A Proposed Raise Would Raise Cleveland RTA CEO Salary To $348400
A Proposed Raise Would Raise Cleveland RTA CEO Salary To $348400. In a move that is drawing both praise and scrutiny, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) board of trustees is set to vote on a proposed raise that would significantly increase the salary of its CEO, India L. Birdsong Terry, to $348,400 per year. This decision comes as she approaches the midpoint of her five-year contract, having led the organization since 2019.
Let’s explore what this salary adjustment entails, why it’s being proposed, and what it means for the future of public transportation in Cleveland.
Who Is India L. Birdsong Terry?
India L. Birdsong Terry is the General Manager and CEO of the Greater Cleveland RTA, a role she has held since 2019. With a background in urban transportation and a reputation for modernizing transit systems, she was brought in to help reform and rejuvenate Cleveland’s aging public transport network.
Since taking over, Birdsong Terry has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving service delivery, operational transparency, and strategic planning. Her leadership has coincided with the RTA’s efforts to rebuild trust with riders and expand its services across underserved communities.
The Details of the Proposed Raise
The RTA board of trustees is scheduled to vote on Tuesday on whether to approve a $13,400 raise for Birdsong Terry. If approved, this raise would be retroactive to January 1 and would push her annual salary from $335,000 to $348,400. Additionally, the proposal includes eligibility for performance-based bonuses, although those figures have not been disclosed.
Keyword Highlight: Proposed raise, Cleveland RTA CEO salary
Salary Comparison Table
To understand the significance of this Cleveland RTA CEO salary increase, here’s how Birdsong Terry’s new potential earnings compare with similar roles in other U.S. cities:
| City | Transit CEO Name | Annual Salary | Transit System Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland (proposed) | India L. Birdsong Terry | $348,400 | Medium – Greater Cleveland RTA |
| New York City | Richard Davey | $430,000+ | Large – MTA |
| Los Angeles | Stephanie Wiggins | $400,000+ | Large – Metro LA |
| Chicago | Dorval R. Carter Jr. | $334,000 | Large – CTA |
| Atlanta | Collie Greenwood | $320,000 | Medium – MARTA |
This table shows that the proposed raise aligns her salary with other major transit leaders, especially considering the complexity and responsibilities of her role.
Why the Raise Is Being Considered
The proposed salary increase for Birdsong Terry is based on several factors:
1. Performance and Accomplishments
Birdsong Terry has been credited with:
- Launching RTA’s strategic planning initiative
- Overseeing fleet modernization
- Leading community engagement programs
- Managing the authority during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Securing funding for infrastructure upgrades
These achievements demonstrate her leadership and her ability to navigate complex challenges, earning her positive reviews from both internal and external stakeholders.
2. Salary Benchmarking
According to a salary analysis by the RTA board, Birdsong Terry’s current compensation is below the national average for transit authority executives managing similar-sized operations. This proposed raise would bring her earnings in line with her peers.
3. Retention and Contract Stability
With two years completed in a five-year contract, the RTA board aims to maintain leadership continuity. A raise and performance-based incentives could act as a retention strategy to keep Birdsong Terry in Cleveland as the RTA rolls out its long-term transportation vision.
Public Reaction to the Proposed Raise
As expected, the proposal has sparked mixed reactions from the public and local transit advocates.
Supporters Say
- Leadership deserves recognition for navigating crises and driving improvement.
- Competitive salaries attract talent, especially for high-pressure roles.
- The raise is modest compared to private-sector equivalents.
Critics Argue
- The RTA still faces budget constraints and service inconsistencies.
- Riders want to see improvements in route reliability and cleanliness.
- Raises should be performance-based and publicly justified.
Keyword Highlight: Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, proposed raise, Cleveland RTA CEO salary
The Financial Impact on RTA’s Budget
One concern that arises is how the raise fits within the RTA’s broader financial picture. Here’s a closer look:
- Total RTA Budget (2024): Estimated at over $300 million
- CEO Salary Share: Less than 0.12% of the total budget
- Funding Sources: Includes state and federal grants, fares, and local sales tax
While the increase is notable in public discourse, from a budgetary perspective, it’s a relatively small adjustment. However, it highlights the ongoing tension between executive pay and the need for better public services.
A Broader Look at Transit Leadership Pay
Transit agencies across the U.S. are under pressure to evolve amid changing commuter behaviors, climate challenges, and increasing demand for equity in transportation. As such, executive compensation has come under the spotlight.
Birdsong Terry’s raise reflects a growing trend: cities are willing to invest in experienced leadership to meet modern transit demands. However, these raises must come with accountability and performance metrics.
What’s Next for Cleveland RTA?
With the board vote imminent, the public is watching closely. Whether the proposed raise is approved or amended, several key goals remain:
- Continued service expansion into underserved neighborhoods
- Investments in greener, more efficient vehicles
- Enhanced digital infrastructure for riders
- Prioritizing equity and accessibility for all users
Conclusion
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority stands at a critical point. The proposed raise for CEO India L. Birdsong Terry, increasing her salary to $348,400, is about more than just numbers—it reflects Cleveland’s ambition to strengthen leadership, improve transit access, and modernize its infrastructure.
