RELATED: Commuter rail station named Colo. APWA 'Project of the Year'
Denver RTD names new chief operating officer
Michael Ford will take over the new position and oversee the assistant general managers of rail operations and bus operations.
February 1, 2018
Before joining RTD, Michael Ford held leadership positions at the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, the San Joaquin Regional Transit District, and TriMet in Portland. Photo: RTD
1 min to read
Before joining RTD, Michael Ford held leadership positions at the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan, the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority, the San Joaquin Regional Transit District, and TriMet in Portland. Photo: RTD
The Regional Transportation District (RTD) in Denver, Colorado, has named transit veteran Michael Ford its new chief operating officer (COO), a new position created to oversee all of the agency’s bus and rail operations.
As COO, Ford will oversee the assistant general managers of rail operations and bus operations. He will work with bus and train operators, mechanics, and support staff to ensure that the agency’s operations are reliable, safe, and clean.
Before joining RTD, Ford served as CEO of Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan, in Detroit; CEO of Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority; COO and assistant general manager of the San Joaquin Regional Transit District; and director of transportation operations and executive advisor to the general manager at TriMet, in Portland. He has also held positions with Community Transit, a public transit authority in the Seattle metropolitan area, and Greyhound.
Ford earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and philosophy from Pacific University and an MBA from City University of Seattle.
More Management
Bringing Austin’s First Light Rail System to Life
Austin Transit Partnership CEO Greg Canally discusses the city's nearly 10-mile light rail project, its collaborative approach to project delivery, the importance of community engagement, and the milestones ahead as construction approaches in 2027.
Read More →
ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
Read More →
Metra Draft Plan Outlines Costs, Service Improvements for Regional Rail
The Systemwide Network Plan identifies infrastructure needs and potential investments to expand all-day, bidirectional rail service across the Chicago region.
Read More →
New Orleans RTA Names Augustine III as New CEO
In this edition, we also spotlight recent personnel moves at HDR, PATH, STV, and more, highlighting the people taking on new roles across the transportation industry.
Read More →
How Transit Agencies Are Using Free Rides to Improve Voting Access
Transit agencies are using fare-free service, trip-planning tools, and targeted rides to improve voting access. See what other agencies can learn from these efforts.
Read More →
Caltrain’s Electrification Drives a New Era of Ridership Growth
The railroad’s shift to electric service has brought more frequent trains, stronger customer satisfaction, and increased ridership, earning it APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System award.
Read More →
Chicago, Charlotte Transit Agencies Expand Rider Support Programs
CTA launched crisis intervention teams as CATS prepares to deploy fare ambassadors, expanding customer assistance and security efforts across both systems.
Read More →
New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
Brian Dickson on Building Stronger, More Resilient Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.
Read More →
LA Metro Breaks Ground on Vermont BRT Project
The 12.4-mile corridor is projected to serve 66,200 daily riders, reduce travel times by up to 24%, and create the nation's busiest bus rapid transit corridor.
Read More →