Via Has Second Highest DBE Participation Rate in Nation

Via Metropolitan Transit has reached the second highest utilization rate for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in the U.S. public transportation industry, according to the latest data from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

Via’s Office of Diversity and Federal Compliance, which has oversight of the agency’s DBE program, shared the news with the Via Board of Trustees at their regular meeting earlier this week. Federal statistics show Via has the highest DBE goal in the nation at 30 percent. Last year, Via’s DBE program achieved 47 percent participation, the second highest ranking among the top 50 public transportation providers in the nation. Via has surpassed its DBE goals each year since 2012.

“Via continues to be lauded for its strong commitment to promoting diversity in hiring and contracting,” said Via President/CEO Jeff Arndt. “We take great pride in setting the standard of excellence for DBE participation, and we are excited to reach this significant milestone, topping Houston Metro, Atlanta’s MARTA, Los Angeles Metro and many other, large transit agencies across the country.”