APTA recognizes DART, TransLink for excellence

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) yesterday honored individuals and organizations for leadership and vision during its 2019 TRANSform conference in New York City.

The APTA Honors recognize leaders in the North American public transportation industry who are models of excellence, have demonstrated significant leadership and whose accomplishments have advanced public transportation, APTA officials said in a press release.

Transit-rail agencies honored were Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), which received the Innovation Award, and TransLink of Vancouver, British Columbia, which received an Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award for its accomplishments during 2016 through 2018.

DART was recognized for its GoPass mobile ticketing application, the newest version of which was developed to serve as a mobility manager platform. With a single app, riders have access to multimodal, multi-provider mobility options based on their needs. The app has positioned DART as a mobility manager for the North Texas region, APTA officials said.

TransLink was honored in the category of public transit systems that provide 20 million or more annual passenger trips. From 2016 through 2018, TransLink ridership increased 18 percent and achieved new highs for on-time performance. TransLink also embarked on a $9 billion plan that included expansions to SkyTrain rapid transit service and major infrastructure upgrades.

Individuals honored for their service to public transportation included:
• California State Sen. Jim Beall, who was honored with the State Distinguished Service Award. Beall authored Senate Bill 1, signed into law in 2017, which helped generate billions in funds for transportation infrastructure.
• Henry Li, general manager and chief executive officer of the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT), who received the Outstanding Public Transportation Manager Award. During his three-year tenure, SacRT has "experienced a historic comeback" that includes positive financial ratings and increasing ridership, APTA officials said. Li also has made safety and security a top priority.
• Michael Townes, who was inducted into the APTA Hall of Fame. During his 11 years as CEO of Hampton Roads Transit, Townes successfully obtained more than $280 million to build a light-rail system in Norfolk, the first such system in Virginia.
• Richard White, who was inducted into the APTA Hall of Fame. White is one of few individuals who has worked in all of the industry's sectors: federal government, public transit agencies, business member/industry organization and APTA. At APTA, White served as chair and, later, as acting CEO and president. On Sept. 11, 2001, White was CEO of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, where he ensured the system remained open and moved hundreds of thousands of people through the District of Columbia region, following the terrorist attacks in D.C., New York City and Pennsylvania.