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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

Lightfoot, Garcia, Vallas, Wilson, and Johnson. Photo: John Greenfield

Mayoral hopefuls weigh in on how to save the CTA, a key campaign issue

By John Greenfield | Jan 26, 2023 | No Comments
During today's mayoral candidate forum held by WCPT 820 AM at Morningstar Auditorium, transit was a major topic of conversation.
The Wilson Red and Purple line station this snowy afternoon. Photo: John Greenfield

The CTA’s winter arsenal: sleet fighters, snowplow blades, and diesel locomotives

By John Greenfield | Jan 25, 2023 | No Comments
Current staffing shortages aside, the CTA appears to generally do a pretty good job of keeping trains and buses functioning during inclement weather.
Irving Park and Hermitage, looking east. This intersection will get a new crosswalk, curb extensions, and flashing warning beacons. Image: Google Maps

Ald. Martin announces ped upgrades on Irving Park, after IDOT stopped obstructing them

By John Greenfield | Jan 22, 2023 | No Comments
Improvements include new crosswalks, ped islands, curb extensions, and/or warning beacons at six intersections, including the one where ward volunteer Peter Paquette was killed.
A southbound Red Line train arrives at the Roosevelt stop yesterday. Photo: John Greenfield

CTA’s percent of fulfilled runs got even worse last month. What should be done?

By John Greenfield | Jan 20, 2023 | No Comments
Disappointingly, the December 2022 percentage of fulfilled bus and train runs was actually worse compared to November 2022.
A rare example of police enforcing a downtown bike lane, at Washington and State streets. Photo: John Greenfield

Will Smart Streets Pilots Ordinance give bike and bus lane enforcement some teeth?

By John Greenfield | Jan 19, 2023 | No Comments
The legislation sounds like a step in the right direction, so Streetsblog will closely follow the progress of the ordinance to help ensure that it doesn't get killed by motor-headed Council members.
Lily Shambrook

Lily Shambrook’s family hopes lawsuit against city will help keep others safe on bikes

By John Greenfield | Jan 18, 2023 | No Comments
Hopefully one outcome of this lawsuit will be corporations, commercial drivers, and city officials prioritizing cyclist safety. That would help ensure that Lily's passing will not have been in vain. 
Peter Paquette and his wife JoAnn. Peter was fatally struck last June on Irving Park Road, where IDOT blocked pedestrian safety infrastructure.

It shouldn’t take high-profile traffic deaths to make IDOT stop blocking safety infrastructure

By John Greenfield | Jan 18, 2023 | No Comments
Yesterday IDOT reached an agreement with CDOT that essentially means the state will stop vetoing proposals for safety improvements at the intersections of state- and city-controlled roadways.
Train positions on several Metra lines as of early Friday afternoon.

Non-mystery trains? Metra promises more accurate arrival data on its new tracker

By John Greenfield | Jan 13, 2023 | No Comments
Much has been said recently about the CTA’s COVID 19-era reliability problems. There’s been less discussion of Metra’s challenges with restoring service as society slowly recovers from the pandemic, but it’s an equally vexing issue. Since the hub-and-spokes commuter railroad’s focus is on transporting suburbanites to and from downtown jobs, its ridership has been particularly […]
The ghost bike memorial to Gerardo Marciales, before it was destroyed. Photo: John Greenfield

A reckless driver killed Divvy rider Gerardo Marciales. Another one destroyed his ghost bike.

By John Greenfield | Jan 12, 2023 | No Comments
Less than a year after his death, another reckless motorist on the drive crashed into the light pole Marciales' ghost bike memorial was chained to, demolishing the shrine.
The 2500 block of West Lake Street, looking west. Image: Google Maps

Anthony Harvey, 33, killed by hit-and-run driver in East Garfield is 4th pedestrian fatality of 2023

By John Greenfield | Jan 12, 2023 | No Comments
Tragically, less than two weeks into the new year, drivers have already struck and killed four people on foot in Chicago.
A mix of non-electric Divvy bikes and e-cycles. Photo: John Greenfield

Good news! CDOT and Lyft indicate non-electric Divvies won’t be phased out

By John Greenfield | Jan 11, 2023 | No Comments
It looks like in the future Divvy users won't have to worry about having the no more blue bikes blues.
Catching a #9 bus at 95th Street in Brainerd. Photo: John Greenfield

CTA publishes more realistic bus schedules, advocates say agency should focus on hiring

By John Greenfield | Jan 10, 2023 | No Comments
Transit advocates responded to the announcement of the adjustment of the schedules of 52 bus lines by noting that the agency needs to keep its eyes on the prize of a full-strength workforce.
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