The Pierce Transit Board of Commissioners Monday appoined Pierce County Councilmember Rick Talbert to serve as its Chair effective March 1. Talbert replaces Tacoma Mayor Marilyn Strickland, whose second one-year term as Chair ends on Feb. 28.

Talbert has served as a Pierce Transit Commissioner during his eight years on Tacoma City Council and for four additional years since his election to Pierce County Council in 2010.

“We now have the opportunity to build service back as the recovery continues,” said Talbert, referring to Pierce Transit’s increased sales tax revenue and a focus on efficiency and innovation. Financial forecasts, once dire, are now projected to be sustainable through 2019. “I’m pleased to see the agency successfully working with invested communities to develop new lines of service like the Gig Harbor Trolley, the Fife-Milton-Edgewood Community Connectors and the Custom Bus Express Service.”

Strickland plans to continue serving as a Pierce Transit Commissioner until her term ends in 2015.