Rail and Transit Expert Richard Simonetta Joins The Burns Group
Rick Simonetta has joined The Burns Group, adding experience and depth via his 42 years in the rail and transit industry. In his new position at Burns, Rick will continue to provide solutions for rail and transit agencies by sharing his extensive industry knowledge and experience.
Matthew Burns, PE, president and CEO of Burns said, “We are excited to have Rick as part of our team to help us fulfill our mission of delivering a superior service experience to our clients. Rick’s skills and experience help us better understand and provide solutions for the toughest challenges facing our rail and transit clients.”
Of Rick’s 42 years in the rail and transit industry, 28 were spent as the CEO or general manager of transit agencies including the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA); Valley Metro Rail in Phoenix; Central Ohio Transit Authority; Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, and Capitol Area Transit in Harrisburg.. Major accomplishments include successfully leading MARTA to transport 25 million passengers over the course of 17 days for the 1996 Summer Olympics, and leading Valley Metro Rail in completing a 20-mile, $1.4 billion light rail line on-time and under budget.
Simonetta also stays very involved in many organizations throughout the transit industry. He is a former chairman of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), former vice president for North America of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), a global transport association, and a former president of State Transit Associations in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Arizona. He is the recipient of several prestigious APTA awards, including Transit Manager of the Year in 1997, Best Overall Transit System, and is a two-time winner of the Best Hiring and Promotion of Minorities and Women.