After 19 years of dedicated service to Cincinnati’s Metro, including the last five years as CEO/GM, Darryl Haley plans to retire on June 1.

During his tenure, Haley has played a pivotal role in transforming Metro into a world-class transit system and a key economic driver for the Greater Cincinnati region.

“Darryl has been a remarkable leader and change maker for transit, not only in our region, but on a national level as well,” said Blake Ethridge, chairman of Metro’s board. “We applaud his leadership, dedication, and innovation in transforming Metro into the transit system this region deserves and needs.”

Haley’s Career

Haley began his career at Metro as the customer relations manager, focusing on enhancing the customers’ experience. 

He’s since held progressive leadership roles, including serving as executive director, development; executive VP; COO; and deputy GM, before becoming CEO.

“Together with an amazing staff and public support, we’ve been able to achieve extraordinary milestones that have positioned us as a national leader in public transportation,” said Haley. “We secured the first countywide sales tax levy dedicated to transportation. We contributed to the improvement of infrastructure projects throughout the county. We revolutionized transit in our region with innovative new services and improvements that now connect more people to better-paying jobs, quality healthcare and education. In short: We have demonstrated what’s possible for our region when we invest in public transit.”

Impact at Cincinnati’s Metro

Under Haley’s leadership, Metro has achieved several historic milestones, including:

• Testifying before Congress on behalf of the transit industry in support of the historic and largest ever federal investment in public transportation through the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

• Investing more than $317 million to improve roads, sidewalks, bridges, and other transit-related infrastructure through the Metro Transit Infrastructure Fund for 100-plus projects in Hamilton County.

• Signing a labor agreement to provide historic wage and benefit increases to support quality-of-life improvements for Metro’s operators and maintenance workers.

• Implementing 24-hour service for the first time in the agency’s history.

• Launching the new MetroNow! on-demand service in two zones.

• Laying the framework for the development of bus rapid transit (BRT) to enhance mobility and economic development.

• Creating the Regional Paratransit Collaboration with seven counties to improve service connectivity for riders with disabilities.

• Maintaining full service and avoiding job losses with a focus on public safety while navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Leading the nation in post-pandemic ridership recovery.

“These accomplishments are a testament to the incredible team at Metro,” said Haley. “Every employee, whether they work behind the wheel, turn a wrench, or in the office, plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service to our community. It has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated professionals.”

What’s Next for Metro?

A search for Haley’s successor will be announced in the coming months. 

In the meantime, Haley remains committed to guiding Metro through a seamless transition and ensuring the organization is well-positioned for future success, while it remains focused on continuing to deliver on its promises of expanding access to safe, reliable, and innovative transit solutions.