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Taking a ride on Madison’s new (and quick) bus rapid transit line
Despite its status as the most populous city in the Midwest, Chicago infamously does not have a BRT system. So last month, I traveled to Madison to spend a day in Wisconsin's capital city to experience what it might be like to live in a midwestern city with a bus rapid transit system.
January 14, 2025
Should we advocate for a better DSD by pushing “realistic” changes, or a moonshot?
Is advocating for bus-only lanes on DSD, rather than half-sizing the highway, a realistic goal, or "simping for the status quo"?
July 2, 2021
Finally! The Lightfoot administration is rolling out pop-out pandemic bus lanes
Streetsblog was pushing for pop-up bus lanes months ago when traffic was much lighter and there would have been less potential political backlash to repurposing mixed-traffic lanes but, hey, better late than never.
September 21, 2020
San Francisco’s Market Street is going car-free. Michigan Avenue should be next.
Why shouldn't Michigan become a safer, more efficient, and more democratic street as well?
October 30, 2019
CTA Documents: Loop Link Has Yielded Only Minor Speed Gains
While Loop Link was supposed to double bus speeds, that hasn't happened, partly due the lack of prepaid boarding and lane enforcement. But that doesn't mean the project is a failure.
October 17, 2018
Finally! Washington Protected Lane Is Being Extended East
No longer will cyclists be dropped off into mixed traffic east of State Street.
October 9, 2017
Enthusiasm for Curbs: The City Should Use Plastic Barriers to Keep Loop Link Lanes Clear
It's common to see non-CTA drivers, especially operators of private commuter shuttles, illegally using the lanes. Here’s a cheap, fast, effective solution to this problem.
July 10, 2017
Colombia College: Lessons From Bogotá’s Transportation System for Chicago
Chicago would be wise to emulate Bogotá's extensive TransMilenio bus rapid transit system and the Sunday Ciclovía or "cycleway" program, which opens a roughly 75-mile network of streets for car-free recreation and draws some two million people each week.
March 9, 2017
Despite High-Profile Deaths, 2016 Was A Good Year for Chicago Transportation
Emanuel cut the ribbon on a number of new sustainable transportation amenities. And thanks to the mayor's need to rebuild his image, transportation officials paid more attention to equity concerns this year.
December 29, 2016
Happy Birthday Loop Link
While the system hasn't dramatically sped up bus service, it should get faster in the future, and it has also improved conditions for walking and biking.
December 22, 2016
