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Dorval Carter, president and CEO of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), announced yesterday that he will retire at the end of January, concluding his leadership amid years of intense scrutiny.
Carter’s tenure has faced sharp criticism from both public officials and CTA riders, many of whom argue that his efforts to restore service and improve conditions since the pandemic have fallen short. The pandemic’s impact on ridership exposed and exacerbated longstanding issues with the transit system, including delays, safety concerns, and cleanliness.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, along with nearly half of Chicago’s City Council, has previously called for Carter to resign, citing the slow progress in addressing these challenges. Complaints from riders have centered on unreliable schedules, unsafe environments, and unhygienic conditions, leaving Carter under mounting pressure.
The dissatisfaction with Carter’s leadership has even sparked social media movements. One notable example is the creation of accounts like "Has Dorval Carter Been Fired Yet," which underscore public frustration with his leadership.
Despite the criticism, Carter has recently celebrated key achievements. Last week, he joined Mayor Brandon Johnson, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, and other officials to announce a $1.9 billion federal funding agreement for the long-awaited Red Line Extension Project. The extension, decades in the making, represents a major investment in CTA’s future.
“The Red Line Extension Project is transformational for our city, especially for the South Side,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This project demonstrates the power of investing in people, and I am thrilled that we are taking a significant step forward in actualizing equitable transportation options for our city. I am grateful to the many partners from all levels of government who championed this effort and made this historic moment possible – together, we are working to achieve economic vibrancy and stability for all communities, regardless of socioeconomic status.”
Additionally, the CTA recently announced that it had restored pre-pandemic service levels across its eight train lines. This includes a 20% increase in scheduled weekly trips, marking a significant step toward regaining rider confidence and addressing service gaps.
Flashback: Carter has been with the CTA in various capacities since 1984, initially joining as an attorney. Over the years, he held numerous roles within the organization before being appointed president in 2015 by then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Carter’s supporters commend his commitment to equity and long-term projects. “Since I became chair in 2021, I have seen firsthand his unwavering commitment to equity and his passion for this agency,” said Chicago Transit Board Chairman Lester Barclay.
However, critics see his departure as an opportunity for change. Alderman Andre Vasquez, a vocal opponent of Carter’s leadership, expressed optimism for the future. “I’m grateful that we can turn a new chapter and have a president who is invested in the customer experience, improving safety and reliability, and someone who is an avid user of our world-class transit system,” Vasquez said.
Carter’s retirement takes effect on January 31. After stepping down, he plans to take on a new role as president and CEO of Saint Anthony Hospital, located on Chicago’s West Side.
As the CTA prepares to transition leadership, the focus will likely shift to identifying a successor capable of addressing long-standing challenges and building on recent progress. Riders and city officials alike hope for a leader who prioritizes safety, reliability, and modernization to ensure the transit system meets the needs of Chicago’s diverse communities.