APTA Announces 2025 Public Transportation Awards, Hall Of Fame Inductees

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recently honored 13 organizations and leaders with awards for their vision, leadership, and commitment to public transportation. The association will also induct six new members into the prestigious APTA Hall of Fame.

“The 2025 APTA Awards recognize organizations and leaders 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,” according to a press release.

“It is my honor to congratulate the winners of the 2025 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,” MJ Maynard-Carey, APTA Board Chair and CEO, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, said.

“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,” APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas added. “Congratulations to all who have been recognized for their accomplishments and for making positive impacts in their communities and our industry.”

ORGANIZATION AWARDS

Outstanding Public Transportation System

• Monterey-Salinas Transit, Monterey, CA – 3 million or fewer annual passenger trips;
• Metropolitan Regional Transit Authority, Akron, OH – More than 3 million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips;
• Utah Transit Authority, Salt Lake City, UT – More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips; and,
• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Washington, D.C. – 50 million or more annual passenger trips.

Outstanding Partnership In Public Transportation 

• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Washington, D.C; Kimley-Horn and Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning.

INNOVATION AWARDS

• Oklahoma Transit Association, Oklahoma City, OK;
• Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York, NY;
• Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, Portland, OR; and,
• Sound Transit, Seattle, WA.

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Distinguished Service

• Matthew Welbes, Executive Director, Federal Transit Administration, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Chief Executive Officer

• Kenneth A. McDonald, Long Beach Transit, Long Beach, CA.

Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member

• David M. Stackrow, Capital District Transportation Authority, Albany, NY.

Outstanding Public Transportation Business Member

• Francis “Buddy” Coleman, Chief Customer Officer and Principal, Clever Devices, Woodbury, NY.

HALL OF FAME

• Frank DiGiacomo, Torrence, CA (posthumous);
• Mark Donaghy, Petersburg, KY;
• Jeanne Krieg, Antioch, CA;
• Feysan Lodde, Dallas, TX;
• William R. Mooney III, Chicago, IL (posthumous); and,
• Peter Varga, Grand Rapids, MI.