Today's RTA Is Part of the Solution

October 5, 2015

RTA Isn't the Problem

We agree with Greg Hinz's story that billions of dollars are needed to complete the renovation of the Chicago Transit Authority system. However, TransitCenter responded by quoting its own report, which claimed the CTA's struggles were partly due to “flaws” in the Regional Transportation Authority's governance structure (Letters, Sept. 15). The problem is meeting our region's funding needs, not the RTA's governance structure.



In the past year, a new chairman and executive director have taken over at the RTA. In a time when public-sector credit rating downgrades regularly make the news, the RTA's credit rating is among the best. Collaboration with CTA, Metra and Pace is at an all-time high, resulting in an agreement on 2016 funding allocations—avoiding what historically has been months of infighting and disagreement.

The RTA provides vital oversight and balance among the suburbs and the city to ensure transit resources are allocated fairly. As RTA Board Chairman Kirk Dillard reminds us, you can have any form of governance, but it all comes down to competency, communication, coordination and cooperation. The RTA is providing all of these to benefit our 2 million daily riders and taxpayers.

Leanne Redden
Executive Director, Regional Transportation Authority