John Greenfield
In addition to editing Streetsblog Chicago, John writes the transportation column for the Chicago Reader weekly paper. A Chicagoan since 1989, he enjoys exploring the city on foot, bike, bus, and 'L' train.
Recent Posts
Riding the Tiger: What’s up with those wacky hybrid Orange and Brown ‘L’ trains?
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Here's the skinny about the CTA's weird Orange Line runs that become Brown Line trains when they reach the Loop, and then turn back into Orange trains.
Let’s modernize Chicago transportation with old-school technology
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Tech gurus like Elon Musk say we "electric sleds," car tunnels, autonomous vehicles, and Hyperloop tubes will save America's cities from gridlock. What we really need is more trains, buses, and bikes.
Lightfoot’s crackdown on bus and bike lane violations is a step in the right direction
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A new ordinance would allow parking aides to photo violations of bus and bike lanes and mail the tickets, even scofflaws try to escape the fine by driving away.
Christopher T. Davis, 19, killed after Metra/car collision at crash-prone intersection
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There were four train-motor vehicle crashes at the 87th/Pulaski Metra crossing over the past eight years, including a 2015 collision that killed two motorists.
Mayors: Cars Are Killing Us, But We Can’t Stop It
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"On many questions, a sizable portion of mayors appear unwilling to implement — or are unaware of — best practices in transportation planning," the annual Menino Survey of Mayors concluded.
At Pullman event, residents say pilot would make Metra accessible to more South Siders
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"Currently, [the Metra fare] prices a few folks out. A lot of people, especially in this area, can't afford it," said one attendee.
Talking Headways Podcast: Unnecessary Literature Reviews, Part II
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David Levinson talks about the politics of research journals and his new book, "The 30 Minute City."
For wheelchair user Michele Lee, good transit access is key for maintaining independence
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After recovering from a car crash, Lee moved from the suburbs to the West Loop for better transportation and retail options, but accessibility gaps still present challenges.
Chicago saw a 20% drop in traffic deaths in 2019, but little decrease in ped fatalities
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So far three pedestrians have been killed on Chicago streets in 2020.
Aldermen want to fight climate change? Here’s how they can reduce transportation emissions
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This week a City Council committee passed a resolution calling for urgent access on the climate crisis. They should put there money where there mouth is when it comes to reducing driving-related pollution.
Lane of Lower LSD converted to protected bike/ped path, carmageddon doesn’t ensue
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Thanks to the magic of traffic evaporation — the phenomenon that when you take away space for drivers, demand tends to go away as well — the lane closure seems to be having no discernible effect on car traffic.
It’s no Cheap Trick: Amtrak service to Rockford and the Quad Cities is on the horizon
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IDOT confirmed that negotiations are underway for 2 daily roundtrips to the Quad Cities; environmental work is needed for the Rockford route.