Michael DePallo is a strong leader and considered a hero by many. When Integrated People Solutions placed him at Metrolink, a California-based rail company, it was considered a huge loss for New York and New Jersey. DePallo is best known for his quick-thinking and organized response during the September 11th attacks. He was able to encourage ridership after it plummeted, by stressing the importance of running things as normal and remaining organized. At Metrolink, he will take over a railroad that has been trying to attract more customers, upgrade its operations and improve safety.
Metrolink names Michael DePallo chief executive of the commuter rail line that is still dealing with the aftermath of the deadly 2008 Chatsworth crash. He replaces John Fenton, who left in May.September 15, 2012 | By Dan Weikel, Los Angeles Times
A veteran New York area transit leader Friday was named chief executive of the Metrolink commuter rail service at a challenging time in its efforts to improve safety and increase ridership.
Michael P. DePallo, 58, current director and general manager of a rail subsidiary of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, replaces John Fenton, who unexpectedly left the agency in May to head a Florida-based rail company.
The rail service overseen by DePallo carries more than 250,000 passengers a day between Manhattan and New Jersey, far more than Metrolink’s daily ridership.
DePallo will take over a railroad that has been trying to attract more customers, upgrade its operations and improve safety in the aftermath of the deadly Chatsworth crash Sept. 12, 2008, that killed 25 people and injured 135.
