Riders Call on County Executive Budish to Appoint Rider to GCRTA Board
Rider’s Perspective Would Provide Vision for Improving Transit
Next month, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority will elect a new president and new terms will begin for members of RTA’s Board of Trustees. Clevelanders for Public Transit continues to call on Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish to appoint a transit rider to RTA’s board in the event that Cleveland Mayoral Candidate and current board member Justin Bibb is not re-appointed. CPT has called for a rider appointment since 2018.
Transit agencies across the country, from San Francisco to Dallas to Syracuse, have included transit riders on their boards. Appointing regular riders provides a seat at the table and an important perspective for improving service for riders. There is no reason RTA shouldn’t follow their lead.
“Currently, Reverend Lucas serves on the RTA as a paratransit rider. Having his voice on the board has led to major improvements in paratransit, including reduced wait times and improved trips for paratransit riders” said Chris Stocking, Chair of Clevelanders for Public Transit. “Having a regular rider on RTA’s board would elevate the perspective of bus and rapid riders.”
Furthermore, the Cuyahoga County website states that “There is a preference for candidates who use GCRTA and will ensure that riders’ perspectives are included on the Board.”
CPT has composed a slate of candidates of RTA riders from all walks of life that are ready to serve on Board. Among these candidates are riders who are unable to drive and moved to Cleveland specifically because of the access RTA offers, as well as planners who have worked with RTA and do not own cars.
CPT thanks Mr. Bibb for bringing new energy and leadership to RTA’s board. The Ad Hoc Technology Committee addressed important issues such as fare collection and real-time vehicle information, while also allowing public comment at these committee meetings.
County Executive Budish must use Cuyahoga County’s appointment to place a rider on RTA’s board. Building an active and engaged Board of Trustees that addresses the perspective of riders will allow RTA to provide a strong vision of what transit could be for Cuyahoga County.
CPT Candidates for RTA Board of Trustees:
Jessica Wallace
-Depends on a wheelchair for mobility.
-Over 15 years experience in Accounting Systems Management.
-Chairs Safety and Events Committees, Co-Chairs Digital Marketing for Downtown Cleveland Residents.
-Daily rider for 15 years. Shaker Square resident, moved to Cleveland for critical service GCRTA provides.
Roberta Duarte
-Native of Paraguay. Young Latino Network Vice President. Experienced leader in equitable economic development.
-Founder of Areko Consulting, leading culturally competent initiatives with a global and public health approach in projects like 25Connects / 25Conecta for The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority.
-Downtown Cleveland resident, relies on GCRTA.
-Project Manager at JumpStart Inc. supporting diverse entrepreneurs and communities throughout Northeast Ohio.
Angie Schmitt
-Founder of 3MPH Planning and Consulting, focused on pedestrian safety. Clients include the Urban Land Institute and University of Massachusetts.
-Wrote critically acclaimed book, Right of Way: Race, Class and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America, named one of the best planning books of 2020.
-Over 10 years experience as editor and reporter for Streetsblog USA. Assisted with Congressional reporting on multiple transportation bills.
-Bike Cleveland, Founding Board Member, Advocacy Chair 2011–2014.
Jeffrey Sleasman
-Dedicated transit rider for 30 years while living in four cities on two continents.
-Director of Strategic Partnerships for Compass Biomedical.
-Believes transit is essential for equity, economics, and the future of Cleveland.
-Over 15 years of experience in Strategy and Program Management. Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills with expertise strategic planning, compliance, budget/financial/project management, feasibility analysis, and resource allocation.