The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) honored 12 organizations and leaders for their vision, leadership, and commitment to public transportation during the 2026 APTA TRANSform Conference and EXPO, held October 4-7 in Chicago. The association also inducted four new members into the APTA Hall of Fame.

The 2026 APTA Awards recognize organizations and leaders in the North American public transportation industry who have demonstrated significant leadership, served as outstanding role models of excellence, and advanced public transportation through their accomplishments and innovations.

“Congratulations to the 2026 APTA Award winners and Hall of Fame inductees,” said Leanne Redden, APTA board chair and executive director of the Regional Transportation Authority. “Their leadership reflects the very best of our industry, and it shows in their relentless commitment to connecting communities, advancing innovation, and improving the lives of the riders they serve every day. I’m proud to celebrate their achievements alongside the entire APTA community.”

“The achievements and legacies of our awardees represent the passion and expertise driving public transportation forward,”  said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Their work strengthens the communities they serve and sets a standard for excellence across our industry. On behalf of APTA, congratulations to the 2026 winners and Hall of Fame inductees.”

Organization Awards

Outstanding Public Transportation System

• Indian River Transit, Vero Beach, Florida – 3 million or fewer annual passenger trips
• Caltrain, Millbrae, California – More than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips
• Valley Metro, Phoenix, Arizona – More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips
• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, San Diego, California – 50 million or more annual passenger trips

Outstanding Partnership in Public Transportation

• Metra, WSP, and the HOH Group, Inc.

Innovation Awards

• City and County of Honolulu; Skyline – fully automated rail system; Honolulu, Hawaii
• Jacksonville Transportation Authority; Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation (NAVI) service; Jacksonville, Florida
• San Bernardino County Transportation Authority; Metrolink – Zero Emission Multiple Unit (ZEMU) hydrogen fuel source passenger rail vehicle; San Bernardino, California

Individual Awards

Distinguished Service

• The Honorable Freddie O’Connell, Mayor, Nashville, Tennessee

Outstanding Public Transportation Chief Executive Officer

• MJ Maynard-Carey, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada

Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member

• Denise Figueroa, Capital District Transportation Authority, Albany, New York

Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member

• Charles Di Maggio, Greystone Real Estate Advisory Group, New York, New York

Hall of Fame

• Dorval R. Carter, Jr., Chicago, Illinois
• Nuria Fernandez, Washington, D.C.
• Larry Jackson, Long Beach, California
• Chuck Wochele, Canandaigua, New York