Former FRA Administrator Feinberg named NYCT's interim leader

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has tapped former Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Administrator and current MTA board member Sarah Feinberg to serve as interim president of New York City Transit (NYCT).

She succeeds Andy Byford, who resigned after two years in the post. His last day on the job was Feb. 21.

Feinberg, who ran the FRA for two years as part of President Barack Obama's administration, chairs MTA's Transit Committee. As interim NYCT president, she will oversee the agency's 48,000-person workforce and the city's subways, buses, paratransit service and the Staten Island Railway.

As FRA administrator from 2015 to 2017, Feinberg developed and enforced rail safety regulations for freight and passenger railroads.

Prior to joining the FRA, she served as a U.S. Department of Transportation chief of staff, providing advice and counsel to the secretary of transportation. From 2009 to 2010, Feinberg served in the Obama administration as special assistant to the president and senior adviser to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

She also has experience in the private sector at Facebook and Bloomberg LP.

"We’re thrilled to have Chair Feinberg lead New York City Transit at this important time in the MTA’s history,” said MTA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Foye in a press release. “I am confident she will carry forward the progress we have achieved to bring performance to record levels, modernize our system for customers and build on the success of the Subway Action Plan."

Feinberg will begin her new post on March 9.

"As a transportation professional, there’s no greater impact on public service than working with the people responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of 8 million New Yorkers every day,” she said.

The MTA will conduct a search for Byford's permanent replacement, agency officials said.