METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

APTA Honors 5 Congressional ‘Champions’ of Public Transportation

This year’s recipients were instrumental in enacting the 2022 and 2023 THUD Appropriations Acts, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and COVID-19 emergency relief funding.

APTA Honors 5 Congressional ‘Champions’ of Public Transportation

The awards recognize Members of Congress who have led efforts to increase investment in our nation’s public transit, passenger rail, and multimodal infrastructure and strongly support public transportation.

Credit:

APTA

1 min to read


The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced the winners of the 2023 Advocacy Champion Awards at its Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. The awards recognize Members of Congress who have led efforts to increase investment in our nation’s public transit, passenger rail, and multimodal infrastructure and strongly support public transportation.

This year’s recipients were instrumental in enacting the 2022 and 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Acts, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and COVID-19 emergency relief funding.

Ad Loading...

The 2023 APTA Advocacy Champion Awards winners are:

  • Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair, Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Senate.

  • Sen. Susan M. Collins (R-ME), Vice Chair, Committee on Appropriations, U.S. Senate.

  • Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), former Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate.

  • Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), former Chair and Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, Committee on Appropriations, U.S. House of Representatives.

  • Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Ranking Member and former Chair, Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, U.S. House of Representatives.

“Investment in public transportation remains critical for America’s future strength and prosperity, and we applaud this year’s Advocacy Champions for their extraordinary commitment to infrastructure improvements for passenger connectivity around the country,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas.  

More Management

Terrel Smith on a bus with Kiel seats

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
A group of people stand in the Harlem-148 Street 3 Station and pose during a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

New Accessibility Upgrades Open at Harlem Subway Station

A new ADA-compliant ramp and station upgrades improve access, enhance the rider experience, and deliver millions in cost savings for the MTA.

Read More →
Erin Hockman
Managementby StaffMay 4, 2026

Iowa's DART Taps New CEO

Erin Hockman will officially assume the role on May 7, as current CEO Amanda Wanke departs to take a leadership position with Metro Transit in the Twin Cities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Caltrain trains on tracks
Railby StaffMay 1, 2026

Caltrain Survey Shows Record-High Rider Approval

The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.

Read More →
A VIA bus
Busby StaffMay 1, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Next Round of Bus Improvements

The changes are designed to reduce overall travel time, shorten wait times, and get customers to their destinations more quickly.

Read More →
A graphic of a map showing a "Snapshot of Systemwide Vulnerabilities (projected)."
Managementby News/Media ReleaseMay 1, 2026

MBTA Unveils First Systemwide Climate Resilience Roadmap

The plan outlines strategies to protect transit infrastructure from extreme weather, prioritize critical investments, and improve system reliability as climate risks intensify.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

People Movement: DART Names Interim Chief, Clean Energy Taps New President/CEO

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at MCTS, Voith, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →