29th Annual AdWheel Awards presented during Annual Meeting and International EXPO

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recognized the winners of the 2008 APTA Awards today at a special ceremony in San Diego during the APTA 2008 Annual Meeting and International EXPO.  The APTA Awards recognize individuals and organizations that make significant contributions to the public transportation industry.  The 2008 APTA Awards were presented at a special ceremony in San Diego during the APTA 2008 Annual Meeting and International EXPO.

“The 2008 APTA Award winners represent the top individuals and organizations in the public transportation industry who have advanced public transportation in the United States,” said APTA President William W. Millar.  “As the “best of the best,” this year’s winners serve as role models of excellence to everyone in the industry.” 

Three public transportation agencies, competing in three different categories based on annual ridership, were honored as the best public transit agencies in North America.  Winning the 2008 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award means that they have demonstrated achievements in efficiency and effectiveness.  This year’s winners, ranging from the smallest to the largest category are:

• Muncie Indiana Transit System (MITS), Muncie, IN (Category:  Providing more than 1 million and fewer than 4 million annual passenger trips.)  A second time winner in the past three years, MITS provides excellent service to their increasing ridership, with an extremely low rate of complaints.  The system has the latest in technological innovations, and aims to provide the most efficient and convenient service possible, offering a variety of customer amenities including bike racks, new low-floor buses with automated stop announcements, ergonomic passenger seating, abundant bus shelters, attractive bus stop signs, and electronic fare boxes.  Traffic signal preemption devices facilitate the safe and efficient movement of the buses through busy intersections and new scheduling software and mobile data computers have helped the ADA paratransit service consistently achieve a high level of performance.  MITS is a full partner in the community and takes seriously the responsibility of making Muncie a great place to live.

• GRTC Transit System, Richmond, VA (Category: Providing more than 4 million but fewer than 30 million annual passenger trips.) With 2007 ridership totals reaching almost 15 million, GRTC provides traditional fixed route service and commuter express service, operating 172 transit vehicles equipped with bike racks and wheel chair accessibilities.  Additionally, GRTC operates CARE, a curb-to-curb paratransit service for the elderly and disabled, and C-VAN, which provides transportation assistance for individuals looking to transition from welfare to work. RideFinders, the ride share component of the transit system, provides carpool, vanpool, and ride-matching services. The establishment of various safety committees and programs, emergency response and security training, ongoing training of operators and mechanics, a 90 percent on-time average for preventative maintenance inspections, and the creation of a state-of-the-art Mobile Command Center truly illustrate GRTC’s commitment to excellence. GRTC’s effective financial management tools and the successful obtaining of Federal Earmark funding and State Assistance funding have allowed the company the ability to provide quality service while at the same time reducing costs.

• Regional Transportation District, Denver, CO (Category: Providing more than 30 million annual passenger trips.) This is the third time RTD has won this prestigious award and the second time in only five years. RTD’s 2,300 employees provide service in a 2,400-square-mile area operating nearly 100 million passenger trips annually on a variety of services including bus, light rail, demand response and vanpools.  RTD has been breaking ridership records year after year, demonstrating what a dynamic and vital link RTD provides for the communities it serves.  For example, RTD has today already surpassed light rail ridership projections for the year 2020.  RTD’s service provided exceptionally high on-time performance levels last year, with light rail hitting an on-time rate of 99.96 percent, ADA paratransit service at 96 percent, local bus service at 88 percent, and express and regional bus service at 92 percent. Two years ago, RTD opened the light rail portion of the $1.7 billion Transportation Expansion or T-REX project, combining light rail construction and highway expansion. The project was jointly managed by RTD, the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration and Federal Highway Administration. The new light rail line began service on in November 2006 — two years ahead of schedule and within budget.  This was RTD’s fourth consecutive light rail project built on time and within budget. 

The APTA Innovation Award is an award given to public transit agencies that demonstrate innovative concepts in the provision of public transportation services.  This year the recipient of the 2008 Innovation Award  is:

• Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, Cincinnati, Ohio  
  In 2006, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority -- which operates Metro fixed-route service in Cincinnati -- faced an aging fleet in desperate need of replacement, skyrocketing fuel and healthcare costs, and a fare that was far lower than most in the nation, Metro’s Chief Financial Officer Ted Bergh had an idea to create a foundation to provide subsidized fare media for those individuals who need it the most. This concept would ensure that Metro could raise fares without unfairly affecting low-income riders while bringing in fresh capital to be used for the purchase of bus passes and tokens. From this simple idea the Everybody Rides Metro foundation (ERM) was born and in fall 2006 as a 501(c)(3).  ERM began distributing tokens through partner agencies in 2007. ERM’s mission is to provide reliable transportation to the economically disadvantaged of Cincinnati, assuring access to employment, education, health care and other vital services as they work towards self-sufficiency.

This year’s 2008 APTA Awards also recognized 7 individuals whose contributions have greatly advanced public transportation.

• Joe Calabrese, CEO & General Manager, Greater Cleveland RTA, Cleveland, OH is the 2008 recipient of the Outstanding Public Transportation Manager Award.  Joe Calabrese’s true passion is to enhance the image of public transportation through great service delivery, education and marketing. In 2000, Joe took the helm of the Greater Cleveland RTA, a multi-modal agency with buses, light rail, heavy rail, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and Paratransit services. Facing a challenging economy and several years of declining ridership, Joe instituted a Back To The Basics game plan, focusing on improving customer service, enhancing GCRTA’s image and building stronger financial health.  GCRTA consolidated operations, integrated two municipal systems, and reduced annual operating expenses by $25M through the reduction of 500 employees and 100 buses, all while realizing  five consecutive years of ridership gains. Delivering on the board’s primary goal, in 2004, a Full Funding Grant Agreement began the $200+ million Euclid Corridor BRT project -- the first New Starts grant for a non-rail project, which will open on-time and on-budget on Oct. 25, 2008.  With a “rail-like” image, this project has already generated $4.3 billion in economic development. Innovative concepts --like Rapid Transit Vehicles with doors on both sides, precision docking, level boarding, off-board are being integrated into other BRT projects. In 2007, GCRTA won three major awards, including APTA’s Outstanding Transportation Achievement Award.

• Joe Alexander is a recipient of the 2008 APTA Hall of Fame.  This award is given to an individual who has had a long and distinguished career in the industry; who has made extraordinary contributions to public transportation; and who has actively participated in APTA activities.  A 23 year member of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) Board of Directors, including four separate terms as board chair, Joe was an active and continuing leader in the successful growth of the 103 mile, multi-bil1ion-dollar transit system. During this period, WMATA went from plans on a drawing board to an internationally recognized system carrying over a half million daily rail passengers, plus hundreds of thousands daily bus riders. The story of WMATA is one of vision, commitment and performance--traits exemplified by Joe Alexander.  He helped turn the vision of WMATA as a force for transportation and urban development in the National Capital Region into a reality. As APTA chair in 1983, Joe was instrumental in establishing the Women in Transit Initiative (WIT).  In the 1980's and 1990's Joe was a driving force in the creation of the Virginia Railway Express (VRE). His expertise and political savvy assisted the NVTC and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission in a challenging initiative to inaugurate commuter rail service between the Northern Virginia suburbs and the nation's capital.  He continued to serve the VRE until 1995, when he completed his 32-year tenure as a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

• Frank J. Lichtanski is the second recipient of the 2008 APTA Hall of Fame. Between 1975 and 1978 he helped establish the first regional transit services to the cities of Marina and Salinas, and the unincorporated areas of Carmel Valley and Big Sur.  He was promoted to assistant general manager in 1977. Frank was instrumental in the formation of the Joint Powers Agency (JPA) that would eventually become Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST).  During his tenure, Frank grew MST from a fleet of six buses on nine routes providing 39,000 annual boardings to a regional system with a fleet of 86 buses on 36 routes, and five million annual boardings. Through his efforts, the member jurisdictions of the Monterey Peninsula Transit JPA joined the cities of Marina and Salinas to form Monterey-Salinas Transit in 1981. Shortly after the formation of MST, he was promoted to general manager/CEO in 1982 where he would remain for the next 23 years until his passing in June 2005.  Frank placed transit education as one of his top priorities. His legacy to education lives on through the Eno Foundation Scholarship Fund for the Center for Transit Leadership. Frank passed away on June 9, 2005, after a brief struggle with cancer.  However, through his commitment to providing quality services, training and development, and dedication to public service, his legacy lives on to inspire all who choose a career in public transit.

• Reba Malone is the third recipient of the 2008 APTA Hall of Fame. Reba’s involvement with transportation began with her appointment to the San Antonio Transit Board in 1976 by then Mayor Lila Cockrell.  During her tenure on the San Antonio Transit Board she worked toward the adoption of the sales tax that helped form Via Metropolitan Transit, San Antonio’s public bus system. She helped to start the Southeast Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Club in San Antonio in 1974; she rose through the ranks of district and state offices, ultimately serving as president of BPW Texas in 1985.  Reba also served on the Via Metropolitan Transit Board for nine years.  During her tenure the Alamo City Street Car was approved.  Her work with these companies and organizations led to Reba becoming the first woman to serve as chair of the APTA Board; she served two full terms in that position from 1987 to 1988.  During her last year as chair, the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) was organized under her leadership.  Reba served as the first chair of the APTF and still remains on the board.  In addition she serves on the Business Member Board of Governors, Legislative, and Program Planning committees.  She is currently serving as Chair of the Member Services Committee.

• Al French (Board Member, Spokane Transit Authority, Spokane, WA) is the 2008 recipient of the Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member Award.  A member of the Spokane Transit Board of Directors since 2002, Al French joined the agency as public perception was at an all time low.   In January 2003, French was unanimously elected Chairman in January 2003.  He was also asked to head a task force to design a public transportation system that was both functional and efficient at roughly half its original size.  On May 18, 2004, 69 percent of Spokane voters approved an additional sales tax to fund Spokane Transit.  On May 20, 2008 voters responded to French’s commitment by overwhelmingly approving the continuation of the sales tax funding. Al French is Spokane Transit’s Architect of Change.

• Jerome (Jerry) C. Premo (North America Transit/Rail/Freight Market Segment Director, AECOM, Orange, CA) is the 2008 recipient of the Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member Award.  Jerry plays a leading role in developing educational sessions at APTA conferences as chair of the Business Members’ Programs subcommittee, advancing issues of concern to this area of APTA membership. Planned by business members using untraditional “wow factor” formats, these lively sessions bring together the public and private sectors to explore issues within the transit industry and find common ground. Jerry’s awareness of current issues within the transit industry extends to an understanding of its needs for the future. Through his role in Leadership APTA, Jerry leads working sessions and serves as an informal mentor. He also supports the Eno Foundation’s transit leadership program, helping tomorrow’s public transportation leaders prepare for the future when their capabilities will be critical to industry success.  As a result of his unparalleled dedication, tireless advocacy, passion and foresight, Jerry has helped APTA grow and evolve - enhancing its role as an efficient and effective advocate for public transportation worldwide.

• Illinois State Representative Julie Hamos (18th District, Chicago, IL) is the 2008 recipient of the Local Distinguished Service Award.  Rep. Hamos has been a dedicated advocate for public transportation. On January 18, 2008, after nearly two years of political wrangling, the Illinois General Assembly approved an additional $530 million in annual, permanent operating funding to the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Metra Commuter Rail (Metra) and Pace Suburban Bus (Pace), the first such increase in over two decades.  The legislation was approved just in the nick of time, only three short days before a budget balancing “doomsday” was implemented.  Had the bill not passed, riders would have faced an unprecedented level of fare hikes and service cuts, including the elimination of more than 160 city and suburban bus routes.  In addition, nearly 3,000 employees would have been laid off.  For three years, in meeting after meeting of the Illinois House Mass Transit Committee, which she founded, she pushed for ways to fund and improve public transportation.  She sought input from every corner of the region from the riders, business, organized labor, community groups, and even those from outside the region, because of transit’s profound economic impact on the entire state.  Rep. Hamos continued working to find a compromise and to convince the legislature and the Governor Blagojevich of the importance to find a real solution before the doomsday plans were put into effect.   Her hard work and diligence paid off in early 2008 with the passage of landmark legislation. For at least the next decade, the CTA, Metra, and Pace will have sufficient funding to run day-to-day operations, avoiding any future “doomsday” scenarios for the foreseeable future and bringing the three year struggle to an end. 

For information on the 2008 APTA Award winners, go to
http://www.apta.com/members/memberprogramsandservices/awards/Pages/default.aspx