METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

SmartDrive video wins APTA AdWheel Award

Using both live footage and animation, the Eco-Driving Training video introduces SmartDrive Safety's simple, smooth driving techniques that promote safety and fuel efficiency within public transit.

September 26, 2013
SmartDrive video wins APTA AdWheel Award

 

2 min to read


SmartDrive Systems, a leader in driving performance solutions that reduce collisions and improve fuel efficiency, has won first place at the APTA 2013 AdWheel Awards in the "Advertisement - Advocacy/Awareness" category for its Eco-Driving Training video for public transit.

Based on breakthrough research and analysis of actual transit fleet driving maneuvers recorded by the SmartDrive Safety program, the video provides operators with specific tips and techniques for reducing fuel use and lowering emissions that can result in savings of up to $3,400 per vehicle annually.

To see SmartDrive's solutions in action, visit Booth 604 at the APTA Annual Meeting, Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 at the Hilton Chicago.

SmartDrive is a leader in providing comprehensive, video-based operator performance and safety programs to help transit agencies achieve operational safety and efficiency, protect operators and the public, and lower costs overall.

Ad Loading...

The company has installed its solutions in over 10,000 vehicles in the last year spanning transit agencies, paratransit, shuttle operators and more. More than 26 agencies across the U.S. have deployed the SmartDrive solution; customers include LA Metro, DART, Nassau County and Veolia Transportation.

"We thank APTA for this award, which raises awareness of fuel economy and safety issues in public transit while teaching industry professionals how they can be addressed in an easy-to-implement solution," said SmartDrive CEO Steve Mitgang. "We see this award as further validation of our innovative approach, leveraging video and vehicle data to identify and prioritize the riskiest driving skills that need to be addressed, helping agencies not only improve the safety of their fleets but also lower operational costs."

Using both live footage and animation, SmartDrive's Eco-Driving Training video introduces SmartDrive Safety's simple, smooth driving techniques that promote safety and fuel efficiency within public transit. Driving "the green way" includes taking a soft approach when braking or accelerating, staying within the speed limit, easing in and out of curves, anticipating traffic changes and avoiding excessive idling. SmartDrive has found that using these techniques has helped top operators to significantly improve driving skills, increase safety and improve MPG nearly 19%.

APTA's AdWheel Awards acknowledge the creative excellence of member public transportation systems and business members in advertising, communications and marketing. The "Advertisement - Advocacy/Awareness" category honors SmartDrive for building public knowledge and awareness around the benefits of eco-driving for the public transit industry.

To watch the award-winning Eco-Driving Training video, please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqWiEsjdLwY&feature=youtu.be.

More Bus

Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.

Read More →
King County Metro electric buses made by GILLIG.
Busby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Seattle's King County Metro Introduces New Battery-Electric Buses

Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says

The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 28, 2026

New Orleans RTA Reaches Agreement with ATU

The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.

Read More →
Two ABQ RIDE busses at an intersection by Gold street in front of a parking structure.
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

ABQ RIDE Launches Campaign to Bring Riders Back to the Bus

A new citywide campaign highlights free fares, improved service, and major upgrades to Albuquerque’s bus system.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.

Read More →
Railby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 26, 2026

People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
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 →
Ad Loading...
ManagementJanuary 22, 2026

Florida's JTA Unveils Mobility Visioning Plan 2050 at State of the Authority Event

CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.

Read More →