Matthew Tucker was appointed executive director for the North County Transit District (NCTD) in Oceanside, Calif.

Tucker, who previously served as director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation in Richmond, Va., will lead the 530-person transit agency, which provides Breeze bus service as well as Sprinter light rail and Coaster commuter rail service for more than 12 million passengers annually.

NCTD’s Interim Executive Director, Ray Patchett, will remain available to board members and employees in order to provide a smooth transition to the new appointee, according to the agency. Tucker will begin his new assignment Jan. 5, 2009.