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APTA Announces Public Transit Industry’s Best Marketing, Communications, and Customer Experience Work in AdWheel Grand Awards

Chicago, IL (October 8, 2026) – The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) honored 15 outstanding marketing, communications, and customer experience campaigns from across the public transportation industry with its 2026 AdWheel Grand Awards this week at APTA TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago. The awards recognize APTA member public transportation systems and business members whose innovative efforts advanced strategic organizational goals and strengthened connections with the communities they serve.

“Congratulations to this year’s AdWheel Grand Award winners and to everyone across our industry whose creativity and commitment make these campaigns possible,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “The work recognized through the AdWheel Awards demonstrates how public transportation organizations are connecting with riders, attracting and developing the workforce, and telling the story of the essential role transit plays in our communities. These efforts reflect the enduring character of our industry and give us even more reason to be optimistic about the future.”

APTA members entered 360 campaigns and hundreds of industry experts reviewed submissions in two competitive judging rounds. The Grand Awards were presented in three categories: workforce development, campaigns to increase ridership or sales, and other educational efforts. Honors were awarded in five groups, based on system size.

The Grand Award winners honored are listed below and their full winning submission details can be found here.

Best Marketing and Communications on Workforce Development

  • Denton County Transportation Authority, Denton County, TX

“Campaign for Agency-Wide Recruitment”

Fewer than 3 million annual passenger trips

 

  • COTA, Columbus, OH

“Bus Roadeo Hype Reel”

More than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips

 

  • CapMetro, Austin, TX

“Transit Police Recruitment”

More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips

 

  • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Washington, DC

“Hiring Day Events”

More than 50 million annual passenger trips

 

  • Siemens Mobility Inc., Sacramento, CA

“2025 Family Day”

 

Best Marketing and Communications to Increase Ridership or Sales

  • RTA of Southeast Michigan, Detroit, MI

“QLINE Streetcar Activations”

Fewer than 3 million annual passenger trips

 

  • Caltrain, Millbrae, CA

“Driving is For Dodgers Fans”

More than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips

 

  • Sound Transit, Seattle, WA

“Building Ridership and Awareness of New Rail Lines Opening”

More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips

 

  • San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, San Diego, CA

“PRONTO Community Celebration Program for Fare Media”

More than 50 million annual passenger trips

 

  • GILLIG LLC, Livermore, CA

“Website Overhaul and Video Project”

Business Member

 

 Best Marketing and Communications Educational Initiative

  • Butler County Regional Transit Authority, Hamilton, OH
    “More than a Ride – Public Awareness Campaign”

Fewer than 3 million annual passenger trips

 

  • Metrolink, Los Angeles, CA
    “Real-Time, Rider-Focused Notifications”

More than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips

 

  • Charlotte Area Transit System, Charlotte, NC

“Meck Connect Education Effort to Support 2025 Mobility Referendum”

More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips

 

  • TransLink, New Westminster, BC

“How ‘Empty’ Looking Bus Lanes Can Actually Move More People”
More than 50 million annual passenger trips

 

  • Washington State Transit Association, Olympia, WA

“Transit is Why – Public Education Campaign”

Business Member

 

The call for entries for APTA’s 2027 AdWheel Awards will open late Fall 2026 at apta.com/adwheel.

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