Thomas Bamonte
@thomasbamonte.bsky.social
Chicago. Transportation law, policy, and technology mostly. Senior Advisor, Metropolitan Planning Council. Views my own. One ticket, one timetable, one network....
Deep dive into the possible causes of the rise in pedestrian fatalities in the US. The "Big SUV" hypothesis has some legs but there's noise in the data. www.construction-physics.com/p/why-are-so...
November 29, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Deep dive into the possible causes of the rise in pedestrian fatalities in the US. The "Big SUV" hypothesis has some legs but there's noise in the data. www.construction-physics.com/p/why-are-so...
"Conservatives...might brush aside calls to promote walking, biking, and transit to reduce emissions, [etc.] But such reforms also create jobs, support local businesses and build wealth — benefits that anyone can appreciate, regardless of their politics." www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
On the French Riviera, Street Reforms Come From the Right
Politically conservative Côte d’Azur cities like Cannes and Nice have embraced pedestrianization, car bans and bike lanes. That’s a departure from global norms.
www.bloomberg.com
November 29, 2025 at 3:23 PM
"Conservatives...might brush aside calls to promote walking, biking, and transit to reduce emissions, [etc.] But such reforms also create jobs, support local businesses and build wealth — benefits that anyone can appreciate, regardless of their politics." www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
New Chicago-focused research @yonahfreemark.com reached an unsurprising conclusion: “Downzoning has contributed to reduced housing availability in high-demand neighborhoods, while reinforcing class and racial segregation.” findingspress.org/article/1474...
Downzoning Chicago: How Local Land Use Policy Has Reduced Housing Construction and Reinforced Segregation | Published in Findings
By Yonah Freemark, George Kisiel. Downzonings were used by US cities in the postwar period to preserve neighborhood character. These land-use policies were associated with lower housing supply, higher...
findingspress.org
November 27, 2025 at 2:01 PM
New Chicago-focused research @yonahfreemark.com reached an unsurprising conclusion: “Downzoning has contributed to reduced housing availability in high-demand neighborhoods, while reinforcing class and racial segregation.” findingspress.org/article/1474...
Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
Terrific to see suburban politicians and advocates take a victory lap with NITA. A hard-fought victory for Chicagoland transit, with the potential to tie our region together, rather than reinforcing the governance silos that have divided us for far too long. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/s...
Suburban legislators, advocates tout single-fare system, transit-oriented development after passage of mass transit funding bill
Lawmakers and advocates said a single-fare system, more frequent trains and more development near transit options are potential gains of the bill.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Terrific to see suburban politicians and advocates take a victory lap with NITA. A hard-fought victory for Chicagoland transit, with the potential to tie our region together, rather than reinforcing the governance silos that have divided us for far too long. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/s...
Good news about the Complete Streets construction projects on Kedzie and Archer avenues in Brighton Park. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/11/26/n...
Naysayers made noise about Kedzie and Archer Complete Street projects. Ald. Ramirez and CDOT discussed why the safety upgrades are needed. - Streetsblog Chicago
This piece includes reporting by Austin Busch, with additional background info and commentary by John Greenfield. On Tuesday evening, Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th) hosted a virtual meeting to update resid...
chi.streetsblog.org
November 27, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Good news about the Complete Streets construction projects on Kedzie and Archer avenues in Brighton Park. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/11/26/n...
Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
My hottest take is that O'Hare is good, actually
(the most domestic flights and #5 for international, good food, hub for two legacy carriers, well-connected to city center by transit)
www.chicagobusiness.com/airlines-air...
(the most domestic flights and #5 for international, good food, hub for two legacy carriers, well-connected to city center by transit)
www.chicagobusiness.com/airlines-air...
O'Hare clears a big hurdle as traffic tops pre-COVID levels — and heads to a record
O’Hare has finally surpassed its pre-COVID passenger numbers, marking a major milestone in the airport’s recovery and putting it on pace for a record year.
www.chicagobusiness.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:16 PM
My hottest take is that O'Hare is good, actually
(the most domestic flights and #5 for international, good food, hub for two legacy carriers, well-connected to city center by transit)
www.chicagobusiness.com/airlines-air...
(the most domestic flights and #5 for international, good food, hub for two legacy carriers, well-connected to city center by transit)
www.chicagobusiness.com/airlines-air...
Pedestrians suffered highest number of hit-and-run crashes, 42% of them. In 64% of pedestrian fatality cases, the driver was piloting a larger vehicle such as an SUV, pickup truck, or van. IDOT-controlled roads remain among the most dangerous. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/11/25/k...
Key findings from CDOT's annual Chicago Traffic Crashes report - Streetsblog Chicago
The Chicago Department of Transportation’s recently released annual Chicago Traffic Crashes report looks at data from the past several years and discusses the agency’s plan of action to reduce prevent...
chi.streetsblog.org
November 26, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Pedestrians suffered highest number of hit-and-run crashes, 42% of them. In 64% of pedestrian fatality cases, the driver was piloting a larger vehicle such as an SUV, pickup truck, or van. IDOT-controlled roads remain among the most dangerous. chi.streetsblog.org/2025/11/25/k...
18th Street is a key access corridor for bicyclists and pedestrians, giving residents and visitors in the South Loop, Near South Side, Pilsen, etc. the only open access to the South Lakefront between Roosevelt Road and 31st Street (did I miss an access point?). chi.streetsblog.org/2025/11/21/a...
Ald. Dowell forcing CDOT to tear out portions of already-installed bike lane protection on 18th shows what's wrong with aldermanic prerogative - Streetsblog Chicago
An old editor of mine at the Chicago Reader gave me a good writing tip: “Let chronology work for you.” With that advice in mind, let me share some info about the 18th Street protected bike lane debacl...
chi.streetsblog.org
November 26, 2025 at 3:25 PM
18th Street is a key access corridor for bicyclists and pedestrians, giving residents and visitors in the South Loop, Near South Side, Pilsen, etc. the only open access to the South Lakefront between Roosevelt Road and 31st Street (did I miss an access point?). chi.streetsblog.org/2025/11/21/a...
"The ILGA not just [found] a funding solution but took the opportunity to completely reimagine how we can support all forms of non-car transportation — statewide! It’s a national model for how to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders over cars." www.oakpark.com/2025/11/25/c...
Celebrate the Transit Act - Wednesday Journal
Halloween was actually Christmas morning for us planning nerds, as we woke up to discover that in the wee hours of the morning, the Illinois legislature passed a transformative transportation bill. Yo...
www.oakpark.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:05 PM
"The ILGA not just [found] a funding solution but took the opportunity to completely reimagine how we can support all forms of non-car transportation — statewide! It’s a national model for how to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists and transit riders over cars." www.oakpark.com/2025/11/25/c...
"[S]uburban riders could see a streamlined fare system, more frequent trains and more transit-oriented development, some suburban lawmakers and advocates say, following the recent passage of a $1.5 billion state funding bill for mass transit." www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/s...
Suburban legislators, advocates tout single-fare system, transit-oriented development after passage of mass transit funding bill
Lawmakers and advocates said a single-fare system, more frequent trains and more development near transit options are potential gains of the bill.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:44 AM
"[S]uburban riders could see a streamlined fare system, more frequent trains and more transit-oriented development, some suburban lawmakers and advocates say, following the recent passage of a $1.5 billion state funding bill for mass transit." www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/25/s...
Chicago lags in per capita permitting of housing units. May be a function of lagging economy/population growth or high costs and regulatory barriers, or both (or more). Cheaper housing is a key Sunbelt advantage that the Chicago region exacerbates by building less. kinder.rice.edu/urbanedge/de...
November 24, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Chicago lags in per capita permitting of housing units. May be a function of lagging economy/population growth or high costs and regulatory barriers, or both (or more). Cheaper housing is a key Sunbelt advantage that the Chicago region exacerbates by building less. kinder.rice.edu/urbanedge/de...
IL transit reform: "Does something rare in U.S. transportation politics: it writes a coherent vision into law. [O]ther states have good reason to watch what happens next, as Illinois has quietly become the most important state to follow on transit and rail policy." www.railway.supply/illinois-int...
www.railway.supply
November 23, 2025 at 5:19 PM
IL transit reform: "Does something rare in U.S. transportation politics: it writes a coherent vision into law. [O]ther states have good reason to watch what happens next, as Illinois has quietly become the most important state to follow on transit and rail policy." www.railway.supply/illinois-int...
Per @davidstruett.bsky.social @chicagocta.bsky.social is purchasing hybrid buses with federal grant money. Should NITA prioritize future capital $$$ on zero emissions vehicles or should other needs take priority—e.g., BRT, station/bus stop accessibility? chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
CTA to buy up to 150 hybrid buses with $121 million federal grant
The Federal Transit Administration on Thursday announced $1.1 billion in awards through its Low or No Emission Grant Program.
chicago.suntimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Per @davidstruett.bsky.social @chicagocta.bsky.social is purchasing hybrid buses with federal grant money. Should NITA prioritize future capital $$$ on zero emissions vehicles or should other needs take priority—e.g., BRT, station/bus stop accessibility? chicago.suntimes.com/transportati...
Chair of @chicagocta.bsky.social Board has concerns about the transit reform bill. Says that Chicago may have given up too much local control over the CTA. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/21/o...
Lester L. Barclay: Transit funding was secured, but the CTA paid a price
Illinois’ public transit bill marks the end of Chicago’s autonomy over its own system.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Chair of @chicagocta.bsky.social Board has concerns about the transit reform bill. Says that Chicago may have given up too much local control over the CTA. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/21/o...
Illinois Tollway ponders next steps after Illinois General Assembly mandates increases in tolls for both passenger and freight vehicles. www.dailyherald.com/20251120/tra...
www.dailyherald.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Illinois Tollway ponders next steps after Illinois General Assembly mandates increases in tolls for both passenger and freight vehicles. www.dailyherald.com/20251120/tra...
"The great irony of American mobility in the 21st century: The most welcoming states, in practice, are those with some of the cruelest policies for marginalized groups. The most exclusionary states, in practice, are the ones with the most welcoming rhetoric." www.planetizen.com/features/136...
Americans are Fleeing Blue States, Even When Politics Misalign. The Culprit? Housing Affordability.
Will the blue state starter home ever return?
www.planetizen.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:07 PM
"The great irony of American mobility in the 21st century: The most welcoming states, in practice, are those with some of the cruelest policies for marginalized groups. The most exclusionary states, in practice, are the ones with the most welcoming rhetoric." www.planetizen.com/features/136...
A nice compilation of community, transportation system, and other data sources begins on pg. 6 of this Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Comprehensive Corridor Study Template document #CMAP: cmap.illinois.gov/wp-content/u...
cmap.illinois.gov
November 19, 2025 at 10:47 PM
A nice compilation of community, transportation system, and other data sources begins on pg. 6 of this Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Comprehensive Corridor Study Template document #CMAP: cmap.illinois.gov/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
Hard to see this as anything other than a regional policy failure. If the only place in the six-county region where first-time homebuyers can afford to buy a home is outside the six-county region, we aren’t adding enough supply in the urban (or suburban) core. www.chicagobusiness.com/residential-...
November 18, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Hard to see this as anything other than a regional policy failure. If the only place in the six-county region where first-time homebuyers can afford to buy a home is outside the six-county region, we aren’t adding enough supply in the urban (or suburban) core. www.chicagobusiness.com/residential-...
Summary of recent @urbaninstitute.bsky.social study on IIJA's failure to prompt shift in federal transportation funding priorities between highway and non-highway modes. usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/17/r...
November 18, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Summary of recent @urbaninstitute.bsky.social study on IIJA's failure to prompt shift in federal transportation funding priorities between highway and non-highway modes. usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/17/r...
Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
This is incredible stuff. Should be the focus of transit agencies nationwide.
Major announcement in just-posted board documents: DC's Metro is moving fast toward automation.
Over 15 years, Metro plans full automation & platform screen doors, which the agency says will improve safety, reliability, & travel times—at reduced costs.
www.wmata.com/about/board/...
Over 15 years, Metro plans full automation & platform screen doors, which the agency says will improve safety, reliability, & travel times—at reduced costs.
www.wmata.com/about/board/...
November 17, 2025 at 11:35 PM
This is incredible stuff. Should be the focus of transit agencies nationwide.
Trump Administration proposing elimination of public transit funding and prohibiting states from choosing to flex highway funds for transit. usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/b...
Breaking: Trump Admin Seeks To Decimate Federal Transit Funding — Streetsblog USA
"When you're talking about taking away money from transit, your proposal is flawed from the get-go," said one expert.
usa.streetsblog.org
November 18, 2025 at 12:29 PM
Trump Administration proposing elimination of public transit funding and prohibiting states from choosing to flex highway funds for transit. usa.streetsblog.org/2025/11/18/b...
Good way to start the week: Overbuilt: Book Talk and Conversation with UPenn Professor Erick Guerra. Summarizes his recent book that analyzes how and why US continues to expand roadway capacity despite negative net benefits. youtu.be/_mCGbgEtbfs?...
Overbuilt: Book Talk and Conversation with Erick Guerra | Penn IUR
YouTube video by Penn Institute for Urban Research
youtu.be
November 17, 2025 at 12:21 PM
Good way to start the week: Overbuilt: Book Talk and Conversation with UPenn Professor Erick Guerra. Summarizes his recent book that analyzes how and why US continues to expand roadway capacity despite negative net benefits. youtu.be/_mCGbgEtbfs?...
Transit bill fallout: “Laborers’ International Union of North America, #LiUNA, is ending its affiliation with the Illinois AFL-CIO. LiUNA officials were unhappy about the way AFL-CIO officials handled negotiations on the transit bill at the end of October.” capitolnewsillinois.com/news/from-ne...
From new train lines to parking regulations: What else is in Illinois’ transit bill
Article Summary A sweeping bill overhauling public transportation in Illinois included more than just operations funding and governance reforms. Peoria
capitolnewsillinois.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Transit bill fallout: “Laborers’ International Union of North America, #LiUNA, is ending its affiliation with the Illinois AFL-CIO. LiUNA officials were unhappy about the way AFL-CIO officials handled negotiations on the transit bill at the end of October.” capitolnewsillinois.com/news/from-ne...
Reposted by Thomas Bamonte
NEWS: Internal Homeland Security documents on 600+ detainees to be released prove that the vast majority of immigrants detained in Chicago area are "low" public safety risk, even by the government's loose standards. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/o...
Only 2.5% on list of 614 ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ arrestees had criminal histories, DOJ records show
Meanwhile, the other 598 people on the list had no listed criminal history at all.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 14, 2025 at 8:47 PM
NEWS: Internal Homeland Security documents on 600+ detainees to be released prove that the vast majority of immigrants detained in Chicago area are "low" public safety risk, even by the government's loose standards. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/o...