MBCR installs former FRA safety exec Murphy as GM

Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Co. (MBCR) announced yesterday that Bonnie Murphy has been named general manager to succeed Hugh Kiley Jr., who had served as GM since 2010.

Most recently, Murphy served as deputy associate administrator for safety compliance and program implementation at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). She has more than 30 years of experience in the rail industry, including numerous senior management roles in the passenger-rail sector.

Prior to joining the FRA, Murphy served as chief operating officer at Trinity Railway Express. She also oversaw commuter-rail service in San Diego as senior transportation manager at Amtrak. She began her career at Amtrak in Chicago, where she served as assistant transportation manager.

Murphy will bring "strong operational leadership and regulatory expertise" to MBCR, Chairman James O'Leary said in a prepared statement.

"She will continue to raise the bar on our already excellent safety and operational record," he said.

As GM, Murphy will oversee day-to-day operations and manage the strategic direction of MBCR, which provides rail service to more than 140,000 riders daily.