In the coming month, the seven new members of the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) governing board will begin their roles in the agency’s West Loop boardroom. One of their initial tasks will be selecting a chairperson.
Lester Barclay, who has held the position of chair on the outgoing CTA board since his appointment by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot five years ago, expressed a willingness to continue his leadership, stating, “If asked, I wouldn’t mind serving. But I think that’s up to the board. I respect the process.”
This board transition is part of extensive governance reforms mandated by state legislation on transit funding, which consolidates authority into a central body and increases public transit funding by more than $1 billion annually. On September 1, all current transit board members’ terms will expire, making way for new appointees, though some will return in their roles.
Barclay is a contentious figure in Chicago’s transportation politics, as some view him as part of the old leadership at a time when reform is emphasized. Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Barclay to the new CTA board and the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) board, a body intended to streamline regional transit governance.
His appointment faced criticism from transit reform advocates, who questioned his past resistance to transit reform, his leadership with former CTA President Dorval Carter Jr., and his infrequent CTA usage. Nevertheless, Barclay managed to secure his position on both the CTA and NITA boards after a divided City Council vote.
Kyle Lucas of Better Streets Chicago, a transit advocacy group, advocates for a fresh leadership approach to fulfill the transit reform mandate for a better transit system. Alderman Matt Martin, who opposed Barclay’s appointment, emphasized the need for leadership with true transportation expertise and the ability to unite various stakeholders.
Juan Sebastian Arias of Elevated Chicago acknowledged the value of experience but also stressed the importance of innovative leadership matching the available opportunities. The new CTA board will have less power due to state reforms increasing NITA oversight, yet it will still influence CTA operations and presidential appointments.
Other incoming CTA board members include Michael Eaddy, Neema Jha, nonprofit executive Nedra Sims Fears, and Ann Kalayil of Columbia College. RTA board members Oswaldo Alvarez and Tom Kotarac will also join them. The CTA board chair will be chosen by the majority of the board members and needs Illinois Senate approval, following the NITA board chair selection expected by September 10.
Lester Barclay invited the Tribune to ride the Green Line, showcasing Englewood neighborhood development potential. Despite past criticisms of transit reform, he expressed commitment to regional coordination and suggested caution regarding suburban influence on CTA decisions.
Barclay faced criticism for sparse CTA usage, swiping into the system just 49 times last year. He explained that as often recognized and using his personal Ventra card, his low official usage was misleading. Regarding a permanent CTA president, Barclay mentioned names both inside and outside the state being considered, leaving future decisions to the forthcoming process. Barclay noted, “It’s Chicago. Anything can happen.”