The COMET Announces Passing of Interim CEO
Derrick Huggins, interim CEO and executive director at The COMET, died unexpectedly on Oct. 7.

Huggins was a long-time board member of The COMET.
Photo: The COMET
The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) announced that Derrick Huggins, interim CEO and executive director, died unexpectedly on Oct. 7.
Huggins was a long-time board member of The COMET and served as board chair up to his recent appointment as interim CEO and executive director in November of 2021, according to the agency's news release. This was after a successful tenure as a transportation executive with the University of South Carolina.
“The COMET board of directors extends our condolences and sympathy to the family of Derrick Huggins. We are saddened at this very unexpected loss, as so many of us just had conversations with him in recent days and were making future plans together," said Allison Terracio, board chair. "Derrick was not only the CEO of the COMET. He had been a Board member and Board Chair, and we all knew him not only professionally but also personally. He will be missed.”
LeRoy DesChamps, COO, will assume oversight of the organization at this time as the Board of Directors makes plans for the future.
More Management

FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide
See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets
In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit
The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Read More →
Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program
Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone
NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →
California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
Read More →