The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) has been awarded the Outstanding Public Transportation System Award by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). MARTA won the award in the “50 million or more annual passenger trips” category.
The 2024 APTA Honors Awards recognize those in the public transportation industry in North America who have demonstrated significant leadership, are outstanding role models of excellence, and whose accomplishments and innovations have greatly advanced public transportation.
APTA based their selection on criteria across multiple categories: infrastructure development, technology and innovation, sustainability, equity, customer service, and community engagement.
The COVID pandemic fundamentally altered transit agency operations and the expectations of MARTA employees and the riding public, but MARTA rose to meet that challenge head on. MARTA did not lay off a single employee during these challenging years and has steadily regained ridership and trust throughout the Atlanta region.
“As we emerged from the pandemic, MARTA strengthened its commitment to enhancing transportation services in Atlanta across many different areas,” said Collie Greenwood, CEO and General Manager at MARTA. “By improving our transit system and prioritizing the needs of passengers, MARTA continues to play a vital role in connecting communities and promoting economic development in the Atlanta region.”
“It is my honor to congratulate the winners of the 2024 APTA Awards and the Hall of Fame inductees for their dedication to advancing the future of public transportation, creating vital connections between communities and driving innovation,” said APTA Chair Michele Wong Krause.
“The achievements and legacies of our awardees inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in our industry and to making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Congratulations to all who have been recognized for their accomplishments and for making positive impacts in their communities and our industry.”
MARTA is currently advancing the agency’s largest capital expansion since its creation 45 years ago. The agency has launched award winning programs in every key area of the organization, and APTA annually recognizes MARTA’s innovations and customer-focused initiatives with awards in safety, security, marketing, sustainability, and communications. By improving its transit system and prioritizing the needs of passengers, MARTA continues to play a vital role in connecting communities and promoting economic development in the Atlanta region.