After being nominated by a local chapter, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has been named The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials’ (COMTO) 2019 Public Transportation Agency of the Year.
MARTA was nominated for its initiatives that promote and support equity, access and diversity in the transportation industry.
In addition to partnering with COMTO in its signature programming, MARTA organizational history reflects its commitment to providing access to disadvantaged business enterprises (DBE), defined as small businesses that are at least 51 percent owned by an individual with a net worth of less than $750,000.
“We are serious about MARTA doing more than just talk about diversity and equal access,” said General Manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker. “Making MARTA an organization whose doors are open to employees and business partners that represent the spectrum of communities is a priority, and we thank COMTO for this affirmation. This award says that we’re on the right path.”
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion at MARTA has participated in numerous programs targeting minority businesses, including DBE orientations and procurement preparation workshops; Atlanta Business League’s Super Tuesday; Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council’s Business Opportunity Exchange; and the Small Business Development Council’s Women’s Business Expo, among others. Additionally, MARTA created the Leadership Development Academy and the Professional Development Academy to support its employees’ growth and development as they advance their careers. Since the inception of the academies, more than 1,800 employees have participated.
“MARTA is exceptionally proud to have received this award from COMTO. It speaks to our efforts and commitment to diversity and ensuring equal access throughout MARTA’s ranks and with our vendors,” says Chief Administrative Officer Luz Borrero, who was on hand to accept the award. “It’s important for us to maintain high equal opportunity standards in our recruitment and to serve as a training ground for the large diversity of people seeking careers in transit. This is a key element of our value system.”
MARTA staff has been active in the Atlanta Chapter of COMTO, one of 35 COMTO chapters nationwide, holding key leadership positions and helping to advance its mission to achieve diversity in all levels of the transportation industry.
