Metro hires new safety chief from NYC

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is hiring a New York transit official to oversee the safety of the city’s Metrorail system.

Patrick Lavin, who has worked for New York City’s transit agency for over 30 years, will be Metro’s chief safety officer starting on May 9, officials announced Tuesday afternoon.

{mosads}Most recently, Lavin served as second in command of New York City Transit Authority’s office of system safety. New York City has the busiest transit system in the country, followed by D.C.

Lavin replaces Acting Chief Safety Officer Louis Brown, who submitted his resignation last month. Brown started in the role last year following the resignation of James Dougherty, who left not long after an empty Metro train derailed near the Smithsonian station in August.

The latest move comes as Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld prepares to unveil a new maintenance plan following last month’s 24-hour shutdown of the entire transit system for emergency inspections. The agency has been plagued by ongoing track problems, rail service disruptions and other safety issues.

“I look forward to Pat joining our team and to his leadership on Metro’s safety culture improvements,” Wiedefeld said in a statement. “Pat has a unique combination of operational and safety experience, and a proven record as a proactive and hands-on safety professional who understands how to partner with operations and maintenance teams to achieve safer practices.”