October 27, 2021 - TRA Newswire / Fort Worth Business Press -

Two long-time transportation executives who worked together at other transit agencies will change chairs at Fort Worth Trinity Metro, again.

Trinity Metro President and CEO Bob Baulsir, who led the agency since April 2019 will step down at the end of this month, citing ongoing health issues. Baulsir will be replaced, on an interim basis, by Paul J. Ballard, who preceded Baulsir in the same role. Both had previously worked together at other transportation agencies in Tennessee.

This past Monday the Board of Directors of Trinity Metro named Ballard to run the bus and rail transportation agency until an executive search firm completes their work.

Ballard, who joined the agency in 2014, ran the agency when work started on the TEXRail Fort Worth to DFW International Airport project and Baulsir was at the helm at the completion. Following his departure, Ballard ran Denver RTD as their interim CEO.

“We are really sorry to see Bob leave the agency, and we are so very grateful for everything he has done for Trinity Metro and public transportation in North Texas,” said Trinity Metro Board Chairman Jeff Davis. “While we search for a permanent replacement, we are delighted that Paul has agreed to step in and fill the void.”

While Ballard serves as the interim president and CEO, the Board of Directors will be working with the executive search firm Krauthamer & Associates LLC to conduct a national search for a permanent replacement.

During Baulsir’s tenure, the agency also started The Dash, the battery-electric bus route, plus ZIPZONE services in Mercantile, Southside and South Tarrant. In addition, A Better Connection was implemented in September to provide a new, more efficient bus network. Plans are underway for a TEXRail extension to the Fort Worth Medical District.

Learn more about Bob Baulsir and Paul Ballard from the 2021 Southwestern Rail Conference video presentation: Urban and Regional Rail - Headaches, Heartaches and Happiness

 

Bob Baulsir