As he is preparing to leave Metro Transit to become the new CEO of Translink, which governs the regional transportation of Vancouver B.C., the Metropolitan King County Council today recognized the service of Kevin Desmond, who has been the General Manager of the transit system since 2004.
“We hate to lose Kevin Desmond whose work has brought both innovative and constructive change to public transportation in King County,” said Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, cosponsor of the recognition. “I wish him the best as he continues his career in public service and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.”
“Kevin Desmond has been instrumental in improving the King County Metro system during this time of rapid growth and change,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott, cosponsor of the recognition. “From Rapid Ride to ORCA LIFT, he has made our system more efficient and has improved access for all in King County. I wish him all the best as he embarks on this next step in his career.”
Kevin Desmond began his service as King County Metro Transit General Manager with the challenge of negotiating the relocation of the Waterfront Streetcar Barn to accommodate the Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park. He ends his service with the University Link Bus restructure that will transform bus routes throughout north and central Seattle in coordination of the arrival of Link Light Rail into Capitol Hill and Husky Stadium near the UW campus.
Desmond led King County Metro Transit, through a number of challenges including the , effective integration of Sound Transit’s Central Link Light Rail and the impact the Great Recession had on the transit system. Under Desmond’s leadership, the region saw the beginning of the first six RapidRide lines, which focused on restructuring productivity-improving bus service and the implementation of the 2011 Strategic Plan for Public Transportation and King County Metro Service Guidelines.
The leadership Desmond has shown while serving Metro has been acknowledged and recognized by regional leaders, and the public. His dedication to meeting the mobility needs of King County residents and workers and support for innovation will be sorely missed.
