APTA announces hall of famers; honors transit agencies, execs

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) yesterday honored public transportation organizations and leaders with awards for their vision, leadership and commitment to public transportation. The association also announced the six new members who'll be inducted into the APTA Hall of Fame.

The 2023 APTA  Awards recognize organizations and individuals in North America who have demonstrated significant leadership, are outstanding role models, and whose accomplishments and innovations have greatly advanced public transportation, APTA officials said in a press release.

Honored agencies that provide rail service include: New Jersey Transit, recognized in the "outstanding public transportation system" category; and Bay Area Rapid Transit in San Francisco and MTA Metro-North Railroad in New York City, which were recognized for "innovation."

Those who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame include:

• Michael Allegra, former president and CEO of Utah Transit Authority;

• Paul Ballard, Weaverville, North Carolina; former president and CEO of the Fort Worth Transportation Authority;

• Julie Cunningham, who will be honored posthumously. She was president and CEO of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials when she died in 2014;

• Sharon Greene, founding executive director of the Los Angeles-San Diego Rail Corridor Agency, Orange, California; and

• Phillip Washington, CEO, Denver International Airport, Denver, Colorado. He formerly was the CEO of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Regional Transportation District in Denver during his career.