During Ron Kilcoyne’s tenure, the Eugene, Ore.-based LTD achieved several important milestones, including the start of construction along the West Eugene EmX, being named APTA’s Best Midsized Transit Agency, and ranking among the top 20 transit agencies for efficiency.
Lane Transit District (LTD) GM Ron Kilcoyne announced his plan to retire later this year after four years with the agency.
“It has been my privilege to work with an outstanding board and excellent transit professionals during my time at LTD,” KIlcoyne said. “After 35 years in the industry, the time is right for me to write the next chapter of my career.”
During Kilcoyne’s tenure, the Eugene, Ore.-based LTD achieved several important milestones, including the start of construction along the West Eugene EmX, being named APTA’s Best Midsized Transit Agency, and ranking among the top 20 transit agencies for efficiency. In addition, a contract was struck with the union before an existing contract had expired.
“We greatly appreciate the job Ron has done at LTD,” said Gary Wildish, president of LTD’s Board of Directors. “His tremendous knowledge of the transit industry and connections across the country have proven invaluable in helping guide LTD forward.”
“Ron supported a spirit of collaboration that bridged the gap between administration and rank and file employees. Our new contract blends the agency’s responsibility to manage taxpayer dollars with its obligation to care for employees and make them feel valued. I will miss working with Ron, but trust the Board of Directors will carry on his commitment to teamwork and open communication,” said Carl Faddis, executive board officer for the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757.
Kilcoyne’s retirement has not been set, but will be addressed at LTD’s April 6, 2015, board meeting when his retirement will be formally accepted by the board of directors.
“I wanted to provide the Board of Directors ample time to prepare for my departure and ensure for a smooth, seamless transition that will allow the good work we are pursuing to continue unabated,” Kilcoyne said.
Kilcoyne is the fifth general manager in the agency’s 45-year history. Prior to serving at LTD, he held GM roles at the Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority and Santa Clarita Transit and was the planning manager at the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit). Kilcoyne and his wife, Francine, live in Eugene and have three adult children.
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.
