The following statement can be attributed to Lisa Daglian, Executive Director, Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC):
“Today’s appointments of new leadership positions in the MTA should raise confidence that the MTA wants what’s best for riders and the region.
“Demetrius Crichlow has more than proved his commitment to carrying on the mantle of success started by his predecessors, Tom Prendergast, Andy Byford, Sarah Feinberg, Craig Cipriano and Rich Davey, but he’s also put his personal stamp on the future of transit. He truly cares about the workforce and riders — because he is both, and has been for many years. Demetrius knows there will always be more to be done, but he’s up to that task. We look forward to continuing to work with him to improve service, reliability, safety, and access for all.
“The creation of the role of Chief of the Rolling Stock Program is a key indicator of how important a steady stream of new buses, subway cars and train cars for the LIRR, and Metro-North is to the future of our entire system. Tim Mulligan is an excellent choice to head this operation. He’s worked across and with agencies for years and understands the needs of the system now and into the future. That’s particularly important given the uncertainty of future funding and how to pay for the thousands of new trains and buses included in the FY25-29 Capital Plan – and the hole in the current plan caused by the Governor’s pause. Given the high cost and great need, and tremendous value of transit to our region’s economy, it’s essential that unique funding mechanisms are identified to take the load off the MTA’s shoulders – and debt – and that attracting additional manufacturers to the scene is top of mind.
“None of this would be possible without people and announcing Mersida Ibric as Chief People Officer with a goal of bringing in and home growing even more talent is critical to all of the success we hope to see. It’s the trains and buses we ride on that get us where we’re going, but it’s the people who drive the service.”
Contact:
Brian Fritsch, 319-432-8503 [email protected]
Lisa Daglian, 917-612-2292 [email protected]