Veolia Rail CEO Ron Hartman and COO Don Saunders jointly announced that Charles “Steve” McClarty has been named GM for the company’s Tri-Rail operation, based in Florida, effective immediately.
McClarty brings with him 39 years of railroad safety and operations experience in the rail industry. He held various positions with Amtrak in the Midwest and most recently, while at the Illinois Department of Transportation, he served as the bureau chief, managing the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (Create) program, and rail freight programs.
“Steve is highly experienced in the rail business and has a proven track record in rail safety, operations, customer service, and strategic partnerships. We’re excited to have him at the helm of our Tri-Rail operations,” Hartman said.
McClarty began his career as a locomotive engineer and worked his way up through the ranks to various levels of managerial positions including in passenger/corridor operations. His affiliations include the Chicago Rail Carriers and the Chicago Railroad Superintendent’s Association.
Veolia names new Tri-Rail GM
Charles “Steve” McClarty brings with him 39 years of railroad safety and operations experience in the rail industry. He held various positions with Amtrak in the Midwest and most recently, while at the Illinois DOT, he served as the Bureau Chief.
More Rail

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025
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.
Read More →
Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025
The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.
Read More →
Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says
The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.
Read More →
Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Contract
The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.
Read More →
California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability
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.
Read More →
People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
Seattle Sound Transit Sets Launch Date for Crosslake Connection
This final component of the 2 Line will cross Lake Washington and connect with the 1 Line at International District/Chinatown Station, creating a fully integrated regional light rail system.
Read More →
LA Metro Approves Underground Rail for Sepulveda Transit Corridor
The agency’s selection aims to slash travel times from the San Fernando Valley to the Westside to under 20 minutes.
Read More →
Florida's Tri-Rail Taps Siemens Mobility for Modern Locomotive Procurement
Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support the agency’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.
Read More →
Austin Transit Partnership Advances Federal Funding Process for Light Rail Project
See how the agency’s transit project completed a Final Environmental Impact Statement within the federal two-year guideline.
Read More →
