METRO Vision

METRO light rail will be recognized as a trusted and respected community partner and visionary leader that provides a premier
regional rail transit system with a commitment to excellence and safety, which provides value, enhances quality of life and is a point of pride for our community.

METRO Mission

METRO provides a premier regional rail system that enhances mobility and strengthens the viability of our community.

Our Values

• Accountability
• Communication
• Integrity
• Leadership
• Respect
• Trust

METRO CEO Rick Simonetta

Richard Simonetta has spent 35 years in the public transportation industry, including more than 25 years as general manager/CEO for transit agencies nationwide. Before assuming leadership at METRO, Simonetta headed the MARTA system in Atlanta where he helped the agency prepare for the transportation demands of the 1996 Olympic Games, which involved moving more than 25 million passengers in 17 days.

In addition to his duties at METRO, Simonetta is president of the Arizona Transit Association. Past service includes chair of the American Public Transportation Association and vice president for North America on the executive board of UITP, a global public transportation association.

Simonetta is the recipient of several prestigious APTA awards, including 1997 Transit Manager of the Year, Best Overall Transit System, and two-time winner for Best Hiring and Advancement of Minorities and Women at his agencies. He has been named by METRO Magazine, a national transportation magazine, as one of the 50 most influential people in public transportation of the past century.

Simonetta received his Bachelor of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Regional Planning from Pennsylvania State University.