Robert Miller
Longtime transit worker Demetrius Crichlow was announced as the new president of the MTA on Wednesday morning.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said Crichlow, currently the interim president of the MTA, was appointed because he “really knows our system.”
“You need a steady hand to secure guidance and leadership … and I’m honored to be taking on that role,” Crichlow told reporters at a press conference announcing his new gig.
Crichlow’s appointment comes at a time of high turnover for the MTA after four MTA presidents abandoned the position in a little over four years. But Crichlow said he expects to stay in the position for at least 5 years.
“I don’t have any plans of going anytime soon. This is my life,” the 27-year MTA veteran assured reporters in response to questions about his expected tenure.
The longtime transit worker “bleeds MTA blue”, Lieber said.
Crichlow’s grandfather was a porter when the MTA was the Transit Authority, and his father was a car inspector for the MTA.
Crichlow said he plans to make a lot of changes to New York City’s subway system including new cars, new infrastructure, new stations, new signals and more accessibility.
The president position opened up in May when then-MTA President Davey was found to be interviewing for the position of chief executive officer at the Massachusetts Port Authority.
At the time, sources told The Post Davey was “frustrated” working at the MTA. He got the MassPort job.