The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced the winners of its annual AdWheel Awards at the APTA Annual Meeting in Chicago. The awards recognize public transportation systems and APTA business members for excellence in advertising, communications, marketing, and promotion.

“AdWheel Award recipients excel at creatively communicating the benefits and stories of public transportation,” said APTA President & CEO Michael Melaniphy. “We honor these imaginative leaders.”

More than 500 entries competed this year in the four categories of print, electronic, campaign, and special event. First place honors were awarded in various subcategories for each of the four groups, based on system size. Grand Award winners were chosen from those first place winners in each group. For a complete list of first place winners visit www.apta.com.

Grand Award Winners:

Group 1: Public Transportation Systems with Four Million or Fewer Annual Passenger Trips

Print Media
“VCTC ‘Public Transportation: Do it for Your Health,’” Ventura County Transportation Commission, Ventura, Calif.

Electronic Media
"Feel Like Ridin,’" Antelope Valley Transit Authority, Lancaster, Calif.

Campaign
“Our Next Generation of Riders,” Rio Metro RTD, Albuquerque, N.M.

Special Event
“Tri-Rail's ‘Ride and Play Day,’” South Florida Regional Transportation Authority/Tri-Rail, Pompano Beach, Fla.

Social Media
“#flipfortransit,” Triangle Transit, Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Group 2: Public Transportation Systems with more than Four Million but fewer than 20 Million Annual Passenger Trips

Print Media
“MAX BRT Transit Cards,” Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, Kansas City, Mo.

Electronic Media
“Transit Police Home Page - On Duty Portal,” South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink), New Westminster, B.C.

Campaign
“TravelSmart to School,” South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink), New Westminster, B.C.

Special Event
“16th Annual Holiday Toy Express,” Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink), Los Angeles

Social Media
“Metrolink Facebook Page,” Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink), Los Angeles

Group 3: Public Transportation Systems with more than Twenty Million Annual Passengers Trips

Print Media
“Metropolitan Transportation Authority Arts for Transit (AFT) Graphic Posters and Art Cards,” Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York

Electronic Media
“METRO Teaches Students to ‘Open Your Brain,’” Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston

Campaign
“METRO Engages Schools in ‘Think Rail’ Safety Program,” Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), Houston

Special Event
“The STM Introduces Its Future Metro Car: Unveiling AZUR,” Société de transport de Montréal (STM), Montreal, QC

Social Media
“RTD Facebook Page,” Denver Regional Transportation District, Denver
Group 4: Manufacturers, Suppliers, Consultants, Associations, Transportation Management Organizations

Print Media
“Exchange Spring 2013,” Veolia Transportation, Silver Spring, Md.

Electronic Media
2-D Internet Home Page
“Stacy and Witbeck Home Page,” Stacy and Witbeck, Alameda, Calif.

Campaign
“Global. Local. Total,” National Express Transit Corporation, Warrenville, Ill.

Special Event
“Journeys to School Event at the United Nations,” Veolia Transportation, Silver Spring, Md.

Social Media
“Commuter Advertising's Facebook Page,” Commuter Advertising, Dayton, Ohio