When Jay Walder took over as MTA CEO in the beginning of October, it was assumed that changes in the organization would likely come quickly. Therefore, it was not surprising that Walder tapped Thomas F. Prendergast to be President of MTA NYC Transit, replacing Howard Roberts, who resigned from the position on November 4.
Prendergast, who will officially start in his new role on December 1, previously served as the CEO of the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority, known as TransLink, in Vancouver, Canada.
“Tom is a leader who brings an extraordinary variety of experiences from around the world to a system that he already knows extremely well,” said Walder. “Tom’s work running one of the most technologically sophisticated systems in Vancouver will be invaluable as we take the MTA to the next level in performance and customer service.”
In the new position, Prendergast, 57, will bring more than 30 years of transportation experience. He began his career at the Chicago Transit Authority and worked at the Federal Transit Administration before joining NYC transit 1982. He ran the subway system for four years from 1990 through 1994 and then served as President of the Long Island Railroad for six years.
“It is a tremendous honor to return home to lead the outstanding men and women who run one of the world’s great transit systems,” said Prendergast. “I look forward to working with Jay Walder to implement the customer service improvements that New Yorkers deserve. Running New York City Transit is one of the great challenges and honors in the profession, and I will bring all of my energy and passion to the job.”
