By Philip Newman
Thomas Prendergast, chief of the New York City Transit Authority, which runs the subways and buses, has been nominated to be chairman of the MTA.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the nomination and called Prendergast “the ideal candidate” to run the massive transportation network.
“From the track bed to the budget to modernizing our system for the 21st century I can’t imagine anyone having a better understanding of how the region’s vast system operates and the challenges that it face,” Cuomo said.
The appointment is now subject to confirmation by the New York State Senate.
Prendergast will succeed Joseph Lhota, who served 13 months in the job before resigning in December to run for mayor.
“It is an incredible honor to be nominated to lead the largest transportation network in North America and to work with Gov. Cuomo and his administration on the many challenges facing the MTA,” Prendergast said.
A native of Chicago, Prendergast holds a systems engineering degree from the University of Illinois and began his career at the Chicago Transit Authority in 1975, then moved to New York Transit Authority in 1982. He has served in transit capacities not only in New York but in Vancouver, British Columbia, Britain, North America and Asia.
He has served more than three years as president of the Transit Authority.
“As a longtime public servant with broad expertise in transportation issues, Tom Prendergast will be a first rate leader for the MTA,” said Fernando Ferrer, interim chairman of the MTA. “He has served the MTA well in his current and former positions, including playing an integral role in guiding the agency’s successful preparations and response to Hurricane Sandy.”
