The meeting has begun.

The first public commenter is making a case for adding tip collection boxes to give transit users the option to tip their bus drivers and other transit employees.

Patricia Poynter is placing a FOIA request asking "who implements when the cars are placed at the CTA bus stops?" She told a police officer hoping to have someone ticketed for that, and he said it wasn't his responsibility, so she is wondering whose responsibility it is.

She experienced an "incident" on Feb 27th, and there was no security camera footage. She also said an employee would not let her use an employee bathroom to wash out her eyes after something was sprayed in them.

A note from the CTA president says that smoking on transit is a frequent complaint, which often causes riders to doubt its cleanliness.

Police and security contractors are concentrated at certain stations which frequently receive complaints through the chatbot, getting on trains, and removing smoking passengers; it's also a visible demonstration that the CTA is doing something.

On Friday, the "CTA Connection," a new monthly newsletter, will be launched. People can sign up for the newsletter at transitchicago.com/newsletter

"Moving Experiences: Stories of the CTA" is a new podcast by the CTA. It will at first focus on experiences by employees.

In the past month, CTA representatives have met with Springfield legislators several times. The RTA has asked transit agencies to describe what would happen if funding was not continued. "I don't want people to worry here at CTA that that will happen, because we're on the case."

Half a million people will lose access to transit if funding is lost, and the board is going to continue to discuss other potential negative impacts (routes closed, less frequent access, etc). They will also discuss positive outcomes if funding is maintained or increased.

Tuesday, March 18, will be National Transit Employee Appreciation Day. This meeting will include a celebration of several employees, and recognition will be posted on social media as well. The chatbot menu will be adjusted so that complimenting an employee is higher on the menu.

Michele Lee: "I'm sure the community will be excited and embracing more of a focus on [smoking]... Overall, I'm feeling pretty encouraged. Thanks for the report."

18 current employees, and one retired employee, are being celebrated for receiving multiple commendations from riders in 2024.

Thaddeus Moody, Christopher Keaton, and Deshawnda Holman received the highest number of commendations: 9 riders each.

The recognized employees are receiving a standing ovation.

"The mayor of Armitage station" (nickname of Janet Martin) recently retired. She was beloved for her decades-long service at Armitage station, and community members recently threw her a retirement party. blockclubchicago.org/2025/03/03/100…

Lester Barclay: "Your warmth, kindness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our customers will always be remembered." He handed Martin a plaque to commemorate her service.

Rev. Dr. L. Bernard Jakes asked the employees how they deal with customers that "rub them the wrong way." One of them said he remembers to move forward because he knows that eventually he'll be able to laugh about unpleasant interactions.

Michele Lee, to the CTA employees present: "You are the heart and soul of this agency. We can't thank you enough. You make this city a great place to live."

The minutes from the previous meeting have been approved.

The meeting has moved into executive sessions. My live reporting will continue when the board returns.

The board has returned from executive session.

The board approved a settlement of $3.5 million in the lawsuit Sarah Bowers v. CTA and Chester Matthews.

The board appointed Lisa Smith as an alternate to the Board of Trustees of the retirement plan for CTA employees.

The board voted to "approve the omnibus."

A presentation of construction updates has begun.

Barry has begun to receive deliveries of traction power equipment. At Canal Tie-House, SCADA equipment is being tested. At Lake Line Austin, prework to make the station accessible is in progress.

Concrete at the entrance of the Harlem Station Bus Bridge is being removed in preparation to reconstruct the bridge.

The All Stations Accessibility Program progress is summarized here.

Concrete panels on the outside walls of the Racine Stationhouse are being installed. Electrical panels are being installed at Morgan Substation. Tracks are being rebuilt on the North Side main line. An escalator is being installed at Bryn Mawr station.

The Argyle Platform canopy has been completed, as has the granite tile.

Community outreach is ongoing.

Recent CTA events for the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program:

Roberto Requejo asked if there is a process for stations that could undergo minor improvements before the longer-term major improvement projects begin.

The presenter said complaints collected by customer service representatives can be important resources for that. He gave the example of replacing all the doors at a station with wider, more accessible ones.

The meeting is adjourned.