Ed Reiskin out as SFMTA chief

San Francisco’s top transit official Ed Reiskin is stepping down in an announcement he made to the staff of the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Monday morning.

The month of April has been rough for the transit agency and for Reiskin, with a number of issues brought to light related to mechanical and safety issues with its new trains, an ongoing operator shortage that still is affecting Muni service citywide, and most recently, a major subway fiasco last Friday that crippled service for passengers all day.

Reiskin said in his letter:

“I want to you let you all know that I will be stepping down from my position as the city’s Director of Transportation, and as your colleague, this summer. The employment agreement I have with the SFMTA Board of Directors ends in August, and it’s become clear that this is the right time for a change.”

He continued:

“I’m extremely grateful to the SFMTA Board for providing me with the privilege to serve in this capacity for eight years, and to all of you for the honor it is to work with you all. Your individual and collective commitment, professionalism, knowledge, and experience are what’s responsible for the significant achievements this agency has realized during my time here.”

Mayor London Breed has also shown her dismay and concern for the transit agency with the recent incidents occurring this month.

The seven members of the SFMTA Board of Directors are the ones who will hire the next director of transportation to led the transit agency.

The board, which was a different make up of members at the time, hired Reiskin in the summer of 2011.