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Richard J. Leary is an American-Canadian transportation executive who was chief executive officer (CEO) of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) between 2017 and 2024. Leary became interim CEO in 2017 and took over the role permanently in 2018; he resigned in August 2024. Leary was previously general manager of York Region Transit and held senior roles with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
Rick Leary | |
|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Transit Commission | |
| In office c. July 2018 – August 30, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Andy Byford |
| Succeeded by | Bruce Macgregor (Acting CEO) |
| In office December 17, 2017 – c. July 2018 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1963 (age 60–61) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Citizenship |
|
| Education | Northeastern University (BBA, MPA) |
Richard J. Leary[1] was born in Boston, Massachusetts.[2] His father was a streetcar operator for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). He graduated from Northeastern University with a BBA and an MPA. As well, he completed a graduate program from Harvard University in Administration and Management.[3][4]
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Following his father, Leary began working for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority as a subway attendant in 1984. He then moved through various manager and director roles, becoming the chief operating officer of the MBTA in 2005. He retired from the role in November 2009 after failing to appear at a board meeting to address a damning federal safety report.[1]
York Regional Transit
In 2009, Leary moved to Canada to become the general manager of York Region Transit in Ontario.[6] Leary was praised as ridership grew by 4 million while customer complaints reduced and vehicle reliability increased.[7]
Toronto Transit Commission
In 2014, Leary was hired as the chief service officer of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) by then-CEO Andy Byford.[8][9] This role involved management of the TTC's bus and streetcar systems, as well as management of the various Toronto subway stations. Leary's achievements included a large reduction in the number of short turns,[10] improving the quality of service.[11]
In December 2017, Leary was made the interim CEO of the TTC, when his predecessor, Andy Byford left to head the New York City Transit Authority.[12] In July 2018, Leary's interim position was made permanent, following an international search.[13][14]
In late 2023, TTC Chair Jamaal Myers attempted to have Leary suspended while an investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct took place. The board of the TTC agreed to launch an investigation, but did not suspend Leary.[15][16]
On June 20, 2024, Leary announced that he would step down from his position as CEO of the TTC at the end of August.[15] Leary noted that it was his decision to leave, having waited to announce his resignation until contract negotiations with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 had been agreed.[15] Upon his departure, Leary noted that he had a contract until 2026, with the new mayor, Olivia Chow, and TTC Chair indicating a change in direction for the organization – however Leary reiterated it was his decision to leave the job.[17] Deputy CEO Bruce Macgregor acted as CEO until former Metrolinx executive Gregory W. Percy was named interim CEO while a replacement is sought.[18][19]
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