District 3 Council member Francisco Heredia has been named chair of both the Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors and the Valley Metro Regional Public Transit Authority Board of Directors for the fiscal year 2022 term.

Heredia also served as chair of the Valley Metro Rail Board for fiscal year 2021. Heredia’s terms as chair will last until June 30, 2022. The boards help guide the agencies by providing transportation leadership to best serve the region and its communities, according to a release.

“It is quite an honor to be able to represent the city of Mesa once again as the chair of the Valley Metro Rail Board of Directors and now also the Valley Metro Regional Public Transit Authority Board,” Heredia said in the release. “Our rail system plays a vital role in bringing people throughout the Valley together to many destinations. The ability for all of our cities to work together, maintain transparency, plan and manage the operations of the system is imperative to its success, and I will continue to work together with my colleagues on the Boards to achieve these goals.”

Valley Metro Rail plans, constructs, operates and maintains light rail and high-capacity systems in the greater Phoenix area. The board is comprised of elected officials from four member cities who provide policy direction for rail service.

Valley Metro RPTA provides coordinated, multi-modal transit options to residents of greater Phoenix. With a core mission of connecting communities and enhancing lives, Valley Metro plans, develops and operates regional bus service and alternative transportation programs for commuters, seniors and people with disabilities. The board is comprised of elected officials from 19 cities or towns and Maricopa County.