Tom Lambert, who joined the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) in 1979, its first year of operation, and later became the agency’s first chief of police and, ultimately, president and CEO, will retire at the end of 2023.
“I have been blessed to have worked with talented staff, a dedicated board and a wonderful community of partners to provide outstanding multimodal transit options to this region, but after nearly 45 years at Metro, now is the right time to retire,” Lambert said.
Lambert served as chief administrative officer and executive vice president at Houston Metro before being named president and CEO in 2013, which makes him the longest serving leader in the agency’s 43-year history.
Lambert negotiated an extension to his current contract to continue with the agency until Dec. 31, 2023.
“Metro and the region have benefited tremendously from Tom's leadership and service. I certainly understand his desire to close out his successful career at Metro and spend more time with his family,” said Houston Metro Board Chair Sanjay Ramabhadran. “This time frame ensures we continue to focus on services and build on the momentum of METRONext while transitioning to the next chapter of leadership. I look forward to working over the next 11 months to advance the METRONext transit plan and other important initiatives. I also look forward to celebrating the people at Metro and in the community who are dedicated to providing the best in transit.”
Lambert has led a team of more than 4,000 working each day to deliver safe, clean, reliable, accessible and friendly public transportation for customers across the authority's 1,300-square-mile service area.
Under Lambert's leadership, Houston Metro expanded light-rail service, launching the Green and Purple lines in 2015. That same year, the agency also redesigned its entire local bus network, improving transit options seven days a week. The reimagined service became a template for transit organizations across the country and the globe. Just a few of Houston Metro’s other successes on Lambert's watch include:
- Providing exemplary community support and special services in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
- Improving and expanding METROLift, the paratransit service for persons with disabilities.
- Receiving the American Public Transportation Association’s Outstanding Public Transportation System Award in 2015 and 2020.
- Receiving the Texas Transit Association Outstanding Metropolitan Transit System of the Year Award in 2017.
- Enhancing the customer experience with real-time service alerts, Next Bus Arrival Texting, Q Mobile ticketing and digital signage at transit centers, bus stops and Park & Rides.
- improving coordination with the city of Houston, the 14 smaller cities, Harris County and other regional partners.
- creating an Office of Innovation, which established a Climate Action Plan to reduce Houston Metro’s carbon footprint and move toward zero emissions vehicles
- scoring big with fans as the city hosted a Super Bowl, two World Series and two Astros victory parades, breaking ridership records.
- Receiving multiple awards for transparency and financing.
Lambert, who was named American Public Transportation Association's Outstanding Manager in 2018, is currently overseeing the implementation of a $7.5 billion dollar voter-approved plan which includes 500 miles of travel improvements including new METRORapid bus rapid transit projects, BOOST enhancements to high frequency bus routes and upgrades to 9,000 bus stops to ensure they meet or exceed ADA standards.
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