Recent Streetsblog CHICAGO posts about Federal Policy

A flowering tree in Gulfport, Illinois, across the Mississippi River from Burlington, Iowa. Photo: John Greenfield

Taking an Amtrak + bike camping trip during the time of the coronavirus

By John Greenfield | Apr 5, 2021 | No Comments

I was fairly comfortable using Amtrak for this journey, so as long as we don't see another major spike in cases, I'll probably make more such trips this year as a safer alternative to flying.

Active Transportation Alliance, transit officials discuss suburban transportation challenges

By Igor Studenkov | Mar 30, 2021 | No Comments

The shortcomings of Chicago area public transit are self-evident to any suburban transit rider who has ever tried to get anywhere but the Loop.

Buttigieg broadly commits to increased safety, equity, sustainability – details pending

By Sharon Hoyer | Mar 26, 2021 | No Comments

Buttigieg presented an ambitious vision for a more just and sustainable transportation system in the U.S. We’ll be eagerly following the funding, regulation and policy specifics of how this vision can be realized.

Commuters wait for a train at Metra's Rogers Park station. Photo: Igor Studenkov

What kind of infrastructure upgrades are needed for post-pandemic recovery?

By Igor Studenkov | Mar 15, 2021 | No Comments

Chicago business leaders and MPC agree that transit is key to post-pandemic economic revival, while also urging investment in freight rail, shipping facilities, roads, and bridges.

Cover of the draft edition of the new MUTCD manual.

CDOT to the feds: The new draft of the MUTCD is still way too car-centric

By John Greenfield | Mar 12, 2021 | No Comments

Transportation chief Gia Biagi argued in a letter to the FWHA that the draft version of the next edition of the manual is "far too focused on motor vehicle operations and perpetuates the status quo."

A major increase in federal funding for transit, which currently only gets 25 percent of the infrastructure money driving does, would help level the playing field. Photo: John Greenfield

Chuy Garcia’s bill calls for four times the current amount of federal transit funding

By Sharon Hoyer | Mar 9, 2021 | No Comments

Advocates acknowledged the goals is ambitious and achieving parity is unlikely this year, but a strategy of aiming high could significantly move the funding needle during this window of opportunity.

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