Best in the Nation: Metro Receives GOLD Awards for Safety AND Security

Metro has made history as the first mid-size transit system to receive top honors for both safety and security from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), an organization representing the transit industry for more than 100 years. First time ever that a transit system wins both industry awards CINCINNATI – Metro has made history as the first mid-size transit system to receive top honors for both safety and security from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), an organization representing the transit industry for more than 100 years. Metro received APTA’s GOLD Award for Safety and GOLD Award for Security at the APTA national Bus & Paratransit Conference in Kansas City this week: GOLD Award for Safety: Metro’s program to reduce distracted driving GOLD Award for Security: Metro’s 2013 full-scale emergency exercise to test of crisis management response and plans, which was evaluated by national and local emergency management experts The APTA Bus Safety & Security Excellence Awards recognize transit systems for their innovative and proactive programs dedicated to improving safety and security. The top honor is the GOLD Award, which is given to the best overall programs selected by an independent panel of judges. Metro’s awards were in the category of mid-size transit systems providing more than 4 million and fewer than 20 million annual rides. Metro provides 17 million rides per year. “We are honored to be the first transit agency to win both of APTA’s GOLD safety and security awards,” said Metro CEO Terry Garcia Crews. “Metro’s team works hard to ensure safety and security for our employees, passengers, and the public every day. We are very proud of this recognition for all our efforts.” “The cutting edge innovation that takes place in public transportation agencies across the country is leading the way to making a safe industry even safer and more secure for riders and employees alike,” said APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy. Metro is a tax-supported public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority. Metro operates 356 buses, serving the City of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, with commuter service to Butler, Clermont and Warren counties. # # # Photo credit: Steve Puppe

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