Former head of N.Y. MTA joins STV
Named executive VP and chief strategic officer, Thomas Prendergast will work on strategic projects throughout the firm.

Thomas Prendergast

Thomas F. Prendergast, who most recently helmed the largest transportation agency in the country, has joined STV as executive VP and chief strategic officer. In this role, Prendergast will work on strategic projects throughout the firm. He will also be responsible for forging and maintaining relationships with transit agencies across the country and in Canada and serve as principal on major transportation projects undertaken by the firm. He will report directly to Milo Riverso, president /CEO of STV.
“Working in the public sector was an exciting and rewarding 24/7 work experience. Now, I am looking forward to rejoining the private sector, which will enable me to continue to serve the industry while also providing me with the opportunity to once again balance work with my personal life,” said Prendergast.
Prendergast recently served as the chairman/CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York City. The MTA serves over 8.5 million daily users within a service area of over 5,000 square miles throughout New York City, Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley and the southern portion of Connecticut. With some 68,000 employees, the agency consists of New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, MTA Bus, Bridges and Tunnels as well as the MTA Capital Construction Corp.
In his role as MTA chairman and CEO, Prendergast was responsible for establishing the strategic direction and policy of the agency, as well as implementing the procurement of goods and services that supported the system.
Prior to this experience, Prendergast was the president of MTA New York City Transit. Earlier, he also served as the CEO of the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority.
Active in a number of transit industry associations, he is a strong advocate for safety related causes in the industry. He was recently named Railway Age magazine’s 2017 Railroader of the Year.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Socio-Technological Systems Engineering, Urban Transportation Systems from the University of Illinois, and graduated from the Harvard Program for State and Local Government Executives.
He is a resident of Brewster, N.Y.
More Management

Turn Transit Data Into Action
Discover how leading agencies are using connected technology to gain real-time visibility across operations, improve service reliability, and reduce disruptions.
Read More →
What Transit-Oriented Development Means for the Future of Public Transportation
Once viewed primarily as transit operators, agencies are now leveraging land, partnerships, and long-term planning to boost ridership, expand housing, and strengthen communities.
Read More →
USDOT Announces $22 Million for Transit Innovation, Updates High-Speed Rail Rules
New federal transit funding will support safety, accessibility, and technology projects as updated rail regulations establish new noise standards for high-speed trains.
Read More →
Transportation Construction Coalition Unveils Infrastructure Case Studies Ahead of Federal Funding Deadline
The coalition noted the next surface transportation bill should provide sustained investment in highways and public transit to strengthen freight movement, improve safety, and support economic growth.
Read More →
People Movement: American Bus Association Extends Ferguson and More
METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.
Read More →
METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners
Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence
Read More →
MBTA Rolls Out Pilot Programs to Cut Costs, Simplify Travel
Three new fare pilots — including unlimited two-hour transfers, reduced express bus fares, and free transit for eligible seniors — will launch this fall as Massachusetts extends popular commuter rail discounts through November.
Read More →
FTA Opens $610 Million Funding Opportunity for Bus Infrastructure Projects
The latest Notice of Funding Opportunity provides transit agencies with funding for bus facilities, fleet modernization, and low- and no-emission vehicles, with applications due September 21.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
Massachusetts Approves $530M to Strengthen MBTA Operations, Infrastructure
The funding package targets operating stability, capital improvements, and fare affordability, offering a model for agencies navigating long-term funding challenges.
Read More →