A transmission subsystem has an automatic transfer switch (100) which includes at least a pair of movable contact members (28, 30). The pair of movable contact members includes a first movable contact member (28) at a first location and a second movable contact member (30) at a second location. The automatic transfer switch further includes a fixed member (29), a controller (68) configured to select one of the first and second movable contact members, and a permanent magnetic actuator (65). The permanent magnetic actuator includes an actuator body, a first driving rod (60), and a second driving rod (62). The permanent magnet actuator is configured to move the first driving rod in a first direction independently of movement of the second driving rod. The first driving rod is configured to move the first movable contact member, and the second driving rod is configured to move the second movable contact member.