The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recognized outstanding achievement in the bus industry during its Annual Mobility Conference, presenting its 2026 Bus Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Awards and announcing the winners of the 2026 International Bus Roadeo, which honors the skill and professionalism of public transit bus operators and maintenance crews.

Bus Safety and Security Awards

APTA awarded nine transit agencies with Bus Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Awards, three agencies with Certificates of Merit, and one agency with the newly established Safe, Effective, and Clean Award.

“Congratulations to this year’s award winners for setting a high standard for safety, security, and operational excellence in public transportation,” said APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “These agencies are advancing innovative programs that protect riders and transit workers while building public confidence in the essential services they provide every day.”

“APTA is also proud to introduce the new Safe, Effective and Clean Award, which recognizes the industry’s broader commitment to delivering service that is dependable, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of today’s riders,” Skoutelas added.

Nominations are evaluated on four criteria: effectiveness, benefit level, innovation, and transferability. The 2026 winners are awarded in categories based on bus ridership, said APTA.

The 2026 winners are:

Bus Safety Award

Gold Winners

• North County Transit–San Diego Railroad, Oceanside, California – More than 3 million and fewer than 15 million passenger trips annually.
• San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) – More than 50 million passenger trips annually.

Certificate of Merit Winner

• Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA), Corpus Christi, Texas – More than 3 million and fewer than 15 million passenger trips annually.

Bus Security Award

Gold Winners

• GTrans, Gardena, California – Fewer than 3 million passenger trips annually.
• Southwest Ohio Regional Transportation Authority (SORTA), Cincinnati, Ohio– More than 3 million and fewer than 15 million passenger trips annually.
• Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)  – More than 15 million and fewer than 50 million passenger trips annually.
• Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) – More than 50 million passenger trips annually.

Certificate of Merit Winners

• Foothill Transit, West Covina, California – More than 3 million and fewer than 15 million passenger trips annually.
• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)  – More than 50 million passenger trips annually.

Bus Emergency Management Award

Gold Winners

• Capital Metro Transportation Authority (CapMetro), Austin, Texas – More than 15 million and fewer than 50 million passenger trips annually.
• WMATA – More than 50 million passenger trips annually.

Bus Safe, Effective, and Clean Award

Gold Winner

• Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST), Monterey, California – Fewer than 3 million passenger trips annually.

To read the winning program descriptions, visit APTA’s Bus Safety, Security, Emergency Management, and Safe, Effective, and Clean Awards page.

2026 International Bus Roadeo Winners

APTA also announced the winners of the 2026 International Bus Roadeo, an event recognizing the skill and professionalism of public transit bus operators and maintenance crews.

This year’s competition took place in Salt Lake City, where 80 bus operators, 49 maintenance teams, and 40 combined teams demonstrated their abilities in various driving, safety, and repair scenarios. From precision maneuvers to brake and door repairs, participants showcased their skills before a panel of judges.

“APTA’s International Bus Roadeo showcases the professionalism and technical expertise that keep public transportation systems operating safely and reliably every day,” said Skoutelas. “The operators and maintenance teams recognized here represent the focus, precision, and public service that make that possible. Congratulations to all and thank you for advancing public transportation.”

The winners of the 2026 International Bus Roadeo are:

• Grand Champion: LA Metro.
• First Runner Up: Community Transit, Everett, Washington.
• Second Runner Up: AC Transit, Oakland, California.
• First Place Operator: Matt Chomjak, Community Transit.
• Second Place Operator: Darvy Traylor – Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Orange, California.
• Third Place Operator: Willie Davis – Central Ohio Transit Authority, Columbus, Ohio.
• First Place Maintenance Team: LA Metro.
• Second Place Maintenance Team: Oahu Transit Service Inc., Honolulu.
• Third Place Maintenance Team: AC Transit.
• USSC Pre-Trip Inspection Winner: Darvy Traylor – OCTA.
• Wabtec Vapor Door Winner: LA Metro.
• MCI/New Flyer Multiplex Winner: Oahu Transit Service Inc.
• Thermo King HVAC Winner: Community Transit.
• Custom Training Aids Brake System Winner: LA Metro.
• Cummins/Driventic/EMP Power Train Winner: Oahu Transit Services, Inc.
• Cummins/Allison/EMP Power Train Winner: LA Metro
• USSC Vehicle Inspection Winner: Intercity Transit, Olympia, Washington.
• Gillig Written Test Winner: Regional Transportation District (RTD), Denver.