Late CTA executive Hill inducted into APTA Hall of Fame

Former Metra vice chairman and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) executive Elonzo Hill will be posthumously inducted into the American Public Transportation Association's (APTA) Hall of Fame. Hill died in 2009 at the age of 71.

Established in 1983, the Hall of Fame honors individuals who have worked "long and distinguished" careers in the transit industry, made significant contributions to public transportation and participated in APTA activities, Metra officials said in a press release.

This October, Hill's achievements will be formally honored during APTA's 2015 awards ceremony in San Francisco.

"We are pleased to join APTA in saluting our friend and colleague who accomplished so much during his career," said Metra Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno. "He was a kind-hearted person who was truly committed to making the transit industry better for all customers."

Hill's public transit career began in 1961, when he joined the CTA as a bus operator, eventually rising to deputy executive director of operations, and later to vice president of service delivery.

Under his leadership, the CTA completed several major projects in the region, including reconstruction of the Green Line, the opening of the Orange Line to Midway Airport and the realignment of the Red and Green Lines, Metra officials said.

He was a founding member of APTA's Rail Safety Audit Task Force, and helmed the APTA Task Force on Accident Reductions in San Francisco; Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles; and Atlanta.

"Throughout his career, Mr. Hill’s work ethic, civic-mindedness and charitable outreach favorably impacted the transportation industry and the community," Metra officials said.