Andy Byford—president of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) New York City Transit Authority (NYCT)—has resigned from his position with the agency.
POLITICO published an obtained copy of Byford's resignation letter—dated Thursday, Jan. 23—addressed to MTA COO Mario Peloquin. The letter says that Byford's last day of service will be Feb. 21, 2020.
"It has been my honor to serve the people of New York for the past two years and to do so alongside the wonderful men and women of NYCT that keep our city moving," Byford's letter states. "I am very proud of them. and the way that, together, we have delivered a sustained turn-round in performance, using innovative methods to improve all aspects of our service."
The news came at the end of the MTA's scheduled board meeting on Jan. 23, where Byford reportedly said it had been an honor and privilege to serve New Yorkers. Byford has led the agency since January 2018, after the NYC subway system had suffered a reputation for widespread delays and disruptions.
Byford's letter also suggests that NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo's reorganization of the MTA had "reduced" his agency's role. "The ... plan called for the centralization of projects and an expanded HQ, leaving Agency Presidents to focus solely on the day-to-day running of service," the letter says. "I have built an excellent team and there are many capable individuals ... who could perform this important, but reduced, service delivery role."
According to POLITICO, Byford had originally submitted his resignation to the MTA back in October 2019, but ultimately was convinced by MTA leadership to rescind his resignation at the time.
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SOURCE: POLITICO / Mass Transit
