Lee steps down as GM of Cincinnati streetcar

John Lee has resigned as Transdev's general manager for the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar system.

The company began operating the city's streetcar system in July under a five-year contract.

Lee took the position during the streetcar's first week of operation in September. He previously served as general manager for The Sprinter light-rail line in Escondido, Calif., and has more than 30 years of transit experience.

Under its contract with the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), Transdev must seek the agency's approval for "any changes in key staff," SORTA officials said in a press release. Transdev has begun the recruitment process for a new general manager.

Mark Young, who serves as Transdev's national streetcar mobilization manager, will become interim general manager for the Cincinnati Bell Connector. He previously was the company's general manager for the Atlanta Streetcar, as well as director of safety and security for the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority.