Capital Metro Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dwight Ferrell has accepted the position deputy general manager and chief operating officer with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA).

Ferrell joined Capital Metro in June 2004, and he directs the operations, maintenance, safety and security activities for Capital Metro’s bus, paratransit, freight rail and commuter rail services. He has provided vision and leadership in the development of the authority’s commuter rail system, Capital MetroRail, scheduled to come online this fall.

“It has been both a personal and professional privilege to work with Dwight Ferrell. His sound judgment, savvy business acumen, and vast transit experience have benefited Capital Metro extensively. His stewardship of the commuter rail system leaves us in a great position to start the service later this year,” said Fred Gilliam, Capital Metro president/CEO.

Ferrell said, “My tenure at Capital Metro has been a rewarding experience. I’m proud of both the accomplishments of this organization as well as the direction it is heading. I am certainly looking forward to the new challenges and responsibilities at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, but it is not without some sadness that I leave so many talented, friendly people who make up the Capital Metro family.”

Ferrell has 28 years of transit experience, having held progressively responsible positions in Texas, Louisiana, Pennsylvania and Georgia. He is nationally recognized within the industry, serving in leadership positions with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO).

His last day at Capital Metro is March 31. Ferrell assumes his new role in April and will be responsible for overseeing bus, rail, paratransit operations and maintenance; infrastructure; and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority police force.