APTA honors seven entities for sustainability efforts

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) yesterday recognized seven organizations for "outstanding sustainability achievements" through the association's Sustainability Commitment program.

Public transit agencies and businesses that voluntarily participate in APTA's program commit to implementing processes and actions that create continuous improvements in environmental, social and economic sustainability. Organizations can be recognized with Gold, Silver, and Bronze level certifications.

Organizations receiving Gold-level recognition were Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority in Boston, Metro Transit in Minneapolis, Societe de Transport de Montreal in Montreal, and Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District in Champaign, Ill. The Lane Transit District in Springfield, Ore., received Silver-level recognition, while two organizations received the Bronze: GO Transit in Toronto, and Stacy and Witbeck, the first construction firm to receive the honor for sustainability efforts at its office in Portland, Ore., and four project field offices.

"The public transportation industry is committed to sustainability," said APTA President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Melaniphy in a press release. "These new recipients are shining examples of how public transportation organizations are making a difference in implementing processes and actions that create continuous improvements in environmental, social and economic sustainability."

Launched in 2009, APTA's Sustainability Commitment Program now includes 121 public transit agencies and businesses. Currently, 24 of those signing on have now received recognition, as determined by specific measured achievements.