iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Today I took Metra down to Calumet Fisheries, the L to book club in Lakeview, and the bus to dinner in Wicker Park, all without needing to get into a car Feeling the NITA dream right now

A small seafood restaurant named Calumet Fisheries, featuring a red and white exterior. The establishment offers a variety of seafood including shrimp, oysters, catfish, and smoked fish. There are outdoor picnic tables and a clear blue sky above.

A group of four people approaches the 93rd Street South Chicago Metra station. The station features a modern design with a sign indicating its name. The scene is set on a clear day, with blue skies and green trees nearby, alongside train tracks

A view of a city skyline featuring a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings, with a river running through the foreground. A red bridge crosses the river, and several boats are docked along the water's edge. The scene is bright and sunny

A city bus marked "9 ASHLAND" is parked at a bus stop on a street. The scene is during twilight, with streetlights illuminated and a bench visible on the sidewalk. Buildings line the street, and a trailer is seen in the background

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NITA Chicago @nitachicago.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

More frequent service. Safer, more accessible stations and stops. 🚇 Tell NITA which improvements would make the biggest difference in your transit experience. Your feedback will help shape regional budget priorities. 🗓️ Take the survey by Oct. 16: bit.ly/4AJCzRe

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Audrey Wennink @awennink.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Please fill out this @illinoisdot.bsky.social survey about what you need from an IL intercity bus program www.surveymonkey.com/r/2B25XBD

surveymonkey.com

IDOT Intercity Bus Survey

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Went to a doctor’s appointment this morning and on my way to the office afterwards I caught a whole group of folks taking the bus after picking up groceries Great reminder that when you offer good service outside of rush hour, people will ride for more than just commuting

A city bus with a sign indicating the route "29 STATE" is parked at a stop. Two passengers are boarding: one is pushing a wheeled cart filled with groceries, while the other is carrying bags. The scene includes a cloudy sky and urban

An interior view of a bus showing several passengers, including individuals with shopping carts and bags. Some passengers are seated while others stand, and there are advertisements on the walls. The overall atmosphere is typical of public transportation.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

In LA (well, Pasadena) for a wedding this weekend and oh my gosh there are so many staff in LA Union Station. I think I passed almost a dozen transit ambassadors in 10 minutes

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

A cute guy complimented my outfit on my walk to the L, so I’m going to be riding high on that for the rest the day

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NITA Chicago @nitachicago.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

A new era for Chicagoland transit. 🚇✨ Beginning today, NITA is officially your regional transit agency, coordinating affordable, reliable, safe transit across the CTA, Metra, and Pace. nita.illinois.gov/about-rta/pr...

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

17/25, I feel like that’s almost embarrassingly high…

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

There are 5 people at this coffee shop reading books, folks are sitting outside under the trees on a nice summer day, a farmers market wraps up down the street, occasionally a couple folks biking go by quietly in the bike lane Urban dream stuff right here

A city street scene featuring outdoor dining areas with people seated at tables beside large planter boxes. Green bike lanes run alongside the sidewalk, and tall buildings provide an urban backdrop. The area is well-lit, indicating a sunny day.

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Star:Line Chicago @starlinechicago.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

NITA branding just dropped

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 09/08/2026

Maybe it’s because I’ve worked in a few different cities, but a big challenge here in Chicago is just how much schedule interlining there is (when a bus completes a trip on one route then a different route) On a good day it’s really efficient, but it makes service management much more complicated

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

I think like half of Chicago is outside right now, just a perfect summer day

A crowded beach scene along a lakeshore, featuring numerous people sunbathing and swimming. The Chicago skyline can be seen in the background, with tall buildings including the iconic Willis Tower. Clear blue skies and a vibrant atmosphere characterize the setting.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

I had yet another coworker today say she could tell I was from DC, and while I obviously am (okay I grew up just outside the border), I’m still curious as to what gives off the vibe At least she was nice enough say that I had that “DC Swag”

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Having worked through fiscal cliffs at three different agencies in my career (thankfully all where the agencies averted catastrophe), just going through the act of creating service cut plans is incredibly demoralizing for staff Even if you don’t ultimately cut service, it sticks with you

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Hmm, something looks a bit different about this JCDecaux Shelter

A bus stop with a shelter featuring a schedule board displaying bus routes and numbers. Two young women wait at the stop, with one holding a bag, while a third woman stands nearby. The surrounding area includes trees, and a road.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

In some personal news, I’ve started a new role as the Manager, Regional Coordination at the RTA/NITA! I’ll be working on Interagency Wayfinding, Digital Customer Info, regional planning/service standards and more Very excited to help deliver on the vision for one-network, one-timetable, one-ticket

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Some hot spicy soup really hits on a grey rainy day

A blue bowl filled with a spicy red soup featuring slices of meat, garnished with green herbs and spices. A glass of water and an empty white plate are visible on a wooden table. Black chopsticks are placed beside the bowl.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

Catching the Pink Line home on a beautiful night after watching Mexico beat South Korea in the World Cup is just a perfect little Chicago evening

A CTA train approaches a platform at night, with blue rubberized flooring and a sign indicating "Hoyne Ave." The train displays a route number of "315" and illuminated lights. Background includes a partially visible building with graffiti.

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David Powe @davidpowe.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

CDOT's updated Complete Streets Design Guide is now live. Want to know the minimum street width that can support protected bike lanes while maintaining parking? Bus lane design standards? Neighborhood greenway treatments? It's all in here 🚲🚌🚶 api.chicago.gov/filenet5/ser...

api.chicago.gov

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 06/06/2026

I was lucky enough to work with Riley on an interagency working group to improve transit and streets for folks with disabilities In every interaction we had, he was an incredibly kind and thoughtful person who just wanted to make Chicago a better place My heart goes out to his CDOT team and family

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

The Do Division street festival was definitely a hit, so many people out and about in a space that’s normally just a handful of car lanes

A crowd gathers at an outdoor concert or festival. A stage with performers is visible in the background, surrounded by trees and event signage. Attendees are facing the stage, enjoying the music.

A bustling street fair scene with a crowd of people walking between vendor tents. Tents displaying various goods, including food and drinks. Bright blue sky with a few clouds and greenery visible along the street.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Coffee shops hidden in nooks between high rises really are magical

A narrow alley lined with brick buildings, featuring outdoor dining with tables and chairs filled with people. Two menus at the entrance advertise bagel sandwiches, alongside flower planters. String lights are visible above, adding to the casual atmosphere.

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Metro @wmata.com · 25/05/2026

How much are you spending at the pump? 🚗⛽️ We crunched the numbers to determine the monthly cost comparison between taking Metro or driving from West Falls Church to Washington, D.C. Here are the monthly expense totals we found: 🚗 $1,100 for car, 🚇🚌 $236 for Metro. More below. ⬇️

Chart showing math behind total costs mentioned in the post message.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 17/05/2026

Random driver: *honks at a pedestrian in the crosswalk* 40 year old bearded bald dude walking his dog: “hey calm down now, this isn’t New York! Fucking jag-off” Love Chicago

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

I’m currently picking up my mom from her 60th high school reunion and she’s running late because she’s having fun with her old friends That said, I have no qualms, I did this too her so many times when I was in high school

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

I think I spent at least 10 hours outside this weekend, absolutely glorious

A scenic view of a city skyline with tall buildings, set against a bright blue sky with clouds. In the foreground, there are rivers bordered by grassy areas and a pathway. A person can be seen near the water's edge.

A goose stands on a stone railing next to a large decorative bowl, while another goose rests inside the bowl. The background features a tranquil pond surrounded by greenery and trees on a sunny day.

A serene park scene featuring lush green trees surrounding a small pond. In the background, the skyline of a city with the Sears Tower is visible under a clear blue sky. A few people can be seen near the water's edge

A hand holds a chocolate-dipped ice cream cone on a white base. The background features a wooden table and people, with a red condiment holder visible.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Had the original idea of trying to have a drink or a bite to eat outside when I got home, only to find that 100% of patio tables in my neighborhood are occupied Definitely time to take some space back from cars

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Yonah Freemark @yonahfreemark.com · 23/04/2026

Washington Metro @wmata.com board this morning unanimously approved the agency's $913 million plan to automate the Red Line, which will also include platform screen doors at 20 of 27 stations. Automation could come online by 2032 at the earliest. The plan needs federal funding support.

wjla.com

Metro board greenlights moving forward with Red Line train automation, platform doors

WMATA Board of Directors is scheduled to vote on a proposed budget that would allocate more than $900 million toward modernizing the Red Line.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

As always, thank you to the CTA for getting me home

A city subway train approaches a station platform. The interior of the tunnel is visible, along with overhead lighting and advertisements on the walls. A textured blue safety strip runs along the edge of the platform.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

I seem to have somehow found myself at Howl at the Moon

A lively bar scene with a stage where a band is performing. Patrons are enjoying the music, with a mix of seated and standing attendees. The atmosphere features colorful lighting and a disco ball, creating a festive vibe. Numerous people are visible, engaged

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

This is so silly, but why did they have to build the Dearborn Station clock tower off-center from Dearborn Street

A city street scene featuring tall buildings on either side, leading to a prominent red clock tower labeled "Dearborn Station." The street includes lanes for cars and buses, with traffic lights and street lamps, under a cloudy sky.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 15/03/2026

First day back climbing after a few months off with an injury, and I really did not expect how many tourists would still be here from the St Paddy’s celebrations A group of like twelve 24 year old dudes walked wearing green

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

What an absolutely glorious day for a bike ride

A scenic view of a city skyline featuring tall buildings, with a body of water in the foreground. A bicycle and a backpack are positioned on a bench near a black metal fence. The scene is set on a clear day with trees in the area

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

A woman on my bus is passionately defending opera to her friends and going on a full rant against Timothy Chalumet for hating on opera and being pro-AI I’m so here for it, go off queen

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Nathaniel Minor @nbminor.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Congrats to Rep. @katiejonesmpls.bsky.social and family, who biked to the hospital last week and came back with baby Hans. Here's what she told me about the ride:

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 28/02/2026

It’s so corny, but I always love when a night out starts with a train ride

A train arriving at a subway station, displaying the number 147. The platform features a textured blue strip and a station sign in the background, indicating directions. The station has a clean, modern design with overhead lights illuminating the area.

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cta @chicagocta.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

In this photo, Lena Phillips, CTA’s first woman “motorman” is at the controls of a 6000-series train in March of 1975.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

It’s a good day when the coffee shop window is open

A cozy café interior with large windows showcasing a street view. Three people are seated at a high table, while a clothing rack displays various t-shirts nearby. A plant adds a touch of greenery, and minimal decor is visible on the walls.

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cta @chicagocta.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen, Alderman Nicole Lee, Illinois Rep. Theresa Mah, and a host of civic and community leaders representing the Chinatown area, welcomed the Lunar New Year with the unveiling of new Chinese-language signage at the Cermak-Chinatown station.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

While I my not get President’s day off, I did get to enjoy lunch sitting in the sun with a pretty sweet view

A person is seated by a riverfront in an urban setting, facing away. They are holding a bowl of salad, while a cityscape of skyscrapers and a bridge is reflected in a glass barrier. The scene is bright and sunny

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 15/02/2026

Popping in headphones and catching the Brown Line to see friends on a warm sunny day is such a great way to start the day

A cityscape featuring tall skyscrapers alongside a river, with a red bridge connecting both sides. The scene includes a mix of modern and historical architecture, under a clear blue sky. Reflection and shadows enhance the urban landscape.

A view from inside a train showing a passenger's shoulder and the exterior cityscape through the window, featuring tall buildings against a clear blue sky.

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Had a great time at the 2026 Transport Chicago Kickoff! Great to catch up with folks and was cool to hear that Alderman La Spata didn’t get a driver’s license until December 2020!

Alderman La Spata, in a red jacket, presents in a modern gathering space with plants and decor. Attendees listen intently, seated at tables. A projector displays a "Thank you to our host" message. Members of the audience are visible

A group of people socializing in a well-lit venue with modern decor, featuring hanging light fixtures and plants. Attendees appear engaged in conversation, with some holding drinks.

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cta @chicagocta.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Our new 55-inch digital screens at the Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn, and Bryn Mawr stations provide riders with real-time service information so they can make informed travel choices without breaking stride.

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Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere @tylerplariviere.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

Well I felt all that -27 degrees getting these images this morning. Stay warm Chicago!

Chunks of ice float in Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach as temperatures plummet in the Chicago area with windchills at around -30 degrees, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. | Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

Sea smoke emits Lake Michigan as chunks of ice float along the waters surface at North Avenue Beach, as temperatures plummet in the Chicago area with windchills at around -30 degrees, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. | Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

A man looks over into Lake Michigan from the North Avenue Beach Pier as temperatures plummet in the Chicago area with windchills at around -30 degrees, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. | Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

A woman gingerly walks along a sheet of ice coating the North Avenue Beach Pier as temperatures plummet in the Chicago area with windchills at around -30 degrees, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. | Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

I’m back in DC for a few days, excited to see folks at #MBTPubroll !

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

I spent the last 5 days helping take care of someone with Alzheimer’s who’s living with their spouse in a car-dependent retirement community. It was eye opening for a lot of reasons, but on the transport side it highlighted how fragile auto-oriented living can be Also, Alzheimer’s really sucks

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Erik Jensen @eriktakestransit.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

The story of GTFS is so cool, it really captures the vibe and hope around tech in late 2000s/10s A public servant notices how hard it is to navigate transit in new cities, finds a couple peers who still get Fridays for side projects at Google, and they create a data standard that 100+ countries use

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Barry Butler Photography @barrybutler9.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

2026's First Light. This morning's sunrise in Chicago to start off the new year.

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