VIA Inducts Former Trustee, Former President & CEO Into Hall of Honor
Trailblazers Armando “Rocky” Aranda and Jeffrey Arndt join VIA’s Hall of Honor for their pivotal roles in advancing accessible and community-focused transit.
Trailblazers Armando “Rocky” Aranda (bottom left) and Jeffrey Arndt (bottom middle) join VIA’s Hall of Honor for 2025.
Photo: VIA Metropolitan Transit
VIA Metropolitan Transit recently honored two individuals, the late Armando “Rocky” Aranda, Sr., and Jeffrey C. Arndt, who played pivotal roles in shaping VIA from its founding to the modern agency it is today
VIA Board Chair Laura Cabanilla, VIA President & CEO Jon Gary Herrera, VIA trustees, and others celebrated the inductees, whose families were present, during a ceremony at the VIA Metro Center Board Room, where the Hall of Honor is housed. The space was dedicated in February 2024.
The Hall of Honor was established to honor trailblazing leaders who played pivotal roles in establishing, promoting, and enhancing transit in the San Antonio region.
Pioneers of Accessible, Innovative Transit
Aranda, who served as a trustee from 1980 to 1988, had a passion for accessible transportation that was rooted in personal experience. After surviving childhood polio, he developed a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. This perspective fueled his advocacy for inclusive services, including expanding VIAtrans paratransit and fare programs for seniors, students, and individuals with disabilities — efforts that continue to benefit riders today.
The Hall of Honor was established to honor trailblazing leaders who played pivotal roles in establishing, promoting, and enhancing transit in the San Antonio region.
Photo: VIA Metropolitan Transit
Arndt served as president and CEO from 2013 until January 2025, guiding VIA through a decade of bold transformation, positioning the organization as a model for innovation, sustainability, and community-centered mobility. He led the successful 2020 voter-approved referendum that established a dedicated funding stream for public transportation, enabling the start of San Antonio’s first Advanced Rapid Transit corridor, the expansion of VIA Link on-demand service, and the development of the Better Bus Plan with a strong emphasis on reliability and frequency.
A two-time Outstanding General Manager honoree of the Texas Transit Association, a recipient of its 2024 Distinguished Service Award, and the 2024 Heart of the City Award from Visit San Antonio, Arndt is widely recognized for his strategic leadership, collaborative spirit, and lasting impact on regional mobility.
Aranda and Arndt join the inaugural inductees honored in February 2024, who were Esperanza “Hope” Andrade and Marilyn G. Jones, two former chairs of the VIA Board of Trustees. Glen Hartman, Robert Thompson, and Nelson Wolff were inducted in November 2024.
More Management
What Transit-Oriented Development Means for the Future of Public Transportation
Once viewed primarily as transit operators, agencies are now leveraging land, partnerships, and long-term planning to boost ridership, expand housing, and strengthen communities.
Read More →
USDOT Announces $22 Million for Transit Innovation, Updates High-Speed Rail Rules
New federal transit funding will support safety, accessibility, and technology projects as updated rail regulations establish new noise standards for high-speed trains.
Read More →
Transportation Construction Coalition Unveils Infrastructure Case Studies Ahead of Federal Funding Deadline
The coalition noted the next surface transportation bill should provide sustained investment in highways and public transit to strengthen freight movement, improve safety, and support economic growth.
Read More →
People Movement: American Bus Association Extends Ferguson and More
METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.
Read More →
METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners
Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence
Read More →
MBTA Rolls Out Pilot Programs to Cut Costs, Simplify Travel
Three new fare pilots — including unlimited two-hour transfers, reduced express bus fares, and free transit for eligible seniors — will launch this fall as Massachusetts extends popular commuter rail discounts through November.
Read More →
FTA Opens $610 Million Funding Opportunity for Bus Infrastructure Projects
The latest Notice of Funding Opportunity provides transit agencies with funding for bus facilities, fleet modernization, and low- and no-emission vehicles, with applications due September 21.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
Massachusetts Approves $530M to Strengthen MBTA Operations, Infrastructure
The funding package targets operating stability, capital improvements, and fare affordability, offering a model for agencies navigating long-term funding challenges.
Read More →
LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year
Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.
Read More →