It's life in the fast lane for NCTD's Executive Director Karen King
North County Transit District supplies public transportation for all North San Diego County. It has a fleet of 159 buses, seven locomotives and 22 bi-level passenger train cars. The transit agency also employs 600 dedicated professionals.
Executive's name: Karen King
Title: Executive Director
Company name: North County Transit District
Address: 810 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: (760) 967-2828
Web site: www.gonctd.com
Founded: 1976
Prior experience: Began career in public transit in 1976 at Utah Transit Authority; in
1986 went to work at Long Beach Transit; came to NCTD in 1998 as Director of
Development and Communications and in 2001 became the Executive Director.
2003 revenues: $61,063,000
2004 revenues: $63,108,000
Average hours worked weekly: As many as it takes
Number of teammates: 544 full time; 45 part time; total: 589
Residence: Vista
Family: Married, with two children in college
What got you into this business? 1976 – After college, I wanted to find a job that was not traditional for a woman. Mass transportation was emerging as a major public policy issue locally and nationally.
Why is your company headquartered in Oceanside? NCTD was formed in 1976 by combining operations of the municipal bus systems for the cities of Oceanside and Escondido. Although NCTD still operates bus maintenance facilities in both cities, the general administrative office is located in Oceanside.
How do you plan to grow? We will continue to operate our BREEZE buses and COASTER trains to serve existing and future passengers. In 2007, we will open a new state of the art light rail system along the Hwy. 78 corridor called the SPRINTER. Serving four cities, two community colleges and a University, the SPRINTER will become a key component of NCTD's future growth.
Toughest career decision: Committing to construction of the SPRINTER
Ongoing challenges: $$$$$$$$$
Best way to stay competitive: Delivery excellent service and garner public support.
In five years, where would you like your business to be? SPRINTER service up and running, BREEZE service expanded to run more frequently in major corridors and major construction underway to increase the capacity of the COASTER rail corridor.
What does your company contribute to the North County community? The best thing we offer is mobility for all. For riders of choice, freedom to be more productive while commuting each day. For riders who have no other transportation options, independence. For businesses, we get employees to work. For schools we help get students and workers where they need to be. At NCTD, We Move People! We also create jobs and fuel the economy; not just jobs at the transit district, but with our suppliers and contractors such as FCI Construction, a local North County contractor, who is building the SPRINTER project.
What are your guiding principles? Personally: Do what is right; love what is kind; believe what is true. NCTD: Stay close to the customer; fund on-going expenses with on-going revenue.
Favorite movie: "Night Shift"
North County Transit District supplies public transportation for all North San Diego County. It has a fleet of 159 buses, seven locomotives and 22 bi-level passenger train cars. The transit agency also employs 600 dedicated professionals.
Executive's name: Karen King
Title: Executive Director
Company name: North County Transit District
Address: 810 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: (760) 967-2828
Web site: www.gonctd.com
Founded: 1976
Prior experience: Began career in public transit in 1976 at Utah Transit Authority; in
1986 went to work at Long Beach Transit; came to NCTD in 1998 as Director of
Development and Communications and in 2001 became the Executive Director.
2003 revenues: $61,063,000
2004 revenues: $63,108,000
Average hours worked weekly: As many as it takes
Number of teammates: 544 full time; 45 part time; total: 589
Residence: Vista
Family: Married, with two children in college
What got you into this business? 1976 – After college, I wanted to find a job that was not traditional for a woman. Mass transportation was emerging as a major public policy issue locally and nationally.
Why is your company headquartered in Oceanside? NCTD was formed in 1976 by combining operations of the municipal bus systems for the cities of Oceanside and Escondido. Although NCTD still operates bus maintenance facilities in both cities, the general administrative office is located in Oceanside.
How do you plan to grow? We will continue to operate our BREEZE buses and COASTER trains to serve existing and future passengers. In 2007, we will open a new state of the art light rail system along the Hwy. 78 corridor called the SPRINTER. Serving four cities, two community colleges and a University, the SPRINTER will become a key component of NCTD's future growth.
Toughest career decision: Committing to construction of the SPRINTER
Ongoing challenges: $$$$$$$$$
Best way to stay competitive: Delivery excellent service and garner public support.
In five years, where would you like your business to be? SPRINTER service up and running, BREEZE service expanded to run more frequently in major corridors and major construction underway to increase the capacity of the COASTER rail corridor.
What does your company contribute to the North County community? The best thing we offer is mobility for all. For riders of choice, freedom to be more productive while commuting each day. For riders who have no other transportation options, independence. For businesses, we get employees to work. For schools we help get students and workers where they need to be. At NCTD, We Move People! We also create jobs and fuel the economy; not just jobs at the transit district, but with our suppliers and contractors such as FCI Construction, a local North County contractor, who is building the SPRINTER project.
What are your guiding principles? Personally: Do what is right; love what is kind; believe what is true. NCTD: Stay close to the customer; fund on-going expenses with on-going revenue.
Favorite movie: "Night Shift"