Diversity & Inclusion Policy Statement:

APTA promotes an inclusive culture that supports and celebrates the unique attributes and perspectives of its individual members, allowing each and every person to make their fullest contribution to the industry. APTA defines diversity as the inclusion of differences and similarities from all categories of members and covers such areas as disability, gender, gender identity and sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, race and geographic origin, size of transit property or business member organization, all of which contribute to the fulfillment of APTA’s mission.

APTA’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan

This APTA strategic plan outlines the diversity and inclusion goals and objectives of the association and the mandate of the Diversity and Inclusion Council.

APTA Racial Equity Action Plan:

It is imperative that APTA and the public transit industry reassess our role and responsibility in ensuring racial equity and in acknowledging that we can and must do more.

To that end, APTA has created the APTA Racial Equity Action Plan to engage and support APTA members in their racial equity efforts. The goal is to create transformational change within the transit industry and to promote public transportation services that ensure racial equity, fair access to opportunities, and mobility justice, particularly in underserved communities. The Racial Equity Action Plan is an integral priority of APTA’s broader Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan, which implements our association’s Diversity & Inclusion Policy Statement (above).

Racial Equity Commitment Pilot Program

As a key component of APTA’s Racial Equity Action Plan, APTA launched a two-year Racial Equity Commitment Pilot Program in May of 2022. The Commitment Program provided a tangible roadmap for APTA members on how to advance racial equity at an organizational level. The pilot concluded in the Summer of 2024 with 87 APTA member organizations participating. Following the two-year pilot, APTA will launch a new commitment program for additional APTA member participation incorporating recommendations from the pilot. Here is a comprehensive description of the pilot program, a one-page summary and the list of participating APTA member organizations.

Transit Equity Report

Guided by the Racial Equity Action Plan, APTA also developed the Transit Equity Report in September 2024. It provides an overview of how public transportation agencies are advancing equity and ensuring their services benefit all members of the community, especially those who have been historically excluded from transit choices. The report highlights innovative policies, programs, and projects that are having a measurable impact on fostering greater equity among public transportation providers.

Kaleidoscope Webinars

APTA’s live and on-demand series aims to elevate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in public transit. This APTAU offering is free to all APTA members.

DEI Resource Hub

Below you will find sample Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies and plans from within and outside of the industry, as well as Equity Assessment Tools, and additional outside resources.

Sample Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plans and Policies

Equity Assessment Tools

Outside Resources