MTA Hires Thorpe as Project Chief

LOS ANGELES-Rick Thorpe, a well-regarded builder of light-rail systems in the United States, was recently hired as MTA executive officer for project management.

Thorpe comes to MTA following the opening of the Metro Gold Line, which was successfully completed on time and under budget.

Thorpe was appointed as CEO for the Los Angeles to Pasadena Metro Construction Authority in October 1999. He will officially begin his duties at MTA within 60 days.

Thorpe's prior experience includes serving as the program manager for the $312 million Salt Lake City light-rail project (TRAX) and as director of engineering and >>

construction for the San Diego Metropolitan Transit Development Board.

His duties at MTDB included oversight of a $1 billion rail and bus capital improvement program, which included the design and construction of six separate light-rail extensions.

As MTA executive officer for project management, Thorpe will be responsible for the oversight of the San Fernando Valley Metro Rapidway-a 14-mi. busway that is under construction and will open in August 2005, and the Eastside Light Rail Project, a 6-mi. extension of the Metro Gold Line.

A registered civil engineer in California and Utah, Thorpe holds a masters degree in civil engineering from San Diego State University.