TriMet has hired Patrick Preusser, an expert in rail transportation, to lead its Transportation Division. As Executive Director of Transportation, Preusser will lead the operational activities for bus, MAX Light Rail, WES Commuter Rail and LIFT paratransit service. The division includes about 1,750 employees who deliver more than 101 million rides a year.
Preusser brings 19 years of railway experience working in both public and private sector operations, including freight, commuter, passenger and transit, all with a dedication to advancing safety and operations. He comes to TriMet from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he served as operations manager for the Saudi Railway Company (Serco). Prior to that, he was executive director of rail operations for L.A. Metro transit authority. Preusser has also worked for Amtrak and for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Rail Administration.
“Patrick’s extensive experience and knowledge of rail operations will be a tremendous asset to TriMet as we improve the management, training and oversight of the system,” said Chief Operating Officer Doug Kelsey. “He will play a critical role in improving safety as we implement our rail safety audit.”
Preusser added that, “I’m pleased to be working for a highly-regarded transit agency in a community that’s committed to multimodal transportation. I believe in TriMet’s mission, and look forward to working with our employees to build upon current accomplishments, advance safety and grow our service. Success to me is being proactive and preventing problems through analysis and process improvement.”
Preusser has a Masters of Intermodal Transportation Management from University of Denver and is currently completing a second master’s degree in Public Administration.
