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Cuomo names Tom Prendergast as new MTA head – Metro US

Cuomo names Tom Prendergast as new MTA head

Tom Prendergast (Credit: Getty) Tom Prendergast has been president of New York City Transit for three years. Credit: Getty Images

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday his pick for the new leader of the city’s transit agency.

Cuomo nominated Tom Prendergast for the role. He has been president of New York City Transit for three years.

Prendergast replaces Joe Lhota, who resigned to run for mayor.

“I can’t imagine anyone having a better understanding of how the region’s vast system operates and the challenges that it faces,” Cuomo said.

Prendergastpromised to improve riders’ experience and operate the system more efficiently.He also vowed to “rebuild smarter and better in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.”

The Senate must approve the confirmation.

Cuomo also announced a deal that secures $111 million for the MTA. An agreement between state transit agencies will save taxpayers and straphangers millions as the agency continues to recover from Sandy, he said.

State officials estimate that Sandy caused about $4.8 billion in damage to the MTA system, from saltwater corrosion to flooded tunnels.