Topeka Metro introduces new leader

Topeka Metro's new general manager is crossing county lines to serve in his new position with hopes of bringing change to the city's transit service.

During an announcement Monday naming Robert Nugent as Topeka Metro's new chief, Jim Ogle, chair of the Topeka Metro board of directors, said Nugent was chosen because he understands customer service.

"He impressed me and the other members of our board by his thoughtfulness, his intuition, his ability to bring all the tremendous experience he's gained in transit management over the past many decades and apply it to the questions and concerns we have for the future of Topeka Metro," Ogle said.

Nugent replaces Susan Duffy, who was appointed in March to the Kansas Corporation Commission. He will assume his position in early October.

Nugent, who has worked in transit for more than 30 years, comes to Topeka from Lawrence where has served since 2009 as public transit administrator for the City of Lawrence.

"I really come at transit from a service-oriented perspective," Nugent said. "Jim's heard this several times, but if it is not (for) that person standing on the corner waiting for a bus or standing at home waiting for a bus, we can all just go home. That's where I come from. It is all about making the best possible service, and that comes down to a lot of service adjustments to make sure it is working well."

While Nugent didn't elaborate on any specific plans for improvements he wants to make to Topeka Metro, he said he brings a lot of experience to the table with alternative fueling and platforms, something Topeka Metro has an interest in pursuing.

Topeka Metro previously announced plans to raise fares, reduce services, eliminate jobs and discontinue it bicycle sharing program in December.

Nugent specifically addressed the bike share program.

"There's a lot of conversations, but where it is going to be in the future, I think we will have to wait and see," Nugent said. "I would like to see the bike program stay. I think it is a value to the community and Topeka Metro also."

During Nugent's time with Lawrence transit, he increased overall ridership 250%, implemented first alternative powered (hybrid) vehicles in Kansas, implemented late-night service to address employment issues, implemented mobile tools to provide real-time bus information for users of the service and guided the transit system to a coordinated service with the University of Kansas.

Prior to Lawrence, Nugent worked for the City of Murfreesboro, Tenn., the Chattanooga Area Region Transportation Authority and the Transit Authority of River City in Louisville, Ky.

Nugent also worked as a consultant in several large cities, including New York City, Chicago and Tampa, Fla.

Nugent said what attracted him to the job with Topeka Metro was the ability to make change.

"I always looked at services and said, 'What can be done and how can it be improved?'" Nugent said. "I've known Topeka now, I've been in Lawrence down the street— about 18 miles or so — I think they have done a lot of good things. I just think they can do more. Everything is in place for Topeka to do some tremendous things here and I would like to be a part of that."