Outgoing Tri-Rail Chief Touts Improvements, Seeks Funding

David Dech says the 37-year-old commuter rail line is in a good position to recapture state funding and serve more passengers.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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David Dech, the outgoing executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority that operates Tri-Rail, says the commuter rail line has undergone significant improvements over the past three years, including replacing windows, air conditioning, and bathrooms on the rail cars. Dech is leaving Tri-Rail to take a new job running a commuter rail line in Indiana, but he is optimistic about Tri-Rail's future and its ability to secure state funding to continue serving the region.

Why it matters

Tri-Rail is a crucial transportation option for commuters in South Florida, providing an alternative to the congested I-95 corridor. Dech's efforts to upgrade the system and make the case for continued state funding will impact the reliability and accessibility of public transportation in the region.

The details

When Dech joined Tri-Rail in 2022, he found the rail cars and stations in need of significant maintenance and cleaning. Over the past three years, Tri-Rail has replaced 850 windows, upgraded air conditioning, and renovated bathrooms on the rail cars. The rail corridor has also been cleaned up, with homeless camps and trash removed. Dech says Tri-Rail now provides a clean, reliable service that he would "put up against any railroad in the country." Tri-Rail also completed an extension to connect with Brightline's MiamiCentral station, allowing for seamless regional rail travel.

  • In 2022, Dech and his wife took a Tri-Rail train from the commuter line's headquarters in Pompano Beach to the airport.
  • Last year, Tri-Rail served more than 4.5 million passengers, a system record.
  • Dech's resignation is set for mid-March 2026.

The players

David Dech

The outgoing executive director of the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, which operates Tri-Rail. Dech is leaving Tri-Rail to take a new job running a commuter rail line in Indiana.

South Florida Regional Transportation Authority

The agency that operates the Tri-Rail commuter rail system in South Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Today the cars ride better. They're not perfect. They're old. We re-wrapped them, we changed the windows, we changed the air conditioners, we replaced the bathrooms in the cab cars.”

— David Dech, Outgoing Executive Director, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (Sun Sentinel)

“I'm just exceptionally proud of the efforts between our team and our contractors to really turn this railroad and make it into where I think I can put this railroad up against any railroad in the country.”

— David Dech, Outgoing Executive Director, South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (Sun Sentinel)

What’s next

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority board will name an interim executive director to replace Dech after his departure in mid-March 2026. A national search is likely to find a permanent replacement.

The takeaway

Under Dech's leadership, Tri-Rail has undergone significant improvements to its rail cars and infrastructure, positioning the commuter line to better serve South Florida commuters. Dech's efforts to secure continued state funding will be crucial to Tri-Rail's long-term sustainability and ability to provide a reliable transportation alternative to congested roadways.