IL: Statement by RTA Chairman John S. Gates, Jr.

June 27, 2013
RTA Chairman issues statement about Metra agreement with Alex Clifford.

This week, I directed the RTA staff to immediately begin a detailed review of the recent separation agreement reached between Metra and its former CEO, Alex Clifford. I want our staff to determine whether the agreement is financially prudent.

While Metra is responsible for decisions regarding the staffing of its agency, the RTA has a duty and obligation to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being expended properly.

As the area’s transit fiscal oversight agency, the RTA needs to assure our two million riders and all the stakeholders in our transit system that we will not waver from our responsibilities, as outlined in the RTA Act. That is why I have asked our staff to take immediate action to inquire into this Separation Agreement.