New York City Transit President Howard Roberts resigns

New York City Transit's President Howard Roberts of 2 1/2 years has resigned following the elevation of Jay Walder. The move was expected after the announcement of Walder's placement as the new head of the MTA in September.

The resignation was not unexpected. Roberts reportedly stepped down so that Walder, a veteran of the London transit system, will be able to put his own people into key positions. Roberts has been credited for reforms with the transit agency. Under Robert's guidance passengers have been asked to rate the services they use and rank their priorities. General managers for subway operations have also been given more responsibilities over their routes. There have been complaints among board members that Robers was too deferential to the transit agency's labor. There is now speculation that there will be more resignations to follow today's announcement reports the Gothamist.