San Antonio’s VIA Transit Welcomes New Leadership Amid Major Transit Expansion

On November 12, 2024, the VIA Metropolitan Transit Board of Trustees unanimously approved the appointment of a new President and CEO for the region’s transportation network. Jon Gary Herrera is set to take over the role from outgoing CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt, starting January 4, 2025.

Arndt’s leadership has been marked by a period of significant transformation for VIA, a transit agency that began operations in 1978. Over his 13-year tenure, the agency became recognized as a leader in safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Arndt, who retires after four decades in the transportation industry, leaves a lasting legacy; under his guidance, VIA was named “Most Outstanding Metropolitan Transit Authority in Texas” three times.

Herrera, a native of San Antonio, has served as VIA’s Senior Vice President of Public Engagement since 2017. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in advancing key initiatives, including the historic 2020 campaign to secure additional funding for VIA’s Keep SA Moving plan. Herrera’s selection as the only finalist for the top job was confirmed at a special board meeting in October, where the trustees authorized Board Chair Fernando Reyes to negotiate the terms of Herrera’s contract, which were approved this week.

Board Chair Reyes highlighted the strength of the internal candidates considered for the position, all of whom demonstrated a dedication to advancing VIA’s mission. He expressed the Board’s gratitude to Arndt, emphasizing that the outgoing CEO’s contributions have left VIA in a stronger position than when he took over.

As the agency’s first Latino President and CEO, Herrera will be leading Texas’s second-largest transit area, a historic milestone for VIA in its 46-year history. Reflecting on the appointment, Arndt voiced his support for the Board’s decision, praising Herrera as a capable and visionary leader who will continue to drive the agency forward. Arndt noted that selecting a candidate from within VIA underscores the strength of the agency’s leadership team and their shared commitment to community service.

Despite being the least-funded major transit agency in Texas, VIA has consistently focused on innovation and service improvement for San Antonio and Bexar County. In 2025, the agency plans to break ground on the region’s first Advanced Rapid Transit line, the VIA Rapid Green Line, which will link key employment centers and neighborhoods from the San Antonio International Airport area, through Downtown, to the neighborhoods surrounding the city’s historic missions. A second rapid transit line, set to connect the East and West sides of the city, is scheduled for construction in 2027.

VIA’s efforts to expand service options continue, with the opening of a fifth VIA Link zone in Downtown this fall, introducing affordable on-demand transit to the city center. Additionally, a Better Bus Plan aimed at enhancing service frequency and reliability on core routes is set to launch next year.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Herrera emphasized that it was an honor to lead VIA during a time of growth and transformation for his hometown. He recognized the Board and Arndt’s leadership in setting a clear course for the region’s mobility future and affirmed his commitment to exploring new, innovative solutions to enhance connectivity for San Antonio.

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