The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) honored six public transportation providers from 

California, Florida, Maryland, and Nevada with the 2025 Bus Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Awards, and four transit agencies from California, Ohio, Texas, and Ontario, Canada with a Certificate of Merit. 

The awards recognize transit organizations for their innovative and proactive programs.

“Congratulations to the award-winning public transit systems for developing outstanding safety, security and emergency management programs that set the standard for our industry,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “These innovative initiatives clearly demonstrate an unwavering dedication to enhancing the safety and security of passengers, transit workers, and the communities they serve.”

APTA’s Awards

Nominations are evaluated on four criteria: effectiveness, benefit level, innovation, and transferability. 

The 2025 Bus Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Award winners are awarded in categories based on bus ridership.

The 2025 winners are:

BUS SAFETY AWARD

Gold Winners

• San Joaquin Regional Transportation District (SJRTD), Stockton, Calif. – Fewer than three million passenger trips annually.

• Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), Jacksonville, Fla. – More than three million and fewer than 15 million passenger trips annually.

• Sacramento Regional Transportation District (SacRT), Sacramento, Calif. – More than 15 million and fewer than 50 million passenger trips annually.

Certificate of Merit Winners

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

• Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Orange, Calif. – More than 15 million and fewer than 50 million passenger trips annually

• Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), Toronto – More than 50 million passenger trips annually

BUS SECURITY AWARD

Gold Winners

• San Joaquin Regional Transportation District (SJRTD), Stockton, Calif. – Fewer than three million passenger trips annually.

• Foothill Transit, West Covina, Calif. – More than three million and fewer than 15 million passenger trips annually

• Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTCSNV), Las Vegas – More than 50 million passenger trips annually.

Certificate of Merit Winner

• Southwest Ohio Regional Transportation Authority (SORTA)/Metro, Cincinnati, Ohio – More than three million and fewer than 15 million passenger trips annually.

BUS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AWARD

Gold Winners

• Foothill Transit, West Covina, Calif. – More than three million and fewer than 15 million passenger trips annually.

• Maryland Transportation Administration (MTA), Baltimore – More than 15 million and fewer than 50 million passenger trips annually.

To read the winning program descriptions, visit Bus Safety Awards page.