SARTA recognized for 'leadership in sustainable transportation'
One of Ohio-based agency's clean energy initiatives includes deployment of one of the world's largest fleets of hydrogen fuel powered-buses.

Stark County, Ohio-based Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) was awarded the Transit & Mobility Award for Demonstrating Leadership in Sustainable Passenger Transport at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo on May 2, 2018. Photo: SARTA

Stark County, Ohio-based Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) was awarded the Transit & Mobility Award for Demonstrating Leadership in Sustainable Passenger Transport at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo on May 2, 2018. The ACT is North America's largest advanced clean transportation event and the ACT Expo Fleet Awards recognize fleet operators who show true leadership in sustainable transportation.
"We are honored to receive this award and bring it back to Ohio," stated Mark Finnicum, SARTA COO, "SARTA is leading the way for other transit agencies, outside of California, to have hydrogen fuel cell buses as part of their revenue fleet."

The Transit & Mobility category recognized organizations that have demonstrated leadership in sustainable passenger transport, including buses, taxis, car-sharing, and shuttles. Finalists in this category included Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), San Joaquin Regional Transit District, Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA), and Twin Rivers Unified School District in California.
"SARTA is proud to be a leader in the use of alternative fuels while simultaneously embracing innovation and state-of-the-art technology. By doing so, we are able to enhance the services we provide the residents of Stark County as well as attract new businesses and jobs to Stark County well into the future," stated Kirt Conrad, SARTA CEO.
SARTA is a nationally-recognized leader in the use of transit technology. Receiving numerous awards for its clean energy initiatives, which include the acquisition and deployment of one of the world's largest fleets of hydrogen fuel powered-buses.
More Technology

LA Metro Launches New Mobile App, Contactless Payment Options
Available on Metro and at 26 TAP-participating transit agencies, the system reduces waiting times, speeds boarding, and improves convenience systemwide, said the agency.
Read More →Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility
In this edition of METROspectives, the co-author of New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies, discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: Foothill Gold Line Award, Matawan Contract, and More
From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Find out all the latest here.
Read More →
OCTA Sees Growing Adoption of Wave Fare Payment System
Since launching in October 2025, the Wave system has steadily replaced previous fare media with faster, more flexible payment options designed to streamline boarding, improve reliability, and help riders more easily access fare discounts and cost-saving benefits, said OCTA
Read More →
The Evolving Role of Program Management in Transit Delivery
Brian Buchanan, HDR’s transit program management lead, discusses how agencies can strengthen governance, anticipate risk and deliver large-scale projects more effectively.
Read More →
King County Test Heliox Chargers, Keolis Lands California Contract Top Biz Briefs
Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.
Read More →
Modaxo Acquires Conduent Public Transit Business in $164M Deal
The sale has a purchase price of $164 million. The companies expect the transaction to close before the end of 2026, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
Read More →
New York MTA Issues RFP for 252 Metro-North Passenger Cars
The competitive RFP includes an option to purchase an additional 377 cars, reserved for future expansions of the Metro-North service area.
Read More →
Spare Expands AI-Native Operations Platform With Fixed-Route Capabilities
The launch marks a major milestone in Spare’s vision for unified transit operations.
Read More →
Via Announces Scheduling and Supply Studio
The Scheduling and Supply Studio provides the world’s first fully integrated platform for optimizing vehicle and driver availability to rider demand, said company officials.
Read More →