Metro General Manager John Catoe’s resignation deepens questions about what lies ahead for the transit agency at a time of continuing turmoil.
Metro is grappling with an emergency $40 million budget shortfall because of slipping ridership rates in addition to a gap of $175 million in next year’s projected budget.
The agency also is facing mounting lawsuits from a series of deadly accidents, a costly court battle over an arbitration panel’s order to pay members of Metro’s largest union 3 percent more, and a looming decision from federal investigators on what the agency needs to do to keep the system safe.
The agency just lost six top executives in a series of firings, retirements and reassignments. And in coming months, the already fractious 12-person board of directors is expected to gain four federal appointees, shifting the power dynamic and adding more voices to their already lengthy discussions.
On top of it all, Metro now needs to find a new boss — and quickly. Board members plan to meet in a few days to begin the search for a replacement.
Jackie Jeter, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, said Metro was already “in a very shaky situation” after the recent management upheaval.
Jackie Jeter, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, said Metro was already “in a very shaky situation” after the recent management upheaval.
“I have to wonder what that means to the members that I represent: What kind of harm is it going to mean for us, going to mean for the authority?” she said.
“I’m worried we’re going to have a period of drift that Metro cannot afford,” added Ben Ross, who heads an advocacy group for riders, unions and environmental groups. “I hope this will be a wake-up call for the jurisdictions to pull together, instead of bickering, to properly fund Metro and give it a clear direction.”
Chairman Jim Graham seemed more sanguine about Catoe’s resignation.
“There’s no good time to lose a general manager,” Graham said. But he added Catoe’s resignation could be the chance to bring in new, dynamic leadership.
“We’re ready for another door to open now that he’s closed his door,” he told The Examiner.
