Electing transportation "overseers"

In the DC region, the WMATA board is comprised of officials appointed by DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Some are elected officials, others are not. I wonder at times if they should be elected. On the other hand, since there isn't a dedicated funding system, you need commitment from the local jurisdictions, and officials from the local jurisdictions have that necessary connection.

OTOH/2, you get some people on the board who "could do better."

Maybe the "solution" is to increase the size of the board with some people who run for the privilege of being on the board, people who are popularly elected, to add more accountability and connection to the rider-funder base (residents and citizens of the region).

(CorridorWatch of Texas recently suggested that the board-leadership of the Texas Department of Transportation be reconstituted, that geographic based districts be created, each with one representative popularly elected, and a chair appointed by the Governor. See "CorridorWatch Comments on Sunset Report.")