Durbin asks for federal oversight of Metra safety
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin is asking federal transportation officials to provide special oversight of Metra as it deals with “serious management and financial challenges.”
In a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration Tuesday, the Illinois Democrat says he wants to ensure the commuter rail system operates safely and efficiently.
Durbin says he’s concerned a lack of permanent leadership at Metra “creates a situation where accountability is hard to find and priorities like safety could become neglected.” He says Metra will receive more than $135 million in federal funds this year.
Four Metra board members have resigned in recent weeks amid criticism of a $718,000 buyout of ousted Metra CEO Alex Clifford and allegations of political patronage. Durbin notes the board doesn’t have enough members to name a permanent executive director.