Dave Couch

Background

About Dave Couch

For over 40 years, David has been part of the transportation industry – demonstrating professional excellence, actively participating in APTA, working for public transit agencies, and working with the Federal Transit Administration. Known for his commitment to strong teamwork on billion-dollar mega projects he headed projects in Washington, Houston, California, and Austin. David has been responsible for all aspects of transit projects from cradle to grave. On various projects this has included planning, design, real estate, procurement, quality, construction, and overall program management. Among the highlights of his tenure in Austin with CapMetro was the approval of an overall transit system plan the first comprehensive plan for Austin. In November 2020 the voters approved a referendum for the initial system implementation including two light rail lines, three BRT lines and a transition to all electric busses. The $7 billion program includes projected federal funds and a dedicated local fund source for capital, operation and state of good repair. Prior to Austin, Couch served in leadership positions at transit agencies across America. Including Program Manager for Caltrain San Carlos California Modernization Program, Senior Vice President of the Metropolitan Transit Authority Houston Texas for three line expansion of the light rail system, and Director Capital Construction of the Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority for all new construction and state of good repair projects. David has been heavily involved with the American Public Transportation Association, serving on the capital projects subcommittee, for which he was the chairman for a number of years. While in Washington he participated with other transit agencies to assist the Federal Transit Administration with the development of a Congressionally required report on the state of good repair of various transit systems. He has frequently delivered presentations at conferences, to boards, federal agencies, and project stakeholders. David has been a member of the Design Build Institute of America, and the Construction Management Association of America.