Career: Came to Metro in August 1996, after serving as general manager of the Bay Area Rapid Transit District in California. He has spent 30 years in the transit industry.
Job description: Responsible for the operation of Metrorail, Metrobus and MetroAccess paratransit service. One of the largest transit systems in the nation, Metro employs nearly 10,000 people. It has a $1 billion annual operating budget and a six-year capital improvement program worth $3.3 billion.
Accomplishments: Has overseen the completion of the original 103-mile rail system; three stations will be added by the end of this year. New rail cars have been purchased, and the fare and fee collection system has been modernized.
Challenges: As White tries to build public support for financing service improvements, Metro management and staff have been the target of complaints about poor service. The transit agency has increased fares twice in two years.
