The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) honored six transit agencies from Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio and Texas with the 2023 Bus Safety, Security and Emergency Management Awards.
The awards recognize transit organizations for their innovative and proactive safety and security programs. APTA added a new category in 2023 to honor transit agencies that excel in the management of emergencies though partnerships, planning, exercises and drills.
“Every day, our industry works closely together to provide transportation to all Americans. A major part of that effort is addressing security and safety advancements and sharing best practices with systems across the country,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “I want to congratulate the public transit agencies being honored for their safety and security contributions to the industry. Their work will guide the continued growth and advancement of public transit, making it safer for their passengers, employees and communities nationwide.”
Nominations are evaluated on four criteria:
- Effectiveness
- Benefit level
- Innovation
- 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.
The 2023 Bus Safety, Security and Emergency Management Award winners are awarded in categories based on bus ridership. The 2023 winners are:
Bus Safety Award
Gold winner
Pace Suburban Bus – More than four million and fewer than 20 million passenger trips annually.
Certificate of Merit winner
Metro Regional Transport Authority (Akron Metro) — Fewer than four million passenger trips annually.
Bus Security Award
Gold winner
New Jersey Transit – More than 20 million passenger trips annually.
Certificate of Merit winners
- Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) – Fewer than four million passenger trips annually.
- Akron Metro – Fewer than four million passenger trips annually
Bus Emergency Management Award
Gold winner
Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) – More than 20 million passenger trips annually.
Certificate of Merit winners
- CCRTA – Fewer than four million passenger trips annually.
- Miami-Dade Transit – Greater than 20 million passenger trips annually.
