Senate Confirms New FMCSA, FRA Administrators
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy welcomed Derek Barrs as the 8th Administrator of the FMCSA and David Fink as the 16th Administrator of the FRA.

The new Administrators were confirmed by the US Senate in an en bloc vote of 51-47.
Photo: METRO
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy welcomed Derek Barrs as the 8th Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and David Fink as the 16th Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
New Chief at the FMCSA
As Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Barrs will spearhead the FMCSA’s work to strengthen roadway safety, improve the efficiency of freight and passenger transport, and restore commonsense, results-driven oversight.
A long-time advocate within the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) industry, he represented one of the largest CMV associations as president of industry membership and chaired enforcement and industry modernization efforts. In these roles, he led initiatives to harness technology, modernize enforcement, and strengthen safety outcomes nationwide.
“My mission is clear — to strengthen safety, demand accountability, and deliver results that make a real difference,” said Barrs. “Working alongside law enforcement and industry partners, I am committed to making bold progress that keeps Americans safer on our roads and our nation moving forward.”
Insuring Rail Safety
With more than 45 years of experience in transportation and leadership, former Pan Am Railways CEO Fink continues a family legacy as the fifth generation to work in the railroad industry.
At the FRA, he will work to carry out the agency’s mission to enable the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods along a national rail network critical to the U.S. transportation system and economy.
“Under this Administration, FRA will return to its primary focus on safety, leveraging innovation, and maximizing our resources for a strong America now and in the future,” said Fink.
More Management

METRO Opens Submissions for 2026 Motorcoach Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for METRO Magazine’s Operator of the Year and Innovative Operator of the Year awards.
Read More →
New York MTA Advances Final Contract for Second Avenue Subway Expansion
Contract Four is the largest in the Second Avenue Subway Phase 2 project and includes construction of station infrastructure, tracks, and signals for the subway expansion, MTA officials said. Work on Contract Four will begin in 2027.
Read More →
Transit Agencies Highlight Safety Gains at National Summit
Leaders from 15 major transit systems shared crime-reduction results and safety initiatives while discussing the role of continued federal support.
Read More →
NITA Names New Leadership, Expands Reduced-Fare Program at First Board Meeting
The new regional transit authority appointed its first board chair and interim executive director while extending reduced fares across CTA, Metra, and Pace for eligible riders.
Read More →
Beyond the Checklist: A Structured Approach to Transit Maintenance
Reliability-Centered Maintenance helps transit agencies move beyond routine checklists to focus limited resources on the assets and failures that have the greatest impact on safety, reliability, and service.
Read More →
APTA 2026 Nominating Committee Selects Leadership Slate, Names Chair and Vice Chair Nominees
Leadership changes will help shape the association’s priorities and its representation of the transportation industry during the 2026–2027 term.
Read More →
DART Launches Major Security, Fare Enforcement Initiative
The 90-day demonstration will deploy coordinated security teams at five light rail stations while testing controlled access and gathering data to guide future investments.
Read More →Advancing Fare Collection Through Technology and Innovation
Learn about delivering 1300 gates at 91 stations while managing fare evasion. Explore the large scale deployment, solution customization and real-world results that affect the region. Prepare for deployment in your region now.
Read More →
Game Day in Motion: Moving Millions During the 2026 World Cup
Between packed transit stations and team motorcoaches, see how agencies and operators across North America tackled the transportation demands of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Read More →
Surface Transportation Extension Averts Shutdown, Leaves Transit Funding Gap
The stopgap keeps federal transportation programs moving, but missing advance funding could complicate the transit and rail projects agencies are planning next.
Read More →
