APTA Awards
APTA AWARDS
The public transportation industry’s highest honors are now accepting nominations. The 2026 APTA Awards Program is officially open, recognizing the agencies, organizations, and individuals whose leadership, innovation, and commitment are shaping the future of mobility across America.
Nominations Now Open for the 2026 American Public Transportation Association Awards!
Deadline for Submissions: Wednesday, July 15, 2026
An Annual Awards Program Recognizing Excellence in the Public Transportation Industry
As the only national awards program dedicated exclusively to the public transportation industry, the APTA Annual Awards celebrate excellence at every level — from visionary leadership and transformative projects to operational achievement and community impact. These awards spotlight the people and organizations moving the industry forward and improving the lives of millions of riders every day.
Winning an APTA award is one of the most prestigious distinctions in public transportation — a national recognition of excellence among peers and industry leaders. Recipients serve as examples of what is possible when dedication, collaboration, and bold thinking come together to advance mobility for all.
Industry organizations, transit agencies, business members, and public transportation professionals are encouraged to submit nominations and help honor the achievements that are transforming communities and defining the next era of public transportation.
Please view the following categories for more information on criteria.
- Outstanding Public Transportation CEO
- Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member
- Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member
- Distinguished Service Awards
- Special honor reserved for individuals who have long and distinguished careers in the industry
- APTA public transportation system members
- Honors an APTA public transportation system agency or organization who has demonstrated innovative concepts or effective problem-solving techniques.
Categories:
- Providing 3 million or fewer annual passenger trips
- Providing more than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips
- Providing more than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips
- Providing 50 million or more annual passenger trips
- Honors a public transportation project or program where a transit agency, a prime contractor and a certified small business worked in true partnership to deliver exceptional results