The long-rumored CTA Circle Line is one step closer to reality this morning after the U.S. Congress passed the omnibus spending package yesterday; the bill includes a $6 million earmark for the line. The bill counted Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin among its sponsors and Durbin considers the Circle Line key to the city's 2016 Olympic bid. Using new and existing tracks, the Circle Line would connect all existing CTA lines as well as Metra lines (read the CTA's 2002 report on it here). The Circle Line isn't the only earmark for Chicago transit, though. It also includes around $250,000 for both the Red and Yellow Lines to extend (a drop in the bucket) and $30 million for upgrades to the Brown Line, which is what we thought has been going on for the past year and a half. [WBEZ] more ›

As far as we know, we never rode a CTA train or bus in the presence of Frank Kruesi. Rumor has it he did it quite often, judging by the kinds of comments we heard when he was fired. We imagine the yellow jacket would be hard to miss. In the past, we doubt the CTA's new sheriff in town rode much with Kruesi, either. Ron Huberman (who for all the world looks to us... more ›

Although it's pretty much a given that Daley will coast to re-election at the end of next month, by no means does it mean that his time is office has been an unmitigated success. In a report card scheduled to be issued today by a coalition of interest groups and local activists called "Developing Government Accountability to the People," Daley received low grades in many areas, including economic development, transportation, education, criminal justice and ethics.... more ›

There are still 12 hours left in the day, just enough time for you to register to get your Chicago Card and then email the CTA with your thoughts on the proposed Circle Line. more ›

"Roving Angel III" by Chaseism more ›

Damen Bridge via margaretlyons more ›

Friday's Critical Mass photo via wvallen. more ›

Chicagoist seems to be rapidly developing a weekly feature here called “Cool Pictures From John.” Last week it was the Sun-Times Demolition Derby and this week it’s a series of screencaps from the recently-released-on-DVD I, Robot. The movie takes place in Chicago in the year 2035. Apparently, this city’s in for quite the architectural boom over the next generation, the west side in particular (guess there’s a reason for that Circle Line after all!). Ah... more ›

The CTA is considering constructing a Silver Line that would connect the Blue and Green Lines. The proposed line would run between the Ashland stop of the Green Line, and the Harrison junction, where the Forest Park and Cermak Blue Lines meet. There�s not a station there, so it sounds like they�d put one in. Other proposed Silver Line stations include a stop at Madison for the United Center (good call) and one on Van Buren. more ›