The Onion posits that the CTA’s failures stem from a debilitating fear of having riders rely on them.
A satirical piece from The Onion skewers the beleaguered Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA), blaming the agency’s service delays and other woes on “an unconscious fear of success manifesting through self-sabotage.”
We apologize for any inconvenience, but frankly, the fear of what it would actually mean to reach our potential as a well-functioning transit organization can be debilitating. Every time we think we’ve overcome these mental obstacles, we panic and start destroying everything we’ve worked so hard for—whether by taking trains out of service, running buses at completely unpredictable intervals, or simply lying about our estimated arrival times.
The real CTA and other Chicago-area transit agencies face a steep budget shortfall and have called for state funding to alleviate the crisis.
Chicago Transit Increasing Rail Service to Pre-Pandemic Levels
The Chicago Transit Authority is close to returning both rail and bus service to pre-pandemic schedules, with some adjustments for new travel demand.
Chicago Transit Releases 2024 Budget
The agency projects modest ridership growth while aiming to make long-term investments in bus and rail improvements.
Chicago to Pilot All-Door Bus Boarding
Chicago is late to the game on all-door bus boarding, but that will change this summer.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.
From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.
New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service