The city’s head of the subway and buses is abandoning New York after just two years in the role and on the eve of congestion pricing.
New York City Transit President Richard Davey is returning to Massachusetts to become the new chief executive of the Massachusetts Port Authority. Massport’s board voted Wednesday to make Davey the agency’s new leader after two weeks of speculation about his departure.
“Congratulations to Boston for bringing home their native son even if it creates a momentary disruption for the [Metropolitan Transportation Authority],” MTA chair and chief executive Janno Lieber said at an unrelated Wednesday news conference, confirming Davey’s departure.
Davey will begin his five-year term as chief executive — at a starting salary of $420,000 — at Massport no later than Sept. 9, according to Massport. State records show that Davey, who became NYCT president in May 2022, earned $360,956 in his role last year.
Davey did not immediately respond to messages for comment.
Demetrius Crichlow, NYCT’s current senior vice president of the department of subways, will step into the role of interim president at NYCT on June 14, according to MTA spokesman Mike Cortez.
Crichlow is a lifelong New Yorker and has led the department of subways since July 2021.
He began his career with the MTA in 1997 as an assistant signal maintainer at the Long Island Rail Road, where he rose through the ranks. In 2007 he transferred to become the special assistant for operations for the MTA’s then-executive director Elliot G. Sander.
When Circhlow became deputy general manager for the L line he became the third generation in his family to work for NYCT.
“As of today we have a clear handoff; the baton is being passed and we’re in good shape,” Lieber said, seeking to put a rosy spin on Davey’s departure after his short tenure in his role and only a month away from the contentious launch of congestion pricing.
Caroline Spivack , 2024-05-29 22:02:12
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