Keolis Commuter Services has appointed Robert T. (R.T.) McCarthy as Chief Safety Officer, responsible for safety, security, emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance for its Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail contract.

McCarthy, 52, comes to Keolis from the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, where he served as deputy chief operating officer managing the 512-mile commuter railroad serving the Los Angeles metropolitan area, overseeing the operation of 169 daily passenger trains and managing a $43 million budget.

"His background as an FRA investigator will serve him well in this important role, as we continue to strengthen our safety-focused culture to ensure that both our passengers and employees on the commuter rail system are kept out of harm’s way each and every day,” said Gerald C. Francis, GM for Keolis Commuter Services.

A transportation industry veteran with over 30 years of experience at major railroads throughout the U.S., he began his career with the Southern Pacific/Union Pacific Railroad’s management development program, rising to become assistant superintendent in San Antonio, Texas, where he oversaw 271 road and yard employees and 42 managers for one of the railroad’s busiest divisions.

He later joined the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), where he served as a special investigator and operating practices investigator, traveling across the country to conduct accident investigations. At the Southern California Regional Rail Authority, McCarthy was recognized for initiatives that led to reduction in signal violations and rule infractions.