Bi-State Development announced the selection of Ronald Forrest as the next Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Metro Transit. Forrest joins Bi-State Development on June 2. He brings an extensive background in transportation management and operational excellence to the top Metro Transit position. The leadership transition comes as current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Charles Stewart prepares to retire at the end of June.
Forrest, who was selected from a pool of interested candidates from around the nation, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in public transit to his new role at Metro Transit. Forrest successfully led numerous initiatives at other transit agencies to enhance transportation systems and improve customer experiences. His expertise in project management and community engagement has consistently delivered results that prioritize accessibility and sustainability. His dedication to fostering collaboration makes him an excellent fit to guide Metro Transit’s future growth.
Most recently, Forrest served as Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Metro Transit in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he and his team were responsible for delivering approximately 60 million customer trips annually in the Twin Cities region. His experience, strategic vision and commitment to innovation aligns with Metro Transit’s commitment to enhancing efficiency, promoting inclusion and safety, and elevating customer service across MetroBus, MetroLink, Metro Call-A-Ride, and Transit Assets operations.