APTA honors top transit leaders, systems
Denver's Regional Transportation District named "Outstanding" transit system in its category, while Greater Cleveland RTA's Calabrese takes top transportation manager award.

[IMAGE]APTA-winners.bmp[/IMAGE]
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recognized the winners of the 2008 APTA Awards today at a special ceremony in San Diego during the APTA 2008 Annual Meeting and International EXPO.
“The 2008 APTA Award winners represent the top individuals and organizations in the public transportation industry who have advanced public transportation in the United States,” said APTA President William W. Millar. “As the “best of the best,” this year’s winners serve as role models of excellence to everyone in the industry.”
Three public transportation agencies, competing in three different categories based on annual ridership, were honored as the best public transit agencies in North America.
Winning the 2008 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award means that they have demonstrated achievements in efficiency and effectiveness. This year’s winners, ranging from the smallest to the largest category are: Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS), Muncie, Ind.; GRTC Transit System, Richmond, Va.; and Regional Transportation District, Denver.
The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, Cincinnati, was this year's recipient of APTA's Innovation Award.
Individual awards were also awarded to the following for their contributions to the advancement of public transportation:
Joe Calabrese, CEO/GM, Greater Cleveland RTA, Cleveland -- Outstanding Public Transportation Manager Award.
Joe Alexander -- 2008 APTA Hall of Fame award.
Frank J. Lichtanksi -- 2008 APTA Hall of Fame award.
Reba Malone (Chair, Member Services Committee)-- 2008 APTA Hall of Fame award.
Al French (Board Member, Spokane Transit Authority, Spokane, Wash.) -- Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member Award.
Jerome (Jerry) C. Premo (North America Transit/Rail/Freight Market Segment Director, AECOM, Orange, Calif.) -- Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member Award.
Illinois State Representative Julie Hamos (18th District, Chicago) -- Local Distinguished Service Award.
For more information about the 2008 APTA Award winners, go to www.apta.com/services/awards
More Management

New York MTA Launches Historic $1.9B Signal, Track Modernization Project
Funded in part by congestion pricing revenue, the project will replace nearly century-old signals along the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens.
Read More →
Brian Dickson on Building Stronger, More Resilient Transportation Organizations
Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.
Read More →
LA Metro Breaks Ground on Vermont BRT Project
The 12.4-mile corridor is projected to serve 66,200 daily riders, reduce travel times by up to 24%, and create the nation's busiest bus rapid transit corridor.
Read More →
Building Stronger Leaders, More Resilient Transit Teams
Dr. Carol Parker Walsh discusses leadership development, employee retention, workplace culture, and preparing transit’s workforce for AI and automation.
Read More →
Roman Cornell on ABC Companies’ Evolution and the Future of Passenger Transportation
The company’s CEO discusses carrying forward a third-generation family legacy, ABC’s continued evolution in passenger transportation, support for increasingly complex fleets, and how technology and continued investment could help operators improve uptime.
Read More →
CATS Launches West Charlotte Microtransit Zone, Expands Transit Services
The new microtransit zone connects residents to key destinations as Charlotte Area Transit System rolls out the first phase of its 2055 Transit System Plan.
Read More →
VIA Bus Ridership Grows 10.1% Through August 2026
San Antonio's VIA Metropolitan Transit reported the highest bus ridership growth among major Texas transit systems. Federal Transit Administration data ranked it second among the nation's 50 largest transit systems.
Read More →
CSA Group Releases Climate Resilience Standard for Transit, Passenger Rail
Developed with support from the Standards Council of Canada, CSA D700 guides assessing climate-related risks and planning adaptation measures for transit and passenger rail systems.
Read More →ETA CEO John Maglio on Transit Technology, Innovation, and Building Agency Trust
ETA founder and CEO John Maglio explores the evolution of transit technology, the importance of reliable systems, and how stronger partnerships can help agencies improve operations and the passenger experience.
Read More →
COTA Launches First Customer Experience Action Plan to Improve Transit Service
The new plan outlines improvements to service reliability, accessibility, communication, and the overall rider experience across Central Ohio's transit system.
Read More →