Salvador “Sal” Llamas, who started with AC Transit as director of maintenance in 2012, later rising to chief operating officer in 2017, will become the transit district’s new general manager and CEO starting May 15.
His selection to the role followed an extensive national search for AC Transit’s next leader. His “well-established” relationship with the agency and its 2,300 employees set him apart from other strong candidates, said Board President Diane Shaw.
“As AC Transit’s Chief Operating Officer, he has shown a comprehensive understanding of our operating and capital budgets – an asset critical to ensuring the district’s immediate and long-term stability,” Shaw said. “With the new fiscal year ushering in a period of undeniable transition, the Board recognized the need for a solutions-oriented executive who can guide us through ongoing fiscal challenges with agility and foresight. We are confident that Mr. Llamas brings all these qualities, and more, to his new role as GM-CEO.”
During his time at AC Transit, Llamas is credited leading a nearly 10 percent improvement in on-time performance and a 43 percent reduction in accident rates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as Incident Commander for the District’s Emergency Operations Center, guiding AC Transit through one of its most challenging periods. He also led major strategic initiatives such as the Transit Asset Management Plan (TAM), the Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP), and the nationally recognized 5X5 Study, now considered a definitive roadmap for transit agencies transitioning to zero emission fleets.
Llamas served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps. before starting a career as equipment operations supervisor at LA Metro. He quickly rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming maintenance operations manager before joining AC Transit.
Llamas said he was “deeply honored” by the Board’s confidence in him.
“While AC Transit faces challenges ahead, I will rely on the core principles of ‘improvise, adapt, and overcome’ as we begin this next chapter in transit,” said Llamas. “My time with the district has only strengthened my resolve that our bus lines are essential lifelines, driving the success of the East Bay. That success takes a team, and AC Transit is home to some of the most ingenious professionals in the industry. Although the pandemic has shifted rider demands, it will not shift our time-honored commitment to equitable, reliable, accessible, and, most importantly, affordable transit. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue our shared mission as General Manager.”