APTA has honored 13 organizations and leaders with the 2024 APTA Awards, recognizing the recipients for their vision, leadership, and commitment to public transportation. The association will also induct three new members into the APTA Hall of Fame.

The 2024 APTA Honors Awards recognize those 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.

“It is my honor to congratulate the winners of the 2024 APTA Awards and the Hall of Fame inductees for their dedication to advancing the future of public transportation, creating vital connections between communities and driving innovation,” said APTA Chair Michele Wong Krause, immediate past chair, DART Board of Directors, 2021-2023.

“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.”

Organization Awards

Outstanding Public Transportation System
  • Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority, Birmingham, AL–3 million or more annual passenger trips.
  • SamTrans, San Carlos, CA–More than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips.
  • Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, San Jose, CA–More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips.
  • Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Atlanta, GA–50 million or more annual passenger trips.

Excellence in Inclusive Collaboration Award

(jointly honoring a public transit agency, DBE, and private-sector prime firm)
  • Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, St. Petersburg, FL; H.W. Lochner; and Jones Worley.

Innovation Awards

  • Calgary Transit, Calgary, AB, CANADA.
  • Montgomery County Ride On, Rockville, MD.
  • Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas, NV.
  • TriMet, Portland, OR.

Individual Awards

Distinguished Service Award
  • Shannon G. Hardin, president, Columbus City Council, Columbus, OH.
Outstanding Chief Executive Officer
  • Dawn Distler, Metro Regional Transit Authority, Akron, OH.
Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member
  • Arezou “Ari” Jolly, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, Jacksonville, FL.
Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member
  • Evalynn “Eve” Williams, president and CEO, Dikita Enterprises, Inc., Dallas, TX.

APTA Hall of Fame

  • Carolyn Flowers, Henderson, NV.
  • Hugh Mose, State College, PA.
  • Michael Schneider, Laguna Beach, CA.