San Antonio, Texas’ VIA Metropolitan Transit board voted unanimously to appoint a new president and CEO to lead the region’s mobility provider.

Jon Gary Herrera will succeed Jeffrey C. Arndt as president and CEO at VIA, beginning Jan. 4, 2025.

Arndt’s Impact and Successor

During his tenure, Arndt and his team ushered in a time of transformation for the agency that first rolled out service in 1978 and has grown as an industry leader in safety, innovation, and customer satisfaction. 

The much-decorated CEO is retiring after 40 years in the transportation industry and 13 years behind the wheel at VIA, leaving the agency as the “Most Outstanding Metropolitan Transit Authority in Texas,” a distinction earned three times under Arndt’s leadership.

Herrera, a San Antonio native, has served as VIA’s sr. VP, public engagement, since 2017, overseeing efforts to deliver major milestones, including the historic 2020 initiative to secure additional funding for VIA’s Keep SA Moving plan.

He was selected as the lone finalist for VIA’s top job at a special-called board meeting in October, where trustees approved Board Chair Fernando Reyes to negotiate a contract with Herrera.

“The board chose from among three impressive and capable internal candidates, who have each demonstrated a passion for their work and a commitment to carry us forward to the future,” said Reyes. “Every member of the team is part of Jeff’s legacy here. He will leave VIA stronger than he found it, and with the Board’s sincere thanks for a job done well, and always done with heart.”

Impact of Herrera’s Appointment

Herrera will be VIA’s first Latino president and CEO to lead the state’s second-largest transit service area in the agency’s 46 years.

“I applaud the board’s selection and congratulate Jon Gary, who will be a strong and visionary leader for the agency and the people at VIA who keep San Antonio moving, every day,” Arndt said. “Choosing from within the VIA family speaks to the strength of our leadership and the entire team, who together will continue to accomplish great things for the community we serve.”

State of the Agency

VIA has long been the least-funded major transit agency in Texas but continues to innovate to deliver more and better service for San Antonio and Bexar County.

In 2025, the agency will break ground on the region’s first Advanced Rapid Transit corridor, the VIA Rapid Green Line, connecting major job centers and neighborhoods from the San Antonio International Airport area, through Downtown and to the neighborhood near San Antonio’s historic missions. 

A second VIA Rapid line, designed to connect the East and West sides, is set to begin construction in 2027.

A fifth VIA Link zone opened Downtown this fall, offering new and affordable on-demand options in the city center. And a Better Bus Plan to improve frequency and reliability on VIA’s core service routes will roll out next year.

“I’m honored to be chosen to lead VIA at a time of great progress and change for the city I was born and raised in, and where I have worked to support its continued growth and prosperity,” Herrera said. “Our board and longtime CEO have charted a path toward a more mobile future for our region. I’m proud to be part of that mission and vision, and introduce new, innovative ways we can get there, together.”