Delaware Transit Corporation Executive Director Leaving Agency For Position In New York

Dover -- Stephen Kingsberry, Executive Director of the Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC), will be leaving his post on October 31, 2011 to assume the position of Deputy Director for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

DTC operates as DART First State, providing Fixed Route bus, Paratransit, RideShare statewide, and state-funded commuter rail service under contract with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA).

Kingsberry served as DTC's Executive Director since 2005, after joining the agency in 1999 as Development Director. He served previously with New York's Metropolitan Transit Administration and New Jersey Transit.

Secretary of Transportation Shailen Bhatt, stated, "Stephen Kingsberry has been a tireless advocate for expanded transit service in the state of Delaware and is to be commended for his service to transit riders statewide. On his watch, annual ridership grew from 9.2 million to over 12 million, including more than 1.15 million commuter rail trips. This represents an increase of more than thirty percent."

"His efforts introduced Sunday service in New Castle County, Saturday service in Kent County and weekday buses to Delaware City for the first time in over 40 years, despite repeated years of budget challenges," Bhatt said. "He also oversaw significant investments in transit infrastructure while serving as Executive Director, including creation of several new bus hubs and a service facility."

Kingsberry said that the decision to accept a position with the Port Authority was not an easy one. "It is difficult to leave DART whose employees have become like my Delaware family," he said. "However, knowing that Secretary Bhatt is strongly committed to transit and other forms of alternative transportation, I am confident they will continue to make progress in providing convenient, efficient transit services that meet the growing needs of customers."

Bhatt indicated a national search is underway to replace Kingsberry. John McGinnis, current Director of Operations, will serve as Acting Director until a new Executive Director is named.