Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
MTA

Might Nat Ford Succeed Lee Sander as MTA Boss?

nat_ford.jpgPhoto: Bryan Goebel

Streetsblog San Francisco reports that speculation continues over the future of city transit head Nat Ford. Rumors have been swirling from some time that Ford might return to New York -- where he started his career as a train conductor some 30 years ago -- to succeed Lee Sander as MTA CEO. And talk of Ford's possible departure from San Francisco won't let up, writes Bryan Goebel:

First he was rumored to have been considered for a job in the Obama administration. Then, it was the executive director opening at the LA MTA, a position insiders say he was interviewed for but didn't get. And even now, despite a pledge he made in an interview with Streetsblogthat his "career goal" is "to focus on the San Francisco MTA," rumorspersist within the MTA and at City Hall that MTA Chief Nat Fordcontinues to look elsewhere.

As late as this week, a spokesperson told Streetsblog SF that Ford "is not looking," and remains "committed to the SFMTA." We'll let you know if our west coast colleagues hear otherwise.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

In With Flynn: New DOT Commissioner Wants To Be ‘Bolder, More Ambitious’

Up close and personal with the 46-year-old native New Yorker and Met fan who wants to carry out Mayor Mamdani's vision for transportation.

January 2, 2026

Mamdani Commissioner Pledges to Hold App Companies Accountable for Road Safety

DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine pledged to crack down on app companies that pressure delivery workers to use e-bikes and cars recklessly.

January 2, 2026

Friday’s Headlines: A Very Streetsblog Inaugural Edition

Mayor Mamdani will govern in prose, thank you very much. Plus other non-inauguration news.

January 2, 2026

New Year, Same Carnage: One Killed, Another Badly Hurt, By Hit-and-Run Driver in Queens

The driver of an SUV struck two men in Queens early on New Year's Day and kept on driving even as one of the men died and the other was gravely injured.

January 1, 2026

New Year’s Headlines: New Mayor Edition

Happy New Mayor! Plus other news.

January 1, 2026

Mamdani Picks Mike Flynn for DOT Commissioner — And Put Him Center Stage at his Swearing In

Flynn worked at DOT from 2005 to 2014 on pedestrian and bike projects and capital planning.

December 31, 2025
See all posts