Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

The National Safety Council recognized Richard R. Sarles as one of its 2013 CEOs Who “Get It,” its annual recognition of business leaders who demonstrate world-class safety.

The Shepherd Parkway Metrobus Division sits on 16 acres of land with space for up to 250 buses. Initially, it will house 114 Metrobuses that operate on 50 routes mainly in Southeast and Southwest Washington, D.C., providing better service for thousands of customers.

The plan was developed through extensive customer research, including surveys and focus groups of regular commuters, occasional riders and visitors to the Capital region.

GM made more money than his counterpart in New York who has an annual salary of $332,500.

The 364 7000-series cars include a customer-preferred blue and gray interior color scheme; a stainless steel exterior with 64 vinyl padded seats and seat-back grab handles; two dynamic LCD route maps and four video screens in each car; and a “quad-unit configuration” of the cars.

Richard Sarles, the former executive director of New Jersey Transit, who was brought in to lead the Metro last March on an interim basis, will become the transit system's permanent general manager and take on the title of CEO.

The $1.4 billion operating budget for Fiscal Year 2012 maintains the current level of rail, bus and paratransit services. The agency is doing more, while becoming more resource efficient. More than 91 cents of every Metro operating dollar directly funds core services, with only 9 cents funding support functions.

GM Richard Sarles reiterated the transit agency's request for $150 million in fiscal year 2011.

As Executive Director of New Jersey Transit from 2007 to 2010, Richard Sarles opened the River LINE light rail service in southern New Jersey, and oversaw the extension of both the Newark Light Rail and Hudson Bergen Light Rail services.

The agency has partnered with several Atlantic City hotels, restaurants and businesses to offer discounts on meals, accommodations, shopping, fishing trips and other attractions. Package deals include discounts on beach and amusement park admission.