The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recognized five organizations for their outstanding sustainability achievements, which have met specific criteria through the APTA Sustainability Commitment program.

Public transit agencies and businesses that voluntarily participate in the APTA Sustainability Commitment program commit to implementing processes and actions that create continuous improvements in environmental, social and economic sustainability. Depending on the level of accomplishments, organizations are presented Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze Level certifications.

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and TransLink (Vancouver, B.C.) received the prestigious Platinum Level recognition, the highest level of certification, and are now two of only four organizations to be recognized at this level. Portland’s TriMet received Gold Level recognition and SYSTRA (New York City) received Silver Level recognition. Rounding out the list of recognized signatories is the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority with Bronze Level recognition.

First started in 2009, the APTA Sustainability Commitment Program now features 132 public transit agencies and businesses that have signed on as signatories. Currently, 32 of these signatories have received recognition, as determined by specific measured achievements.

"Sustainability makes good business sense and good environmental sense," said APTA President/CEO Michael Melaniphy. "Congratulations to these organizations which are models of sustainability excellence. Their leadership in implementing sustainable practices makes their communities better, greener places to live."