Tina Fassett Smith
@tfas.bsky.social
Chicagoan. Jayhawk. MUPP. Director of comms for Chicago’s transit oversight and funding agency ( @rtachicago.bsky.social )
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
This morning the RTA met with agency leaders at CTA, Metra, and Pace to discuss the approaching fiscal cliff, budget gap numbers for the next few years, and the ongoing need for transit funding and reform. www.rtachicago.org/uploads/file...
Long thread below! 🧵👇
Long thread below! 🧵👇
October 3, 2025 at 2:38 PM
This morning the RTA met with agency leaders at CTA, Metra, and Pace to discuss the approaching fiscal cliff, budget gap numbers for the next few years, and the ongoing need for transit funding and reform. www.rtachicago.org/uploads/file...
Long thread below! 🧵👇
Long thread below! 🧵👇
My husband was interviewed about his life as a working musician. I think his story - he now plays solo folkloric music mostly from South America but started as a rock/reggae guitarist - is pretty fascinating:
June 17, 2025 at 10:43 PM
My husband was interviewed about his life as a working musician. I think his story - he now plays solo folkloric music mostly from South America but started as a rock/reggae guitarist - is pretty fascinating:
Somehow I had held off on bawling my eyes out today until this post.
Despite warnings from the law enforcement not to attend today’s No Kings rally after this mornings shooting of Minnesota lawmakers with the killer on the lose, the No Kings Rally is happening at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul.
June 14, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Somehow I had held off on bawling my eyes out today until this post.
Please note this URL has changed: www.youtube.com/live/0gU4aCc...
June 12, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Please note this URL has changed: www.youtube.com/live/0gU4aCc...
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
The June 2025 RTA Board of Directors is now 🔴 LIVE here: www.youtube.com/live/0gU4aCc...
RTA Board of Directors Meeting: June 2025
YouTube video by RTA Board Meetings
www.youtube.com
June 12, 2025 at 2:08 PM
The June 2025 RTA Board of Directors is now 🔴 LIVE here: www.youtube.com/live/0gU4aCc...
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
Over the weekend, Illinois lawmakers adjourned their spring legislative session without passing legislation that would avert the fiscal cliff for CTA, Metra and Pace.
Illinois legislators left Springfield without funding public transit (for now). Here’s what that means for CTA, Metra, Pace
Lawmakers still have time to avert a $771 million fiscal cliff. But transit agencies like the CTA will start planning now for drastic cuts.
www.chicagotribune.com
June 2, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Over the weekend, Illinois lawmakers adjourned their spring legislative session without passing legislation that would avert the fiscal cliff for CTA, Metra and Pace.
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
We are grateful for the months of work of the General Assembly toward both funding and reform for the region’s transit system. It’s clear that many in both the House and Senate support transit, and our intention is to build on that shared support
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June 1, 2025 at 6:36 AM
We are grateful for the months of work of the General Assembly toward both funding and reform for the region’s transit system. It’s clear that many in both the House and Senate support transit, and our intention is to build on that shared support
1/3
1/3
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
Following is analysis based on best available revenue estimates
May 30, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Following is analysis based on best available revenue estimates
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
Statement from RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard:
“We are grateful for the Senate focusing on the fiscal cliff, however, as proposed, the new revenue included in yesterday’s Senate bill fails to address the region’s $771M transit operating budget gap and would result in significant service cuts in 2026.
“We are grateful for the Senate focusing on the fiscal cliff, however, as proposed, the new revenue included in yesterday’s Senate bill fails to address the region’s $771M transit operating budget gap and would result in significant service cuts in 2026.
May 30, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Statement from RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard:
“We are grateful for the Senate focusing on the fiscal cliff, however, as proposed, the new revenue included in yesterday’s Senate bill fails to address the region’s $771M transit operating budget gap and would result in significant service cuts in 2026.
“We are grateful for the Senate focusing on the fiscal cliff, however, as proposed, the new revenue included in yesterday’s Senate bill fails to address the region’s $771M transit operating budget gap and would result in significant service cuts in 2026.
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
“Americans suffer from magical transit thinking. They believe that transit agencies can operate high-quality, comprehensive service at minimum funding levels…and that fares from mostly poor riders can make up for the lack of steady public subsidies.”
www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/cta-...
www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/cta-...
Opinion: No, the CTA can’t run on magic
Chronic underfunding, not bad management, is driving CTA’s decline. Without real investment, Chicago transit will keep shrinking — no magic fix in sight.
www.chicagobusiness.com
May 28, 2025 at 1:07 PM
“Americans suffer from magical transit thinking. They believe that transit agencies can operate high-quality, comprehensive service at minimum funding levels…and that fares from mostly poor riders can make up for the lack of steady public subsidies.”
www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/cta-...
www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/cta-...
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
BREAKING: The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a Jackson County judge to vacate rulings that allowed abortions to resume in the state, a potentially seismic ruling that could imperil access to the procedure.
via @kacen.bsky.social
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
via @kacen.bsky.social
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Missouri abortion access in danger after state Supreme Court ruling
The Missouri Supreme Court has ordered a Jackson County judge to vacate rulings that allowed abortions to resume in the state.
www.kansascity.com
May 27, 2025 at 9:11 PM
BREAKING: The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a Jackson County judge to vacate rulings that allowed abortions to resume in the state, a potentially seismic ruling that could imperil access to the procedure.
via @kacen.bsky.social
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
via @kacen.bsky.social
www.kansascity.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
🚨 Only one week left in the legislative session‼️ If IL legislators do not find a transit funding solution by THIS Saturday, May 31st, our region will have to begin planning for devastating service cuts.
May 27, 2025 at 8:36 PM
🚨 Only one week left in the legislative session‼️ If IL legislators do not find a transit funding solution by THIS Saturday, May 31st, our region will have to begin planning for devastating service cuts.
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
Public transit in Chicago, esp @chicagocta.bsky.social has been underfunded for decades. Bloom (press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...) explains in @crainschicago.bsky.social that transit needs investment, not magical thinking www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/cta-...
Opinion: No, the CTA can’t run on magic
Chronic underfunding, not bad management, is driving CTA’s decline. Without real investment, Chicago transit will keep shrinking — no magic fix in sight.
www.chicagobusiness.com
May 27, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Public transit in Chicago, esp @chicagocta.bsky.social has been underfunded for decades. Bloom (press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/bo...) explains in @crainschicago.bsky.social that transit needs investment, not magical thinking www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/cta-...
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
Today's Regional Transit Update is packed with all the latest RTA and Chicago transit news, including letters from transit riders, customer survey results, the Travel Information Action Plan, and more.
📩 See our newsletter and subscribe now to never miss a future update! mailchi.mp/rtachicago.o...
📩 See our newsletter and subscribe now to never miss a future update! mailchi.mp/rtachicago.o...
May 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Today's Regional Transit Update is packed with all the latest RTA and Chicago transit news, including letters from transit riders, customer survey results, the Travel Information Action Plan, and more.
📩 See our newsletter and subscribe now to never miss a future update! mailchi.mp/rtachicago.o...
📩 See our newsletter and subscribe now to never miss a future update! mailchi.mp/rtachicago.o...
Cannot describe the joy of having this spot so close to me. Next to a playground and perfect beach. Been dreaming of the pineapple soft serve and frozen strawberry lemonade since last summer.
Blue Jay Cafe reopens Saturday for the summer at Loyola Beach. blockclubchi.co/3H3Tkzj
May 23, 2025 at 7:39 PM
Cannot describe the joy of having this spot so close to me. Next to a playground and perfect beach. Been dreaming of the pineapple soft serve and frozen strawberry lemonade since last summer.
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
I think the messaging around both advocates MMA & labors bill is legit confusing. The rhetoric is often around fiscal cliff but bills are restructuring/reforms without funding-just pledges to fight for money.
Great @chicagotribune.com op-ed from Richards (fmr @septaphilly.bsky.social GM). Promises of funding later do not pay the bills. We need public plan on specific $ sources to prevent cuts (better yet, expand service with more investment). Still relevant op-ed www.chicagotribune.com/2024/08/19/o...
May 22, 2025 at 4:56 PM
I think the messaging around both advocates MMA & labors bill is legit confusing. The rhetoric is often around fiscal cliff but bills are restructuring/reforms without funding-just pledges to fight for money.
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
"Philadelphia and Chicago have much in common. [...]
But here’s the key difference: Chicago still has time to act before damage is done." – Leslie S. Richards, @trb.org in @chicagotribune.com on @septaphilly.bsky.social.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/22/o...
But here’s the key difference: Chicago still has time to act before damage is done." – Leslie S. Richards, @trb.org in @chicagotribune.com on @septaphilly.bsky.social.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/22/o...
Leslie S. Richards: Philadelphia’s transit faces deep cuts. Chicago can still avoid this fate.
Philadelphia’s transit agency is now forced to plan for devastating service cuts. Chicago has time to act before damage is done.
www.chicagotribune.com
May 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
"Philadelphia and Chicago have much in common. [...]
But here’s the key difference: Chicago still has time to act before damage is done." – Leslie S. Richards, @trb.org in @chicagotribune.com on @septaphilly.bsky.social.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/22/o...
But here’s the key difference: Chicago still has time to act before damage is done." – Leslie S. Richards, @trb.org in @chicagotribune.com on @septaphilly.bsky.social.
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/22/o...
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
Words of warning from the City of [Sibling] Love. Op-ed from former GM of Philly's SEPTA: "Philadelphia’s transit faces deep cuts. Chicago can still avoid this fate."
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/22/o... @chicagocta.bsky.social @ctaction.org @yonahfreemark.com @atalliance.bsky.social
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/22/o... @chicagocta.bsky.social @ctaction.org @yonahfreemark.com @atalliance.bsky.social
Leslie S. Richards: Philadelphia’s transit faces deep cuts. Chicago can still avoid this fate.
Philadelphia’s transit agency is now forced to plan for devastating service cuts. Chicago has time to act before damage is done.
www.chicagotribune.com
May 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Words of warning from the City of [Sibling] Love. Op-ed from former GM of Philly's SEPTA: "Philadelphia’s transit faces deep cuts. Chicago can still avoid this fate."
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/22/o... @chicagocta.bsky.social @ctaction.org @yonahfreemark.com @atalliance.bsky.social
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/22/o... @chicagocta.bsky.social @ctaction.org @yonahfreemark.com @atalliance.bsky.social
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
10 days remain for lawmakers to find a solution for the fiscal cliff!
MMA act support:
secure.everyaction.com/fwlkRENlyUyC...
Stronger RTA support:
rtachicago.org/take-action//
Find and email them yourself:
experience.arcgis.com/experience/b...
A 🧵, below.
#Chicago #urbanism #transit
MMA act support:
secure.everyaction.com/fwlkRENlyUyC...
Stronger RTA support:
rtachicago.org/take-action//
Find and email them yourself:
experience.arcgis.com/experience/b...
A 🧵, below.
#Chicago #urbanism #transit
Tell Springfield to fix and fund transit NOW!
Public transit is broken in Chicago, and our State leaders need to step up to save it by passing the Metropolitan Mobility Authority Act and securing $1.5b in funding before the end of May. Take a mom...
secure.everyaction.com
May 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM
10 days remain for lawmakers to find a solution for the fiscal cliff!
MMA act support:
secure.everyaction.com/fwlkRENlyUyC...
Stronger RTA support:
rtachicago.org/take-action//
Find and email them yourself:
experience.arcgis.com/experience/b...
A 🧵, below.
#Chicago #urbanism #transit
MMA act support:
secure.everyaction.com/fwlkRENlyUyC...
Stronger RTA support:
rtachicago.org/take-action//
Find and email them yourself:
experience.arcgis.com/experience/b...
A 🧵, below.
#Chicago #urbanism #transit
Reposted by Tina Fassett Smith
A Logan Square elementary's science program was abruptly cut after losing its grant from the federal gov, blindsiding families+program leaders who worked for years to make it a reality. The engineering program was geared toward helping Latino children learn w/ their parents.
blockclubchi.co/3FoUSTJ
blockclubchi.co/3FoUSTJ
Latino STEM Program At Logan Square School Ends Due To Trump Cuts
The Somos Ingenieros/We are Engineers STEM program at McAuliffe Elementary was geared toward helping Latino children 5-8 years old learn about engineering.
blockclubchi.co
May 21, 2025 at 4:05 PM
A Logan Square elementary's science program was abruptly cut after losing its grant from the federal gov, blindsiding families+program leaders who worked for years to make it a reality. The engineering program was geared toward helping Latino children learn w/ their parents.
blockclubchi.co/3FoUSTJ
blockclubchi.co/3FoUSTJ