Va.-based Blacksburg Transit (BT) has earned the American Public Transportation Association’s 2019 Outstanding Transit System award for North America. BT earned the award in the small urban system category characterized by annual ridership of four million or less.

BT was singled out for their successful delivery of service to Virginia Tech, Blacksburg and Christiansburg based on performance on 24 quantitative and qualitative criteria.

“We’ve had unprecedented ridership growth of 22 percent over the last three years when most systems in our industry are facing declines," said Tom Fox, BT director. "Through employee dedication, innovation and the support of our stakeholders we’ve taken the organization to new heights while never compromising our high standards.”

“Blacksburg Transit has demonstrated creativity and innovation in all aspects of their system, from expanding options and growing ridership to delivering effective and efficient services. In winning this prestigious award, Blacksburg Transit is a model for public transit systems across the nation,” said Paul P. Skoutelas, president/CEO of APTA.

This category not only includes all bus systems in North America but also rail transportation systems as well. Described by APTA, the award represents “the ‘best of the best’ of the public transportation industry… whose accomplishments have greatly advanced public transportation.”

The award will be presented at the APTA Annual Meeting in October.