TransLink of the Future
Kevin Desmond
Moderator:
Natalie Obiko Pearson
Bloomberg News
Transit and transportation are vital for a strong economy. They are critical to the livability and affordability of Metro Vancouver. As our economy continues to grow, we will need to accommodate another one million people and a half-million new jobs over the next 30 years. And every one of them will need to move in, out and within our region efficiently, affordably and sustainably.
TransLink is Metro Vancouver's regional transportation authority, responsible for planning and delivering public transit – including SkyTrain, SeaBus, West Coast Express and a fleet of buses – that is used by almost 500,000 people every day as well as regional cycling infrastructure, and major regional roads and bridges.
Planning for the future is already underway with the Broadway and Surrey rapid transit projects in development, launch of the Mobility Pricing Independent Commission, TransLink’s new Mobility Solutions Studio and much more. Amidst a backdrop of a booming regional economy and a new provincial government, TransLink is strategically planning and developing innovative solutions that will shape the future of our communities.
Returning for his second annual address to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond will provide an update on the major investments in Metro Vancouver's transit and transportation network, and will detail the organization’s exciting future and how it is taking action to meet the needs of the region's growing economy and population.
This event will also include a Q&A with Mr. Desmond.
About the speaker:
Kevin is an experienced executive with a career built in the public transportation industry.
Prior to joining TransLink, Kevin was General Manager of King County Metro Transit serving the Seattle metropolitan region. At Metro, he oversaw a mix of transit modes, including buses, trains, vanpools, paratransit vans, as well as approximately 5,000 employees. In his 12 years tenure, he helped to grow ridership by 44 per cent and launch the ORCA Card, as well as light rail, streetcar service, and several bus rapid transit lines. Kevin was also part of three successful votes on transit funding.
Prior to Metro Transit, Kevin was Vice-President of Operations and Development at Pierce Transit in Tacoma, Washington. Before relocating to the West Coast, Kevin acted as Chief of Operations Planning for New York City Transit which included bus and subway operations. Earlier in his career he served as Deputy Director in Mayor Koch's Transportation Office and Assistant Commissioner for the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission.
Kevin has a master's degree in public administration from New York University. He is a member of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Board of Directors and the first chair of the organization's Sustainability Committee.
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