METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

SacRT among agencies recognized with TSA's Gold Standard Award

The recognition goes to agencies that achieve top scores during an annual review of 17 categories.

April 9, 2019
SacRT among agencies recognized with TSA's Gold Standard Award

TSA Federal Security Director Sid Hanna (right) presented the award to SacRT’s GM/CEO Henry Li.

SacRT

2 min to read


TSA Federal Security Director Sid Hanna (right) presented the award to SacRT’s GM/CEO Henry Li. SacRT

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) honored California’s Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) with the prestigious Gold Standard Award at a meeting of the transit agency’s Board of Directors meeting. TSA Federal Security Director Sid Hanna presented the award to SacRT’s GM/CEO Henry Li.

The Gold Standard Award is the top recognition TSA can give to a transit agency for achieving top scores during an annual review of 17 categories of security and emergency preparedness elements. The review evaluates several aspects of a transit agency’s operations including the security plan; security training; drills and exercise programs; public outreach efforts; and background check processes.

Ad Loading...

TSA has oversight of 6,800 public transit agencies in the country. Every year, the TSA assesses a select number of transit agencies nationwide for evaluation through its Baseline for Security Enhancement (BASE) program. A select few achieve scores high enough to receive the Gold Standard Award.

In the most recent round of BASE evaluations, TSA reviewed 92 transit agencies. This is the first time SacRT has earned the Gold Standard Award.

SacRT operates approximately 70 bus routes, including fixed-route, dial-a-ride and microtransit, 43 miles of light rail and ADA paratransit services. It serves a 400-square mile area throughout Sacramento County, which includes service in the cities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Elk Grove. Sacramento buses and light rail trains operate 365 days a year. SacRT's entire bus and light rail system is accessible to the disabled community.

SacRT was one of seven transit agencies nationwide to be honored with the award during the most recent evaluation phase. Other agencies that received the Gold Standard Award are North County Transit District in North County San Diego, California; Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority in Pinellas County, Florida; Denver’s Regional Transportation District; MetroLink St. Louis; the Regional Transportation Commission Washoe in Reno, Nev.; and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

More Security and Safety

Security and SafetyJanuary 22, 2026

Researchers Identify Top Risk Factors for Pedestrian-vehicle Crashes at Massachusetts Bus Stops

While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
CTA railcar in station.
Technologyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

CTA Innovation Studio Expands Pilot to Reduce Smoke, Odors

The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New MCTS Bus design.
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

Milwaukee Rolls Out New Measures to Enhance Bus Safety

MCTS officials said the new pilots are part of a broader commitment to improving the rider experience through proactive, visible safety strategies that balance enforcement with customer support.

Read More →
Transit signal priority and public transit agencies.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 16, 2026

How AI is Redefining Transit Operations and Signal Priority

In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 15, 2026

SEPTA Crime Rates Continue Downward Trend, Report Finds

In addition, Transit Police reported strides in stepped-up enforcement of fare evasion and quality-of-ride offenses.

Read More →
Ad Loading...

People Movement: Vontas Names New GM and Much More

METRO’s People Movement highlights the latest leadership changes, promotions, and personnel news across the public transit, motorcoach, and people mobility sectors.

Read More →
A overhead view of an LA Metro rail station platform.
Security and Safetyby StaffJanuary 13, 2026

LA Metro Launches Care-Based Public Safety Division

The new division brings ambassadors, outreach, and crisis response together to improve safety, coordination, and rider experience systemwide.

Read More →
Security and Safetyby Alex RomanDecember 23, 2025

Establishing Standards & Codes in Canada, with CSA’s Ana-Maria Tomlinson

In this latest episode of METROspectives, we explore the evolving role of transit standards, including how they're responding to emerging technologies, climate change, and the growing need for equity and sustainability.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A an image of a CTA bus with text reading "FTA Warns Chicago to Strengthen Transit Safety Plan or Lose Millions in Funding."
Security and Safetyby StaffDecember 22, 2025

Federal Transit Administration Warns Chicago to Strengthen Transit Safety Plan or Lose Millions in Funding

USDOT found the Chicago Transit Authority’s safety plan insufficient to safeguard commuters on buses and rail, as crime on Chicago transit approaches a decade-high.

Read More →