NEW YORK CITY-Thomas Prendergast, who has served as interim executive director of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority since Joseph Lhota resigned to pursue a mayoral run, now has the leadership job at the agency on a more formal basis. The New York State Senate has confirmed Prendergast as the MTA's chairman and CEO, the governor's office said Thursday afternoon.

Prendergast brings a literal track record to the top job at the MTA. He served for more than three years starting in late 2009 as president of MTA New York City Transit, which runs the subway and bus system in New York City, and for six years between 1994 and 2000 as president of the Long Island Rail Road.

In a statement, Gov. Andrew Cuomo notes that while serving as interim head of the transit agency, Prendergast was “vital to the recovery of the MTA after Superstorm Sandy and he will continue to play a crucial role in making the MTA more modern, efficient and storm ready.” For his part, Prendergast cites the “enormous challenges” the MTA faces in terms of continuing to improve service “while cutting costs and rebuilding stronger” post-Sandy.