Thomas Margro
Thomas E. "Tom" Margro | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Public transportation executive |
| Known for | General manager of San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) (1996–2007); CEO of Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) (2007–2012) |
Thomas E. "Tom" Margro is a prominent figure in mass transit management, having held the position of general manager for the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system from 1996 until 2007. Subsequently, he acted as CEO of the Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA) from 2007 through 2012.
Early life and education
Margro completed his undergraduate studies with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at Syracuse University. He further advanced his expertise by obtaining a master's degree in systems engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, supplemented by additional postgraduate coursework in the same field.
Career
Margro's professional journey began as a rocket scientist working on guidance systems for the Minuteman missile. In 1972, he transitioned to SEPTA in Philadelphia, serving as the sole electrical engineer on a team responsible for managing an aging transit infrastructure. Over an 18-year tenure at SEPTA, he ascended to the role of assistant general manager overseeing engineering and construction.
Between 1990 and 1995, Margro held the position of assistant general manager for transit system development at BART. During this period, he supervised significant expansion initiatives such as the Pittsburg/Bay Point and Dublin/Pleasanton extensions, with new stations launching between 1995 and 1997.
For a brief period from 1995 to 1996, he was appointed Director of Maintenance and Engineering Services/Chief Engineer at the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
On September 30, 1996, Margro took over as BART general manager, succeeding Richard A. White. His responsibilities included overseeing the completion of the long-delayed extension to San Francisco International Airport, which successfully opened in 2003 under his guidance.
Additionally, Margro played a pivotal role in securing voter approval and initiating Measure AA, which generated $980 million through property taxes to fund BART’s Earthquake Safety Program.
He retired on June 29, 2007, concluding his tenure as BART’s longest-serving general manager. His leadership was recognized by board members for delivering critical infrastructure projects, implementing safety programs, and resolving labor disputes that prevented financial instability. Under his administration, BART earned the American Public Transportation Association's Outstanding Public Transportation System award in 2004.
Margro was succeeded by Dorothy Dugger in August 2007, who became BART’s first female general manager.
After departing BART, Margro assumed the CEO role at Transportation Corridor Agencies (TCA), overseeing toll road operations in Orange County, California from 2007 until 2012. Neil Peterson replaced him in June 2013 following a nationwide recruitment process.