CTA president signs veteran hiring order

As part of the policy, the agency’s goal is to attract at least a 20% pool of veterans during the application process for positions, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, managers and other workers.

Staff Writer・Editorial

Read Staff's Posts

May 29, 2012

1 min to read

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) President Forrest Claypool signed an executive order that creates a veteran hiring preference, reflecting CTA’s commitment to providing employment opportunities to men and women who have served in the armed forces.

“The CTA recognizes and values the experience of our country’s veterans, and we believe that experience could translate very well to a number of CTA positions,” Claypool said. “Many veterans, by virtue of their military service, are well-equipped to serve this agency and its customers.”

As part of the policy, CTA’s goal is to attract at least a 20% pool of veterans during the application process for positions, including drivers, mechanics, engineers, managers and other workers.

Additionally, prior to any vacancy being posted, CTA will review and adjust job descriptions where applicable to account for “equivalent experience” to reflect military experience. For example, a posting for bus mechanics would take into account a veteran’s experience servicing military vehicles or equipment.

Lastly, during the interview rating process, a veteran’s experience will be factored into the candidate’s overall score.

Topics:driver recruitment/hiring/retention veterans Rail Bus

More Bus

Management•April 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Management•by Staff•April 8, 2026

Vancouver's TransLink Fast-Tracks RapidBus Line to Metrotown

Funded through the 2025 Investment Plan, the new R2 Marine–Willingdon RapidBus is expected to begin service in September, more than three months ahead of schedule.

Bus•by Staff•April 1, 2026

Complete Coach Works Unveils Reimagined Parts Department with Expanded Capabilities

Complete Parts features new branding with a new logo, a new contact telephone number, a dedicated order desk, enhanced processes and inventory, all designed to provide the parts bus operations need.

Breaking Accessibility Barriers with the Low Floor Frontrunner Minibus

Accessible transit isn’t a feature—it’s a responsibility. This whitepaper explores how the Low-Floor Frontrunner is redefining mobility with a breakthrough design that removes barriers, empowers riders, and delivers measurable operational advantages for agencies. Discover why this next generation minibus is setting a new standard for inclusive transportation.

Bus•by Staff•March 31, 2026

ENC Named 'Partner of Choice' to Support Philadelphia SEPTA’s $43M FTA Grant

SEPTA was awarded $43 million in competitive grant funding from the FTA's FY25 Low and No Emission and Bus and Bus Facilities grant programs to support this procurement.

Cover photo for Bus Tech Talk with Cecil Blandon

Management•by Alex Roman•March 27, 2026

AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In part 1 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his journey from the U.S. Marines to public transit and the role mentorship plays in developing the next generation of industry leaders.

An MBTA bus with a passenger boarding at shelter.

Bus•by Staff•March 27, 2026

MBTA Confirms Funding for Upgraded Arborway Bus Facility

When construction is complete, battery-electric buses will operate from the Arborway facility on Day One, providing cleaner, quieter, and more reliable service for riders, the MBTA said. After completion, the old facility will be demolished, and the land will be made available for redevelopment.

Management•by Staff•March 26, 2026

DART's President/CEO Announces Departure from Agency

Nadine S. Lee, who has served as president/CEO since July 2021, said the decision comes after careful reflection on the agency’s progress and its path forward.

Assemblywoman Castillo and ENC officials at California facility.

Bus•by Staff•March 23, 2026

ENC Hosts California Assemblywoman, Celebrates American Manufacturing and Economic Growth

The visit underscored ENC's role as a major employer in Assembly District 58 and its commitment to American manufacturing and skilled local jobs.

Bus•March 20, 2026

Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment

In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.

View All →