SC Metro | Santa Cruz METRO CEO Appointed to California Transit Association Executive Committee

Santa Cruz METRO CEO Appointed to California Transit Association Executive Committee

SANTA CRUZ, CA (March 3, 2026) — Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) CEO Corey Aldridge has been appointed to the California Transit Association (CTA) Executive Committee, representing mid-sized transit operators across the state through the 2027 term.

CTA serves as California’s primary statewide advocacy organization for public transit agencies, representing the industry’s interests before the State Legislature, Governor’s Office, and key regulatory agencies.

“Having a seat on the CTA Executive Committee ensures that the operational realities and priorities of agencies like Santa Cruz METRO are front and center when decisions are being made in Sacramento,” said Corey Aldridge, METRO CEO. “This role allows us to advocate for practical, workable solutions that support reliable service, workforce development, and continued investment in public transportation.”

As a representative of the Medium-Size Operator Group, Aldridge will provide insight on the unique challenges and opportunities facing transit agencies serving communities like Santa Cruz County, including funding stability, state regulatory compliance, and advancing zero-emission bus implementation.

Strengthening METRO’s Voice at the State and National Levels

In addition to his new role with CTA, Aldridge serves as:

· President of The Bus Coalition, a national organization focused on advancing bus transit priorities in federal policy, including fleet transition, service delivery, and funding.

· Board Member of American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the premier national trade association representing public transportation agencies across the United States.

Through these leadership positions, METRO gains early insight into emerging state and federal policies, funding opportunities, and industry best practices. Participation at both the state and national levels strengthen METRO’s ability to secure competitive grants, navigate regulatory changes, and remain proactive in addressing evolving transit needs.

“These roles are not just professional appointments — they directly benefit Santa Cruz METRO and the community we serve,” Aldridge added. “By staying engaged at the highest levels of transit leadership, we ensure our agency remains forward-thinking, financially competitive, and aligned with best practices nationwide.”

Santa Cruz METRO has been under Aldridge’s leadership since April 2024. During this time, the agency has continued advancing service and reliability initiatives, including Reimagine METRO and strategic planning efforts to better serve Santa Cruz County residents.

For more information about Santa Cruz METRO, visit scmetro.org.

About Us

Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO)

Established in 1968, METRO’S mission is to provide environmentally sustainable transportation to Santa Cruz County. METRO directly operates county-wide, fixed-route and Highway 17 commuter service, with connections to Santa Clara County and Monterey Salinas Transit at our Watsonville Transit Center. The agency also operates ParaCruz paratransit service. Today, METRO operates a fleet of 104 buses on 20 fixed routes and 32 paratransit vehicles.

Every ride on a METRO bus takes cars off the road, significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and supports economic opportunity and quality of life in our community. Moving into the future, METRO strives to meet the following goals:

· Increase transit ridership to 7 million trips annually within the next five years

· Transition to a zero-emissions fleet with a mix of hydrogen and electric vehicles

· Increase affordable housing at METRO-owned transit centers to 175 units in the next 10 years. For more information, visit scmetro.org.