Andy Goddard
Superintendent of LRV Maintenance
Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)/San Diego Trolley Inc.
- Alma Mater: San Diego City College
- Favorite Movie: The original "Star Wars" Trilogy
- Favorite Hobbies: Mountain biking and photography
Andy Goddard is a second-generation San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) employee. His father, Andy Goddard, Sr., was one of the first group of controllers back in 1981 with the San Diego Trolley startup and retired from MTS a few years back as safety systems manager. Growing up, Goddard was always around the trolley and it was a part of his childhood.
During college Goddard was hired on as an apprentice in the maintenance department. He enjoys working with his hands and troubleshooting and began working as assistant lineman for the San Diego Trolley in 1997.
From assistant lineman and lineman, Goddard quickly moved up the ranks to electromechanic, maintenance supervisor, training supervisor and assistant superintendent. In various capacities, he has planned, coordinated, scheduled and directed the maintenance of MTS’ fleet of light rail vehicles (LRV), including overseeing the restoration of two vintage PCC cars that now provide regular service on the MTS Silver Line.
This year he was promoted to superintendent of LRV maintenance, the highest management position in vehicle maintenance with the trolley. In his current position he manages a shop of more than 90 mechanical professionals who keep the transit system’s fleet of 128 Seimens LRVs performing in top condition. He is responsible for developing and implementing the department’s strategic plan to maintain fleet safety and reliability for the trolley’s 39 million annual passengers.
Most recently Goddard led the implementation of MTS’s low-floor system as project manager for a $255 million vehicle procurement which allowed MTS to retire the fleet’s oldest generation of vehicles. He helped transition the maintenance department into a modern shop capable of working with the highly technical and complex components and systems in the latest generation of rail vehicles.
Goddard is active in the broader transit community and is a frequent participant in American Public Transportation Association (APTA) activities, including conference attendance, APTA standards review, and LRV representative to the APTA International LRV Rodeo. He is also a key player in the national Seimens Users Group which provides a collaborative opportunity for agencies that operate Seimens railcars.
Goddard supervises an apprenticeship program with local community colleges to educate and inspire the next generation of electromechanics. Recently he lead MTS’ implementation of an innovative training project through the Transit Academy. This project works with departmental personnel to create unique hands-on training videos specific to the needs of MTS, while providing a Web-based interface that allows MTS employees to collaborate and find solutions with others in the industry.
“I enjoy my role managing our maintenance operations and have really enjoyed the experience working to procure, commission and accept our new fleet of low floor Siemens light rail vehicles."
“The image of our railcars is often associated with San Diego and our “red trolleys” are recognized as an icon worldwide. Being a part of the team that maintains them brings me a lot of satisfaction and I am very proud of the product we put out each day. San Diego, being one of the pioneers of modern light rail systems in the United States, is something we are all very proud of at MTS. As such, I have had the opportunity to work with a large group of very knowledgeable people with really vast experience that all share that same feeling of Pride in what we do."
“Light rail and streetcar operations are relatively still in their infancy in North America. Obviously I would love to see these systems expand and I recognize each city can be unique due to population densities, terrain, politics, etc. I think given some time and public support, we will see these two modes of transit really take off and grow."
“I am an avid mountain bike rider. Living in San Diego County I am fortunate to have a great selection of trails and recreational areas within a very convenient distance at which to ride. You really can 'get away' very quickly in San Diego without actually being to “far way.” I hate the idea of a gym and would rather be outside. A good ride gets me a workout, an adrenaline fix and a bit of peace and quiet. It’s also something that I can enjoy with my kids."
“I recognize that we produce a product that is used by thousands of people each day and really no two days are the same. In recent years we are seeing rapidly changing technologies being applied to the railcars and it’s exciting to be a part of that.”
