ASK ME ABOUT Next steps for the “Reinventing Metro” plan.
HOW WILL YOUR EXPERIENCE AT TANK BE APPLIED TO YOUR NEW ROLE WITH METRO/SORTA? My 18 years of experience at TANK allowed me to learn nearly every part of the transit business. I played a hands-on role in the daily operation of the bus business, and I also gained a deep understanding of how transit systems are funded, from passenger fares to federal funding programs and everything in between.
WHAT ARE THE UPCOMING STEPS OF METRO’S EXPANSION PLAN? Metro has completed the first three of five phases to improve the fixed-route transit network. Phase four of these improvements rolls out this fall. Metro has also launched three of six planned MetroNow! zones with the fourth zone coming later in 2025. Our largest project, the MetroRapid bus rapid transit project, is in the design phase with construction slated to begin in 2026.
HOW DO YOU HOPE THE REINVENTING METRO PLAN WILL IMPACT OUR COMMUNITY? These improvements have already had a huge positive impact on our region. Metro is one of the few U.S. transit systems that’s carrying more passengers than we did before the pandemic. We have added 24-hour bus routes and cross-town routes and are improving access to jobs, education, medical appointments, and more. As we improve our region’s transit system, we’re driving more economic growth and creating more opportunity for everyone.