GRTC Transit System has been recognized as the best transit system of its size in North America by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).

This annual award honors one public transportation system in North America each year that has demonstrated outstanding achievement in efficiency and effectiveness. Systems are judged on their performances over a three-year period and one system is chosen from each of the four categories based on ridership totals. GRTC Transit System was ranked number one in the competitive 4-30 million passenger trips category, which includes over 100 transit systems across the continent.

This award recognizes transit systems that demonstrate exceptional efficiency and effectiveness in all phases of their operations; transit systems are judged on services and programs, safety, operations, customer service, financial management, attendance and employee costs, advancement of minorities and women, marketing, policy and administration, and community relations.