The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) appointed Julie Kirschbaum as its new director of transit. Kirschbaum, who has been in an acting role since last October, will be responsible for the overall direction and management of the agency’s Transit Division, which is largely responsible for day-to-day Muni operations.

Kirschbaum has more than 20 years of transportation experience and was selected in 2017 as chief transportation officer with the responsibility for more than 2,500 Muni staff who work to ensure the delivery of daily Muni service. Her experience also includes managing the Transit Planning and Scheduling group, as well as envisioning and implementing a system-wide redesign known as the Transit Effectiveness Project, which became known as Muni Forward.

Kirshbaum’s new role is effective immediately.

“While we have a lot of work to do, the steps we are taking now will help improve the system for everyone,” said Kirschbaum.

Prior to joining the SFMTA, Kirschbaum served as a senior transportation planner with the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and as a consultant in the private sector.