MOLINE, Ill. — The Rock Island County Metropolitan Mass Transit District (MetroLINK) Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Benjamin Limmer as its new Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, effective October 20, 2025.

“Ben brings an outstanding blend of leadership and hands-on experience in advancing public transportation systems that connect communities and strengthen regional economies,” said Dave Krouth, Chair of the MetroLINK Board of Trustees. “His record of operational excellence and forward-thinking approach to mobility align perfectly with MetroLINK’s mission.”

With more than two decades of experience in strategic planning, capital development, and organizational leadership, Limmer most recently served as Chief of Public Transportation at the Connecticut Department of Transportation, where he oversaw one the largest rail and bus systems in the country. He played an integral role in preparing the state’s long-term strategic vision with a focus on innovation to improve customer experience.

Prior to his role in Connecticut, his career includes senior leadership roles at the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART), Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Valley Metro in Phoenix, and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transportation Authority (GCRTA).

Limmer is recognized nationally for driving transformative projects that elevate transit’s role in economic growth, environmental stewardship, and community livability. His work has encompassed large-scale infrastructure investments, electric fleet transitions, and public-private partnerships that enhance regional connectivity.

“I’m honored to join MetroLINK and continue the organization’s legacy of innovation and impact,” said Limmer. “MetroLINK’s commitment to transportation as an integral part of community growth and its focus on multimodal integration is exactly what the future of transit should look like. I look forward to working with our Board, team members, and community partners to advance public transportation across the Quad Cities.”

Limmer has been widely recognized in local communities and as well as the transit industry. Limmer currently sits on the Board of Directors for the American Public Transportation Association. He was also the recipient of the Women’s Transportation Seminar, Honorable Ray LaHood “Man of the Year” Award.

Limmer holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning, Design, and Development from Cleveland State University.

About MetroLINK
MetroLINK is the public transit agency serving Illinois’s Quad Cities, providing fixed-route bus service (Metro), ADA paratransit, and the Channel Cat passenger ferryboat. Its service area includes Carbon Cliff, Colona, East Moline, Hampton, Milan, Moline, Rock Island, and Silvis, Illinois.