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Introducing “Streetsblog Chicago versus smoking on the CTA.” In part one of our series, editors from other cities and our transit agency weigh in.
"Now, [Streetsblog] don't you fill me up with your rules'Cause everybody knows that smokin' ain't allowed [on the 'L']"
February 11, 2026
Advocates gathered to honor Rosa Parks on Transit Equity Day, and rode part of the proposed Western Avenue bus rapid transit route
All photos are by James Porter.
February 6, 2026
Stay in your lane or pay the fine
The initial results for the City's Smart Streets enforcement pilot are promising, hopefully paving the way for effective bus-priority streets citywide.
January 28, 2026
Self-described “annoying” transit union leader Eric Basir discusses changes he wants made to CTA labor policies, and the agency responds
"Brother" Eric Basir has been working for the CTA since February 2018. He started as a customer service assistant, became a flagman, then a train operator, and for almost five years, he's been a rail car repairer, currently working out of the Midway terminal.
January 22, 2026
A conversation with Active Trans’ W. Robert Schultz III: We must improve public safety on the CTA. What’s the best way to accomplish that?
Interview by James Porter, introduction by John Greenfield
January 16, 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
Photographer Daniel Moreno discusses his new book “Chicago’s Holiday Train”
Since 1992, the CTA Holiday Train has been a Chicago Christmas tradition. Now people don't need to ride it to appreciate its splendor. Daniel Moreno, a photographer from Venezuela who now lives in Chicago, has spent several years capturing the decorated 'L' train.
December 1, 2025
Yes, despite the upcoming RTA/NITA switch and transit agency board remix, Johnson can still choose Leerhsen for permanent CTA chief
On November 7, a week after the "Halloween Miracle" of the Illinois General Assembly passing a robust transit reform/funding bill in the wee hours of October 31, SBC had a fun conversation with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.
November 19, 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
