Sound Transit names Arnold customer experience chief

Sound Transit has appointed Russell Arnold chief customer experience officer.

He is tasked with finding ways to improve the experience for future passengers as the agency designs and expands its system. Arnold also will collaborate with agency departments to resolve existing issues and enhance experience of current riders, Sound Transit officials said in a press release.

Arnold will report to Chief Executive Officer Peter Rogoff.

"As we serve more people throughout our region every day, it is critical that we consider the way our passengers interact with and experience our system at every stage of our projects — from the earliest plans to the moment a rider sets foot on a Sound Transit train or bus," said Rogoff.

Arnold joins Sound Transit after six years of management experience at U.S. transit agencies, including his most recent stint as director of marketing and communications for the San Mateo County Transit District.

As part of the Sound Transit 3 ballot initiative approved in November 2016, Sound Transit plans to build 62 miles of new light-rail.