iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Lady Topham Catt @ladytophamcatt.bsky.social · 20h

USE RAPID TRANSIT

Color photo of a MCM throwback sign jutting out from a metallic overhang above the entrance to a train station. Sign urgently wants you to USE RAPID TRANSIT, and puts this exhortation in white text on a red background. A white circle next to this claims it's just 4 MINUTES TO LOOP in green letters. Above this and to the left, a yellowish orange arrow points down to emphasize this incredible feat of mid-century modern transportation.

214219 142

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Kate Lowe (she/hers) @kateontransport.bsky.social · 16/10/2026

Happy to see a great program (reduced fare for SNAP participants) advertisement on @chicagocta.bsky.social !

0387 38

ktwhitehead.bsky.social @ktwhitehead.bsky.social · 16/10/2026

“The agency has already made small moves toward more frequent, regional service. Metra increased the number of weekend trains on the BNSF and UP-North lines, and saw a 30-40% bump in ridership during those times.” 👏 🚊

020 2

ktwhitehead.bsky.social @ktwhitehead.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

"The benefits of the bus lane will have ripple effects across CTA's entire network. This bright red bus lane in the heart of the city sends an important message to residents and visitors alike that public transit is a priority for our region." www.axios.com/local/chicag...

axios.com

Michigan Avenue bus rides may be a little faster now

The new bus-only lane stretches from Roosevelt to Wacker, serving 21 CTA routes through downtown Chicago.

0171 17

ktwhitehead.bsky.social @ktwhitehead.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

"It's not a mystery why Chicago builds so much less than other cities. Multi-family development is only allowed by-right on 11% of city land. Our custom of deferring to local alders on zoning means developers don’t bother trying to build in many wards." citythatworks.substack.com/p/confrontin...

citythatworks.substack.com

Confronting Chicago’s multi-layered housing crisis

Part four in our series on Chicago’s upcoming mayoral election

051 5

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Michael McLean @michaelmclean.me · 13/10/2026

Josh Mark just authored a terrific piece about Chicago’s bizarre system of putting 50 mini mayors in charge of infrastructure procurement for each of their districts. With an equal budget! citythatworks.substack.com/p/the-city-d...

citythatworks.substack.com

The city dug up the street. Why didn’t they also fix the curb?

Some fixes for Chicago’s broken Aldermanic Menu program

45411 54

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

NITA Chicago @nitachicago.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Yesterday, NITA hosted its first interactive open house, A Stronger Region Moves Together, at Chicago Union Station to celebrate the launch of the new agency. Nearly 400 riders came to #MeetNITA, connect with us, and to share their thoughts and hopes for transit in the region. 🚇

1161 16

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

Blocking a bike or bus lane anywhere in Chicago? City vehicles with cameras can ticket you soon. buff.ly/FkRncHB

0373 37

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Mayor Brandon Johnson @mayorofchicago.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

🚨 Transit Update 🚨 The new Michigan Ave bus lane will serve 21 CTA bus routes, helping improve reliability for more than 22,000 riders every weekday.

58519 85

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Toni Preckwinkle @tonipreckwinkle.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

I've always been fascinated by how transportation shapes our communities. I joined Metra and regional partners to unveil new battery-powered trains, a step toward cleaner, quieter transit that connects residents to jobs, education and opportunity across our region.

1272 27

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Alderman La Spata @aldermanlaspata.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

😎

2423 42

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

NITA Chicago @nitachicago.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

NITA is already making changes and is prioritizing many more across the system such as: 📓 Year-round reduced fares for students 🤝 Transit ambassador program in 2027 🪪 Implementing a seamless universal fare system by 2030 🕒 Better integrating train and bus schedules & more!

0131 13

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

“The Menu system underfunds infrastructure citywide and leads to significant disparities between wards. It also eschews infrastructure management best practices, leading to a highly inefficient system that creates higher costs and worse results for all.” citythatworks.substack.com/p/the-city-d...

citythatworks.substack.com

The city dug up the street. Why didn’t they also fix the curb?

Some fixes for Chicago’s broken Aldermanic Menu program

082 8

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

David Powe @davidpowe.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Absolutely smashing new bus lanes on Michigan Ave! 🚌❤️ Really proud of CDOT's work to deliver this 1.5-mile stretch of dedicated lanes serving 1,700+ buses every day. We're laser-focused on delivering faster, more reliable bus service across Chicago. Excited to keep this momentum rolling into 2027!

Bus lanes with multiple buses with the Mag Mile in the background

916214 162

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Yonah Freemark @yonahfreemark.com · 06/10/2026

US DOT is proposing a federal rule change to give more transit money to places with higher marriage & birth rates www.federalregister.gov/documents/20... Such a rule would direct money to places with more driving, more homeowners, more white people, & wealthier people www.urban.org/urban-wire/d...

The proposed rule would increase federal transit grant funding by up to 10% points if they have high birth and marriage rates.

Giving more money to places with high marriage and birth rates would disproportionately benefit white and high-income areas.

Communities with less car access would be penalized if the US DOT prioritizes marriage and birth rates.

1369 36

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Better Streets Chicago @betterstreetschicago.org · 06/10/2026

👏👏👏 We couldn’t agree more!

When you take a transit vehicle with strangers, there is an inherent trust you're giving to one another. That trust in each other is so essential to the health of our larger society and our democracy.

When we start to drive people away and send messages that that shared space is not a place to be, you're going to see our institutions and our societal structures start to dismantle. I believe in CTA not just for Chicago, but really for our country.

015930 159

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

The War on Cars @thewaroncars.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

We talked with Chicago Transit Authority acting president Nora Leerhsen about the joys & challenges of running a system with annual ridership of more than 330 million, what kids can teach us about transit, & the role of public transportation in our democracy. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r...

413418 134

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Chicago 🏳️‍⚧️🌱 @chicagotrans-plant.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

NITA moment: CTA and Metra are joint releasing information "you can take either of us to get here" about an event

311917 119

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

The CTA has unveiled a 1950s neon-style sign at a revamped Blue Line stop. buff.ly/5Ifslf9

965794 657

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Streetsblog Chicago @chi.streetsblog.org · 01/10/2026

Great news: Bus lanes will be installed on Michigan from Roosevelt to Wacker in the near future, and enforced with cameras. www.transitchicago.com/mayor-brando... Of course, they should further north to Oak Street, but it's a start. (1/2)

1262 26

ktwhitehead.bsky.social @ktwhitehead.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Big step. Putting money back in the pockets of thousands of Chicagoans who need it.

020 2

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Chicago Tribune @chicagotribune.com · 01/10/2026

CTA bus riders traveling northbound on Michigan Avenue in the Loop will soon ride in a 1.5 mile-dedicated bus lane, the city announced Wednesday.

chicagotribune.com

City to launch Michigan Avenue bus lane

1111 11

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Chicago Sun-Times @chicago.suntimes.com · 01/10/2026

Nearly 1,500 daily buses serve 22,000 weekday passengers along 21 different routes on the 1.5-mile stretch of Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Roosevelt Road. It's one of the busiest bus corridors in the CTA system — which is why it was chosen for a new dedicated bus lane.

chicago.suntimes.com

Dedicated bus lane planned for a stretch of Michigan Avenue that's one of the city's busiest bus corridors

0295 29

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Mayor Brandon Johnson @mayorofchicago.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

We're committed to building a safer and more accessible transportation system. By creating a dedicated bus lane on Michigan Avenue, we are reducing delays, improving service, and ensuring that the thousands of Chicagoans who rely on public transit can get where they need to go.

1. Text: Mayor Johnson & CTA to Install Dedicated Bus Lane on Michigan Avenue to Reduce Delays in the Loop. Image: Mayor Brandon Johnson laughs while riding a CTA bus alongside (not pictured) CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen and CTA Bus Driver Rance Austin on the South Side.

2. Text: The new, nearly 1.5-mile northbound bus lane between Roosevelt Road and Wacker Drive will help reduce delays for 22,000 daily CTA riders and keep buses moving along this key downtown route. Image: Mayor Brandon Johnson shakes hands with a Black woman and other CTA bus riders while exiting a CTA bus in Bronzeville.

1396 39

ktwhitehead.bsky.social @ktwhitehead.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

This is a short but mighty bus lane! 🚍 22k riders daily directly benefit 🚍 1,490 buses on 21 routes 🚍 buses carry about 35% of all trips but make up only 3% of vehicles in the corridor It’s also a highly visible commitment to bus priority on one of Chicago’s iconic corridors. Let’s go! 🚍 ❤️

020 2

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Illinois Department of Transportation @illinoisdot.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Help @nitachicago.bsky.social prioritize the improvements that matter most to you! Take the online survey and share your priorities for everyday transit service and long-term investments as NITA develops its first regional budget for CTA, Metra, and Pace.

0147 14

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Mayor Brandon Johnson @mayorofchicago.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Our non-police crisis hotline, CARE, works with the police and other first responders to make sure everyone can get the help they need. Call 911 and request CARE to get a team that prioritizes treatment over trauma. (Mayor Johnson usually not included).

064 6

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Yonah Freemark @yonahfreemark.com · 29/09/2026

617 days into his 2nd term, Trump's Department of Transportation has *still* not approved a single new transit project for full funding. The problems I highlighted in March—how this lack of funding only makes projects cost more & delays completion—have only worsened www.urban.org/urban-wire/r...

There have been no approvals for new transit projects in the entire 2nd Trump Administration. This graph, produced in March 2026, remains accurate now, in September 2026.

5237101 237

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

cta @chicagocta.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

CTA salutes the life and legacy of Dolly Parton on Dolly Parton Day. Through her Imagination Library, she put more than 200 million books into the hands of young children, and she believed the journey to a bright future starts early.

A passenger exits a Pink Line train with a digital sign displaying '925/Dolly'.

37320 73

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

NITA Chicago @nitachicago.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Thank you for all your support @govpritzker.illinois.gov! 🚇

091 9

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

NITA Chicago @nitachicago.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

At its first meeting, the NITA Board of Directors selected Jamie Rhee as interim Executive Director to guide the regional transit agency through its next phase. Jamie Rhee brings more than 30 years of progressive leadership in Chicago government. nita.illinois.gov/blog/2026/09...

182 8

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

NITA Chicago @nitachicago.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

📢 Join NITA, CTA, Metra, and Pace on Oct. 14 for an interactive open house about the future of regional transit. At NITA’s first public event, we want to hear from you — what’s working and what should improve in the years ahead. RSVP now: bit.ly/4xMPPSp

0103 10

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Active Transportation Alliance @activetransportation.org · 29/09/2026

"The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) wants to hear from you! Your input will help shape how we invest in our transit system. Please take a few minutes to tell us what matters most to you for the 2027 Regional Transit Operating Budget" @nitachicago.bsky.social

polco.us

What Moves You? Help Shape the 2027 NITA Budget

Polco is a secure and reliable place to provide input directly to local and state leaders, as well as other socially minded organizations.

0129 12

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Active Transportation Alliance @activetransportation.org · 25/09/2026

NITA Interactive Open House 10/14 from 3pm to 6pm. 225 S. Canal St Attendees are encouraged to "discuss pain points and future improvements, and learn more about what the Northern Illinois Transit Authority, CTA, Metra, and Pace have planned for regional transit in 2027 and beyond." Register below👇

eventbrite.com

NITA: A Stronger Region Moves Together

Join NITA for an interactive public open house and share your ideas for the future of transit across the region.

0218 21

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

An opportunity to walk your transit talk. @nitachicago.bsky.social is accepting applications through October 31 for the Riders Advisory Council and the ADA Advisory Council to advise the NITA Board and provide recommendations on improving policies, programs, and transit service. nita.illinois.gov

nita.illinois.gov

Northern Illinois Transit Authority | Home

Committed to achieving a vision of safe, reliable, accessible public transportation that connects people to opportunity, advances equity, and combats…

085 8

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Alder Andre Vasquez, Political Account @andrefor40th.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Today, I, along with @daniellaspata.bsky.social and an overwhelming number of our colleagues, introduced the expansion of the Smart Streets pilot! When this passes, the map with be citywide, and it will be an ongoing program, not a pilot! We will also partner with the Mayor’s office to budget it out

109720 97

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Better Streets Chicago @betterstreetschicago.org · 23/09/2026

Divvy is a critical transportation resource for our city, and we fully support its continued growth and expansion across our region. Every Divvy trip is one less car trip, to the benefit of everyone! Stay tune for more ways you can support bike share coming soon!

chicago.suntimes.com

Chicago extends Divvy contract; parking changes, new bike model coming

Thousands of new bikes and scooters will be added to Chicago's streets as part of the new contract, the city announced Wednesday.

3508 50

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · 23/09/2026

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority is a game-changer. An effective transit system that has expanded service and safety measures while bringing more riders than ever on board, thanks to a new region-wide, low-income reduced-fare program.

2154371 543

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Lena G R @lenagr.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Back to school has been good for ridership! Booming since kids went back. Weekend is at 100% and bus is 95% of prepandemic levels. Frequent bus network is kicking ass in improving ridership

Powerpoint slide says ridership has been building through the summer. The three highest ridership days since covid have been just this August of 2026, on the 26th, 27th & 28th.

Powerpoint slide says weekday ridership regularly exceeds 1.2 million rides. Green chart on the left shows ridership is still highest monday through friday, but in terms of recovering from covid weekends are in 90s to 100%

Powerpoint slide says frequent bus network ridership is following service investments. Over the past two years, the frequent bus network routes have seen a 21% increase in ridership, while non frequent buses have only increased 11%

Powerpoint slide says red-purple modernization project supporting ridership growth. The stations in the RPM project area added 1.1 million additional net rides during the 12 months following the station reopenings. These stations combined were worth about 1 out 5 all added rail rides in July 2026. Stations showed 26% growth YOY compared to 6% rail system overall.

2235 23

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Lena G R @lenagr.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Director Alvarez asks what you'd do if you could do something bold to improve transit? CTA answers dedicated bus lanes, we're way behind our peer municipalities. A bold goal of 100-150 miles of dedicated lanes would be transformative. Ridership #s showing people want to ride the bus! 🚌👏

16216 62

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

NITA Chicago @nitachicago.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

The Access Pilot Program is officially expanding reduced fares to CTA and Pace October 1, 2026, as approved by the NITA Board of Directors last week. The Access Program launched as a pilot for qualifying Metra riders in February 2024. 🚌 @fox32chicago.bsky.social www.fox32chicago.com/news/cta-pac...

fox32chicago.com

CTA, Pace reduced fares coming for SNAP recipients under expanded Access program

NITA is expanding its Access program, which offers reduced transit fares to riders receiving SNAP benefits, to include CTA and Pace.

1101 10

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

cta @chicagocta.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Our Brown Line operators share the most challenging and favorite part about their job.

1354 35

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Block Club Chicago @blockclubchi.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The CTA will unveil final designs for its newest Red Line station plazas this month as the project to extend the line to 130th Street moves forward. buff.ly/vOaZs8a

0231 23

Reposted by @ktwhitehead.bsky.social

Alderman Bill Conway @aldconway.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Since the Smart Streets Pilot Program launched, we’ve been able to improve traffic safety throughout the 34th Ward. It’s common sense to expand this successful program citywide. blockclubchicago.org/2026/09/15/a...

1133 13