Read More: APTA Announces 2023 Sustainability Commitment Awardees
APTA Announces 2023 Public Transportation Awards, Hall of Fame Winners
The 2023 APTA Awards recognize organizations and leaders in the public transportation industry in North America who have demonstrated leadership, are outstanding role models of excellence, and more.

The categories for awards included recognition for organizations, individuals, and innovations.
Photo: APTA
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced 14 organizations and leaders won awards for their vision, leadership, and commitment to public transportation.
The association will also induct six new members into the APTA Hall of Fame.
The 2023 APTA Awards recognize organizations and leaders in the public transportation industry in North America who have demonstrated leadership, are outstanding role models of excellence, and whose accomplishments and innovations have advanced public transportation.
“The achievements and legacies of our awardees inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in our industry and to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals,” said APTA president/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Congratulations to all who have been recognized for their accomplishments and for making positive impacts in their communities and our industry.”
Organization Awards
Outstanding Public Transportation System
SunLine Transit Agency, Thousand Palms, California – Three million or fewer annual passenger trips
Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, St. Petersburg, Florida – More than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips
Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit), Oakland, California – More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips
New Jersey Transit, Newark, New Jersey – 50 million or more annual passenger trips
Excellence In Inclusive Collaboration Award
Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TriMet), Portland, Oregon
Innovation Awards
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Oakland, California
King County Metro, Seattle, Washington
MTA Metro-North Railroad, New York, New York
Park City Transit, Park City, Utah
Individual Awards
Distinguished Service Award
Robert Nelson Clement, former U.S. Congressman, Nashville, Tennessee
Outstanding Public Transportation Manager
Doran Barnes, Foothill Transit, West Covina, California
Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member
Eileen Higgins, Miami-Dade Transit, Miami, Florida
Paul C. Smedberg, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Washington, D.C.
Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member
Anja Graves, Cardinal Infrastructure, Washington, D.C.
Hall of Fame
Michael Allegra, former president/CEO, Utah Transit Authority, Salt Lake City, Utah
Paul J. Ballard, Weaverville, North Carolina; former president/CEO, Fort Worth Transportation Authority, Ft. Worth, Texas, among others
John P. Bartosiewicz, KLC2 Connects LLC, Fort Worth, Texas
Julie Cunningham, posthumous, former president/CEO, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials
Sharon Greene, Managing Principal, InfraStrategies LLC
Phillip A. Washington, CEO, Denver International Airport, Denver, Colorado
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