The head of NYC Transit has been picked to be the chairman of the MTA, replacing Joe Lhota, who left last year to run for mayor.

Tom Prendergast was named by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Friday to head the agency.

He has served as the president of NYC Transit for more than three years.

Previously, Prendergast has served as the president of the Long Island Rail Road and has held numerous positions in city transit.

He has also worked in Vancouver, as the CEO of TransLink, its public transportation system, and in Chicago and Washington.

In a statement, Prendergast promised to “improve the customer experience, operate more efficiently and build for the future.” He also said transit damaged by Sandy would rebuild “smarter and better.”

(AP)