advertisement

---

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has appointed Richard Sarles interim general manager, effective March 29. He will temporarily lead the agency after GM John Catoe Jr. leaves WMATA on April 2.

Sarles, 65, has more than 25 years of transit industry experience with New Jersey Transit — where he recently retired after serving as executive director since 2007 — Amtrak and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. From 2002 to 2007, he served as NJ Transit’s assistant executive director for capital programs and planning. Prior to that, he was an Amtrak vice president from 1996 to 2002.

“We have found an experienced transit professional who will hit the ground running while we continue looking for the best permanent general manager,” said WMATA Chairman Peter Benjamin in a prepared statement. “Sarles has a passion for transportation and the ability and know-how to help Metro regain the public trust.”