The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) has been named the Best Mid-Size Public Transportation System in North America for 2017 by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

At an event at Bob Ford Field on the campus of the University at Albany, CDTA Board Chairman David M. Stackrow and CEO Carm Basile made the announcement to local officials, business leaders, community partners, and current and past employees.

“The region’s geography makes a cohesive transportation network challenging, but CDTA has worked hard to connect the area cities and surrounding towns with a number of unique and innovative services, like our new bike-share program, CDPHP Cycle!, Bus Rapid Transit service along Route 5 and our smartcard and mobile payment program Navigator,” said CDTA Chairman of the Board David M. Stackrow.

“I am so proud of our organization, our region, and our partners,” said CDTA CEO Carm Basile. “While the APTA award wasn’t possible without the loyalty of our customers, it certainly wasn’t possible without our employees who work hard every day to improve the quality of life in the Capital Region, and all of our business partners who are here with us today.”

“Congratulations to the Capital District Transportation Authority for being selected as the best mid-size public transportation system in North America,” said APTA Acting President/CEO Richard A. White. “Receiving the 2017 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award is a very prestigious honor. In particular, I want to commend CDTA for its successful community partnerships that have led to record ridership over the last several years, showing how vital CDTA is for the Capital Region.”

CDTA representatives will attend the APTA conference in early October in Atlanta to receive the award.