Tribune | Meet Demetrius Crichlow, the interim head of the MTA in New York

As a third-generation transit worker, following in the footsteps of my father and grandfather, I am honored to serve as interim president of New York City Transit. This is not just a job for me, it is personal. New York City Transit is a part of me.

I began my MTA career 27 years ago as a signal maintenance assistant at the Long Island Rail Road. I was promoted to train movement supervisor, overseeing operations at Penn Station Central Control. Then, in 2007, I transferred to MTA Headquarters to become special assistant for operations to then-President and CEO Lee Sander, before moving on to senior management positions at Staten Island Railway and eventually leading the entire New York City subway system.

I’ve seen the MTA’s behind-the-scenes operations, and nothing is more important to me than the safety of our operations, for riders and for the 47,000 Transit employees who deserve to work in a safe, comfortable environment, with the proper training and modern equipment to do their jobs. Just because the transit system is nearly 120 years old doesn’t mean every part of it has to be, too.

I plan to continue the progress we’ve made by improving facilities and modernizing technology, so we can focus on our mission of providing world-class transportation to millions of New Yorkers every day.

Last month, on my first day in this new role, we announced the expansion of the Automated Camera Enforcement (ACE) program. This program tickets drivers who park illegally at bus stops and in bus lanes, helping drivers and passengers move faster and safer.

Last month, we also began the first phase of closing the G line so crews could install modern signals and upgrade stations. Shuttle buses are running along its route in the meantime. While no one likes service disruptions, riders will see major benefits once the project is complete.

Just look at lines 7 and L: they are already equipped with new signals, which is why they have the best punctuality of the entire system. I am convinced that the G project team, led by Hugo Zamora, will be able to carry out this task.

There are so many talented people who work at Transit. I have gotten to know the leaders of all departments – bus, subway, paratransit, operations planning, system safety and security – over the past few weeks, and I look forward to meeting many more employees, wherever they work. I also look forward to hearing from you, our riders, in person and online as we continue to improve service and increase customer satisfaction and passenger numbers.

Demetrius Crichlow is acting chairman of the MTA New York City Transit.