AC Transit has announced that Michael Hursh, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, will step down from his current role to take on a new position as Senior Advisor within the transit district starting December 14. Hursh has been at the helm for nearly a decade, significantly shaping the East Bay's bus system with forward-thinking projects and robust fiscal management.
According to a press release shared by AC Transit, during his tenure, the agency embarked on notable achievements like the Tempo Bus Rapid Transit System launch and the Salesforce Transit Center reopening. Additionally, Hursh led AC Transit to become the first to distribute personal protective equipment to frontline workers and passengers during the pandemic. Under his watch, the agency maintained consistently balanced budgets and recently received an increase in credit rating from 'AA' to 'AA+' by S&P Global Ratings.
Joel Young, AC Transit's Board President, greatly appreciated Hursh's time as General Manager. He told AC Transit, "When we selected Mr. Hursh from his role as Chief Operating Officer at Valley Transportation Authority, we recognized his exceptional operational expertise.” Young highlighted Hursh's adaptability and leadership, especially his strategic decisiveness during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that averted layoffs and ensured the transit's stability.
Among other initiatives, Hursh spearheaded the Mechanics Helper and Career Ladders Programs, addressing workforce challenges, and has seen recruitment and retention improvements. Hursh's vision extended to technological innovations, with the transit district implementing advanced management systems and customer engagement platforms. He also backed legislation like Assembly Bill 917, allowing cameras to enforce bus lanes and stop regulations. The press release also details Hursh's commitment to zero-emission transit, including securing funding for expanding hydrogen fuel infrastructure and developing training programs in partnership with local educational institutions.
