About Friends of Transit
Friends of Transit was incorporated in 2001 as an Arizona nonprofit corporation. The mission of Friends of Transit is to educate the public on the benefits and importance to the Greater Phoenix community of a well-designed and accessible mass transit system, which represents a major component of a balanced regional transportation plan.
The idea of forming Friends of Transit came about after the Phoenix electorate approved a sales tax increase in 2000 to fund a comprehensive transit system, consisting of improved bus service and the addition of a light rail transit component. As a result of the successful transit elections in the cities of Phoenix and Tempe, several community leaders identified the continuing need to educate the public about the benefits of the voter-approved plans, especially given that some elements of the system would not be implemented for several years following the vote.
Skip Rimsza, then Mayor of the City of Phoenix, led the charge on this initiative and invited more than 40 corporate and community leaders to meet and discuss the need for such an educational organization – thus, Friends of Transit was created and for 10+ years, has continued to educate the general public on the benefits of a balanced transportation system.
Board Members
Maria Hyatt, Chair
Scott Smith, Executive Committee
Jodi Sorrell
Tom Wolf
Katrina Heineking
Adam Rogers
Jesus Sapien, Executive Committee
Marc Soronson, Executive Committee
Shelly Seyler
Jody Sims
Andrew Haines
Deron Lozano
Karim Dada
Karl Witbeck
David Schwartz, Executive Director
Christina Bird, Treasurer

Kristen Taylor
Nick Wiatrowski
Melinda Alonzo, Vice Chair
Amy Jenks
C.J. Eisenbarth Hager
Mike Smith
Transit News
July 06, 2019 – Friends of Transit
Friends of Transit
- FOT UPDATE: INFORMATION ON AUG. 27TH PHOENIX SPECIAL ELECTION
The Aug. 27 Phoenix Special Election is right around the corner, with early voting going on now through Aug. 23. The ballot includes two propositions that, if passed, would dramatically affe...
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June 10, 2019 – Friends of Transit
Friends of Transit
- Cool down with tips from Valley Metro
The heat is here! Valley Metro is committed to your safety year-round. Here are a few tips for keeping you cool all summer long while using public transit. 1. Bring water in a spill-proof conta...
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FOT on Facebook
Bicycle
Being a bicyclist in the Phoenix Metropolitan area can mean a variety of different things. Whether you’re training, commuting, or just looking for a way to get around, check out our list of resources.Light Rail
Light Rail is a great way to get around – check out our light rail resources for the Valley of the Sun and get the latest and the greatest on the light rail system.Pedestrian
Whether you’re training for a race, hiking, or looking to get from point A to point B, check out our pedestrian resources for the Phoenix Metropolitan area.Bus
Learn more about the regional bus service in the Phoenix Metropolitan area including: tips on how to plan your trip, how to get your questions answered, and destinations of interest.Our Contributors











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