Steve Banta, Valley Metro CEO, was honored as one of Phoenix’s Most Admired Leaders by the Phoenix Business Journal at an awards dinner on May 29.
According to the Business Journal, the recipients are selected based on the understanding that a good leader means more than just running their company. The intention of the award is to give worthy individuals the recognition deserved and use their example as inspiration for other companies and business leaders to achieve similar success.
“True leadership means standing firmly on your convictions despite outside pressure to move or step off,” said Banta. “I am grateful for this honor, which is shared with our Valley Metro Boards of Directors and staff who make daily strides to advance transit in the Valley.”
As CEO of Valley Metro, Banta oversees a dynamic bus and light rail system transporting 250,000 passengers daily. While managing an annual budget of $364 million, Banta partners with member cities to operate 100 local and express bus routes and a 20-mile light rail system. Banta is also charged with the planning, design and construction of 40 additional miles of future high capacity/rail extensions.
He has served in the public transit industry for 27 years, starting his career repairing rail cars in San Diego. Banta has worked in progressively responsible positions for several other public transit agencies, including in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Portland.
