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  • Former LIRR President to Head New Jersey Transit

  • Discussion related to New Jersey Transit rail and light rail operations.
Discussion related to New Jersey Transit rail and light rail operations.

Moderators: lensovet, Kaback9, nick11a

 #1494254  by Kelly&Kelly
 
Former LIRR Acting President Raymond P. Kenny has been named to head New Jersey Transit, pending approval of the Road's board. The system has been plagued with problems of engineer and equipment shortages, low employee morale and widespread rider dissatisfaction.

Ray retired from the LIRR several years ago and has since worked for a transportation consulting firm. After summering in college as a seasonal ticket clerk, Ray joined the LIRR's Operations and Service Planning Department in the 1970's. A reorganization of that department sent him to the ranks of Block Operator, where he climbed to Train Dispatcher, Chief Dispatcher, Supervisor - Train Movement and Superintendent - Train Movement. He was later appointed Acting President and completed his career overseeing the East Side Access planning and construction. Ray was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway, Airline and Steamship Clerks.

We join the entire LIRR family who had the honor of working with Ray in wishing him good fortune in his new position. Ray is 67 years old.
 #1494263  by GSC
 
It's refreshing to hear of someone who climbed up the ranks and is intimately familiar with operations. Provided he is given the permission and funding to get things done, I see good things ahead. It is sorely needed.
 #1494288  by MACTRAXX
 
K&K (and Everyone:)

Good news about RPK being appointed to be the head of New Jersey Transit Rail Operations.

His many years of LIRR experience should be an asset for NJT moving forward - we all wish
him well in his new position. RPK rose all the way up through the ranks to the top being a
respected career railroader seconding GSC's mention.

MACTRAXX
 #1494355  by blockline4180
 
Wow. That is very promising. Ray is a true railroader to boot, I just hope the board doesn't do something real stupid and not vote to confirm.
Hope he isn't scared away when he finds out how dysfunctional they are!!
Well wishes to Ray as he has his work cut out for him.
 #1494467  by blockline4180
 
Kelly&Kelly wrote:Hope they're not scared away if they find out he's a lifelong rail buff.
lol, That should not be an issue especially knowing his good credentials and life long operational background at LIRR and loved by many.... But yes, with NJT and their board anything is possible!!
 #1495399  by ajt
 
Let's review the org chart.

The Executive Director heads NJT.

The Rail VP/GM heads Rail and reports to the Executive Director (as does the Bus VP/GM and the heads of the various administrative functions).

When Mr Dustin led Rail he reported to E.D. Jerry Premo.

Almost every Rail VP/GM has been a "real railroader", i.e. had significant experience within a Rail organization- operations, mechanical, infrastructure. The only ones who immediately come to mind who didn't have such experience were back in the 1980s, one from Planning and one from Corporate.

I believe Mr Kenny will be the Rail VP/GM, not the Executive Director.