Following the announcement from MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber appointing Richard Davey as the next president of New York City Transit, reaction from business, government and community leaders along with riders' advocates across the New York region appears below. 

Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, said: “New York City Transit is the heart of our system, and its management and operations are key to the city’s recovery. The business community is delighted that Rich Davey is taking on leadership of this critically important agency.” 

Steven Rubenstein, Chairman of the Association for a Better New York, said: “Rich Davey’s return to New York City is a significant step forward to help modernize our complex, post-pandemic transit system. At a pivotal time for our region’s economic recovery, New Yorkers need bold leadership like Janno and Rich to ensure public transportation and accessible mobility for all remains a top priority.” 

NYC Council Majority Whip and Chair, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Selvena N. Brooks-Powers (D-Queens), said: “I applaud the appointment of Richard Davey as President of New York City Transit, and I am encouraged in his ability to oversee a transit system as complex and diverse as ours. As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Davey's leadership and management style, including his emphasis on equity and accessibility, will be valuable assets to the agency. I look forward to working with NYCT to restore our city’s vital transit services and connect New Yorkers to economic opportunities.” 

Tom Wright, President & CEO of Regional Plan Association, said: "RPA is pleased to welcome Richard Davey as the new President of the New York City Transit Authority. At a time when the agency faces unprecedented challenges, NYCT needs a leader with a deep knowledge of operations and wide range of experiences to chart a successful path forward for the agency. Richard Davey has the right background and experience for the job, and we look forward to working with him to improve the system over the coming years and ensure that it is the engine for an equitable recovery from the pandemic the city and region need to thrive." 

Riders Alliance Executive Director Betsy Plum said: "Riders welcome Richard Davey back to New York and wish him the best as he tackles crucial transit service improvements. Faster commutes that deliver better service for millions of people riding today and help win millions more back to the transit system should be the hallmark of his tenure.” 

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said: “Richard Davey has the experience and know-how to lead New York City Transit as it faces the difficult challenge of rebounding from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. I congratulate Richard on his appointment and look forward to working with him to implement innovative solutions to make getting around easier for the 2.4 million people who live in Queens, where many residents heavily rely on buses due to the lack of subway service in their neighborhoods.” 

Lisa Daglian, Executive Director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA (PCAC) and Andrew Albert, Chair of the New York City Transit Riders Council (NYCTRC) and MTA Board Member, said: “We’re optimistic that President Davey will use his experience leading Boston’s public transit system to help move New York City Transit towards a more reliable, accessible, and equitable future. His concerns echo those of riders: the need for reliable service, public safety and confidence in the system. We look forward to working with him to take the necessary steps to make this happen.” 

Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said: "Taking over management of the country's largest subway, bus, and paratransit system is one of the toughest jobs out there and Manhattanites and New Yorkers should be rooting for incoming-President Davey. There is a lot of work to be done, from overseeing day-to-day operations, increasing station accessibility, supervising the bus network redesigns, upgrading signals, installing platform screen doors, and so much more. I look forward to working with incoming-President Davey on improving our transit system." 

Director of NYU Wagner Rudin Center for Transportation Policy & Management Mitchell Moss, said: “New Yorkers count on their subway system, and it's great to know the MTA has made such a wise choice to lead the agency since the MTA is vital to the recovery of the New York City economy.” 

Assemblymember Amy Paulin said: “I welcome incoming President Richard Davey to his new position as president of New York City Transit and commend CEO Janno Lieber for making an excellent choice. New York City Transit is at a pivotal time in history – one where we have the ability to continue to modernize the transit system, give riders a superior experience, and lead New York’s economic recovery. I’m confident that Richard Davey will seize this opportunity and look forward to seeing him successfully apply his transportation system expertise, strategic planning and leadership skills to the task.” 

Gridlock Sam Schwartz said: "Richard Davey is a terrific choice to run New York City Transit. He is well respected in the professional transportation community and understands the rider is the ultimate arbiter of performance."