The Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority board of directors announced Goodyear Councilman Bill Stipp as its chair for fiscal 2024.

Terms began July 1 and will run through June 30, 2024. The boards help guide the agencies by providing transportation leadership to best serve the region and its communities, according to a release.

Stipp has served on the Valley Metro board since 2017, including a term as a vice chair in 2022 and treasurer in 2021. He is also the immediate past chair of the Valley Metro Audit and Finance Subcommittee, which provides policy oversight of the financial activities of the RPTA.

“A highly functional transit system is essential to ensuring the public health, safety and quality of life for all of our residents,” said Stipp in a released statement. “I am honored to have been selected to serve in this new role and look forward to leading the board as we continue to build and invest in an effective and efficient transit system for the region."

Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller said the group was fortunate to have Stipp as board leader.

 “He has demonstrated strong and thoughtful guidance of the agency while serving six years as board member, including his steady leadership as Chair of the Audit and Finance Subcommittee," she said. "He is strategic and helpful in his approach, dedicated to the oversight of the agency and steadfast in building an efficient and fiscally responsible operation and public service.”

Chandler Councilmember OD Harris and Tempe Vice Mayor Jennifer Adams will serve as vice chairs.

Valley Metro Rail board officers will include Phoenix Councilmember Laura Pastor as chair and Mesa Vice Mayor Francisco Heredia, as vice chair.

Valley Metro RPTA and Valley Metro Rail Joint Board Subcommittee members are Harris, Stipp, Pastor and Heredia.

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, according to a release.

The board is comprised of elected officials from 19 cities or towns in the region as well as officials from Maricopa County.

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.

 In fiscal 2020, total ridership for the regional bus and 28-mile light rail system was 53 million passengers, the release stated.

Five high-capacity transit extensions are in planning or under construction that will create a 50-mile system by 2030.

Valley Metro also offers alternative transportation programs including paratransit services for seniors and people with disabilities, commuter vanpools, online carpool matching, bus trip mapping, bicycle safety and telework assistance.

For information, visit valleymetro.org, or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.