New Leadership Takes the Helm: California Transit Association Elects New Chair, San Diego MTS CEO Sharon Cooney
The California Transit Association announced the appointment of Sharon Cooney, CEO of San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), as 33rd Chair of the Executive Committee. Cooney succeeds Karen King, CEO of Golden Empire Transit District in Bakersfield, California. The election took place during an Executive Committee meeting held on November 14 in conjunction with the Association’s 58th Annual Fall Conference & Expo in Pasadena, CA.
A dedicated member of the Association’s Executive Committee, Cooney previously served as Vice Chair of the Executive Committee during the 2021-2023 term. She also led the Association’s Finance & Management Committee and Transit Operations Funding Subcommittee. The Transit Operations Funding Subcommittee steered the Association’s recent statewide advocacy efforts that successfully secured funding in the State Budget to support agencies’ most immediate operational needs and recovery from the pandemic.
“It’s an honor to take the helm as Chair of the California Transit Association, building upon the tremendous milestones reached as an organization and industry in recent years under the leadership of Karen King,” said Cooney. “This year was marked by a formidable effort led by the Association to save public transit from a devastating budget crisis, resulting in a $5.1 billion lifeline from the State of California to recover the ridership agencies lost from the pandemic.”
“California’s public transit industry is taking necessary steps not just to recover, but chart a path forward that is more robust, sustainable and equitable than ever before,” Cooney emphasized. “In addition to long-term funding solutions, the Association will focus on supporting agencies in the transition to zero-emission technologies; addressing passenger safety concerns and homelessness on transit; and enhancing workforce development efforts. While the work is expansive, we are keeping the needs of the riders, workers, families, and communities we serve at the core.”
Cooney was named the first woman CEO in the history of MTS in 2020 after a 15-year career with the organization where she held many top-level positions, including the director of government affairs, director of planning, chief of staff and deputy chief executive officer. As CEO, Cooney oversees an agency that provides transit service in 10 cities with a footprint totaling more than 3,200 square miles. With over 2,800 employees and contractors, MTS operates 63 miles of double-tracked light rail and 100 fixed bus routes, paratransit services, taxicab administration and oversight of freight rail lines. In FY 2023, MTS had the second highest light rail ridership in the United States. Cooney was also integral to the success of two of San Diego’s largest infrastructure projects ever accomplished, the Trolley Renewal Project ($660 million) and the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension Project ($2.1 billion).
Alva Carrasco Concludes Term As Latinos In Transit Board President, Herold Humphrey Takes the Reins
On December 13, Latinos in Transit (LIT) announced the conclusion of Alva Carrasco’s term as Board President.
In this role, Alva spearheaded the development of LIT’s strategic plan as well as a membership program, a scholarship program, a committee structure and launched LIT’s first website, social media presence and rebranded LIT’s logo. Her leadership and strategic vision laid the groundwork for LIT's expansion beyond regional borders which now includes in-person and virtual programming such as the Leadership Summit and Leadership Academy.
Under her leadership, LIT achieved numerous milestones and gained recognition within the transportation sector. The organization's mission to bridge gaps and promote diversity and inclusion resonated with many, leading to increased support and engagement. She forged partnerships with organizations such as the American Public Transportation Association, Transit Research Board, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) and Women Transportation Seminar and secured a multi-year agreement with MV Transportation, Inc.
During her tenure she was recognized for her advocacy work as a Top Latinos Leaders by the National Diversity Council for Latinos Workplace Equity in 2021 and as a COMTO Women Who Move The Nation honoree in 2022.
With Alva Carrasco's departure, LIT is set to embark on a new chapter under the leadership of its incoming president, Herold Humphrey. Carrasco’s commitment to the cause remains steadfast as she pledges to stay active within the organization, offering guidance and advice to ensure a seamless transition and continued success.
California Transit Training Consortium Hires CTE to Provide Management Services and Names New Executive Director
The California Transit Training Consortium (CTTC) is announced the hiring of the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) to provide management services in support of CTTC’s training initiatives. With this partnership, CTE’s Maggie Pears has been named as CTTC’s new Executive Director.
“In support of our Strategic Plan’s effort to strengthen our operations as we expand our services through the entire state of California, the board made a decision to bring on CTE, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zero-emission technology in the transit industry,” said CTTC Board President, Jannet Malig. “CTEs experience with administering advanced transportation technology projects aligns with CTTC’s goals of delivering advanced transportation technology training based on our award-winning learning model.”
This year, CTTC is developing a five-year educational plan to meet the need for a skilled workforce as the state moves towards a fully zero-emission public transit future, as well as address the technology challenges of training. By collaborating with our colleges statewide, we will be able to align both industries ensuring we educate our transit incumbent workers as well as our future workforce. CTTC will emphasize a statewide standard and sharing of training based on our award-winning learning model to increase the professional and technical competency of the public transit workforce.
Assuming the role of CTTC’s Executive Director, CTE’s Maggie Pears brings a wealth of diverse qualifications and experiences to the position. At CTE, Pears provides crucial administrative and technical support to zero-emission transportation projects. “I am excited to join CTTC during a time when technology is rapidly changing the transit industry and the demand for new workforce development strategies is greater than ever,” said Pears. “The State of California is leading the nation in building the ZEV industry and the workforce must be prepared to ensure a successful transition. By linking transit with college vocational training, CTTC is poised to bring workforce training solutions to the industry.”
Santa Cruz Metro Rolls Out Plans and Path to Funding for Transformational Service Changes
Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) announced plans to roll out its new three-year initiative, known as Wave Service, which is envisioned to transform transit in Santa Cruz County. The Wave Service initiative is the result of a comprehensive community engagement process conducted in 2022 and 2023. Wave Service will be rolled out in two phases, with the first phase beginning in December 2023 and the second in 2024. At full implementation, systemwide ridership is anticipated to double to 7 million rides per year.
“Wave Service is all about responding to the needs of our community,” said METRO Board Chair, Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson. “People want to get to their destinations faster. They want to be able to rely on buses that arrive on-time. They want to ride directly from point A to point B, without making transfers from bus to bus. Wave Service will do all of that. We’re very excited about the opportunity to roll out this initiative over the coming months.”
“These service changes will be transformational for our community,” said METRO Vice Chair and Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Vice Chair, Kristen Brown. “Wave Service will deliver dramatically improved service for riders, while creating dozens of new jobs and taking a stand against climate change. This is truly a win-win for our entire county.”
The Wave Service name was selected because the service draws inspiration from the reliable and powerful waves that come in from the Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz County residents will be able to rely on frequent Wave Service all day, every day, driving powerful change in how our community utilizes transit.
MTC Funding Plan of State Budget Funds for Transit Operations Bolsters Regional Coordination Efforts
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) announced the approval of state budget funds and other regional funds for Bay Area transit agencies bolsters an ongoing regional coordination effort and provides essential stopgap operational funding for transit in the Bay Area. The action is a culmination of hard work led by transit agencies and the MTC to advocate for operations funding to ensure continued transit service throughout the Bay Area.
MTC Commissioners approved a distribution framework for an anticipated $447M in state budget funds from Senate Bill 125 and approximately $300 million of regionally controlled funds to transit agencies while requiring that the agencies enhance the customer experience and improve internal efficiency.
Bay Area transit General Managers are meeting on a weekly basis to enhance coordination between agencies and improve connectivity. This transit network coordination work will require more funding to ensure agencies can continue to run reliable service while also focusing on new enhancements.
A key component in the decision to allocate these funds will be the continuing implementation of the Transit Transformation Action Plan, a comprehensive plan for better regional transit coordination and improved rider experience. It encompasses closer fare coordination such as the Clipper BayPass pilot, the expansion of Clipper START offering discounts for low-income riders, free or discounted transfers between systems, aligning schedules so it’s easier for riders to make connections between agencies, and more understandable mapping and wayfinding with a uniformed approach to signs to help riders navigate their way through transit systems.
While state funds are vital to continue near-term operations, they fall short of the Bay Area’s funding needs beyond FY26. The MTC and the Bay Area transit agencies are studying options for additional revenues including a regional transportation measure in 2026.
Metrolink’s Holiday Express Train is Back! 
Metrolink is spreading the spirit of the season with its first Holiday Express Train series since the pandemic. The beloved holiday tradition is back and better than ever, with eight magical railway rides filled with holiday cheer and a lineup of unforgettable experiences.
Upon stepping into the train cars, riders can admire the cheery decorations and listen to singing carolers. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will even be making an appearance alongside a cast of favorite holiday characters hosting all kinds of activities throughout the ride.
Be sure to plan for some extra time at the host train stations to enjoy the pre-event entertainment before the ride — including crafting tables and musical performances. Give back to the community by bringing an unwrapped toy for the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s Spark of Love Toy Drive, which will be held on-site.
Tickets for the Metrolink Holiday Express Train are priced at $25 per person and must be purchased online in advance. Children younger than two can ride for free while safely seated on a parent’s lap. Each train car will have assigned seating, and riders can select their preferred seats during the ticket purchasing process. Metrolink recommends that riders arrive at least 45 minutes prior to their ticket’s scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth and easy boarding process.