RTA Proposes Streamlining "Redundant Services" Between CTA, Metra, Pace
By Chuck Sudo in News on May 29, 2012 4:40PM
The Regional Transportation Authority is considering the common sense move of streamlining redundancies between CTA, Metra and Pace that could save up to $150 million a year.
According to the Sun-Times, a memo from RTA Chairman John Gates to the transit authority's board of directors and the CEOs of the individual transit agencies suggested they could save taxpayer dollars by consolidating marketing and lobbying, maintenance departments, personnel, purchasing and even some routes served by two or more of the agencies.
“In this year’s budget process the RTA will demand more information on streamlining and maximizing resources,” Gates’ memo said. “I plan to ask each service board to provide the specific steps they are taking to make these cost-saving initiatives a reality.”
CTA spokeswoman Molly Sullivan said one of these ideas—the "Open Fare" system between CTA and Pace that's the first step to a universal fare system—is in place. CTA is also restructuring routes that are served by both them and Pace.
The suggestion we're most high on is consolidating personnel. CTA, Metra and Pace each have their own offices, executive staff and administrative personnel. Gates has asked the three agencies to consolidate lobbying and legal services, which would leave more than a few lawyers unemployed but save considerable taxpayer dollars. Maybe Gates can ask the boards of directors at CTA, Metra and Pace to consider consolidating, as well.
Gates plans on outlining his proposals further at an RTA board meeting Wednesday and has requested CTA president Forrest Claypool's presence at that meeting.