The Valley Metro RPTA and Valley Metro Rail Boards of Directors have elected new officers for the Fiscal Year 2016-17 term.
Elected to serve on July 1, 2016 for Valley Metro RPTA:
- Chair – Phoenix Councilmember Thelda Williams
- Vice Chair – Scottsdale Councilmember Suzanne Klapp
- Treasurer – Glendale Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff
“The future of public transportation in the region is one that residents are excited about,” said Phoenix Councilmember and Valley Metro RPTA Board Chair-Elect Thelda Williams. “As we look to fulfill the Regional Transportation Plan and Phoenix’s Transportation 2050, we will coordinate a series of improvements that will grow our system and ability to serve more people and communities. Passengers will benefit from new routes and longer service hours across fiscal year 2017 and beyond.”
In October 2016 and April 2017, significant bus service enhancements will roll out in Phoenix and neighboring cities as part of the Transportation 2050 plan. By April, the region will experience a 25% growth in bus service, including greater service hours and frequency.
Valley Metro is the regional public transportation agency providing coordinated, multi-modal transit options to residents of greater Phoenix. With a core mission of advancing a network of transit services, Valley Metro plans, develops and operates regional bus service and alternative transportation programs for commuters, seniors and people with disabilities. The Board is comprised of elected officials from 15 cities and towns and Maricopa County.
Elected to serve on July 1, 2016 for Valley Metro Rail:
- Chair – Tempe Mayor Mark Mitchell
- Vice Chair – Mesa Vice Mayor Dennis Kavanaugh
Tempe Mayor and Board Chair-Elect Mark Mitchell said it’s vitally important to provide riders with a safe, efficient and reliable light rail system.
“Regional cooperation is critical to continuing our mission of expanding Valley Metro Rail to connect more people with more destinations across the Valley,” Mitchell said. “As Chair, I look forward to furthering the Valley Metro Rail Board's commitment to transparency in planning, managing and operating our Valley’s rail system, as well as diligent stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
Earlier this year the light rail opened extensions in central Mesa and northwest Phoenix, adding approximately six miles to the system. Groundbreaking will begin in fall of 2016 to add another 1.9 miles to the line in Mesa extending the light rail to Gilbert Road.
Valley Metro Rail plans, constructs, operates and maintains the light rail/high-capacity system in the greater Phoenix area. The Board is comprised of five member cities who provide policy direction for rail service.
A subcommittee of the Boards of Directors is the Audit and Finance Subcommittee, which provides financial oversight of agency budget and expenditures. Buckeye Councilmember Eric Orsborn and Chandler Councilmember Rick Heumann are elected to serve on this committee as of July 1 also joining Board representatives from Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale and Surprise.
