The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) revealed the winners of the 2023 APTA Awards. The 2023 APTA Awards recognize organizations and leaders in the public transportation industry in North America who have demonstrated significant leadership, are outstanding role models of excellence and whose accomplishments and innovations have greatly advanced public transportation.
APTA honored 14 organizations and leaders with awards for their vision, leadership and commitment to public transportation. The association will also induct six new members into the APTA Hall of Fame.
"It is my honor to congratulate the 2023 APTA Awards winners and Hall of Fame inductees for their commitment to shaping the future of public transportation, forging vital connections between communities and spurring innovation,” said Dorval R. Carter, Jr., APTA chair and Chicago Transit Authority president.
“The achievements and legacies of our awardees inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in our industry and to making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Congratulations to all who have been recognized for their accomplishments and for making positive impacts in their communities and our industry.”
Organizational awards
Outstanding Public Transportation System
- SunLine Transit Agency, Thousand Palms, Calif. – 3 million or fewer annual passenger trips
- Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, St. Petersburg, Fla. – More than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips
- Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, Oakland, Calif.– More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips
- New Jersey Transit, Newark, N.J. – 50 million or more annual passenger trips
Excellence In Inclusive Collaboration Award
Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, Portland, Ore.
Innovation awards
- Bay Area Rapid Transit, Oakland, Calif.
- King County Metro, Seattle, Wash.
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority Metro-North Railroad, New York, N.Y.
- Park City Transit, Park City, Utah
Individual awards
Distinguished Service Award
Robert Nelson Clement, former U.S. Congressman, Nashville, Tenn.
Outstanding Public Transportation Manager
Doran Barnes, Foothill Transit, West Covina, Calif.
Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member
- Eileen Higgins, Miami-Dade Transit, Miami, Fla.
- Paul C. Smedberg, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Washington, D.C.
Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member
Anja Graves, Cardinal Infrastructure, Washington, D.C.
Hall of Fame
- Michael Allegra, former President and CEO, Utah Transit Authority, Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Paul J. Ballard, Weaverville, N.C., former President and CEO, Fort Worth Transportation Authority, Fort Worth, Texas, among others.
- John P. Bartosiewicz, KLC2 Connects LLC, Fort Worth, Texas.
- Julie Cunningham, posthumous, former President and CEO, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials.
- Sharon Greene, Managing Principal, InfraStrategies LLC.
- Phillip A. Washington, CEO, Denver International Airport, Denver, Colo.
