Andy Byford has submitted his resignation and will step down as president of New York City Transit (NYCT) after two years in the role. Various news outlets in New York report Byford's last day will be Feb. 21.
“Andy Byford will be departing New York City Transit after a successful two years of service and we thank him for his work. Andy was instrumental in moving the system forward, enacting the successful Subway Action Plan and securing record capital funding with the governor and the Legislature, and we wish him well in his next chapter,” said Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman and CEO Patrick J. Foye.
The news came at the end of the MTA’s scheduled board meeting on Jan. 23, where Byford said it had been an honor and a privilege to serve New Yorkers. While his displeasure with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s hands-on approach to MTA issues is well covered, Byford offered public praise at the MTA Board meeting for the governor, as well as the New York State Legislature, for what he called courage in passing congestion pricing that would help fund key improvements to NYCT infrastructure.
Foye recognized Byford for building a strong team at NYCT that will continue the efforts Byford initiated through programs such as Fast Forward. Other representatives at the meeting noted Byford’s ability to connect with transit employees throughout the organization and his role in successful labor negotiations.
John Samuelsen, Transport Workers Union International president and MTA Board member, said at the meeting he had an odd initial reaction to Byford’s resignation: “Andy Byford wasn’t a liar.” He also noted that Byford brought a level of compassion that will be difficult to replace.
Robert Linn, an MTA Board member, said he was always struck by Byford’s ability to listen.
“You are not only an incredible operator of trains, but an extraordinary human being in your dealing with people,” Linn said to Byford.
Byford came to NYCT in January 2018 from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) and served at transit systems in Sydney, Australia and London, UK.
“I’m very proud of what we have achieved as a team over the past two years and I believe New York City Transit is well-placed to continue its forward progress now that the MTA has a record breaking $51.5 billion Capital Program in place. I’m very grateful to Gov. Cuomo, Chairman Foye and members of the board for giving me the opportunity to serve New York and to head up North America’s largest transit system,” said Byford.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
