Dorval Carter to retire as president of Chicago Transit Agency at end of the month
CHICAGO - Dorval R. Carter Jr., the president of the Chicago Transit Authority, announced he will retire at the end of the month.
Nearly 10 years leading CTA
What we know:
Carter made the announcement on Monday that he would step down from leading the nation’s third-largest public transit agency. He’s worked in the industry for 40 years, including nearly 10 years leading the CTA.
He began his career as a staff attorney and worked a combined 26 years for CTA in multiple roles.
During his time leading the CTA, more than $11 billion in projects were completed, begun or announced, including the historic $5.7 billion extension of the Red Line on the city’s South Side.
Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval Carter Jr. discusses a new program, aimed to help Chicago residents facing higher transportation costs, during a news conference at City Hall, Thursday morning, March 31, 2022. (Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times)
Criticism from aldermen
The other side:
Carter's tenure has not been without controversy.
As recently as last year, more than a dozen Chicago City Council members supported a resolution to remove him as the head of CTA. They were critical of late buses and trains, alleged cuts to service and a general feeling of the system being unsafe.
They also accused Carter of dodging their requests to appear before aldermen and answer their questions.
What they're saying:
In a statement, Mayor Brandon Johnson praised Carter for his decades of service to the city.
"The City of Chicago is grateful to President Dorval Carter for his decades of service with the Chicago Transit Authority. His leadership reimagined the movement of our city. His stewardship of the Red Line Extension project is just one of the notable achievements in his historic career."
What's next:
In the coming weeks, Carter will take over leading Saint Anthony Hospital on Chicago’s West Side as president and CEO, according to the announcement. He’s served on the hospital’s board for more than a decade.
His father, Dr. Dorval R. Carter Sr. worked at the hospital for 40 years.