Retired Oakland Fire Department Battalion Fire Chief John McPartland was voted the new Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Board president, an opportunity he says he’s fired up about as he aims to tackle challenges ranging from earthquake safety to extensions of BART service.

McPartland thanked outgoing President Bob Franklin for “setting a high water mark in transparency and responsiveness to the public and press.”

Among McPartland’s goals are re-investment in BART’s core system and its "Fleet of the Future," extending BART service (including the BART to Livermore extension) and offering greater support for active duty military personnel and veterans.

McPartland served as board VP from Dec. 16, 2010 until Dec. 19, 2011. In 2008, voters elected McPartland to represent District #5 in Alameda County.

Before joining the board, McPartland was a BART safety specialist for six years. He retired from the Oakland Fire Department after 25 years as a chief officer. Visit www.bart.gov/board for more information.

The board also unanimously elected Director Tom Radulovich as the board VP. Radulovich was first elected to the BART board of directors in November 1996. He represents the 9th District in San Francisco.

Radulovich is currently vice chairperson of BART’s Planning, Public Affairs, Access and Legislation Committee. He serves as vice chairperson of the Regional Rail Committee and alternate for the Americans with Disabilities Act Liaison Committee. He is a member of the Joint Development Liaison and San Francisco Transportation Authority Liaison Committees.