What traits and skill sets are important to becoming a great public transportation leader? METRO surveyed more than 200 transit executives to find out. Being a skilled communicator and listener were the most commonly cited attributes.

Three out of four agencies responding to the annual survey reported that their ridership numbers were down due to the economy and some were additionally impacted by raising their fares. The average transit executive salary totals $157,000, while the average time spent in the industry tops 25 years.