RTA

This week, the RTA announced intentions to seek more control over partner transit agencies as funding and service constraints continue to threaten regional public transit. And on Wednesday afternoon, RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard discussed the RTA’s “Transforming Transit” initiative — a $1.5 billion vision to create a fully funded, seamless, and accountable transit system that will be able to serve everyone in and around the Chicago area —during a luncheon at the City Club of Chicago. 

"The reforms that we are here to discuss today are part of [a] larger conversation," Executive Director Leanne Redden said. "And much of that work centers around developing a stronger RTA."

The major challenge facing this proposal is that Chicagoland is currently facing a $730M transit fiscal cliff, but advocates say there are potential options to make it happen.

Supporters argue that, despite his lack of transit expertise, Ira Acree’s social justice experience and political connections could be an asset for the RTA board.