Re-election of METRO light rail Board chairs

Phoenix Councilman Tom Simplot and Mesa Vice Mayor Kyle Jones will remain as METRO light rail’s Board of Directors Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, for fiscal year 2010 – 2011.

“We are extremely pleased to have these two innovative leaders on board to continue to guide METRO on a path of growth and quality service for our current and future riders,” said Stephen R. Banta, METRO CEO.

Councilman Simplot has served as METRO Board Chairman for the past four years; Vice Mayor Jones as Vice Chairman for the past year.

“I am proud to continue to serve as Chair of the METRO Board of Directors,” said Councilman Simplot. “In less than two years, we have seen consistent increases in ridership, expanded late night service and provided a METRO experience that continues to exceed riders' expectations. I look forward to building on this foundation in the coming year.”

The City of Mesa’s Board involvement will be critical as METRO moves forward with the Central Mesa light rail extension from the current end-of-line at Sycamore, through downtown Mesa, to Mesa Drive by 2016.

“It’s been an honor to represent Mesa on the METRO Board of Directors and I look forward to continuing my service as Vice Chair during what will continue to be an exciting and challenging time, especially with the light rail extension,” said Vice Mayor Jones.

The METRO Board consists of elected leadership from each member city who work collaboratively to establish METRO policies, disperse funds and manage the system’s growth. The METRO member cities are Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale, Peoria and Chandler.

[Headshots are available upon request.]

About METRO

METRO is responsible for the development and operation of the region’s high-capacity transit system. The first 20-mile light rail line opened Dec. 27, 2008 and served 11.3 million riders in 2009, exceeding all first-year ridership projections. METRO continues to serve an average of 41,000 daily riders and refine its 20-mile operation. It is also planning for 37 miles of future extensions.

Source: Metro Light Rail