Former NYC subway chief makes mayoral run official

By Keith Laing - 01/17/13 07:10 PM ET

Former New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Chairman Joe Lhota is officially running to replace New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I).

Lhota, a Republican, resigned from the MTA last month after winning praise for his handling of the restoration of New York City’s subway service after it sustained widespread damage during Hurricane Sandy.

He filed paperwork Thursday to enter the campaign to replace Bloomberg, who is leaving office after three-terms in New York City’s high-profile mayor’s office.

“It's official. @joelhota is a candidate to be the 109th Mayor of NYC following filings w BD of Elections and NYCCFB,” Lhota said in a tweet from a newly created Twitter account, @JoeLhotaForMayor.

Lhota is a former aide to New York City Mayor Rudy Guiliani (R). He is thought to have a good shot at replacing Bloomberg because of his name recognition from running the largest and busiest transit system in the U.S.

The New York City subway system carries more than 2 billion each year on 24 subway lines that cover 659 miles of track and service 468 stations.

By comparison, the second busiest public transit system in the U.S. is Washington, D.C.'s Metrorail system, which carries more than 200 million passengers per year. The DC Metro system has 103 miles and 86 stations.

Lhota said on his campaign website that he was running for New York City Mayor because “I love this City – I love its diversity and optimism, and the opportunity it represents.”