Tag: federal

Fernandez Resigns From VTA

Former VTA General Manager and CEO Nuria L. Fernandez. Photo courtesy VTA.

Nuria L. Fernandez is no longer with VTA.  San Jose Spotlight is reporting that Ms. Fernandez has accepted a Deputy Administrator position with the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA).  Read the story – featuring Ms. Fernandez’ resignation letter to VTA – here.

The same story reports that Evelyn Tran has been promoted to interim CEO at VTA.  Ms. Tran will serve as General Manager and CEO while a national search takes place for Fernandez’ replacement.

On behalf of the Silicon Valley Transit Users, I wish Ms. Fernandez good luck in her future endeavors at the FTA in Washington, DC.

Given Ms. Fernandez’ resignation, who do you think should be VTA’s new General Manager and CEO?

What do you want to see (more of) in Ms. Fernandez’ replacement?

Please discuss this topic in the comments below.  Click on the post title above, first, then you can comment as needed.

Eugene Bradley
Founder & CEO, Silicon Valley Transit Users

Highlights of FTA Meeting in Berkeley Last Night

Last night, members of the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) met at UC Berkeley for a public information session on (strengthening) public transit civil rights rules.

During that meeting, FTA staff noted it was the best community turnout seen on public transit civil rights rules amongst its meetings nationwide. The last such meeting will be in Atlanta on November 17.

One FTA official at the meeting challenged regional agencies like the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) to engage “environmental justice” populations (minorities and the poor) in making public transit decisions. FTA officials also mentioned that historically low-income and minority people have been negatively affected by transit projects. FTA officials also mentioned that agencies like VTA must include the public and use public input in their transit service decision making.

This is definitely something I will get our group to strongly consider adopting, to help fight future VTA service cuts and fare hikes. More information on what FTA is doing is here.

Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users