Transit California sat down with Kenneth A. McDonald, CEO and President of Long Beach Transit (LBT).
Transit California sat down with Kenneth A. McDonald, CEO and President of Long Beach Transit (LBT).
Transit California: You have served as the CEO and President of Long Beach Transit (LBT) for over a decade. What are some of your proudest accomplishments for you with the agency under your leadership?
McDonald: Over the past decade, I have taken the most pride in leading Long Beach Transit through a period of transformation and growth. I prioritize the development of a service-oriented, performance-driven culture that puts the customer experience at the center of every operational and capital decision. By integrating data-informed performance metrics with continuous frontline engagement, we improved service reliability and customer satisfaction. We successfully delivered over $100 million in major capital investments, including facility modernization, fleet expansion, and technology upgrades, all while maintaining a strong financial position.
I've worked collaboratively with regional transit agencies, the City of Long Beach, LA Metro, and elected officials to advance projects that expand regional mobility and access. I also helped LBT become a more active contributor to policy discussions around transit equity, workforce development, and sustainable infrastructure—solidifying our agency's role as a respected thought leader.
I am most proud of the investment in our people. Through coaching, internal talent development, and strategic succession planning, we have created an organization that will continue to thrive long after my tenure. That legacy of leadership is the most enduring outcome of my time at LBT.
Transit California: LBT is serving as the host agency for the Association's 60th Annual Fall Conference & Expo on November 5-7, 2025, where attendees will have the chance to experience the highlights of your transit system and city (register here). Can you talk about some of these can't-miss opportunities?
McDonald: We are honored to host the Association's 60th Annual Fall Conference and Expo in the City of Long Beach. Attendees will see our progress toward a zero-emission fleet, our popular Water Taxi service, which is returning exclusively for conference attendees, as well as customer-focused programs that enhance the overall customer experience. Beyond transit, they can enjoy Long Beach's vibrant waterfront, thriving arts scene, and quality dining, all easily accessible on board LBT. It is a unique opportunity to experience how our system and city work hand in hand to serve the community.
Transit California: LBT is one of the California agencies that has pledged to become a zero-emission bus (ZEB) transit system before the state's 2040 goal. What are some of the steps your agency is taking to fulfill this pledge?
McDonald: Long Beach Transit has taken a proactive and strategic approach to becoming a fully zero-emission transit system well ahead of the State of California's 2040 target. Our efforts are rooted in long-term sustainability planning, operational readiness, and regional partnership. We have already transitioned to a 100% alternative fleet and are actively expanding our battery electric and zero-emission bus portfolio.
LBT has actively pursued and secured federal and state funding through programs like the Low-No Emissions Program, CARB's Clean Truck & Bus Vouchers (HVIP), and the California State Transportation Agency’s Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), to support vehicle acquisition and infrastructure deployment. We are also collaborating with other regional agencies on joint procurements, knowledge sharing, and pilot projects.
Our zero-emission roadmap is integrated with LBT's broader sustainability and equity objectives. This multifaceted approach reflects our commitment to being not only a transportation provider, but a climate and community leader, paving the way for cleaner air, quieter service, and paving the way for a more resilient transit future for Southern California.
Transit California: What challenges does LBT face to meet the 2040 zero-emissions goal?
McDonald: The main challenge is having the necessary infrastructure to charge our buses. While we can purchase the buses, expanding LBT's fleet of zero-emission buses isn't possible until sufficient charging infrastructure is in place.
Transit California: LBT is also going to play an important role in providing transit options for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles County, including a possible water taxi route. How is LBT preparing for the games?
McDonald: In preparation for the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, LBT has been actively engaged in regional coordination efforts led by LA Metro, LA28, and Caltrans. These discussions include collaboration with local transit agencies, municipal partners, and LA Metro's specialized working subcommittees focused on mobility hubs and wayfinding.
Internally, LBT has established a Mega Events Committee to ensure the agency is well-positioned to meet the unique transportation demands of the Games. This committee is addressing key planning needs, including workforce readiness, stakeholder outreach, financial planning, and service delivery strategies.
Some of our preparations also include evaluating high-capacity bus service plans for corridors that directly serve Olympic venues and transit hubs. We are also exploring a water taxi route for access to the Olympic events. Through both regional coordination and internal preparation, LBT is committed to ensuring seamless transportation options for customers and spectators during the LA28 games.
LBT is committed to providing seamless transportation options to connect spectators, athletes, and workers to the Olympic venues in Long Beach and other regional venues.
Transit California: Even before taking the helm at LBT, you built up decades of operations leadership experience at other public transit agencies, including as the Chief Operating Officer at San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and as Assistant General Manager of Operations at the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). How does your expertise in operations inform your work as LBT's CEO?
McDonald: My operational background has been instrumental in shaping how I lead as a CEO. Having spent decades managing complex transit systems, firsthand in rail and bus operations, fleet maintenance, labor relations, and infrastructure. I bring a frontline-informed lens to strategic leadership.
Operations taught me the importance of real-time decision-making, resource allocation under pressure, and navigating the trade-offs between service reliability and budget constraints. As CEO, that understanding helps me evaluate proposals, capital investments, and policy decisions with an eye towards what's really executable on the ground, not just what looks good on paper.
Having led departments with thousands of employees and hundreds of vehicles in daily service, I have a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver consistent, safe, and customer-focused transit. That knowledge allows me to shape strategic plans that are not only visionary but also operationally sustainable, whether we're implementing new technologies, zero-emission fleets, or service expansions for major events like the 2028 Olympics.
My hands-on experience builds trust and credibility with staff at all levels. Bus operators, mechanics, and frontline supervisors know I've been in their shoes, and that creates a stronger organizational culture. As CEO, I emphasize transparency, conducting listening tours, and involving operations staff in strategic planning.
Transit California: The American Public Transportation Association named you Outstanding CEO in 2025 for your many years of leadership, including your innovations for community-focused transit solutions. What does recognition like this mean to you?
McDonald: Receiving the Outstanding CEO Award from APTA is an incredible honor, but more than a personal achievement, it is a reflection of the work, dedication, and vision of the entire Long Beach transit team over the past decade.
What made the recognition especially meaningful is that it validated our approach to transit as more than just a transportation service; it is a firmer commitment to community building, sustainability, and equity. The award recognizes that our innovations weren't just technical or operational in nature but centered on people and designed to meet the real needs of the customers we serve. From launching clean fleet initiatives and improving accessibility to supporting local businesses through partnerships and creating pathways for career growth within our workforce, we focused on ensuring that public transit remains a force for opportunity. This recognition also highlights the power of collaboration. That's the legacy I'm most proud of.
Transit California: You are an active member on a number of boards and organizations such as COMTO (Conference of Minority Transportation Officials). What advice do you have for agency leaders and managers looking to support employees of color in the field of transit and transportation?
McDonald: Supporting employees with diverse backgrounds and skills in public transit is not just about equity; it is a strategic imperative for building resilient, innovative, and community-connected organizations. My advice to agency leaders is rooted in three core principles: intentional inclusion, institutional accountability, and advancement.
It is not enough to recruit diverse talent. We must build clear pathways for growth. That means offering rotational leadership programs, growth opportunities, mentorship, and executive sponsorship that open doors for all.