TriMet names rail expert as executive director of transportation

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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TriMet has hired Patrick Preusser as executive director of transportation where he will lead the transit agency's Transportation Division.

He will be responsible for the operational activities for bus, MAX light rail, WES commuter rail and LIFT paratransit service. The division includes about 1,750 employees who deliver more than 101 million rides a year.

TriMet says Preusser brings 19 years of railway experience working in both public and private sector operations, including freight, commuter, passenger and transit, all with a dedication to advancing safety and operations. He comes to TriMet from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where he served as operations manager for the Saudi Railway Company (Serco). Prior to that, he was executive director of rail operations for Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Preusser has also worked for Amtrak and for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Rail Administration.

“Patrick’s extensive experience and knowledge of rail operations will be a tremendous asset to TriMet as we improve the management, training and oversight of the system,” said Chief Operating Officer Doug Kelsey. “He will play a critical role in improving safety as we implement our rail safety audit.”

Preusser added that, “I’m pleased to be working for a highly-regarded transit agency in a community that’s committed to multimodal transportation. I believe in TriMet’s mission, and look forward to working with our employees to build upon current accomplishments, advance safety and grow our service. Success to me is being proactive and preventing problems through analysis and process improvement.”

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