Dorval Carter’s retirement opens the door for a new CTA leader to improve safety and reliability for Chicago’s transit system
Chicago: Dorval Carter Jr. has faced a lot of criticism as the CTA president. His nearly 10-year run has been marked by complaints about late trains and safety issues.
Now that he’s stepping down on January 31, it’s a chance for the CTA to bring in someone fresh. The city really needs a leader who can shake things up and make public transit better.
State Rep. Kam Buckner emphasized the need for a new boss who can secure funding and improve the rider experience. It’s a tough job, but it’s crucial, especially if there’s talk of merging transit agencies.
Carter’s time in charge wasn’t easy. Many riders and officials felt the CTA was unsafe and unreliable, even as his salary climbed to about $376,000. Getting more funding from lawmakers was tough while he was at the helm.
His relationship with the City Council was rocky, with nearly half of the members wanting him out. He even had to face them to answer questions about the CTA’s issues.
Carter pointed out that there’s a history of targeting African American leaders in the city. He hoped for more support to improve the agency.
One of his biggest achievements was securing funding for the $5.7 billion Red Line extension. He recently signed an agreement that could bring in the last $2 billion needed for the project.
But the real challenge for his successor is to be hands-on, ride the trains, and ensure safety and cleanliness. It’s frustrating for riders to see trash everywhere or deal with dirty elevators.
The new leader must also work well with other transit agencies and be able to collaborate with city and state officials. This isn’t a job for someone who’s just learning the ropes.
Mayor Johnson will nominate Carter’s replacement, and this decision is crucial for his administration. With Carter’s salary, there’s a chance to hire someone who can really turn things around.
Johnson needs to look beyond his usual circle and involve the city’s business and civic leaders to find the right fit. The CTA and the city deserve the best, and it’s up to him to deliver.
