Metrolink CEO Michael P. DePallo announced that he will step down from his post effective January 2 to pursue other opportunities

LOS ANGELES, 2014-12-15 — /Travel PR News/ — After leading the organization for more than two years, Metrolink Chief Executive Officer Michael P. DePallo announced that today he will step down from his post at Metrolink effective January 2 to pursue other opportunities, and that the Board will commence a process for hiring a new permanent CEO.

The Metrolink Board of Directors hired DePallo in October of 2012 to lead the agency through a critical period of revitalization and growth. Under DePallo’s leadership, Metrolink is now on the verge of becoming the nation’s first passenger rail system to fully implement Positive Train Control (PTC), a life-saving technology that will make Metrolink the nation’s safest railroad.  In addition, the agency will also be the nation’s first to employ Tier 4 locomotives on its system, which will operate at more than 80% lower emissions than current locomotives.  He led the agency in addressing a number of financial challenges which came to light in 2013, bringing in a new finance team which has stabilized the agency’s financial position.  He also initiated “Customer Connect,” a new program for riders to provide direct feedback to Metrolink management regarding amenities and other improvements to service.

“Metrolink has a great history and a bright future.  This system is the backbone of Southern California’s regional system and essential to our collective future as our region continues to grow and rely on public transit.  We are especially proud of this organization’s commitment to public safety as we remain on track to be the first commuter rail system in the country to implement positive train control,” said Larry McCallon, chairman of Metrolink’s Board of Directors.

“Metrolink has a talented staff and a dedicated, forward­looking Board that are committed to safety and innovation and will continue to do great things to enhance mobility for the Southern California region,” said DePallo.

Metrolink’s Board of Directors has begun a process to fill the CEO position.

About Metrolink
Metrolink is Southern California’s regional commuter rail service in its 22nd year of operation. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), a joint powers authority made up of an 11-member board representing the transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties, governs the service. Metrolink operates over seven routes through a six-county, 512 route-mile network. Metrolink is the third largest commuter rail agency in the United States based on directional route miles and the eighth largest based on annual ridership.

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