The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) was named the Outstanding Public Transportation System Award by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). MARTA won the award in the “50 million or more annual passenger trips” category.

The 2024 APTA Honors Awards recognize those in the public transportation industry in North America who have demonstrated significant leadership, are outstanding role models of excellence, and whose accomplishments and innovations have greatly advanced public transportation.

MARTA’s “Outstanding” Accomplishments

The COVID pandemic fundamentally altered transit agency operations and the expectations of MARTA employees and the riding public, but MARTA rose to meet that challenge head on.

The agency did not lay off a single employee during these challenging years and has steadily regained ridership and trust throughout the Atlanta region.

“As we emerged from the pandemic, MARTA strengthened its commitment to enhancing transportation services in Atlanta across many different areas,” said Collie Greenwood, CEO/GM at MARTA. “By improving our transit system and prioritizing the needs of passengers, MARTA continues to play a vital role in connecting communities and promoting economic development in the Atlanta region.”

“The achievements and legacies of our awardees inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in our industry and to making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals,” added 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.”

Boldly Moving Ahead

MARTA is currently advancing the agency’s largest capital expansion since its creation 45 years ago.

The agency has launched award winning programs in every key area of the organization, and APTA annually recognizes MARTA’s innovations and customer-focused initiatives with awards in safety, security, marketing, sustainability, and communications.

By improving its transit system and prioritizing the needs of passengers, MARTA continues to play a vital role in connecting communities and promoting economic development in the Atlanta region.

APTA's 2024 Honors

APTA also announced the winners of all of it's awards for 2024, which will be given out at this year's TRANSform Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

Organization Awards

Outstanding Public Transportation System

• Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority, Birmingham, Ala. – 3 million or more annual passenger trips.

• SamTrans, San Carlos, Calif. – More than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips.

• Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, San Jose, Calif. – More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips.

Excellence in Inclusive Collaboration Award (jointly honoring a public transit agency, DBE, and private-sector prime firm)

• Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, St. Petersburg, Fla.; H.W. Lochner; and Jones Worley.

Innovation Awards

• Calgary Transit, Calgary.

• Montgomery County Ride On, Rockville, Md.

• Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas.

• TriMet, Portland, Ore.

Individual Awards

Distinguished Service Award

• Shannon G. Hardin, president, Columbus City Council, Columbus, Ohio.

Outstanding Chief Executive Officer

• Dawn Distler, Metro Regional Transit Authority, Akron, Ohio.

Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member

• Arezou “Ari” Jolly, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Jacksonville, Fla.

Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member

• Evalynn “Eve” Williams, president and CEO, Dikita Enterprises Inc., Dallas.

APTA Hall of Fame

• Carolyn Flowers, Henderson, Nev.

• Hugh Mose, State College, Pa.

• Michael Schneider, Laguna Beach, Calif.