Guest Blogger: How AVAS Has Failed CTA Riders and Workers
Guest blog by David Marden The CTA’s AVAS (Automatic Vehicle Activity Supervisor) system—specifically the metric requiring bus operators to depart terminals on time with no more than 30% delayed exits—is not a valid or equitable measure of operator performance. Instead of improving service reliability, this metric has been weaponized by management to generate point-based violations that lead to progressive discipline, including suspension and termination. The metric disproportionately penalizes newer, less senior operators, ignores degraded recovery time, and undermines safety and operational reality. Core Problem: AVAS as a Punitive, Not Performance-Improving, Tool One-Size-Fits-All Threshold (30%) – The same 30% allowable delayed departure rate applies regardless of route length, number of terminal visits, or operational complexity. Example (Senior Operator): Route 155 (short, high-frequency) → 20+ terminal exits per shift → easier to absorb delays and stay under 30%. Exam...
