LaHood to lead Chicago transportation task force

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel tapped former U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to head a new Transportation and Mobility Task Force charged with evaluating the city's transportation landscape as it undergoes "rapid technological change."

The task force also will make recommendations on ways to support public transit and incorporate new technologies and companies into Chicago's transportation systems.

LaHood served as transportation secretary from 2009 to 2013 during President Barack Obama's administration.

"In just the last few years we have seen an explosion of new transportation options and technologies that are challenging us to think differently about how we manage our transportation systems," Emanuel said in a Medium post. "With Ray LaHood's leadership and expertise, we are going to bring the best and the brightest together to help inform Chicago on how to move forward and maintain our status as a leader in transportation."

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the Chicago Department of Transportation and other city agencies will be involved and provide input to the task force.

The task force will be responsible for proposing changes to technology, policy and public way use management to support Chicago's mobility goals. The task force also will evaluate autonomous, connected and electric vehicles, along with ways to enhance the CTA and other city transportation assets.