Click the inductee’s name to learn more about them.
W.H. Paterson (1983)
Milton Pikarsky (2000)
Robert Pollock (1984)
Jerome (Jerry) C. Premo (2015)
Robert Prince (2017)
Thomas O. Prior (1985)
Walter S. Rainville, Jr. (1983)
James Reading (1995)
Dan Reichard, Jr. (2006)
David Ringo (1984)
William J. Ronan (1985)
Leonard Ronis (1990)
W.H. Paterson
A pioneer in the construction of Toronto’s subway system who gained worldwide recognition in subway construction.
Milton Pikarsky
A developer of Chicago’s rapid transit lines who also helped form U.S. DOT’s University Transportation Centers program.
Robert Pollock
A dominant transit industry figure, both as American Transit Association president and as a transit planner in Cleveland.
Jerome (Jerry) C. Premo
For nearly 50 years Jerry Premo has been a passionate change agent in public transportation. After graduating from Notre Dame University and the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, he joined the Urban Mass Transportation Administration, the predecessor to the Federal Transit Administration, as one if its first dozen employees. Working tirelessly to advance the good work of transit, Jerry served twice on its Executive Committee, Board of Directors and as vice chair; co-chair of APTA’s (PT)2 cabinet; chair of the 2008 EXPO Committee; chair of the Legislative Committee for six years; Business Member Board of Governors for 11 years; APTA Presidential Selection Committee; and 2014 Strategic Planning Committee, among many others. In 2008, Jerry received APTA’s Outstanding Business Member Award.
Robert Prince
Bob Prince’s career in the public transit industry is defined by his outstanding management of transit operations at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), his work in renewing and expanding the T’s historic infrastructure, and his dedication to support and mentor the next generation of public transit leaders. Over the next 25 years Bob held more than 20 jobs at the MBTA, culminating in July 1997 as the first African-American general manager of the fourth largest multimodal transportation agency in the United States, carrying more than one million passengers a day. He was a member of the American Public Transportation Foundation for 11 years, chaired the foundation for four years and is currently an emeritus member. Bob also served on the Rail Standards Policy and Planning Committee, the Rail Safety Committee, Conference Planning Committee, and the Meeting Site Committee. Bob has also been a key leader for COMTO, having been a member since 1985 and sitting on the board for several years culminating as national chair from 2012-2015.
Thomas O. Prior
A distinguished APTA president who, over a diverse 28-year transit career, progressed from bus driver to general manager in San Diego.
Walter S. Rainville, Jr.
A respected transportation expert and longtime American Transit Association research director, who served the industry as a student, analyst, writer, and teacher.
James Reading
A transit professional who recognized the significance of marketing and promotion to attract new riders during his 30-year career.
Dan Reichard, Jr.
He was a pioneer in the area of high-tech fare collection and was one of the founders of GFI-GENFARE. He was the recipient of the 1995 APTA Outstanding Business Member Award and was the first business member to preside at an APTA general session. He served as a board member of the Central Ohio Transit Authority.
David Ringo
A transit executive for over 40 years and founder of ATE Management & Service Company who created consumer-oriented marketing approaches.
William J. Ronan
APTA’s first chairman and one of its primary co-founders; also chairman of the New York MTA and president of the Institute of Rapid Transit.
Leonard Ronis
A transit leader at the local, state, and national levels; the first head of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority; APTA president.
