The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) was presented with APTA’s 2012 “Outstanding Public Transportation System” award for its efforts to enhance service, efficiencies and overall effectiveness.

“I’m ecstatic for the agency [and] our employees,” Joseph Casey, CEO, SEPTA, said. “It is a positive affirmation of what they do every day. I’m excited for all the employees that committed to improve this agency. They do a fantastic job.”

Despite the budgetary challenges many transit systems continue to face, SEPTA’s ridership continues to grow. Fiscal Year 2012 built on the steady ridership growth SEPTA has seen over recent years. Annual trips system-wide are up 32 million since 2007 — indicating success with initiatives to attract and retain new customers. SEPTA focused these efforts on improving its aging infrastructure and building a partnership between employees and riders through an effort to improve customer service.

Customer service enhancements, such as improving the cleanliness of the system and on-time performance, have also been factors in the rise in ridership, Casey said.

SEPTA’s plan for environmental sustainability, which includes creating an Office on Sustainability, also contributed to the agency’s win, he added. “We have a lot of initiatives under way, including converting our bus fleet to hybrids.”