Thousands of people across Chicagoland will give their cars a much needed day off on Sept. 22 as part of the Second Annual Chicagoland Car-Free Day.
The RTA teamed up with Active Transportation Alliance, CTA, Metra and Pace to encourage people to get around on transit, by bike, on foot – or any combination of those. Pledge to go – or remain – car-free at www.chicagolandcarfree.org and enjoy special offers and discounts for Active Trans membership, Argo Tea, I-Go Car Sharing, Sports Authority and State Street Pizza Company. Plus, enjoy the fun of taking part in this worldwide celebration.
“The RTA commends those riders who will help reduce congestion on the highways and eliminate harmful air pollution just by taking the initiative to travel a greener way on Car-Free Day,” said Steve Schlickman, Executive Director, RTA. “We will have an opportunity to show the Chicagoland area that our buses and trains offer a multitude of travel options in the region. We are pleased to join the Active Transportation Alliance and their partners in Car-Free Day that we hope will create lasting benefits.”
Residents can also participate by organizing fun car-free activities in their communities. Last year’s activities included a bike ride, a car-free play date and a walk around the neighborhood. Email your details of the event you have planned for that day to ethan@activetrans.org.
“Chicagoland Car-Free Day is the perfect excuse to let go of the steering wheel and explore the sights and sounds of your community,” said Active Transportation Alliance Executive Director Ron Burke. “There are plenty of biking, walking and transit options that can get you to your destinations. Chicagoland Car-Free Day can be just the start to staying car-free year round.”
The website also provides commuters with biking, walking and transit resources to make it easy to leave the car at home. Resources like RTA’s trip planner, www.goroo.com, bike commuting tips and www.PaceRideShare.com will make help commuters every step of the way.
John Gates Jr. was elected by Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board members today as the new Chairman of the RTA Board. Mr. Gates serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PortaeCo, a private investment company. He will serve a five-year term that ends in 2014.
Until May 2010, Mr. Gates served as Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Finance Committee of Metropolitan Pier and Exhibition Authority “McPier.” Mr. Gates succeeds Jim Reilly who resigned in May to serve as the trustee of McPier.
“John Gates brings an exemplary career track record in the investment business. His noteworthy expertise in finance and infrastructure can’t be overstated or under-utilized especially at this critical juncture in our transit system’s history,” said RTA Board Member Dwight Magalis, who represents Lake County and serves as the Board’s Finance Committee Chairman. Before today’s vote, Director Magalis served as Interim RTA Board Co-Chairman.
Prior to forming PortaeCo, Mr. Gates co-founded CenterPoint Properties Trust and served as Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for 22 years. CenterPoint Properties is the former site of the U.S. Army Joliet Arsenal. Gates success of the site can be attributed to his innovative vision for the site to be an intermodal facility because it was adjacent to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe’s main line in Chicago and in close proximity to nine interstate highways. During that period, the site opened as the largest intermodal container handling facility in the world and connected the BNSF and Union Pacific railroads, along with 17 million square feet of industrial space for the Chicago region. Additionally, CenterPoint became the nation’s first publicly traded Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust, as well as the largest private property owner/developer in the metropolitan Chicago region. In 2006, the Company was acquired by the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and Jones Lang LaSalle.
Mr. Gates graduated from Trinity College in 1976 with a BS in Economics and Philosophy. He began his career as an Assistant to Governor James R. Thompson of Illinois. In 1979, he joined CB/Richard Ellis, and in 1981, co-founded the Chicago office of Jones Lang Wootton (now Jones Lang LaSalle).
“John Gates has a proven record of success at McPier and will provide the RTA with a valuable blend of public and private sector experience and a keen understanding of our region’s economic and transportation needs,” said RTA Board Member Michael Rosenberg who represents the City of Chicago. “I believe he (Gates) is superbly suited to lead our Board and continue advocating for the mobility and quality of life needs of our transit system’s two million daily riders. Director Rosenberg served as the other Interim RTA Co-Chairman and serves as the Mobility Limited Committee Chair.
In addition to his distinguished career as an investment executive, Mr. Gates serves on the Boards of numerous public sector, for profit and not-for-profit institutions, including:
- Serving as past Chairman of the Board and Member of the Executive Committee for the Metropolitan Planning Council, Chicago’s leading agency and advocate for regional planning, transportation and housing.
- University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy: Chairman of New Facilities Committee. The University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Public Policy and Government Affairs.
Mr. Gates is also an active member of the Economics Club of Chicago and the Urban Land Institute. Former Board roles include:
- University of Wisconsin Center for Urban Land Economics: Research institute focused on urban planning, land use and real estate issues.
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board of Directors today approved a “Whistle Blower” hotline to encourage RTA employees to report any alleged improprieties or illegal acts related to the RTA, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra and Pace without fear of retaliation.
“The RTA has an unwavering commitment to the lawful and ethical conduct of our operation and employees,” said Steve Schlickman, RTA Executive Director. “The implementation of this hotline is another measure by the RTA to show our transparency and commitment to legal and ethical practices that our stakeholders expect.”
The internal hotline allows employees to report wrongdoing, fraud, corruption and waste confidentially and without retaliation. Employees are encouraged to report on the misuse, or theft of RTA property or funds, bribery, employee misconduct such as misuse of official position, or any other unethical or illegal activities involving the RTA and its service boards. The Audit and Review Division will work with the RTA Board’s Audit Committee to ensure all matters have been fully resolved.
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) presented to its Board of Directors today a list of 27 planning, operating, and capital projects through its funding programs. The RTA is proposing to allocate over $17.8 million in federal, local and RTA funds to support innovative projects that will increase transit usage, provide multi-modal connections, improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local transit, improve access to jobs, and help increase mobility for our region’s seniors, people with disabilities and the general public. The RTA is soliciting public comments regarding the recommended projects from August 19 through September 24.
The public is encouraged to learn more about these proposed projects by visiting the RTA Funding Programs Comment website at www.rtachicago.com/fundingprogramscomments or by attending public hearings that will be held during the month of August and September. Comments regarding the programs and individual projects can me made through the website, public hearings, or though the RTA telephone comment line at 312-913- 5516.
“Through these programs the RTA provides leadership by funding projects that provide an opportunity for recipients to create transit-supportive plans or implement services based on local needs. Aside from helping to reduce congestion on busy highways and improve our air quality, these proposed projects will offer commuters multi-modal options, create jobs and build and sustain livable communities,” said Leanne Redden, Senior Deputy Executive Director of Planning and Regional Programs.
Communities, counties, transportation providers, and private non-profit organizations were invited to apply for grants through the agency’s funding programs: Community Planning, Subregional Planning, Job Access Reverse Commute/New Freedom (JARC/NF), and Innovation, Coordination, and Enhancement (ICE). Out of the 40 proposals submitted, 27 are being recommended in the preliminary programs of projects based on their ability to address legislative mandates and support the RTA’s strategy. Additionally, all selected projects require the sponsor to contribute to the total project cost.
“The projects supported by the funding programs allow communities and transportation providers to work together to implement projects that will improve mobility and access,” stated Steve Schlickman, RTA Executive Director. “Additionally, the comment period provides the public an opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the projects the RTA is recommending.”
Public comments will be taken into consideration when the Programs of Projects are presented to the RTA Board of Directors for approval on October 21. The RTA Board will then consider approving the funding necessary to support the programs as part of the 2011 budget on December 16.
The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) will host a series of public hearings this month to discuss the 2011 budget, provide updates on state and federal capital funding, and review recommended projects for RTA funding programs. During the public hearings, RTA Board members will offer opening remarks followed by RTA senior staff, who will conduct presentations. Attendees will have the opportunity to make public comments. Meetings are open to the general public and are ADA accessible. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to attend a meeting such as a sign language interpreter or have questions, please call 312-913-3153 (TTY - 312-913-3111) at least 2 business days before the meeting. For more information, visit www.rtachicago.com.
Schedule of Public Hearings
Monday, August 23
Chicago Central - 9 am
University Center. 525 S. State St., Chicago, Private Dining Room
Kane County - 6 pm
The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin, West Conference Room
Tuesday, August 24
Will County - 6 pm
Southland Senior Services, 25864 S. Chestnut Rd., Monee, Main Room
Chicago South - 6 pm
Woodson Library, 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago, Auditorium
Wednesday, August 25
Chicago North - 6 pm
Loyola University, 1125 W. Loyola Ave., Chicago, Bremner Lounge – First Floor
DuPage County - 6 pm
DuPage County Building, 421 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton, Auditorium
Thursday, August 26
Chicago West - 6 pm
Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N. Narragansett, Chicago, Theatre
Lake County - 6 pm
University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Dr., Grayslake, G-Room 132
Monday, August 30
Cook County West - 6 pm
Forest Park Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., Forest Park, Josephine Austin Meeting Room
Cook County South - 6 pm
South Suburban Mayors and Managers, 1906 W. 174th St., East Hazel Crest, Conference Room C
Tuesday, August 31
Chicago Southwest - 6 pm
National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., Chicago, Main Room
Cook County North - 6 pm
Pace Headquarters, 550 W. Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, Board Room
Wednesday, September 1
McHenry County - 6 pm
Woodstock Administration, 667 Ware Rd., Woodstock, Conference Room A
Donald L. Totten was appointed to the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Board of Directors for a second time representing suburban Cook County. He replaces outgoing RTA Director Patrick V. Riley. He will rejoin the Board at the July 29th meeting at 9 a.m. at the RTA’s office.
Totten was first appointed to the RTA Board back in 1990 also representing suburban Cook County, and he served on the Board’s Administrative and Planning Committees.
Totten spent 15 years in the engineering and business fields before being elected to the Illinois Legislature in 1972. He also served as assistant to the director of the Department of Transportation for the State of Illinois. Additionally, Totten served as president of a firm specializing in government relations, management and political consulting.
During his tenure in the Illinois General Assembly, Totten served on the Appropriations, Transportation and Revenue Committees, and was the chief sponsor of the Taxpayers Rights Amendment, a constitutional amendment to limit state taxes. Totten served eight years in the Illinois House of Representatives and two years in the Illinois Senate.
Totten founded the American Legislative Exchange Council and served as their national chairman. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Conservative Union, former vice-chairman of the National Council of State Legislators, vice-president of the National Tax Limitation Committee and chairman of the Illinois Tax Limitation Committee. He is the recipient of the Illinois Conservative Union’s 1977 “Legislator of the Year” award.
During President Ronald Reagan’s era, Totten was appointed to his transition team in the Office of the President-Elect and would later be appointed by the president to the International Joint Commission, a body that handles U.S. and Canadian affairs.
Totten is a 50-year resident of the northwest suburbs. He and his wife, Joyce, have three children.
Existing cards to be accepted allowing continued free rides for those renewed in Circuit Breaker program
CHICAGO – People with disabilities who are currently registered for free rides on fixed route transit on the CTA, Metra and Pace will still be able to use their cards until July 10 although their cards were set to expire on June 30. Problems with card production led to delays in mailing cards to approximately 19,000 people in the RTA free rides for people with disabilities program. By the end of today, 12,000 Permits will be mailed, but all will not be received in time for the original June 30 expiration date. The remainder of cards will be mailed by the end of the day Friday. The RTA administers the program and worked with the transit agencies to extend the deadline to July 10 so that eligible people with disabilities can continue riding for free. CTA, Metra and Pace bus drivers and train conductors are being told to accept all Circuit Permits that are presented by people with disabilities until the July 10 expiration date. After this date, only the new Circuit Permits with an expiration date of June 30, 2011 will be accepted.
All Circuit Permits were due to expire on June 30. In April the RTA sent notifications about the annual need to renew these Permits that first required applying for continued eligibility in the State of Illinois’ Circuit Breaker program that the Department of Aging administers. There are 19,000 people with disabilities to date that have renewed their eligibility and therefore, they can continue riding for free for another year. All other Circuit Permits will expire on June 30.
The RTA’s customer service center is experiencing a high volume of calls, but eligible riders can be assured that they can continue riding for free, and they can expect to receive their new card by next week at the latest. Only if cards aren’t received by Wednesday, July 7, you should call the customer service center at 312-913-3113. The customer service center is located at 165 N. Jefferson in Chicago.
For people with disabilities not enrolled in the Circuit Breaker program but who are interested in applying for the free rides program, visit www.cbrx.il.gov or call 800-624-2459 (TTY 1-888-206-1327) for more information and to determine if you qualify. The Illinois Department of Aging administers the Circuit Breaker program that requires annually renewals, Income levels for eligibility range from $27,610 or below and up to $45,657 depending on household size.
Succeeds the late Michael Scott representing the City of Chicago
Chicago – The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) today announced the appointment of André Rice to the agency’s Board of Directors. Mr. Rice will attend his first Board meeting on June 24. He is one of five appointees of Mayor Richard M. Daley representing the City of Chicago on the RTA’s 16-member Board and replaces the late Michael Scott.
Mr. Rice is the president of Muller & Monroe Asset Management, LLC (M2), which he founded in 1999. He founded Rice Group Ltd. (RGL) in 1986 that organized several successful investment partnerships and provided select investment banking services to the world’s largest commodities firm before creating M2.
Mr. Rice received a BS in accounting, with honors, from South Carolina State University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He is a CPA and began his career in 1978 as an auditor at Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. (now KPMG). He then worked in securities sales for the Private Client Group at Goldman Sachs & Co. Immediately prior to founding RGL, Mr. Rice was a Senior Project Manager in the Mergers and Acquisitions Department at Kraft, Inc.
Mr. Rice is a member of NASP (National Association of Securities Professionals) and The Chicago Club. He serves on the University of Chicago Charter Schools Governing Board. Also by appointment of Mayor Daley, Mr. Rice previously served on the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and the interim board of the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority. CMAP serves as the metropolitan planning organization for the region’s transportation system.
(CHICAGO) – The Regional Transportation Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority and Pace participated in the Fifth Annual National Dump the Pump Day on June 17. The initiative resulted in more than 500 pledges for people to leave their cars at home and consider using public transit that helps reduce traffic congestion and air pollution while saving on travel costs.
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2010 National Dump the Pump Day involved over 100 public transportation systems nationwide. In addition to the pledges to not use motor vehicles for the day, the local campaign included CTA discounts of up to 50 percent off parking fees at several of the their Park & Ride Lots.
"We're very excited about the number of participants who committed to this initiative. Those who left their cars at home understood how important our transit system is. We hope that we have gained more riders who will consider riding transit regularly. And we hope that awareness was broadened about the availability of the CTA's Park & Ride Lots for those needing cars to access transit," said RTA Executive Director Steve Schlickman.
Those who pledged to Dump the Pump were able to register to win exciting prizes. More than 20 prizes were awarded to participants in the RTA service region.
The RTA's regional system makes a significant impact on the region's environment by saving approximately 150 million gallons of gas annually. A recent report released by APTA showed that commuters in Chicago save more than $11,400 annually. As saving money continues to be on everyone's mind in this economic climate, the Dump the Pump initiative was another means to encourage travelers to see the value in public transportation.
Aurora Residents
Debra M. Two Passes Wendella Boat Tours
Pat M. Metra Weekend Pass
Arlington Heights Resident
Rita O. Fleet Feet Gift Certificate
Bourbonnais Resident
John N. Two Passes Museum of Science and Industry
Calumet City Resident
Tawanna B. Pace 10-Ride Regular Ticket
Chicago Residents
Jonathan D. Family Pass Chicago Children’s Museum
Emily P. Two Passes Shedd Aquarium
Collen P. Two Monthly Passes to the Chicago Water Taxi
Derek T. Two Monthly Passes to the Chicago Water Taxi
Oliver G. One CTA Fun Pass
Liz G. One CTA Fun Pass
Vivian H. One CTA Fun Pass
Jayne P. One CTA Fun Pass
Eunice E. One CTA Fun Pass
Cicero Resident
Maria H. Two Passes Museum of Science and Industry
Des Plaines Resident
Paul B. Metra Weekend Pass
Downers Grove Resident
Kathy C. Metra Weekend Pass
Freeport Residents
Lori H. Two Chicago Sky Tickets
Glenview Resident
Terese C. Two Passes Museum of Science and Industry
Lisle Residents
Janet P. Metra Weekend Pass
Loves Park Resident
Melissa H. Two Passes Willis Tower Sky Deck
Palatine Resident
Susan H. Two Passes Museum of Science and Industry
Tinley Park Resident
Chris P. Two Chicago Rush Tickets
Vernon Hills Resident
Mike L. Pace 10-Ride Plus Regular Ticket
Woodridge Resident
Brian M Metra Weekend Pass
The Regional Transportation Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace announced today that they will join with other public transportation systems nationwide to participate in the Fifth Annual National Dump the Pump Day on Thursday, June 17.
Sponsored by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the 2010 National Dump the Pump Day is a day that encourages people to ride public transportation and save money, instead of driving a car.
Participants who pledge to Dump the Pump Day can register to win exciting prizes to area attractions including a boat tour along the Chicago River, sporting event tickets and transit passes. Dump the Pump participants can sign-up to win these prizes at www.drivelesslivemore.com.
“When a rider takes public transportation and leaves their car at home, they are contributing to the reduction of pollutants in the air, reducing highway congestion, saving money and showing their commitment to the sustainability of our environment,” said RTA Executive Director Steve Schlickman.
The RTA’s regional system makes a significant impact on the region’s environment by saving approximately 150 million gallons of gas annually. And as saving money continues to be on everyone’s mind in this economic climate, the Dump the Pump initiative is another means to encourage travelers to see the value in public transportation.
For more information about Dump the Pump activities visit www.RTAchicago.com.