[remote or in person] RTA Board of Directors

Had a few connection issues, but am covering the meeting via livestream, which can be viewed here:

An update is being provided on the activities of the RTA Transit Access Citizens’ Advsory Board, which meets to discuss and coordinate the accessibility and efficiency of RTA services and programs.

More here:
https://www.rtachicago.org/about-rta/boards-and-committees/rta-cab

Following the update provided by Jackie Forbes, she announces that she will be stepping down as Chair of the Citizens Advisory Board to contine work in Kane County.

This is followed by the next agenda item, the Transit is the Answer update, which begins by focusing on New York’s congestion issues.

Under the Congestion Relied Zone (CRZ) proposal, riders are charged anywhere from $9-20 based on whether rides beginning outside the CRZ take place during peak hours.

Also referenced was the news that the current presidential administration will pull funding:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-administration-terminates-approval-new-york-city-congestion-pric-rcna192847

Chairman of the Board Kirk Dillard comments on the benefits of these kinds of programs, noting that crime is down and that crashes have been reduced upwards of 70%.

He notes that auto insurance costs are directly impacted by mass transit and investments in greater public transit infrastructure.

Director Dennis Mondero follows up to discuss costs to the public and wonders what other initiatives are available that encourage employers to subsidize mass transit.

Kevin Stanciel responds to say that through Transit Benefit Programs, small companies are engaged to make transit accessible.

One of the issues that appears to be top-of mind for the Board is the use of these incentives to encourage people to return to the office and Board Chair Dillard is unambiguous about the multifarious ways businesses are impacted: “It benefits employers.”

Heather Mullins, Division Manager of Local Programming and Program Management provides a presentation that looks at transit density as a reflection of housing units served.

In a pair of maps she shows that with improvements CTA and Metra/Pace could benefit an additional 200,000 housing units.

Kevin Stanciel, Division Manager of Regional Coordination, begins a presentation on current opportunities across the transportation system.

Here’s a screenshot of some of those identified:

In a follow-up Director Brian Sager asks a question about clarifying signage. He specifically highlights ambiguous and confusing messaging in Glenview.

Stanciel highlights that while all transit partners are engaged, most happes with Metra because they are “looking to integrate” with RTA.

Stanciel further notes that CTA’s AV-accessible communications have improved significantly over the last decade or so, noting that the body also works with Pace particularly in high-traffic, high-density areas like O’Hare.

The main challenge noted by Director Pat Carey is one of interagency communication. She says the work will “never be done,” but highlights that communication to improve accessibility and safety is vastly improved from where things were fifteen years ago.

Director of Communcations Tina Fassett Smith speaks to discuss communications strategy. Over the last two months, two focus groups were held, one for suburban users and another for riders in the city/broader Cook County area.

Information from these will be used for legistlative advocacy, she says.

Rob Nash, Director of Government Affairs, provides an update on the FY2026 legislative strategy, noting that ~60 bills have been filed relating to RTA transit.

He notes that a big priority will be requesting additional support for ADA-compliant paratransit and free and reduced fare expansion.

In follow-up, it’s clarified that the Labor Alliance for Public Transportation, a coalition of ~30 organizations and led by the Chicago Federation of Labor and the AFL-CIO, is collectively representing “over 15,000 workers” through their bill sponsorship.

https://news.wttw.com/2025/02/06/labor-coalition-announces-public-transit-reform-bill-calling-big-changes-not-merger

Senior Deputy Executive Director Maulik Vaishnav gives a short presentation on Transit is the Answer, RTA’s strategic plan. He notes staffing has remained relatively stable over the year and highlights that Pace has actually added more than 80 additional staff.

https://www.rtachicago.org/region/transit-is-the-answer

A summary on the financial reports for the fourth quarter is presented and a motion to approve it is called at 11:00AM. My connection stalled a bit so I missed the sponsor of the motion, but it is seconded by Director Yonan

A roll call vote is called and all present assent.

The next item, a resolution to honor Dorval Carter, is read by Chair Dillard, who notes he will lead a critical healthcare hub on the west side.

A motion to approve is moved by Director Mondero and seconded by Jenkins. There are no Nays among the members.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/13/cta-boss-dorval-carter-retires-after-years-of-mounting-pressure-over-struggling-transit-service/

The last item is the approval of travel expenses and their reimbursement. There isn’t much meaningful discussion on this and it passes by voice vote without controversy.

Director Nora Cay Ryan moves to adjourn and is seconded by Director Groven. There are no Nays and it carries at 11:07 AM.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors will take place Thursday, March 27th, 2025 at 9:00 AM.

For more local updates @documenters.org, check out
https://chicago.documenters.org/.

Thanks for tuning in!