The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) honored seven public transportation providers with the 2025 Rail Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Awards.

“These awards celebrate the innovation and dedication of public transit agencies and their employees who work daily to protect their passengers, colleagues, and communities they serve,” said APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “I congratulate the public transit agencies honored today for their strong performance in safety, security, and emergency management. Their commitment to excellence sets a positive example for the entire industry.”

APTA’s Rail Awards

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 2025 Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management Award winners are awarded in Commuter/Intercity Rail, Light Rail/Streetcar, and Heavy Rail categories. The 2025 winners are:

RAIL SAFETY AWARD

Gold Winners

• The Maryland Transit Administration, Baltimore – Light Rail/Streetcar

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Transit, New York – Heavy Rail

• Caltrain, San Carlos, Calif. – Commuter Rail

Certificate of Merit Winners

• MTA Metro-North Railroad, New York – Commuter Rail

• MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), New York – Commuter Rail

• Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority(VTA), Santa Clara, Calif. – Light Rail/Streetcar

RAIL SECURITY AWARD

Gold Winners

• MTA LIRR – Commuter Rail

• Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, Portland, Ore. – Light Rail/Streetcar

• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Washington, D.C. – Heavy Rail

Certificate of Merit Winner

• MTA Metro-North Railroad – Commuter Rail

• Connecticut Department of Transportation, Newington, Conn. – Commuter/Intercity Rail

RAIL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AWARD

Gold Winners

• MTA Metro-North Railroad – Commuter Rail