Director Matthew Tucker takes leadership position at North County Transit District; Charles Badger to become Acting Director
Governor Tim Kaine announced that Matthew Tucker, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, will resign effective Dec. 12 to become General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the North County Transit District in Oceanside, California. He will be responsible for the regional multimodal transportation system that operates commuter rail, light rail, public transportation and paratransit services in North San Diego County. Governor Kaine also announced the appointment of Charles “Chip” Badger as acting director of DRPT.
“Matthew Tucker has helped to bring rail, transit, ridesharing and telework to the forefront of transportation planning in Virginia,” Governor Kaine said. “He has helped lead our efforts to expand and improve transportation choices in Virginia by supporting the first light rail system in Virginia, one of the largest Virginia Metrorail extensions in 30 years and most recently, a clear pathway to advance new intercity passenger rail service for our major transportation corridors. I am certain that Chip Badger will continue to support the strategic approach and initiatives begun by Matt Tucker.”
Chip Badger is the Deputy Director of the department, where he assists the agency director in carrying out all of Virginia’s initiatives and support activities for rail and pubic transportation. He has worked for the Commonwealth for 36 years and has been a member of the management team for Virginia’s rail and public transportation initiative since 1979. Mr. Badger is a licensed professional engineer and holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in engineering from Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland, respectively.
“I am deeply honored to have worked with Governor Kaine and Secretary Homer. Together as a team, we have helped manage highway congestion, give people greater access to transit and increase the quality of life in Virginia,” Tucker said. “The accomplishments that DRPT and its customers have achieved wouldn’t have been possible without our customers, stakeholders and advocates. Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Commonwealth.”
Matthew Tucker has served as the Director of DRPT since June 2006.
About DRPT
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation facilitates the movement of people and goods throughout Virginia. DRPT operates through three main areas of activity – rail, public transportation and commuter services – that promote congestion relief, economic development and mobility. The Department helps people and businesses find the smartest distance between two points. Visit the department at www.drpt.virginia.gov.