METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

DART's Thomas named COMTO exec. of the year

Currently, minorities represent 78 percent of DART's workforce, including 40 percent of executives, 47 percent of managers, 59 percent of professionals, 63 percent of police officers, and 92 percent of operators and servicers

July 22, 2009
1 min to read


Gary Thomas, president/executive director for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) received the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) 2009 Executive of the Year Award. COMTO officials cited his leadership in the hiring and advancement of minorities and the steady growth of DART contract opportunities for emerging and historically underutilized businesses.

Thomas has been president/executive director of DART since August 2001.

Ad Loading...

Currently, minorities represent 78 percent of DART's workforce, including 40 percent of executives, 47 percent of managers, 59 percent of professionals, 63 percent of police officers, and 92 percent of operators and servicers. DART has also awarded more than $680 million in contracts to minority businesses since 2004, including the light rail expansion where more than 30 percent of all contracts have been awarded to some 113 minority owned firms.

The Annual COMTO Award Recognition Program was held July 14 in Dallas as part of the 38th national conference.

 

More Bus

An OCTA ZEB
Technologyby Alex RomanJuly 31, 2026

Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Driving Change: Award Winners Redefine Industry Standards
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 29, 2026

METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners

Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence

Read More →
A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 24, 2026

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
LA Metro at State of the Agency event.
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 23, 2026

LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year

Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.

Read More →
Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., named President/CEO at DART
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 22, 2026

DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO

Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority

Read More →
Maintenance Leadership for a Changing Industry
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 22, 2026

AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders

The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
TechnologyJuly 20, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology

In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.

Read More →
Crowd waiting for LA Metro bus
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 15, 2026

June LA Metro Ridership Surges 2 Million Year Over Year

Total June ridership increased for both weekdays and weekends. Weekday ridership was 953,820, which grew 8.4% from June 2025; Saturdays increased nearly 13% year-over-year to 708,826; and Sundays increased 7.7% to 611,534 from June 2025, according to LA Metro. 

Read More →
Pierce Transit Measure Heads to November Ballot
Managementby StaffJuly 14, 2026

Washington's Pierce Transit Board Sends Transit Funding Measure to November Ballot

With the adoption of Resolution 2026-006, the measure moves to the Pierce County Auditor, giving voters in the Pierce Transit service area the decision on whether to fund an expansion of local transit service within the agency’s service area.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
MTA, State and City Leadership Unveil Plan to Build the Fastest, Best Bus System in NYC History
Busby Staff and News ReportsJuly 9, 2026

New York Unveils Sweeping Plan to Modernize City Bus Service

Next Stop: Fast Buses, Better Service identifies 50 priority bus corridors for improvements across the five boroughs and launches the City’s next generation of rapid bus service along five key routes.

Read More →