Washington, DC

Monday, May 04, 2009

For Immediate Release

Contact:

Virginia Miller

202) 496-4816

vmiller@apta.com  

APTA Announces 2009 Bus Safety Awards

Recognizes top safety records and commitment to improving bus safety in North America

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) announced the winners of the 2009 Bus Safety Awards yesterday at the opening session of the annual APTA Bus and Paratransit Conference that is being held in Seattle, WA.

The APTA Bus Safety Awards recognize public transportation organizations and contractors for their positive safety records and dedication to improving safety. The top honor is the GOLD Award, which is given to the organization with the best overall bus safety program. In addition, a Certificate of Merit is given to organizations in recognition of exceptional achievement in bus safety, and finally a Certificate of Special Achievement is awarded in recognition of notable achievement in bus management.

The 2009 Bus Safety Award winners for public transportation systems are as follows:

Bus systems operating fewer than 1 million passenger trips

No awards made in this category

Bus systems operating 1 million and fewer than 4 million passenger trips

GOLD award – Southwest Metro Transit (Eden Prairie, MN)

Certificate of Merit – SunLine Transit Agency (Thousand Palms, CA)

Bus systems operating 4 million and fewer than 30 million passenger trips

GOLD award – Transit Authority of River City (Louisville, KY)

Certificate of Merit – Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Austin, TX)

Certificate of Merit – Community Transit (Everett, WA)

Certificate of Merit – Cyride, Ames Transit Agency (Ames, IA)

Certificate of Special Achievement – Metropolitan Transit Authority (Nashville, TN)

Bus systems operating 30 million or more passenger trips

GOLD award – Toronto Transit Commission (Toronto, ON)

GOLD award – Metro Transit (Minneapolis, MN)

Certificate of Merit – King County Metro Transit (Seattle, WA)

Certificate of Merit – Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Dallas, TX)

Private Contractor for Bus System

GOLD award – Veolia Transportation (Phoenix, AZ)

"Congratulations to the 2009 Bus Safety Award winners" said APTA President William W. Millar. "Recognized for their focused commitment to safety, as well as their stellar safety records, these bus systems are models for transit agencies throughout the United States and Canada"

A public transportation system providing local bus service is judged on its safety record; its success in building a safety-oriented culture within the system; and its outreach to riders and the community on bus safety issues.

A private bus contractor for a public transportation system is judged on its safety record; its success in building a safety-oriented culture within its organization; and its strategic safety initiatives.

# # #

APTA is a nonprofit international association of nearly 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions; and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. APTA members serve more than 90 percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada.

Virginia Miller

Senior Manager-Media Relations

American Public Transportation Association

Washington, DC

202-496-4816