Friends of Transit was incorporated on January 24, 2001 as an Arizona nonprofit corporation.  The mission of Friends of Transit is the instruction of 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 concept of forming Friends of Transit originated after the Phoenix electorate approved a .4% sales tax increase to fund a comprehensive transit system, consisting of improved bus service and the additional of a light rail transit component.  As a result of the successful transit elections in the Cities of Phoenix, Arizona and Tempe, Arizona, several community leaders identified the continuing need to educate the public about the benefits of the voter-approved plans, given, in particular, that some elements of the program will not be implemented for several years, following the vote.

Closely following the incorporation, Skip Rimsza, Mayor of the City of Phoenix, Arizona, invited more than 40 corporate and community leaders to a kick-off meeting which explained the need for such an educational organization as the City of Phoenix begins to increase service of its existing bus system, and simultaneously, begins to design, build and implement a regional light rail system.