Riders Thank Cuyahoga County Executive Budish for Appointing Transit Rider to GCRTA Board
Rider’s Perspective Will Provide Clarity for Improving Transit
Clevelanders for Public Transit thanks Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish for appointing Roberta Duarte, a transit rider and community leader, to GCRTA’s board. CPT thanks Cuyahoga County Council’s Human Resources, Appointments, & Equity Committee for their confirmation of Roberta Duarte to the GCRTA board on April 20th, 2021. CPT has called for a rider appointment since 2018 and is grateful that this call has been heard and realized.
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. CPT is thrilled that GCRTA has followed their leads.
“I am one who believes that the path to equitable transportation exists in our collective wisdom. As RTA’s newest board member, I support fulfilling RTA’s mission to make our public transit more equitable and inclusive (while also minimizing public health and climate change impacts). Safe, affordable and reliable public transportation benefits entire populations (improving people’s health and social mobility), and can also lead to economically vibrant communities,” said Roberta Duarte, newly confirmed GCRTA board member. “I’m an avid rider and recognize transportation habits change quickly. Organizations that serve these communities need to evolve to effectively serve them, and when underestimated comunidades have a voice at the table, we all win.”
“Currently, GCRTA Board President 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 will elevate the perspective of bus and rapid riders.”
“Roberta Duarte is a dynamic communicator, facilitator, and bridge builder. She knows how to center and prioritize diverse community voices and needs while skillfully and confidently asserting political, corporate, and grassroots environments. She will be an excellent advocate to have on the GCRTA Board, and we’re grateful that the county has chosen her,” said Natalie Ziegler, organizer for Clevelanders for Public Transit.
Duarte’s appointment comes after Justin Bibb, previous board member and current Cleveland mayoral candidate, was not re-appointed. 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 body cameras for RTA Transit Police officers, while also allowing public comment at these committee meetings.
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. Clevelanders for Public Transit thanks the County Executive and the Human Resources, Appointments, & Equity Committee for taking this important step towards transit equity, justice, and innovation for our region.