Dick Ruddell, president/executive director of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) announced his retirement during a meeting of The T’s board of directors.

Ruddell, who has been president/executive director of The T since February 2003, told the board his last day will be October 4.

During his tenure, Ruddell expanded and modernized bus service in Fort Worth and led planning and development for the regional rail line TEX Rail. A month ago, The T’s officials announced the first phase of the TEX Rail project will run from downtown Fort Worth to Grapevine to the DFW Airport.

“With the recent announcement of the first phase of TEX Rail from downtown to the DFW Airport, this is a logical time for transition of leadership,” said Dick Ruddell. “While I plan to spend time with my family, I will remain active in the transit industry and will be available to assist [Board Chairman] Scott Mahaffey and the board if needed.”

Ruddell has more than 30 years of experience in the transit industry including positions in Wichita and Topeka, Kan. and Toledo, Ohio, before joining The T. He has served in leadership roles with several national transportation associations. Ruddell has been named as a finalist for the executive director of the Port Authority of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh.