The six-month national search for a new general manager for MARTA has ended with a lone candidate after one of the two finalists withdrew his name, Sept. 11.

Longtime MARTA manager Richard McCrillis is now the only candidate for the position after John Catoe, the deputy CEO of the Lost Angeles Metro transit system, dropped out. MARTA's board of directors has not reopened the search and is still expected to vote on the position on Sept. 25.

McCrillis, 60, has served as the interim general manager since January. He joined MARTA in 1985 as director of treasury services.

Before his appointment to the interim position, he was assistant general manager for finance and chief financial officer for three years. He is recognized throughout the transit industry for his financial expertise.

Ed Walls, who chairs MARTA board, says Catoe did not give a reason for withdrawing but his departure means he was not the right person for the job.

The search for a new general manager cost MARTA $60,000.

MARTA, which is supported by DeKalb taxpayers, has been without a general manager since Nathaniel Ford resigned in January to take over San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency.