The California Transit Association (CTA) named Lancaster, Calif.-based Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) the winner of its Small Operators’ 2012 Transit Excellence Award. The announcement came during a special luncheon at the annual CTA Conference in Palm Springs.  

AVTA was selected from among a host of small operators state-wide who were nominated for a variety of accomplishments ranging from innovative programs and services to effective problem solving techniques as well as successful marketing campaigns.

“This is huge for the AVTA!” exclaimed AVTA board Chairman Norm Hickling. “The AVTA staff has worked diligently over the past two years to bring the agency in line with industry standards and they are now beginning to see the fruits of their labor.”

AVTA came under fire two years ago after three top administrators resigned amid allegations of financial improprieties. The negative publicity led to AVTA being the subject of several audits, which uncovered a series of major findings. Over the next 18 months the agency addressed 75 audit findings under the direction of the new Executive Director Julie Austin.

AVTA provides local, commuter and dial-a-ride service to a population of more than 400,000 residents in the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale as well as the unincorporated portions of northern Los Angeles County. Its total service area covers 1,200 square miles and it is bounded by the Kern County line to the north, the San Bernardino County line to the east, the Angeles National Forest to the south and Interstate 5 to the West.