Alexandria VA— The Commuter Rail Coalition announced on Thursday that Matthew O. Tucker, Executive Director of the North County Transit District (NCTD), Oceanside, CA has succeeded Doug Kelsey (TriMet, Portland, OR) as Vice Chair of its Board of Directors.
Mr. Tucker has served as Executive Director/CEO of NCTD since 2008 where he provides the strategic direction and oversight necessary to deliver transit service within the agency’s 1,020 square mile service area. NCTD’s family of transit services includes COASTER commuter rail, SPRINTER hybrid rail, BREEZE bus system, FLEX specialized transportation, and LIFT ADA paratransit services. NCTD has operational responsibility and control over the San Diego Rail Subdivision, from the Orange County line to Downtown San Diego and hosts Amtrak, Metrolink, BNSF, and PAC Sun Railroad operators. NCTD has an operating budget of approximately $113 million for fiscal year (FY) 2020, and ridership across all modes is projected at approximately 10 million passengers for FY 2020.
In joining the Board of the Commuter Rail Coalition, Mr. Tucker brings with him the insight of a long career in the public transportation sector. Prior to NCTD, he served as Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, COO of Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, and AGM of the Greater Richmond (VA) Transit Company.
On Mr. Tucker’s election to the Board, Commuter Rail Coalition Chair Jim Derwinski noted, “Matt’s dedication and passion for innovation makes him a worthy successor to Doug as the Coalition expands its footprint and impact.”
In accepting the role, Mr. Tucker succeeds Doug Kelsey, a founding member of the Coalition, whose “six-month commitment to serving on the Board through the Coalition’s development and launch was invaluable in setting the stage for success,” added Derwinski.