The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) fifth and longest-serving chairman, Robert R. Kiley, died Tuesday at the age of 80.
His family cited complications of Alzheimer's disease.
Kiley was appointed chairman of the MTA by then-New York Gov. Mario M. Cuomo in 1983 and served until January 1991. MTA said he was a principle catalyst of the system's remarkable transformation — from a symbol of urban decay to today's modern, safe and vital economic engine.
"Bob's leadership helped the MTA focus on dramatically improving the safety and reliability of the network, led directly to the record ridership levels we see today and was central to the State's increased growth and prosperity," said MTA Chairman and CEO Thomas F. Prendergast. "He assembled a team and created a vision that brought the transit system back from the brink of disaster and under Gov. Mario M. Cuomo helped rebuild our region's economy. We remember his service with fondness and gratitude and send our deepest condolences to his family in this difficult time."
One of Kiley's most enduring legacies was the removal of graffiti — a potent symbol of disorder — throughout New York City's subway system. Kiley was also instrumental in advancing New York City Transit's fare collection system from tokens to the MetroCard.
Kiley implemented the first and second MTA Capital Programs, overseeing more than $16 billion worth of investments in New York's transit network and focused these investments on the network's core "invisible" infrastructure such as trains, buses, track, signals and thousands of components most customers never see.
Kiley also has successful stints revitalizing the transit systems in Boston during the 1970s and London, U.K., between 2001-2006.
He is survived by his wife, Rona, two sons and a granddaughter. A private funeral will be held and donations may be made in his memory to Cure Alzheimer's Fund, www.curealz.org.