L.A. Kimball, 75; Headed MTA, Transit Systems in Other Cities

L.A. “Kim” Kimball, a former chief administrative officer of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and a leader in public transit during his more than 30-year career, has died. He was 75.

Kimball died Sunday of liver and lung cancer at his home in Northridge.

Kimball launched his transit career in Oakland in 1964 when he joined the newly formed Bay Area Rapid Transit District, where he directed administrative operations during the design, construction and initial operation of the 71-mile heavy-rail transit system.

BART opened to the public in 1972.

After 10 years with BART, Kimball spent seven years as deputy administrator and administrator with the Mass Transit Administration in Baltimore, where he managed the design, construction and pre-operation of the subway system and directed a 1,000-bus transit system.

With the Denver Regional Transportation District from 1981 to 1983, he managed the design and construction of the 16th Street Mall while operating a 750-bus system, in addition to planning for the implementation of a light-rail system.

After two years as general manager of Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, Kimball moved to New York City in 1986 as chief transportation officer of MTA New York City Transit.

Shortly thereafter, Kimball was appointed general manager of the MTA Long Island bus system.

Returning to the West Coast in 1993, he served as deputy chief executive officer, executive officer and chief administrative officer during three years with the MTA in Los Angeles County, the nation’s second-largest transit authority.

He ended his career in 1998 after two years as executive director of Tidewater Regional Transit in Norfolk, Va.

Born in Marysville, Calif., on April 1, 1929, Kimball graduated with a degree in political science at age 20 from UC Berkeley, where he also did graduate work.

After serving as a first lieutenant in the Army in Germany during the Korean War, Kimball began his public career as assistant city manager of Redwood City, Calif., in 1956.

Two years later, he became city manager of Walnut Creek, Calif.

Kimball is survived by his wife, Jennifer; sons Bryan of San Francisco, Nathan of Los Angeles and Cameron of San Diego; daughter Wendy Griffin of Spokane, Wash.; two grandchildren; and brothers Robert of Bishop, Calif., and Richard of Palm Springs.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday at the Old North Church at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills.