Management

Andy Byford resigns as president of NYCT

Jan. 23, 2020

The news broke at an MTA Board meeting where Byford expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve New York.

Byford, right, was well known for his ability to connect with and engage employees throughout the organization. He is shown shaking hands with Train Operator Cory Hodge, who operated the first train to stop at WTC Cortlandt subway station in September 2018.

Andy Byford has submitted his resignation and will step down as president of New York City Transit (NYCT) after two years in the role. Various news outlets in New York report Byford's last day will be Feb. 21.

“Andy Byford will be departing New York City Transit after a successful two years of service and we thank him for his work. Andy was instrumental in moving the system forward, enacting the successful Subway Action Plan and securing record capital funding with the governor and the Legislature, and we wish him well in his next chapter,” said Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye.

The news came at the end of the MTA’s scheduled board meeting on Jan. 23, where Byford said it had been an honor and a privilege to serve New Yorkers. While his displeasure with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s hands-on approach to MTA issues is well covered, Byford offered public praise at the MTA Board meeting for the governor, as well as the New York State Legislature, for what he called courage in passing congestion pricing that would help fund key improvements to NYCT infrastructure.

Foye recognized Byford for building a strong team at NYCT that will continue the efforts Byford initiated through programs such as Fast Forward. Other representatives at the meeting noted Byford’s ability to connect with transit employees throughout the organization and his role in successful labor negotiations.

John Samuelsen, Transport Workers Union International president and MTA Board member, said at the meeting he had an odd initial reaction to Byford’s resignation: “Andy Byford wasn’t a liar.” He also noted that Byford brought a level of compassion that will be difficult to replace.

Robert Linn, an MTA Board member, said he was always struck by Byford’s ability to listen.

“You are not only an incredible operator of trains, but an extraordinary human being in your dealing with people,” Linn said to Byford.

Byford came to NYCT in January 2018 from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and served at transit systems in Sydney, Australia and London, UK.

“I’m very proud of what we have achieved as a team over the past two years and I believe New York City Transit is well-placed to continue its forward progress now that the MTA has a record breaking $51.5 billion Capital Program in place. I’m very grateful to Gov. Cuomo, Chairman Foye and members of the board for giving me the opportunity to serve New York and to head up North America’s largest transit system,” said Byford.

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.

She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.