MTA names new Subways chief

The MTA has tapped a veteran electrical engineer who played an important role during superstorm Sandy to head the agency's subways department.

Joseph Leader on Wednesday was named acting senior vice president for the Department of Subways.

He replaces Carmen Bianco, who was recently promoted to acting president of NYC Transit -- the job vacated by Thomas Prendergast after he was recently nominated as chair and chief executive of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

"I am taking the lead of what I consider to be the greatest subway system in the world during one of the most challenging periods in its history," Leader said in a statement.

Leader is an electrical engineer with 27 years of experience in NYC Transit, including 10 years as senior manager in the Department of Subways. He's also a past superintendent of track safety and director of investigations in the Office of System Safety.

In his most recent position as Subways Department vice president and chief maintenance officer, Leader was on the front lines during the Oct. 29 storm, monitoring the rising water in lower Manhattan.

"Having witnessed up close, the damage caused by Sandy, I am well aware of the work that remains," Leader said of the MTA subway system, which transports. 5.4 million people each day. "However, it makes things just a little easier knowing that I am supported by the finest group of transit professionals anywhere."