APTA Recognizes Excellence in Rail Safety and Security at 2026 Rail Conference
Nominations are evaluated on four criteria: effectiveness, benefit level, innovation, and transferability.
The top honor is the Gold Award, which is presented to organizations with the best example of a safety, security, or emergency management program. A Certificate of Merit is given to organizations in recognition of exceptional achievement in safety, security, or emergency management.
METRO
- The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recognized ten public transit providers with the 2026 Rail Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Awards.
- APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas praised the honored agencies for their innovation and dedication in protecting passengers, colleagues, and communities.
- Awards are evaluated based on effectiveness, benefit level, innovation, and transferability, with the top honor being the Gold Award for exemplary safety and security programs.
*Summarized by AI
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) honored 10 public transportation providers from California, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C., with the 2026 Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management Awards.
“These awards celebrate the innovation and dedication of public transit agencies and their employees who work daily to protect their passengers, colleagues and the communities they serve,” said APTA President/CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “APTA congratulates the public transit agencies honored today for their strong performance in safety, security, and emergency management. Their commitment to excellence sets a positive example for the entire industry.”
Nominations are evaluated on four criteria: effectiveness, benefit level, innovation, and transferability.
The top honor is the Gold Award, which is presented to organizations with the best example of a safety, security, or emergency management program. A Certificate of Merit is given to organizations in recognition of exceptional achievement in safety, security, or emergency management.
2026 Award Winners
The 2026 Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management Award winners are recognized in the categories of Commuter/Intercity Rail, Light Rail/Streetcar, and Heavy Rail. The 2026 winners are:
Rail Safety Award
Gold Winners
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Metro-North Railroad, New York – Commuter Rail
- MTA New York City Transit, New York – Heavy Rail/Subways
- The Maryland Transit Administration (MD MTA), Baltimore – Light Rail/Streetcar
Certificate of Merit Winners
- Caltrain, Millbrae, California – Commuter Rail
- North County Transit (NCTD) – San Diego Railroad, Oceanside, California – Commuter Rail
- Houston METRO, Houston – Light Rail/Streetcar
Rail Security Award
Gold Winners
- MTA Metro-North Railroad and MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Jamaica, New York – Commuter Rail
- MTA New York City Transit – Heavy Rail
Certificate of Merit Winner
- NCTD – Commuter Rail
Rail Emergency Management Award
Gold Winners
- MTA Metro-North Railroad – Commuter Rail
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), Washington, D.C. – Heavy Rail/Subways
Certificate of Merit Winner
- LIRR – Commuter Rail
Rail Safe, Effective, and Clean Award
Gold Winners
- MTA Metro-North Railroad – Commuter Rail
- Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Oakland, California – Heavy Rail/Subways
- Metro Transit, Minneapolis – Light Rail/Streetcar
Certificate of Merit Winner
- WMATA – Heavy Rail/Subways
Quick Answers
The Rail Safety, Security and Emergency Management Awards, presented by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), recognize public transportation providers for excellence in safety, security, and emergency management.
*Summarized by AI
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