The Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) recognized the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) with the 2016 “Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award” at their Annual Conference in Jacksonville, Fla.

More than 450 transportation representatives from around the state attended the conference, with JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. accepting the honor during the Awards Banquet.

“This significant award is evidence of the vision and commitment of the authority’s dedicated employees,” said JTA Board Chairman Scott L. McCaleb. “On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Nat Ford and his team for being recognized by the Florida Public Transportation Association.”

JTA was judged on safety, operations, maintenance, access, customer service, financial management, sustainability, workforce development, attendance and employee costs, minority and women advancement, marketing, and community relations. JTA was also judged on quantitative measures including riders per hour and total passenger miles.

“This award is a positive reflection of all the solid work by our great staff, the leadership of our visionary Board of Directors and our remarkable customers,” said Ford Sr. “We are honored to receive this impressive award.”

FPTA is a nonprofit association whose members include every major public transit agency in Florida as well as interested citizens and businesses. FPTA’s membership is composed of 40 urban and rural transit systems, including, two commuter railroads, a heavy-rail commuter system, and two people mover systems.