Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg recognized as 2023 Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member by Transit Industry

Metro Board Chair Paul C. Smedberg has been awarded 2023 Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for his vision, leadership, and commitment to transit.

Since first joining the Metro Board of Directors in 2016 and being elected Chair in 2019, Smedberg’s leadership has helped Metro return to a state of good repair through an aggressive capital program, guided the transit agency through the pandemic, spearheaded the selection of a new General Manager, and helped Metro recover ridership faster than any other transit agency in the country.

“I am honored and humbled to be recognized as an Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member by APTA and the transit industry,” said Smedberg. “For over 20 years, I have been a proud advocate for transportation in the National Capital Region. I’d like to thank the staffs and fellow Board Members at all the organizations with whom I’ve had the privilege of working – Metro, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, the Virginia Railway Express and the City of Alexandria. This award would not have been possible without them. I’m very proud of our collective accomplishments for transit customers and employees, making our region a better place to live, work and play.”

“Chair Smedberg is a trusted, accomplished, and effective leader, and his national recognition as an outstanding public transit advocate is much deserved,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “Working together, we’ll continue to build on the great progress being made at Metro to deliver excellent service to our community.”

Other successes under Smedberg include adopting and implementing a new strategic plan, creating a more equitable fare system, reimagining bus and rail service, maintaining and expanding Metro as a regional asset and reemphasizing Metro’s community commitment through improved public safety programs.

"Paul Smedberg has had a great impact at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority through his leadership in championing transit as a priority for the Washington region," said Jennifer DeBruhl, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. "Mr. Smedberg has helped WMATA navigate challenging times and deliver service improvements like the Potomac Yard station and Silver Line extension that improve the lives of people and the economy."

Smedberg first joined the Metro Board as an Alternate Director in January of 2016 representing the City of Alexandria and was appointed Principal Director in January 2019 representing the Commonwealth of Virginia. He also served on Alexandria City Council from 2003 to 2018, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Operations Board from 2006 to 2018, serving as Chairman in 2013 and 2017, and the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) from 2006 to 2018, serving as Chairman in 2014 and 2018.