Hartnett selected to lead San Mateo County Transit District
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefJim Hartnett has been appointed General Manager and CEO of California’s San Mateo County Transit District, an independent, consolidated public agency that includes the SamTrans bus and paratransit system, the Caltrain Peninsula commuter rail service, and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, which funds transit and transportation programs. He replaces Michael J. Scanlon, who is retiring after a distinguished career in the transit industry that includes running the District for more than 15 years.
Effective March 30, 2015, Hartnett will be General Manager/CEO of SamTrans, Executive Director of Caltrain, and Executive Director of the Transportation Authority. The District serves three counties, 35 cities, and millions of residents and commuters. Combined, the three agencies have budgets of more than $500 million and capital projects well in excess of $1.7 billion, and engage more than 1,500 full-time, part-time, and contracted employees.
Hartnett, a Redwood City, Calif., resident, served more than a decade on both the District and the Caltrain boards of directors and has served both boards as chair. He was appointed four years ago to the California High Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors, where he served most recently as vice chair. He has resigned from that board. He served 15 years on the Redwood City City Council, including terms as mayor and vice mayor.
“This is personal for me,” said Hartnett. “I grew up on the Peninsula. I rode the bus before there was a SamTrans. I rode the train before there was a Caltrain. I believe in what transit can do to make a better life for all of us and to preserve those things we so deeply value and treasure about living and working here. I understand the important role our bus and train systems play in maintaining our quality of life and sustaining the economic vitality of our region. These three agencies are doing outstanding work and their combined talents comprise a team of well-respected employees who are working together to achieve the region’s transportation vision. I’m privileged to have the opportunity to serve at this extremely important time and I appreciate the confidence and trust that has been placed in me.”
