The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) was honored with the 2023 Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Agency of the Year Award, according to the agency's news release. 

This reward recognizes Metro's achievements in expanding Los Angeles’ transit system while promoting equity and driving job growth and economic development across the region.

"Congratulations to CEO Stephanie Wiggins, former Board Chair Ara Najarian, and the entire Metro agency for earning COMTO’s Agency of the Year Award," said the Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass. "This recognition shows that the entire organization is dedicated to expanding access to the Metro system across Los Angeles while consistently working toward a more equitable, high-quality rider experience. I thank COMTO for their partnership, for raising the importance of diversity in the transportation industry, and for acknowledging Metro’s leadership this year.”

L.A. Metro's Latest Achievements

In October 2022, Metro opened seven of the nine K Line stations in South Los Angeles and Inglewood.

Metro also opened the Regional Connector in June, adding three new stations in Downtown Los Angeles and connecting the L, A, E, B, and D rail lines. This new connection provides customers a one-seat ride from Azusa to Long Beach and East Los Angeles to Santa Monica and increases access to jobs, education, essential services, and arts and cultural destinations.

Along with expanding Metro’s transit system, these projects have created thousands of jobs and opportunities for local businesses. Metro has a plan to ensure that 48% of Metro’s contracts and procurements include small, disadvantaged, and historically under-utilized businesses by 2028.

This aspirational target includes Metro’s signature programs such as the Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), Small Business Prime (SB Prime), and the Local Small Business Preference.

So far, since 2015, Metro has awarded more than $1 billion to small businesses across all programs.

"I am so proud of the tireless efforts and dedication of our entire team in providing exceptional transportation services to our communities," said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. “We are grateful to be recognized by COMTO and inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of excellence in public transportation.”