Steven Vance
Transportation planner and advocate. Steven also created Chicago Cityscape, a site that tracks neighborhood developments across the city.
Recent Posts
Here’s Looking at You, Kidwell: The Tribune’s Anti-Traffic Cam Reporter Has Left the Paper
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Investigative reporter David Kidwell broke the Redflex bribery scandal and pressured the city to make reforms to the red light camera program, but much of his reporting on automated enforcement was misleading and betrayed an apparent personal bias against traffic cams.
Why Hong Kong Got an Express Train to the Airport and Why Chicago Shouldn’t Get One
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The Hong Kong Airport Express train is a bad example on which to base a Chicago service because it's the Hong Kong airport's only rail link, and it was funded by private real estate operations.
Pullman Transportation Access is Improving After National Monument Designation
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soutYou probably knew that President Barack Obama designated parts of the Pullman neighborhood and the former Pullman Company Porter train car factory as the Pullman National Monument in February 2015. The accomplishment was based on 20 years of campaigning by residents and leaders to get a national park designation. What you probably didn’t know was that […]
Plan for Polish Triangle Would Create a Better Biking & Business Environment
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The Wicker Park-Bucktown business improvement district wants to widen the sidewalk to create more pedestrian space across from the Polish Triangle.
Come Testify in Support of Traffic Calming on Manor Avenue at Tonight’s Hearing
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Alder. Deb Mell canceled the car traffic diverter, but some residents want the rest of the Manor Greenway proposal scrapped.
Jezniah Smith Honored at Ghost Bike Ceremony: “He Had a Beautiful Heart”
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Dozens of family and friends of Jezniah Smith came to honor the fallen cyclists with the installation of a white-painted "ghost bike" at the crash site in Humboldt Park.
Chicago Transit Needs an Upgrade: 5 Universal Features of European City Transit
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This isn't a wish list. These are five standard features of most bus networks in Europe.
Neighborhood Group Wants Fewer Units in Queer-Friendly Affordable TOD
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A neighborhood assoiciation is arguing that "current infrastructure" can't handle approximately 120 more people moving into planned LGTB-friendly and transit-friendly affordable housing.
The CTA Is Rushing to Secure Red/Purple Funding Before Trump Takes Office
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It's likely funding for urban transit will be harder to come by under the Trump administration. That could jeopardize chances to fund the Red and Purple Modernization project (RPM).
CTA to Spend Millions on Building Parking Garages for Red Line Extension
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The Chicago Transit Authority published its Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed Red Line extension from 95th St. to 130th St. in the Riverdale community area last month, and it includes a couple of good and bad surprises. An EIS is a study that federal law requires before the United States Department of Transportation fund any highway or […]
CTA Budget: Fares Stay Flat and Low Gas Prices Cause Lower Bus Ridership
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Earlier this week the Chicago Transit Authority announced its proposed budget for 2017. Mayor Rahm Emanuel touted the fact that the budget “freezes” the $2.00 and $2.25 cash fare on buses and trains, respectively. The CTA holding the line on fares – for the eighth consecutive year – creates positive publicity for Emanuel, even while […]
Greenway Questioned for First Time After Mell Cancels Diverter Trial Early
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Alder. Deb Mell (33rd Ward) told a large crowd gathered in the basement of Horner Park field house that she had instructed the Chicago Department of Transportation to end the car traffic diverter trial early. CDOT started the trial on September 19 with support from Mell and the ward’s Transportation Action Committee, among other community groups, […]