The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) Board of Directors and staff are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of long time SacRT Board Member and past-Chair, Steve “Sparky” Miller on Saturday, March 25, 2023.

Miller dutifully represented the City of Citrus Heights on the SacRT board for 16 years serving as Board Chair in 2010, 2021 and 2022. During his tenure, he was instrumental in piloting SacRT's first microtransit service zone, called SmaRT Ride, in the City of Citrus Heights in 2018, which has since grown to one of the largest and most successful microtransit services in the country. And as Board Chair, he was a steady hand helping SacRT navigate the pandemic, including approving free rides for anyone traveling to a COVID-19 vaccination site within SacRT's service area to help keep the region healthy and protected.

“Since joining the SacRT Board almost two decades ago in 2007, Steve’s forward thinking helped us navigate out of some challenging times in the early 2000s to become a national leader in the transit industry today,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “He was a charismatic and passionate leader that always put people first – leaving an impactful and lasting legacy on this region. He will be greatly missed.”

“We are deeply saddened by Steve Miller’s sudden passing. I was proud to serve alongside him on the Regional Transit Board for the last eight years and am grateful for his leadership as Board Chair this past  year. He was not just a colleague, but a friend, said SacRT Board Chair and Vice Chair of the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors Patrick Kennedy. “He dedicated much of his life to serving the Citrus Heights  community and the Sacramento region. SacRT commends his years of service, and we send condolences to his family in these difficult times.”

While serving as Chair of the SacRT Board of Directors in 2021, SacRT was awarded the American Public Transportation Association's North America's Outstanding Public Transportation System of the Year for accomplishment and innovations in public transportation.

Miller was known for his quick wit and signature sense of humor that eased tensions and brightened rooms. He is survived by his wife Nanette, two children, six grandchildren, and his legacy of service to not only the Citrus Heights community, but the SacRT service area.

View the City of Citrus Heights statement here.