Real talk: I don’t think the CTA board needs to be made up of all “transportation experts,” and clergy being on the board is fine. I’d rather “experts” be busy running the system, and a board of regular riders of a variety of backgrounds who will hold the agency accountable.
A couple of experts certainly wouldn’t hurt, and might be something we need right now – but the larger question to me is whether or not the CTA board is viewed as a throwaway for patronage appointments at a time where the system is crumbling before our eyes.
@itskylelucas There is vast and fertile ground between transit experts and a person who rode the bus as a child and answers a question about BRT by saying “I usually drive my car on Western as a shortcut to bypass traffic on the highway.”
@itskylelucas Yeah I think someone like a pastor can be very well connected to the community and maybe has a pulse on underserved transit areas. I also am hesitant with the push for just "experts" bc I agree those that often know the most are just regular everyday riders.
@itskylelucas Yes, I totally agree. But the board members should be riders, and have some knowledge of operations, finance, organization-labor relations and community needs.
@itskylelucas I am "expert" on CTA because I long have ridden many bus and L lines, as many committee CTA users. But I know of board members who did not use CTA. At one point the lobbyists appointed had to give that up to serve so they could get LIFETIME Health Coverage! It was worth more!
@itskylelucas Really riding the system should be a prerequisite for being on the board...