Sioux Falls' new transit manager looks to keep Sioux Area Metro staff

Via Transportation, Inc.'s chief operating officer vows to lean on SAM staff experience to smooth transition

Chris Nevill, a Sioux Area Metro mechanic, is among more than 80 employees who work for the organization that has managed and operated the city of Sioux Falls’ public transit system since 1990. (Joe Sneve / The Dakota Scout)

The city of Sioux Falls’ new transit manager is offering to retain all of its predecessor’s staff.

A top official with the transportation management and technology company that is taking over South Dakota’s largest city’s transit network next year vowed to extend employment offers to all of Sioux Area Metro’s (SAM) 80-plus employees Tuesday

“We plan to really leverage the experience of the SAM staff in this transition,” Via Transportation, Inc. chief operating officer Alex Lavoie told Sioux Falls City Councilors during an informational briefing Tuesday at Carnegie Town Hall. “We plan to bring on all current SAM staff … all the drivers, maintenance, dispatchers, etcetera, as part of our transition on Jan. 1.”

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