Opinion

PETER KALIKOW’S TENURE

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Chairman Peter Kalikow said yesterday he will step down as soon as Gov. Spitzer appoints a successor.

Kalikow will leave after nine extraordinarily productive years on the MTA board – seven as chairman.

He engineered the virtually seamless replacement of the venerable token with the MetroCard, which in turn made practical the elimination of two- and three-fare commutes.

Not coincidentally, ridership skyrocketed and is today at historic levels – testimony to the effectiveness of Kalikow’s stewardship.

The particular challenges presented by the 110-year-old subways – with 720-plus fragile miles of track and an antique signal system – would stress any capital budget, and the MTA’s was no exception.

But the Transit Authority’s reconstruction and repair master plans are proceeding on schedule, evidence of effective leadership and an understanding of just how critical efficient mass transit is to the city’s economy.

Kalikow also crafted an ambitious transit-expansion plan. His successor will have his hands full completing several critical projects, including:

* The oft-delayed Second Avenue Subway project.

* The East Side Access linking the Long Island Railroad to Grand Central Terminal.

* The No. 7 train extension to the far West Side.

If the next MTA chairman is as adroit at managing these complex projects as his predecessor was in starting them, New York will be fortunate indeed.

As fortunate as the city has been to have had Peter Kalikow at the MTA for the last seven years.