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Nearly 40 years ago, Arthur Leahy began his transit career as a bus driver for the Southern California Rapid Transit District, the predecessor to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA). Now, he will take the reins at the agency.

Yesterday, LACMTA's board appointed Leahy chief executive officer, effective April 6. He will succeed Roger Snoble, who is retiring after serving in the top post for seven years.

For the past eight years, Leahy, 60, has served as CEO of the Orange County Transportation Authority, where he's been responsible for planning, financing and coordination of the county's freeway, street and transit development. He's also managed the county's commuter-rail, paratransit and other transportation programs.

After working as a bus driver while attending college, Leahy worked his way through the ranks at LACMTA to eventually serve as head of operations. He oversaw the agency's bus operations and the opening of the Metro Blue Line. Between 1997 and 2001, Leahy served as general manager of Metro Transit in Minneapolis-St. Paul.