LOS ANGELES — Metrolink and CEO Darren Kettle have agreed to a five-year contract extension, the commuter rail operator announced on Thursday. The Metrolink board of directors unanimously agreed to the extension, which runs through September 2029, on May 24.
Kettle, formerly executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission — one of the five county agencies overseeing Metrolink — was named CEO of the commuter rail service in 2021 [see “Southern California’s Metrolink names new CEO,” Trains News Wire, July 26, 2021]. He has spent more than two decades in public transportation in Southern California, and has overseen Metrolink’s ongoing efforts to recover from significant ridership losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, Metrolink ridership has increased by 88% while continuing to move toward pre-pandemic levels.
“With Darren at the helm, Metrolink has transformed beyond its commuter rail roots into a more versatile and equitable service that better aligns with the needs of today’s public transportation customers,” Metrolink board chair Larry McCallon said in a statement. “We are confident that Darren’s strategic vision and oversight will position the agency for continued growth and success as Metrolink and our region prepare to host a series of high-profile events culminating with the Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games in 2028. We’re thrilled that Darren has agreed to extend his tenure and lead Metrolink into the future.”
Kettle will receive an annual base salary of $375,000, a 5.6% increase over his previous salary of $355,000.
“It’s been my great privilege to serve Metrolink as CEO, and I’m grateful to the Metrolink board of directors for their continued trust and support,” Kettle said. “The 2028 Olympic Games have created a transformative opportunity to expand and improve our region’s public transportation system, and I’m thrilled that Metrolink – through the efforts of our incredible staff and in cooperation with our member agencies and transit partners – will play a critical role in LA28’s vision of a car-free event. I’m even more excited that the changes we are making to our system will benefit Southern Californians in the lead up to and well beyond the Olympics. I’m honored to continue the work and look forward to seeing Metrolink through its next chapters.”
Kettle, a Ventura County resident, is a regular Metrolink user. He has also worked with two of the other agencies that are part of the joint-powers authority that governs Metrolink: the San Bernardino Associated Governments, and the Riverside County Transportation Commission.
