APTA honors top transit leaders, systems

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The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recognized the winners of the 2008 APTA Awards today at a special ceremony in San Diego during the APTA 2008 Annual Meeting and International EXPO. 

“The 2008 APTA Award winners represent the top individuals and organizations in the public transportation industry who have advanced public transportation in the United States,” said APTA President William W. Millar.  “As the “best of the best,” this year’s winners serve as role models of excellence to everyone in the industry.” 

Three public transportation agencies, competing in three different categories based on annual ridership, were honored as the best public transit agencies in North America. 

Winning the 2008 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award means that they have demonstrated achievements in efficiency and effectiveness.  This year’s winners, ranging from the smallest to the largest category are: Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS), Muncie, Ind.; GRTC Transit System, Richmond, Va.; and Regional Transportation District, Denver.

The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, Cincinnati, was this year's recipient of APTA's Innovation Award.

Individual awards were also awarded to the following for their contributions to the advancement of public transportation:

Joe Calabrese, CEO/GM, Greater Cleveland RTA, Cleveland -- Outstanding Public Transportation Manager Award.

Joe Alexander -- 2008 APTA Hall of Fame award.

Frank J. Lichtanksi -- 2008 APTA Hall of Fame award.

Reba Malone  (Chair, Member Services Committee)-- 2008 APTA Hall of Fame award.

Al French (Board Member, Spokane Transit Authority, Spokane, Wash.) -- Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member Award.

Jerome (Jerry) C. Premo (North America Transit/Rail/Freight Market Segment Director, AECOM, Orange, Calif.) -- Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member Award.

Illinois State Representative Julie Hamos (18th District, Chicago) -- Local Distinguished Service Award.

For more information about the 2008 APTA Award winners, go to www.apta.com/services/awards