Some of the larger rapid transit systems have a more interconnected web of tracks and tunnels, so if maintenance is happening in one tunnel, the trains can be rerouted in a different tunnel (for example, NY MTA).

FORBES: Why Does BART Need To Do Nightly Maintenance?

Rogoff has had an instrumental role in advising policy makers on the operating and capital needs of Amtrak, including the initiation and financing of high speed Acela service, as well as the financing of dozens of new light rail and bus rapid transit systems across the United States.

WHITEHOUSE: THE WHITE HOUSE

The government plans to tackle congestion in cities by a big expansion in light rail, trams and other rapid-transit systems.

ECONOMIST: British election briefing: Transport

The city needs a debate about whether to favour bus rapid-transit systems, or more expensive but faster and higher-capacity metro lines.

ECONOMIST: Better late than never

In a four-decade transit career in the U.S. and Canada, Mr. Prendergast has run commuter railroads and rapid-transit lines, including some of the systems in the MTA's own portfolio.

WSJ: Prendergast Picked to Run MTA

"Considering that over a third of America's transit riders use the systems most heavily damaged by Hurricane Sandy, it is imperative that we continue this rapid progress to restore these systems in the tri-state region, " Federal Transit Administration head Peter Rogoff said.

WSJ: US announces $1.4B in Sandy transit aid to NY, NJ