With a projected $161 million deficit for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in 2012, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard Davey said he seeks to change the organization’s direction.

“I have a new mantra that I am spreading throughout MassDOT,” Davey said in an email. “I have even had it printed on buttons: ‘But we’ve always done it this way.’ The key piece, the change piece, is that the phrase on the button is crossed out.”

In doing this, the Randolph native said he hopes to spur innovation that will yield new solutions, as opposed to “doing things a certain way just because it has always been done like that.”

Before Gov. Deval Patrick appointed him to his new position in September, Davey had already spent much of his professional career in Massachusetts transit, serving multiple positions.

He was general manager for the MBTA and administrator for the MassDOT Rail & Transit. Davey was also general manager for the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad, which operates and maintains the MBTA’s commuter rail service.

As for how Davey aims to guide the transit system through its “substantial debt,” he said the solution would not come through service cuts alone.

“We are exploring multiple ways of closing that gap,” Davey said, “including possible fare increases, reductions in service and assistance from the legislature.”

Once the MBTA announces the ways of closing the gap, Davey said he will be listening to the public’s reaction.

“I am committed to a full, open and transparent public process,” he said, “and there will be ample opportunity for public comment in the months ahead.”

There are numerous speed bumps facing the Commonwealth’s transportation compounding the $161 million deficit, Davey said, including a backlog of infrastructure improvements, budget shortages and an indebted transit system.

However, he said emphasis on solving these challenges will create a strong transit system and rev the state’s economy and quality of life.

“To do that,” he said, “we need to focus on addressing the backlog of road and bridge repairs.”

Davey also said the MBTA’s open-data initiative, which has resulted in local developers creating more than 40 Smartphone applications, is further helping drive transit into the future.

“Not only do these partnerships save money,” he said, “they improve customer service and demonstrate how a strong, smart public transportation system can be a platform for innovation in greater Boston.”

This creativity is how Davey said he hopes to do business.

“I want to deliver touchable, visible reform and cost savings the public can really understand,” Davey said.

During his time as MassDOT secretary and CEO, Davey said one of his goals is to meet “as many employees as possible.”

“Taking the time to say hello and listen to our employees certainly makes me a better leader,” he said.

This is also made easier by the fact that Davey himself commutes using the transit system he oversees.

“Some people find it interesting that I do not own a car,” Davey said. “The MBTA is my primary mode of transportation.”