Finalists for MARTA’s Top Job Offer Different Styles

Keith Parker, head of San Antonio’s transit system, is known as a strong advocate on behalf of riders and an adept fundraiser.

Ashley Robbins of Citizens for Progressive Transit called him an “inspirational” leader.

“In San Antonio, he was able to divert funds that would have gone to unincorporated portions of Texas, really for sprawl, and had that brought into money for transit.”

Parker has helped the city implement a street-car system scheduled to begin operating in 2016 – relevant experience for Atlanta, which has its own streetcar project in construction.

Meanwhile, Stephen Bland, the CEO of Pittsburgh’s transit agency, is known as a fiscal conservative willing to take on entrenched interests.

The trait at times has led to a difficult relationship with the local union.

“It’s been service cuts, fare increases, and layoffs since he’s gotten here,” said Brian Shane of Pittsburg’s Amalgamated Transit Union, the same national group that represents MARTA employees.

Still, Shane maintains Bland is a competent chief executive.

Prior to his tenure in Pittsburg, Bland oversaw transit in Albany, New York. Before leading San Antonio’s system, Parker headed transit agencies in Charlotte, North Carolina and Vancouver, Washington. 

Neither candidate has managed a system as large as MARTA, with its operating budget of more than $430 million.

It’s why many community leaders and transit advocates are lobbying the MARTA board to open the selection process to the public.

State Senator Vincent Fort of Atlanta cites the example of outgoing MARTA General Manager Beverly Scott, who was recently hired by Boston’s transit agency after an extensive public interview.  

“We just wanted to sit with a person who’s going to be getting paid with taxpayer money and who is the person we’re depending on to make MARTA better.”

No matter which candidate is selected, Fort wants MARTA’s new chief to actually ride MARTA and be a strong advocate on behalf of riders.