Former bus driver to take over MTA bus operations

A 24-year MTA veteran and former bus driver has been pegged to take over the agency's bus operations, transit officials said Wednesday.

Darryl Irick will take over as acting head of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's three bus companies, including Long Island Bus, in January. Joseph Smith, the MTA's bus chief since 2008, announced last month that he will retire at the end of the year.

Irick, 47, of Manhattan, began his career with New York City Transit in 1986 as a driver out of the Kingsbridge Depot, in the Inwood section of Manhattan. Since then, he has climbed through the ranks of the MTA's bus operations with various management and planning positions.

"Throughout his career, Darryl has distinguished himself with his ability to enter any operating environment and significantly improve performance," MTA chairman Jay H. Walder said.

It remains unclear whether Irick will get the opportunity to lead Long Island Bus, which may no longer be part of the MTA by January.

Nassau County, which owns LI Bus, has said it cannot afford the $26 million needed to keep the MTA as the system's operator and is looking for private firms to run the bus company.