The President nominated long-time public transportation executive Mark Aesch to serve as Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), bringing a familiar industry leader into consideration for one of the nation's top transit leadership positions.

The nomination was submitted to the U.S. Senate on November 10 and referred to the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. If confirmed, Aesch would succeed former FTA Administrator Marc Molinaro, who resigned earlier this year.

Aesch is the founder and CEO of TransPro Consulting and previously served as CEO of the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) in New York. Throughout his career, he has emphasized performance-based management, financial accountability, and improving the value public transportation agencies deliver to their communities.

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) welcomed the nomination, citing Aesch's experience leading a transit agency and advising transportation organizations nationwide.

"The American Public Transportation Association congratulates Mark Aesch on his nomination to serve as Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration," said APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. "We look forward to working closely with him and the Administration to strengthen public transit systems nationwide, support economic growth, and improve mobility for millions of Americans."

A Career Focused on Transit Performance

Aesch has spent much of his career advocating for a different approach to managing public transportation, emphasizing measurable outcomes, customer satisfaction, and financial sustainability.

During his tenure at RGRTA, which began in 2004, Aesch helped lead an organizational turnaround that included restructuring routes, addressing budget challenges, and introducing new performance measures.

His work in Rochester became the foundation for his book, “Driving Excellence: Transform Your Organization's Culture — And Achieve Revolutionary Results,” which explored how data-driven decision-making and changes in organizational culture could improve transit agency performance.

After leaving RGRTA, Aesch founded TransPro Consulting, which works with transit agencies and other organizations on strategic planning, performance measurement, customer satisfaction, and organizational improvement.

He has also served on APTA's Board of Directors and Legislative Committee and helped establish the Rays the Mark Foundation, which assists public transportation professionals facing serious health and personal challenges.

A Familiar Voice to METRO Readers

Aesch has contributed to METRO Magazine, sharing his perspectives on transit management, funding, customer service, and the importance of measuring results rather than simply increasing spending.

Through his Transit Dispatches columns, Aesch has challenged conventional thinking about public transportation funding and encouraged agencies to focus on the outcomes they deliver.

In his May 2025 column, "From Budget Size to Service Impact: Rethinking Public Transit Investment," Aesch explored why transit agencies should place greater emphasis on how effectively their resources translate into service.

He continued that discussion in subsequent columns, including "The Fiscal Lessons of Goldilocks" and "Getting Better on Purpose," examining the relationship between agency funding, performance, and accountability.

Aesch also joined METRO for a May 2024 episode of METROspectives, titled "Talking Differently About Public Transit with Mark Aesch."

During the conversation, the two discussed rethinking how the industry evaluates success, moving beyond traditional ridership measures, developing more effective messaging for transit agencies, and the work of the Rays the Mark Foundation.

His contributions to METRO have consistently reflected his belief that public transportation agencies should be evaluated by the value and results they provide to riders and communities.

Industry Welcomes Nomination

In its statement, APTA highlighted the FTA's role in supporting the nation's $102 billion public transportation industry, which directly employs approximately 450,000 people and provides billions of passenger trips annually.

"Mr. Aesch brings valuable real-world experience to the role as former CEO of the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority in New York and as founder and CEO of TransPro, advising public transportation systems," Skoutelas said. "He understands that reliable, affordable public transportation is vital to household budgets and to economic growth."

APTA also called for the Senate to move quickly on the nomination.

"We urge the Senate to act swiftly on this nomination, and we look forward to working with Mr. Aesch and FTA to improve public transit systems, create jobs, and ensure affordable access to mobility across the country," Skoutelas said.

If confirmed, Aesch would lead the federal agency that administers transit funding programs, oversees safety requirements, and supports public transportation investments nationwide.