Denver RTD's Washington to be honored as APTA's 'outstanding public transportation manager'

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) will present its "Outstanding Public Transportation Manager Award" to Phillip Washington, the general manager and chief executive officer of the Regional Transportation District of Denver (RTD).

The award, which recognizes a public transportation manager who has made "outstanding contributions" to the industry, will be given to Washington at APTA's annual meeting next month in Chicago, APTA officials said in a press release.

"Phil Washington embodies a level of excellence in all that he does," said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy in a prepared statement. "From his innovative approach toward seeking solutions, to his emphasis on the importance of developing leadership, to his work with the community, Phil is being recognized by the public transportation industry as an effective and innovative leader and role model."

Washington has served at RTD's highest executive levels for the past 14 years, including the past four as GM and CEO. During his tenure, the agency has taken on several expansion projects, the most notable being FasTracks.

FasTracks involves the construction of 122 miles of new commuter- and light-rail lines and 18 miles of bus rapid transit, as well as the redevelopment of Union Station into a multimodal hub that could be surrounded by transit-oriented development.