METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Melaniphy resigns as head of APTA

To assure a smooth transition, the Board of Directors has appointed APTA VP – Member Services Richard A. White as acting president/CEO of APTA.

April 30, 2016
Melaniphy resigns as head of APTA

APTA

3 min to read


APTA

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced today that Michael P. Melaniphy has resigned as APTA's President & CEO, effective April 29. The action comes after consensus between the APTA Executive Committee and Melaniphy.

To assure a smooth transition, the Board of Directors has appointed APTA VP – Member Services Richard A. White as acting president/CEO of APTA. White previously served as APTA’s chair (2004-2005) and has a distinguished career in public transportation. He has held top management roles at NJ TRANSIT, the Bay Area Rapid Transit in San Francisco and later at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority in Washington, D.C. White will lead the organization until a permanent president/CEO is selected.

Ad Loading...

APTA Chair Valarie J. McCall said Melaniphy’s resignation and the appointment of an acting president/CEO mark a new chapter of dynamic leadership for APTA, the premier association for the public transportation industry in North America.    

“APTA is sharply focused on continuing its legacy as a leader that represents all modes of public transportation while advancing the future of public transportation in North America,” said McCall. “We thank Michael for his valuable service, and for being a strong advocate and champion for public transit. APTA will conduct a national search and ensure that this process will be transparent as we work to appoint the next president/CEO.” 

“It has been an honor to lead this association with such a rich history rooted in its founding in 1882,” said Melaniphy. “Working with an outstanding Board of Directors, wonderful membership, an amazing and dedicated staff of passionate experts, and the myriad of coalition partners as well as the U.S. Congress and Administration has been a real pleasure.” 

Melaniphy continued, “Together we have demonstrated that we can enhance the quality of life for all Americans, provide equal transportation access for all, and enhance the global competitiveness of this great nation. Thank you to my colleagues, friends and family for this amazing opportunity and I wish APTA and the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) many great years ahead.”

McCall said the change in leadership will spark and encourage all APTA stakeholders, from APTA members to coalition partners, to step forward with their thoughts and suggestions for improving the association at all levels. She said APTA is welcoming constructive input to make the association as transparent and open as possible.

Ad Loading...

McCall added, “APTA and its members remain committed in their efforts to improve public transportation  which enhances the quality of life in America and makes our nation more competitive in the global marketplace. We thank the hard-working and dedicated APTA staff as we look forward to continued collaboration and unity while we work toward building an even brighter and more mobile future for every citizen.” 



More Management

NJ TRANSIT's new Multilevel III commuter railcar manufactured by Alstom
Technologyby StaffApril 14, 2026

Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar

The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.

Read More →
New Cincinnati Metro bus stop sign with large route numbers and clear layout at a city intersection, part of a systemwide signage upgrade initiative.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 13, 2026

Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade

Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.

Read More →
A BART train on the tracks.
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March

BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Rod Diridon Sr. speaking at a podium wearing a brown blazer.
Managementby StaffApril 13, 2026

Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87

See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.

Read More →
FlixBus vehicles in a parking garage.
ManagementApril 13, 2026

Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism

Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.

Read More →
Ribbon cutting photo celebrating SEPTA's new Ardmore Station
Railby StaffApril 13, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station

The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Passengers in crowded SEPTA station
Managementby StaffApril 10, 2026

SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.

Read More →
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Railby StaffApril 10, 2026

Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF

The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.

Read More →
Cover Photo for Bus Tech Talk
ManagementApril 9, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit

In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
METRO Buyer's Guide art
Managementby Staff and News ReportsApril 8, 2026

Last Chance: Be A Part of METRO's Annual Buyer’s Guide

The revamped Buyer’s Guide will reach METRO’s audience of more than 17,000 print and digital subscribers, providing suppliers with year-round visibility in front of transit agency leaders, motorcoach operators, and industry decision-makers across North America.

Read More →