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Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening June 20 named 23-year transit veteran Robert Smith Maryland Transit Administrator.



"The key to our goal of doubling transit ridership in Maryland is having strong leadership with a vision for the future," said Glendening in a prepared statement. "Robert Smith has the solid mix of experience and management needed to meet the challenges facing MTA today, as well as the vision to help us create the next generation of transit in Maryland."



Smith’s experience most recently includes a four-year stint at Chicago Transit Authority where he was responsible for CTA’s bus operation and support functions, including maintenance, engineering and technical services. Prior to CTA, Smith served Ryder/ATE Inc., a private transportation and logistics company specializing in fleet management and consulting. There, he held several senior management positions overseeing transit services in the Southwest, including general manager of Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s suburban services.



Smith has also served transit systems in Alabama, and North and South Carolina.



When he takes the reins at MTA in mid-July, Smith will lead 3,000 employees and be responsible for MARC commuter rail service, as well as light rail, Baltimore Metro subway and bus operations. He’ll also oversee implementation of Baltimore’s regional rail plan and the integration of smart-card technology, and help increase ridership in the western and southern portions of the state, as well as on the Eastern Shore.