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Thomas Bamonte

@thomasbamonte.bsky.social
1.4K followers 1.5K following 2.2K posts

Chicago. Transportation law, policy, and technology mostly. Senior Advisor, Metropolitan Planning Council. Views my own. One ticket, one timetable, one network....

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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 4h
Coming: New dedicated bus lane on northbound Michigan Avenue between Roosevelt Road and Wacker Drive. CDOT will install the nearly 1.5-mile lane. What’s the prospects for extending the route to ~ Water Tower Place and adding a southbound dedicated lane? www.transitchicago.com/mayor-brando...
transitchicago.com
Mayor Brandon Johnson, CDOT to Install Dedicated Bus Lane on Michigan Avenue, Bringing More Reliable CTA Bus Service to The Loop
New northbound bus lane between Roosevelt Road and Wacker Drive will improve efficiency for CTA riders.
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Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
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.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Miguel Molina-Ventura authored piece on effort that led to formation and funding of @nitachicago.bsky.social: "Massive Public Transit Win in Chicago Shows the Power of Grassroots Coalitions." truthout.org/articles/mas...
truthout.org
Massive Public Transit Win in Chicago Shows the Power of Grassroots Coalitions
The upcoming overhaul of the Chicago region’s transit system shows how potent organizing around public services can be.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
It is heartening to see @nitachicago.bsky.social ask for public input when NITA staff is preparing the 2027 Budget rather than waiting for public comment after staff has finalized a proposed budget. (@illinoisdot.bsky.social, CMAP, and CDOT should do the same on DNLSD/Lincoln Park project planning.)
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Steven Lucy @slucy.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Chicago's transportation policy was captured perfectly in the following vignette I saw this morning: Woman in business casual on a Lime scooter going at 10mph in the middle of the lane, a full CTA bus patiently driving behind her, and an entire line of cars aggressively tailgating behind the bus.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Slow-motion disaster is… well, slow. But the effects are cascading. And just like that—in a tempest that moves inch by inch down the block—the communities we’ve counted on for generations flit away just beyond the grasp of our memory. @eveewing.bsky.social southsideweekly.com/a-slow-and-s...
southsideweekly.com
A Slow and Steady Disaster
Schools, Jobs, and Safety: Why Black Folks Are Leaving Chicago
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Rick Harnish @hsrail.bsky.social: Treat passenger rail like other forms of transpo. Airlines don’t pay to build airports; trucking cos. don’t pay to build highways. Taxpayers do. Private capital will not invest in the kind of infrastructure you need to fund public transit. grist.org/solutions/br...
grist.org
Brightline shows people want more trains. But who will pay for them?
Its trains are attracting more riders, but billions in debt and the cost of expansion show why passenger rail still needs taxpayer support.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"SDA has identified TOD as being critical to the Southland’s revitalization. A 2019 study by the National Association of Realtors and APTA estimated that by being located within a half mile of transit, homes can benefit from a 4 to 24 percent increase in property values." ssir.org/articles/ent...
ssir.org
A Model for Restoring the Rust Belt (SSIR)
Deindustrialization hit Chicago's south suburbs hard. Can the Southland Development Authority breathe new life into the area and promote a template for reviving regions?
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Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
Star:Line Chicago @starlinechicago.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
A significant portion of microplastics in our water come from automobile tire wear Picture totally unrelated
DLSD
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
"Our principal transportation technologies are no longer adequate for the population or the physical size of cities we’ve created and this is leading to skyrocketing housing costs and hours a day spent commuting. The future is high-speed regional rail." www.thetransitbrief.net/p/the-future...
thetransitbrief.net
The future of urban public transit.
High speed metro will forever transform cities.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Query: When if ever does aldermanic blockage of housing construction--in this case three developments on Armitage Avenue that would have included 33 subsidized homes--rise to the level of a governmental "taking" that entitles the developer (anyone else) to compensation? mailchi.mp/188171fdd375...
mailchi.mp
Housing in the 26th Ward and Beyond
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
The Chicago Federation of Labor endorses relocation of Amtrak maintenance facility to an existing rail yard between 33rd and 35th streets. www.chicagobusiness.com/real-estate/...
chicagobusiness.com
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Attempt to harmonize "boulevard" vision for reimagining DuSable North Lake Shore Drive and the "dedicated express transit" vision. This view lacks the robust roadway landscaping and pedestrian access to park facilities that surely would be engineered in. Putting bus x-lanes next to buildings better?
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In Sheri Mecklenburg’s retirement letter she claimed U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros directed a felony prosecution of the “Broadview Six,” even though she found the case “better suited to misdemeanor charges.” chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
chicago.suntimes.com
‘Broadview Six’ prosecutor slams Boutros in resignation letter, saying he pushed doomed felony charges
The Chicago Sun-Times obtained a copy of Sheri Mecklenburg's retirement letter. In it, she claimed U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros directed a felony prosecution of the "Broadview Six," even though she fo...
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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…
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
NITA-related event this Monday sponsored by @chicagogrowthproj.bsky.social share.google/T5TUjdXE12OG...
share.google
NITA In Action: What comes next?
Panel experts, candidates, and elected officials will discuss the passing and implementation of the new Northern Illinois Transit Authority
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Municipal Corporation @nikhunder.com · 24/09/2026
With the RLX in the news cycle again. May I suggest reading about how we got here?
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Reading statutes is like treasure hunting....
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
California Legislature passes AB 2074, which seeks to revitalize dense, downtown districts in seven cities across California by creating new, streamlined standards for “high rise housing” near transit. cayimby.org/news-events/...
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Are the green areas zoned for high-density residences/jobs? When approving use of federal funds for the Red Line Extension Project did the MPO consider whether zoning along the RLE allows residence/job density and facilitates bike/ped connections that MPO deems necessary to build transit ridership?
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System could eliminate 33 of its 95 bus routes, reduce service on another 29 routes and run all four trolley lines less frequently as it confronts annual budget deficits of $100 million to $150 million beginning in FY2030. #FiscalCliff www.aol.com/articles/mts...
aol.com
MTS warns looming budget crisis could force major bus, trolley service cuts - AOL
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System officials are warning that a looming budget crisis could eventually force the agency to eliminate dozens of bus routes and reduce service across its bus and troll...
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Some light at the end of the multi-year, multi-agency, street improvements tunnel that drives up costs and slows implementation of street safety and other improvement projects. nyc.streetsblog.org/2026/09/18/m...
nyc.streetsblog.org
DOT Commissioner Floats 'Capital-Light' Projects to Speed Up Permanent Street Changes - Streetsblog New York City
Not every concrete bike lane project should require tearing up the street, Mamdani DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn said.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The Red Line Extension @chicagocta.bsky.social station design will be a mix of those newly opened on the north side as part of Red-Purple Modernization, along with a platform design similar to those built for the Your New Blue program along the Blue Line in 2014. chicagoyimby.com/2026/09/rend...
chicagoyimby.com
Renderings Revealed For RLE Stations And Plazas - Chicago YIMBY
The first batch of more defined renderings have been revealed for the upcoming stations and plazas of the CTA Red Line Extension (RLE).
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Great opportunity for leadership for next Chicago Mayor and current @illinoisdot.bsky.social Secretary (many CTA bus routes run on IDOT-controlled streets).👇
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Divvy, operated by Lyft, had a City of Chicago contract set to expire in January 2028. That has now been extended to January 2033, the City announced Wednesday. City Council approval required. chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
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.
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Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
Star:Line Chicago @starlinechicago.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Someone smarter than me first said it but the paradox of American urban expressways is that they can only be repaired: the political costs of removal are too high but the financial costs of replacement (after a catastrophic closure, e.g. Embarcadero after Loma Prieta) are also too high
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Michael McLean @michaelmclean.me · 23/09/2026
Transit agencies around America are in a crisis after Covid funding ran out. Its awesome that Illinois decided to lead the nation in transit funding and reforms.
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Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
Alex @3eeutiful.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
One excuse from the lead engineer for Redefine the Drive i got when I called him was'CTA didnt help them in the planning process.'Another example,a women at CMAP asked the room of men'are we asking the right Qs?(w/regard to hwy)'And they laughed at her.My trust is very low @govpritzker.illinois.gov
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Even though the Pennsylvania legislature did not pass a long-term solution to the transit fiscal cliff faced by PA transit service providers (unlike the ILGA passing the NITA Act for IL transit providers), SEPTA has released its Accelerate Plan to modernize service. wwww.septa.org/news/acceler...
wwww.septa.org
Accelerate: SEPTA Announces Best-in-Class Vision for the Authority & Region – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
"Diverse [planning] firms do not just bring different faces to the table. We often bring different questions, experiences, and ways of understanding the people affected by the work.” usa.streetsblog.org/2026/09/23/d...
usa.streetsblog.org
'Diversity; in Transportation Planning is Under Attack — But These Experts Say It’s More Important Now Than Ever  — Streetsblog USA
Minority-owned planning firms are as essential as they ever were, these four top experts argue — no matter what the White House says.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
“Ensuring all buses, in service and not in service alike, have a reliably smooth and fast trip on DLSD has massive ripple benefits for the entire network, unlocking faster, more efficient, and more reliable operations for buses throughout the city.” citythatworks.substack.com/p/view-from-...
citythatworks.substack.com
View from the wheel: Dedicated bus lanes on Lake Shore Drive matter more than you think
Bus networks do not survive on in-service routes alone
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Opportunity to weigh in on @nitachicago.bsky.social initial implementation of the People Over Parking Act (POPA). NITA is accepting public comment on POPA implementation and NITA's initial POPA map. Comments are open through October 9, 2026. nita.illinois.gov/communities/...
nita.illinois.gov
Northern Illinois Transit Authority | People Over Parking Act
An element of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act is the creation of the People Over Parking Act (POPA), a new Illinois law effective June…
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Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
Chicagoans Who Bike @chiwho.bike · 22/09/2026
Find your ward and contact your alder at chiwho.bike/map, and let us know how your alder is doing on making biking safer!
chiwho.bike
Ward Map | Chicagoans Who Bike
A photo project documenting the stories of the wide variety of Chicagoans who bike around the city
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"In the Chicago metro area, CoStar forecasts that 11.5 million square feet (1.1 million square meters) of office space, the equivalent of almost 10 Aon Centers, will be demolished through 2031."
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Amazon's Prime Air drone delivery service plans to launch soon in the Chicago metro area. www.aboutamazon.com/news/transpo...
aboutamazon.com
Amazon Prime Air drone delivery is expanding to nearly 500 US cities and towns this year
Prime Air delivers millions of items in as fast as 30 minutes and will reach communities with tens of millions of customers by year-end.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
"This meteorological summer, which runs from June through August, was the hottest on record for the contiguous U.S., beating the previous champions of 1936 and 2021 by 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Compared to the average over the 20th century, this summer was 3 degrees hotter." grist.org/extreme-heat...
grist.org
Yes, this summer really was as hot as you think it was
“The numbers are just really mind-boggling."
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Summary of and link to the new Comprehensive Climate Action Plan released this month by the @ilepa.bsky.social. capitolnewsillinois.com/news/illinoi...
capitolnewsillinois.com
Illinois EPA releases ‘Comprehensive Climate Action Plan’ to reach ‘net zero’ emissions
Illinois' new climate plan calls for more electric vehicles, clean energy and efficiency to reach net zero by 2050.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The NITA Act requires NITA to institute fare capping. The TTC in Toronto instituted fsre capping on 9/1/26. Users ride free after reaching 47 paid trips in a calendar month. www.ttc.ca/riding-the-t...
ttc.ca
TTC monthly fare capping is here
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Another transit fiscal cliff victim. The NITA transit governance/funding reform law helped Illinois/Chicago avoid this kind of service downsizing at a time when fuel prices have risen and people need affordable transport options..
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Transit provides affordable transportation. Good transit requires clustering people and destinations around transit. Toronto: Residential development: 46 stories/512 homes/23 car parking spaces; Mixed residential/office/commercial: five buildings b/w 45-65 stories/2900 homes/774 car parking spaces.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Toronto: Dedicated bike trail into train station (Mount Dennis/Line 5). There is a lock-protected indoor bike parking area integrated into the station. Guide: “We’re building active transportation into all of our stations.”
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DGB @just-g.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
It’s sad how many residents and politicians just want to see this great city be reduced to the density of a suburb. No vision. No ambition. We’re just stuck with outdated zoning laws that are slowly causing our neighborhoods to shrink while our fiscal situation continues to deteriorate
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Toronto vs Chicago when it comes to development around transit corridors. Toronto: 50, 66 & 69 story towers. 1,507 residences. 256 parking spaces for cars; 1,579 spaces for bicycles.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
New report: "Paris cycling doubled between October 2022 and October 2023. The remarkable increase in bicycle traffic in Paris is one of Europe’s clearest examples of what sustained investment in cycling infrastructure can look like on the ground." #CDOT momentummag.com/paris-cyclin...
momentummag.com
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Analysis @rsday.bsky.social: Issuance of new housing permits in 2025: On a per capita basis, Chicago ranks 410 among all 534 jurisdictions with at least 100,000 residents. We’re dead last among the 21 jurisdictions with a population of more than a million. citythatworks.substack.com/p/were-in-a-...
citythatworks.substack.com
A list of places that permitted more housing than Chicago last year
We're in a dead heat with Omaha, Nebraska
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Kati @kadschmad.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Great thread on the Cortland bridge. Took it today, it’s the best route from Lakeview to Wicker, a trip I make often.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Why might the many bicyclists using the Cortland Avenue Bridge and the now carless stretch between Elston and Clybourn to get safely across the Chicago River feel strongly that aldermanic-led plans to restore car traffic ASAP with no apparent provision for safe bicycle passage are misguided?
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Quad Cities-Chicago Amtrak project gets a reprieve from USDOT. @illinoisdot.bsky.social and other project partners missed the project delivery deadline and risked loss of federal funding. Project has been in planning stage 15+ years and counting. Cost going up. www.galesburg.com/story/news/l...
galesburg.com
Chicago to Quad Cities rail line gets funding boost
Federal officials extended grant funding for the long delayed Chicago to Quad Cities passenger rail project.
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Get the word out about these and coming NITA job openings. NITA should be a magnet for talent from around the globe (and from within the Chicago region and transit operations agencies).
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Thomas Bamonte @thomasbamonte.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The Transportation Committee of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning has unanimously approved the proposed Regional Transportation Plan, recommending that CMAP's Policy Board (the MPO) and Board adopt the RTP at their joint meeting in October. cmap.illinois.gov/regional-pla...
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