Metra reform task force holds second meeting

The heads of mass transit agencies around Chicago are getting a chance to give public testimony in front of a panel charged with reforming transportation in the region.

Regional Transportation Authority officials were among those who presented Wednesday before the Northeastern Illinois Public Transit Task Force.

The panel is tasked with coming up with reforms at agencies including Metra, where allegations of political hiring have emerged. It is the panel's second meeting.

RTA officials suggested giving the agency more oversight. That as calls for reform at RTA — even abolishing it completely — have increased in recent weeks. The agency oversees Metra, PACE and the Chicago Transit Authority.

Appointed panel members include former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. They group will submit an initial report to Quinn by Oct. 18.