2016 Outstanding Transit System of the Year

August 16, 20216

With numerous improvements over the past several years, EMBARK was just named the “North America’s Outstanding Public Transportation System” by the American Public Transportation Association for systems providing less than 4 million annual passenger trips.

Award Background

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) is an international organization that is the leading force in advancing public transportation. Members include small companies who design/construct/assist transportation, and public transportation organizations nationwide, as well as in Canada and Mexico.

Each year, APTA conducts an awards program recognizing excellence in the public transportation industry. Called the “best of the best” in the industry, winners have demonstrated achievement in efficiency and effectiveness.

The Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award

• Detailed quantitative information and specific examples to support each of the 12 qualitative areas in the Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Awards.
• Start each qualitative section with a headline.
• Read the criteria and address all qualitative & quantitative measures.
• Be sure to fill out ALL quantitative information that is applicable.

Awards are granted to systems in three categories based on annual ridership:

• Providing 4 million or fewer annual passenger trips (EMBARK's category)
• Providing more than 4 million and fewer than 20 million annual passenger trips
• Providing 20 million or more annual passenger trips

Quantitative Measures — Counts for 1/2 of the total score. Nominations for these awards shall include verifiable data for a consecutive three-year period. Review EMBARK's quantitative data:

• Quantitative Measures Form for 2013
• Quantitative Measures Form for 2014
• Quantitative Measures Form for 2015

Qualitative Measures — Counts for 1/2 of the total score. Outline specific programmatic improvements and achievements in the last three years in the areas indicated below. All areas should be addressed and must include quantitative information and specific examples to support each of the 12 areas in this section.

• Safety — Enhanced safety measures
• Operations — Efficiencies in operating procedures
• Maintenance — Basic reporting of maintenance measurements, new maintenance initiatives, preventative programs, and improved performance on efficiencies of existing maintenance procedures
• Access — Travel training; customer information; demonstrated outreach to community beyond ADA prescribed areas; and specific partnership with other municipalities and other community organizations
• Customer Service — Methods of providing additional value and service to riders, including the utilization of customer complaints
• Financial Management — Effective financial controls and successful audits
• Sustainability — Initiatives to increase sustainability of your organization and your community
• Workforce Development — Well-trained workforce to meet the needs of the future
• Attendance and Employee Costs — Containing costs and improving absentee rates
• Minority and Women Advancement — Encouraging and promoting diversity
• Marketing — Developing effective marketing tools to retain and attract riders
• Community Relations — Promoting positive relations and contributing to a more “livable” community

Read EMBARK's Qualitiatiave Report