If you don’t live in New York City you may not have heard what nearly everyone here is mourning. The MTA boss Andy Byford has resigned after only two years on the job. I have complained about the failings of mass transit in the city. Mr. Byford was turning it around, improving on-time subway train service to 80% from the terrible 58% when he arrived.

He is leaving because of reduced responsibilities as the MTA is reorganized, likely thanks in part to his conflict with governor Cuomo who controls most NYC mass transit. The good news he has launched a promising five year plan that will be a good guide for his successor. The bad news is we have lost a great leader who charmed workers and riders and could have achieved greater success if he had stayed. He acquired the nickname of “Train Daddy” here in the city and he will be missed.

As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes