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 20+ years, has continued to educate the general public on the benefits of a balanced transportation system.
Board Members
Andrew Haines, Chair
Maria Tyne, Immediate Past Chair
Jessica Mefford-Miller, Executive Committee
Jesus Sapien, Executive Committee
Ted Chamberlain, Executive Commitee
Eric Reese, Executive Committee
Bill Ferris
Rob Killebrew
Brian Vladyka
Jodi Sorrell
Kyle Strickland
Karim Dada, Vice Chair
Scott Miller
Yvette LeDesma
Shelly Seyler
Tyler Besch
JC Porter
Daniel Terryn
Marc Perla
Christina Bird, Treasurer

Mike Orueta
Gregory Heinz
Matthew Dudley
Chris Jacobson
Tania Torres
Albert Santana
Norman Jester
Matt Carpenter
David Schwartz, Executive Director
Transit News
April 13, 2023 – Friends of Transit
Friends of Transit
- Valley Metro is Enhancing the Rider Experience with April Service Changes
Valley Metro is extending and streamlining routes as well as adjusting schedules to better serve the needs of its customers. Riders should check their route ahead of the bi-annual service change going into effect on Monday, April 24.
Read More
March 30, 2023 – Friends of Transit
Friends of Transit
- Phoenix Rising Fans Score with the Valley Metro Rail Ride Partnership
Phoenix Rising FC is the next Valley sports team to join Valley Metro as a Rail Ride partner.
Read More
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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