Lhota returns as MTA chairman

The Metropolitan Transit Authority has turned to a past chief to guide it through its latest crisis.

The New York State Senate late Wednesday confirmed former MTA Chairman Joe Lhota to again head the transit agency. He served as chariman in 2011-12, and later worked as chief of staff at New York University’s Langone Medical Center.

Lhota said he supports New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s efforts to bring the transit operator under state control.

New York City Transit President Veronique “Ronnie” Hakim had been serving as Interim Executive Director. MTA Board Vice Chairman Fernando Ferrer had served as Acting Chairman.

Lhota worked as Deputy Mayor for Operations under Rudy Giuliani, as the city’s Commissioner of Finance and as a board member of the MTA.

Lhota in 2013 was defeated in a bid for mayor by Bill de Blasio.