NYC subway chief resigns

NEW YORK, Jan 26, (AP): The president of New York City’s subways announced his resignation on Thursday, two years after being brought in to help turn around the beleagured system.

No reason was given for the unexpected departure of Andy Byford, a British executive with experience in transit systems all over the world.

But there had also been tensions, notably with New York Gov Andrew Cuomo, who largely controls the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the agency that includes the subways that Byford oversaw.

In a statement, Byford said, “I’m very proud of what we have achieved as a team over the past two years and I believe New York City Transit is well-placed to continue its forward progress.”

Patrick Foye, chairman and CEO of the MTA, said Byford “was instrumental in moving the system forward.”

There was no immediate comment from Cuomo on the resignation. Byford, who came to New York City from running the trains in Toronto and has also worked in Sydney and London, arrived to a system beset by delays and breakdowns. He has been credited for helping push through improvements that have vastly improved how well the trains run.

The news of the resignation caused an outcry from city politicians and others lamenting his departure.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted, “This is a real loss for New York City’s subway and bus riders. The MTA needs people like Andy Byford – now more than ever.”