The leader of the City of Austin's public transportation agency has been hired to helm the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) in the nation's capital, Austin-based media outlets reported.
Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported that Randy Clarke, currently the CEO of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro), will assume his new office this summer.
KVUE reported that Clarke attended a press conference with WMATA officials in D.C. on Tuesday (May 10).
"I give the community my commitment to ensuring that Metro delivers world-class safe, reliable, customer-centric services that this region definitely deserves," he said, according to the station. "We're really excited to come back and be a part of this active, diverse community."
In a statement issued to the media, Clarke expressed gratitude for his time in Austin.
"All along, my desire has been to see more communities served through providing better access to high-quality transit, and it’s been an honor to have served the people of Austin and Central Texas,” he said. “I want to thank the incredible staff at CapMetro, our board members, customers, community stakeholders and partners for your support and friendship for the four-plus years that I’ve called Austin my home. This place and you all will be always near to my heart."
According to Austin NBC affiliate KXAN, Clarke came to CapMetro in 2018 by way of New England where he worked for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
The station reported that Clarke was instrumental in the placement of Project Connect, which seeks to introduce light rail to Austin, on the ballot.
CapMetro told KXAN that it'll discuss a leadership plan at a meeting this month.
Austin CBS affiliate KEYE reported that WMATA will pay Clarke a $485,000 annual salary as its new general manager and CEO.
A press release issued by the D.C. agency said that Clarke's contract is for five years, according to KEYE.
Travis County Commissioner and CapMetro Board Chair Jeffery Travillion said that Clarke will be missed, the station reported.