APTA Announces 2023 Rail Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Winners
The awards recognize transit organizations for their innovative and proactive safety and security programs.
The 2023 Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management Award winners are awarded in categories of Commuter/Intercity Rail, Light Rail/Streetcar, and Heavy Rail.
Photo: MTA/Patrick Cashin
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) honored nine public transportation providers from California, Georgia, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, and Texas with the 2023 Rail Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Awards.
The awards recognize transit organizations for their innovative and proactive safety and security programs. This year, APTA added a new category to honor transit agencies that excel in the management of emergencies though partnerships, planning, exercises, and drills.
“These awards highlight the dedication and hard work of individuals and organizations that strive to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers, employees, and the communities they serve,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “I want to congratulate the public transit agencies being honored today for their exceptional achievements in safety, security and emergency management, and for being an inspiration to others in the industry.”
How the Awards are Determined
Nominations are evaluated on four criteria: effectiveness, benefit level, innovation, and transferability. The top honor is the Gold Award, which is presented to organizations with the best example of a safety, security, or emergency management program. A Certificate of Merit is given to organizations in recognition of exceptional achievement in safety, security, or emergency management.
The 2023 Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management Award winners are awarded in categories of Commuter/Intercity Rail, Light Rail/Streetcar, and Heavy Rail. The 2023 winners are:
RAIL SAFETY AWARD
Gold Winners
MTA Metro-North Railroad, New York – Commuter/Intercity Rail
Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet), Portland, Ore. – Light Rail/Streetcar
Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART), Oakland, Calif. – Heavy Rail
Certificate of Merit Winners
Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink), Los Angeles – Commuter/Intercity Rail
Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), Sacramento, Calif. – Light Rail/Streetcar
RAIL SECURITY AWARD
Gold Winners
Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet), Portland, Ore. – Light Rail/Streetcar
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Atlanta – Heavy Rail Certificate of Merit Winner
Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (NFTA), Buffalo, N.Y. – Light Rail/Streetcar
RAIL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AWARD
Gold Winners
MTA Metro-North Railroad, New York – Commuter/Intercity Rail
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Dallas – Light Rail/Streetcar Certificate of Merit Winner
New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA), New Orleans – Light Rail/Streetcar
More Rail
Amtrak Board Advances Plan to Restructure Organization, Seeks Public Input
The proposal, developed by Amtrak management and approved by the board for further consideration, is intended to modernize the organization's structure while improving accountability, operational efficiency, and customer service.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
Metra Celebrates 100 Years of Electric Rail, Looks to the Future
The event was also a celebration of recent reforms to public transportation in the Chicago area, changes that could be as transformative in the future as the major civic achievement a century ago, said officials.
Read More →
LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year
Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.
Read More →
DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO
Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority
Read More →
California High-Speed Rail Authority Signs MOU to Advance High Desert Corridor
The agreement deepens collaboration between the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency, supporting design integration, cost savings, and faster delivery of a key Southern California rail link.
Read More →
Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology
In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.
Read More →
How Data, Strategy, and Community Engagement Are Reshaping Transit
In this edition of METROspectives, strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can better align planning with operations, leverage data to improve decision-making, and build public trust as they prepare for the future of mobility.
Read More →
TTC Launches Camera Pilot to Curb Illegal Passing of Streetcars
During the pilot, the cameras will measure how often illegal streetcar passing occurs and test the technology's reliability for future automated enforcement.
Read More →
NJ TRANSIT Secures Capital Funding, Adopts FY2027 Budget
The budgets continue investments in infrastructure and equipment to maintain the system in a state of good repair and enhance the overall customer experience.
Read More →