NEW YORK - The new president of New York City Transit had his first official day on the job Tuesday.

Andy Byford says he has never owned a car, and plans on riding public transportation every day.

Byford takes over a troubled transit system facing major issues like overcrowding and outdated equipment.

But he says he is up for the challenge.

"To be frank, I am still pinching myself about being given the privilege and the challenge of running one of the worlds greatest transit systems and in such a great city. The city I first came to in 1994 and that I love. So this is a dream come true for me," Byford said.

Byford most recently worked in Toronto, where he oversaw a reduction in delays on the that city's subway and the installation of a modern signal system.

He has also worked for the London and Sydney transit systems.