>Oceanside, CA – North County Transit – San Diego Railroad (NCTD) is proud to celebrate Director of Strategic Planning and Transit Systems Nicholas A. Sofoul’s inclusion in Mass Transit magazine’s “40 Under 40 Class of 2025,” which honors talented professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and achievement in public transportation. The recognition highlights Sofoul’s dedication to advancing public transit and continued contribution to NCTD’s mission of serving North San Diego County.
“North County Transit – San Diego Railroad congratulates Nick on this incredible recognition,” said Shawn M. Donaghy, Chief Executive Officer. “Over the past few years the agency has taken on significant projects that have defined the future for North County, and Nick has been an integral part of those successes.”
Sofoul joined NCTD in 2022 and has since led several transformative initiatives, including the successful launch of the agency’s first microtransit service, NCTD+, and the transition of bus operations and maintenance from a contracted model to direct operations under NCTD. This complex transition was accomplished while ensuring uninterrupted service for customers and fostering a high-performing organizational culture within the newly integrated team.
“I am deeply appreciative of the support of my colleagues, mentors, and leadership at NCTD,” said Sofoul. “Receiving this honor strengthens my resolve to serve with humility and strive for excellence for our passengers, who are always at the heart of my work at NCTD.”
Sofoul brings nearly 15 years of experience in public transportation. He is an alumnus of the University of Central Florida, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and Florida Atlantic University, where he obtained a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning. He began his career in transportation at Broward County Transit (BCT) in Florida, where he served for 11 years. During his time at BCT, he played a key role in securing dedicated transit funding and launching the county’s Premium Mobility Plan (PREMO). Sofoul also contributed to the advancement of transit-oriented development strategies through updates to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code.
To view the article in Mass Transit, please click here.
About NCTD
The North County Transit District is a public transportation agency providing critical multi-modal services throughout North San Diego County and into downtown San Diego. NCTD is designated as a rail common carrier by the Surface Transportation Board based on the movement of interstate commerce on the tracks and the Railroad of Record by the Federal Railroad Administration responsible for safety over the entire San Diego portion of the LOSSAN corridor, the nation’s second largest passenger rail network. NCTD’s system includes BREEZE buses (with FLEX service), COASTER commuter trains, SPRINTER hybrid rail trains, LIFT paratransit service, and NCTD+ On-Demand and is one of only three public transit agencies in the nation to operate heavy rail, hybrid rail, and bus service. For more information visit: GoNCTD.com.
