Schlickman to bow out at RTA

Stephen Schlickman, executive director of the Regional Transportation Authority, announced Thursday that he'll be leaving the agency in October to return to his consulting business.

In lauding Schlickman's tenure, RTA Chairman Jim Reilly said it was understood when Schlickman was brought in five years ago that he would have to return to his business at some point.

"In 2005, the transit system in northeastern Illinois was on the verge of financial collapse," Reilly said. "In 2005, the RTA had not done an overall strategic plan in over 15 years. Since that time, an incredible amount has been accomplished largely due to Steve's leadership."

Schlickman cited that strategic plan, completed in 2007, and increased government funding won the following year as high points of his term.

Schlickman will return to his transportation-policy and finance-consulting practice after marking his fifth anniversary at the RTA Oct. 3.

As far as the agency's funding situation goes, however, the RTA board announced Thursday that it is joining the increasing chorus of agencies asking the state to pay its overdue bills.

"The ongoing delay of approximately $250 million in state funding for the regional transit system has reached an alarming point, and creates a significant risk for our 2 million daily riders and more than 15,000 employees," read a letter signed by Schlickman and sent to Gov. Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes last week. "We ask that the state give prompt attention to this situation and that it provide as much of the funding due to the transit system as is possible."