Austin, Texas’ Capital Metro board of directors voted to name Randy Clarke as the agency’s next president/CEO. The board took action at a meeting to allow Krauthamer & Associates to start negotiations with Clarke. The regularly scheduled January board meeting is set for Jan. 29, and board members plan to vote on approval of a contract with the new president/CEO at that time.
Prominent among the board’s criteria in identifying a candidate was an ability to develop Capital Metro’s long-term strategic vision; engage the community at all levels; and forge partnerships in areas such as new and existing infrastructure, development, land use, and public policy. An additional priority was the ability to identify, seek and secure new and creative funding sources to ensure the agency’s viability.
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Clarke has served as the VP, operations and member services, at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) since April 2016. Prior to that, he spent seven years in various positions with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in Boston, including deputy chief operating officer and assistant GM, engineering, maintenance, and preparedness, and senior director of security.
While at the MBTA, Clarke was a key member of the senior leadership team, which provides 1.2 million trips daily.
Capital Metro went through a rigorous search process to ensure the agency found the best possible leader to take it forward. Executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates aided Capital Metro starting in late July when Linda Watson announced her retirement following more than seven years in the position. The transit agency took public feedback regarding the search at multiple board meetings since the July announcement, including a special meeting called expressly for the purpose on Sept. 14.
Board members then met with a small number of candidates in November before narrowing the slate to four finalists. The Central Texas community had the opportunity to hear from the final four candidates at a public meeting on Jan. 8. During the past week, Capital Metro has gathered feedback on the final candidates through social media and by email.
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
