Tony Bridges MTA administrator appointment will take effect on September 1, 2026. Governor Wes Moore selected the former Maryland delegate after Holly Arnold announced her departure, Baltimore Chronicle reports.
The appointment places a former legislator and transportation official at the head of Maryland’s statewide transit agency. The announcement was confirmed by the Office of Governor Wes Moore, following the initial report from WMAR-2 News and http://bernonline.ch/.
Who is Tony Bridges?
Bridges currently serves as Moore’s deputy legislative officer. He helps coordinate the administration’s economic development agenda within the Maryland General Assembly.
His previous transportation roles include assistant secretary at the Maryland Department of Transportation. He also worked as an MDOT senior adviser and MTA chief of staff.
Bridges represented Baltimore City’s District 41 in the Maryland House of Delegates between 2019 and 2023. His record combines legislative work with direct experience inside Maryland’s transportation system.
What Governor Wes Moore said about the appointment
Moore described Bridges as an official with practical transit experience, legislative knowledge and a strong commitment to Maryland.
The governor highlighted several qualifications behind the decision:
- experience inside the Maryland Transit Administration;
- knowledge of MDOT operations and public engagement;
- legislative experience representing Baltimore;
- work advancing the governor’s economic agenda.
Bridges will enter the position with experience on both sides of state government. That background could help him coordinate transit policy, funding and legislative oversight.
When Tony Bridges will take control of the MTA
| Detail | Confirmed information |
|---|---|
| New administrator | Tony Bridges |
| Appointment announced | July 29, 2026 |
| First day in office | September 1, 2026 |
| Appointed by | Governor Wes Moore |
| Outgoing administrator | Holly Arnold |
Arnold announced her retirement after more than five years leading the agency. Bridges will succeed her during a period of major transit projects and operational challenges.
What the leadership change means for Maryland transit
The new MTA administrator will oversee Baltimore bus services, Metro SubwayLink, Light RailLink, MARC trains and mobility programs.
Bridges will also inherit work involving the Purple Line and Baltimore’s proposed Red Line. Service reliability, project delivery and transit funding are likely to remain central issues for the agency.
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