Metro Transit General Manager Leaving to Pursue New Opportunities

Metro Transit General Manager Justin Stuehrenberg has announced he will be leaving his position on May 30, 2025. Since joining Metro in March 2020, Stuehrenberg has led the agency through transformative growth and modernization, significantly expanding partnerships and strengthening the organization. 

Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway says the news is bittersweet and the City congratulates Stuehrenberg on his new opportunity.  

“Madison needed to modernize and expand its transit system to adapt to a growing, thriving city. Thanks to Justin’s leadership, Metro Transit is more efficient, sustainable, and responsive to community needs,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway. “His impact will be felt for years to come, and we are profoundly grateful for his contributions. Thank you, Justin, for your commitment to public service and for shepherding Metro into a new era.” 

Under Stuehrenberg’s leadership, Metro Transit has accomplished several major milestones, including: 

• Overhauling the transit network with a comprehensive redesign to improve service efficiency and accessibility. 

• Successfully launching a state-of-the-art Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. 

• Transitioning one-third of Metro’s fleet to electric vehicles while modernizing the entire fleet. 

• Growing Metro’s revenue from regional service partners from $4 million in 2019 to $14 million in 2025, greatly enhancing the agency’s financial sustainability and community reach. 

• Driving staffing vacancies down dramatically and hiring key leadership positions, ensuring Metro has the workforce needed to support its expanding operations. 

• Installing a cutting-edge vehicle technology system and a modern fare collection system. 

• Renovating a 40-year-old facility and opening a second operations hub. 

Stuehrenberg led Metro through a period of historic change, positioning it as a national leader in transit innovation and navigating the agency through a global pandemic that significantly impacted transit systems worldwide. During his tenure he was able to secure hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding and to build a strong leadership team that will help ensure the agency’s long-term success. 

Stuehrenberg, who will be joining a private sector consulting firm, wants to thank the residents of Madison and neighboring communities for supporting public transportation and helping build a better community for all. 

“I'm incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together over the past five years. From expanding partnerships to driving down staffing shortages and delivering major infrastructure improvements, Metro has made remarkable strides," said Stuehrenberg. "I am confident that the talented team in place will continue this momentum as the agency moves into its next phase of operational excellence.” 

Parks Superintendent Eric Knepp will serve as Acting General Manager of Metro Transit while the City conducts a national search for the next General Manager. The hiring process is expected to be completed early this fall. 

Note: Justin Stuehrenberg will be available for media interviews between 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 3. Please email City Communications Manager Dylan Brogan, dbrogan@cityofmadison.com, to schedule a slot.