A series of twelve public hearings on the Regional Transportation Authority's 2009 budget and investment priorities kicked off this week with a session at the agency's headquarters.

The agency, which provides oversight, funding and regional planning for the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra commuter rail and Pace suburban bus and paratransit, is required  under a 2008 law to solicit public feedback on its budget, governance reforms and capital investment plans.

The next public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. today at Loyola University's Rubloff auditorium in the Water Tower Campus at 25 E. Pearson St.

Approximately 30 people turned out for the agency's first hearing on Monday.

RTA Executive Director Steve Schlickman presented highlights of the upcoming budget and said RTA will need additional state funding to achieve its goals.

According to Schlickman, rising fuel prices, free rides for seniors and military personnel, the loss of state funding for reduced fares and the economic downturn have strained the agency's finances. It is estimated that the agency will fall $92 million short this year.

In addition, he said, the agency will need at least $10 billion in additional capital improvement funds - $7.3 billion to maintain infrastructure and $1.7 billion for expansion.

Schlickman also said the agency is developing new performance data for each of the agency's three service boards. They will also conduct periodic audits, beginning with Pace's paratransit service.

Among the agency's other goals for 2009, he said, is a system of better coordination between Pace, Metra and the CTA.

"The previous RTA did not have specific authority to do what it needs to do in terms of regional planning and coordination," he said.

The public comment session following the presentation included a variety of complaints and suggestions, including a request from Mike Pitula of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization that the CTA provide service to Little Village Lawndale High School, at 3120 S. Kostner Ave., which is not currently reachable by bus.

Some of those who attended complained about the fact that the agency had sent only two senior staff members to conduct the meeting.

"You would have thought that at least a few of the 10 appointed to represent Chicago and Cook County could have showed up, since the hearing was held downtown," Charles Paidock, Secretary of Citizens Taking Action, a public transit watchdog group, said after the hearing.

"RTA simply met the minimum requirement under the law to hold a hearing. Let's face it; they weren't interested in listening to those who use public transit. Why meet in their board room, if no board members are going to be there?" 

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