, 2025
At CTA board meeting, an update on bus lane cams, and commiseration over Trump’s blockade of RLE grant: “This is not normal.”
Today's monthly CTA board meeting took place as Illinois lawmakers are getting ready to return to Springfield for the fall veto session, scheduled for October 14-16 and October 28-30. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they will finally pass a transit funding/reform bill, permanently saving our region from previously projected 40 percent service cuts and 3,000 layoffs.
October 8, 2025
“Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters!” At the CTA board meeting, discussion of a new program to exorcise ghost buses
CTA staff also gave updates on the Frequent Network program to to shorten bus waits; rail ridership; and the lease for the Chicago Market co-op at Wilson Station.
August 13, 2025
Loved ones, bike advocates honored Yader Castaneda, fatally struck by Hummer driver at dangerous Loop intersection
Yesterday, family members, friends, and supporters gathered to install a "ghost bike" memorial to fallen cyclist Yader "Yak" Casteneda, 18 at Randolph Street and Michigan Avenue in the Loop. In speeches during the vigil, his loved ones remembered him as an ambitious, hard-working person, and a supportive brother and friend, who lit up a room with his presence.
August 4, 2025
The first cut is the deepest: RTA warns some transit impacts may be unavoidable, even if the state comes through with a bailout
"This is an outcome that was preventable, but we stand ready to do the work and respond to what's coming down the path," said RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden.
June 12, 2025
At a relatively peaceful, productive meeting, CTA board approved bus route changes, Narcan machines, track safety pilot
In some ways, today's CTA board meeting wasn't as dramatic as the May one. Unlike last month, Ald. David Moore (17th) wasn't there warning the directors that they would be "backbiting snakes" if they didn't support Mayor Brandon Johnson's pick for the new agency president. That person was the City's current chief operating officer John Roberson, the alder's former chief of staff.
June 11, 2025
