(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The president of the CTA has taken criticism from City Council members for months over reports of dirty trains and buses, unreliable service and increased crime. On Thursday, he struck back during a contentious hearing at City Hall.
A majority of aldermen have signed onto a resolution calling for Chicago Transit Authority President Dorval Carter, Jr., to be fired.
Carter passionately defended himself and the agency, telling members of the council's transportation committee that the constant stream of negativity is making it difficult to do his job.
"It has not been an easy seat to sit in and to some degree, I've understood that because being the president of the Chicago Transit Authority, you accept the fact that you're ultimately responsible for everything that happens within your agency," Carter said.
"I don't shy away from the fact that the buck stops with me."
He also pointed to what he described as a history of the city trying to oust prominent Black leaders.
Lincoln Square Alderman Andre Vasquez has been a leading CTA critic.
"We're just holding people more accountable than we did decades ago, which is a good thing for government," he said.
Alderman Jason Ervin (28th) came to Carter's defense.
"A lot, you know, that isn't said about your leadership and what you've been able to accomplish during your tenure," Ervin said.
This all happened as part of the city council's quarterly hearings on the state of the CTA.
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