Transit Awards in Virginia

The Virginia Transit Association annually recognizes transit systems, state legislators and business leaders who have excelled in promoting high quality public transit in Virginia. VTA also congratulates members who have received other awards or who serve in prestigious transit positions.

2001 Transit Award Winners

2001 VTA Legislative Awards
These awards recognize state legislators who have made a significant contribution to public transportation through their ongoing advocacy and leadership.

Delegate of the Year -- Delegate Marian Van Landingham Throughout her legislative career, Delegate Van Landingham has been a long-time supporter of accessible, high quality public transit across the state. This year, she started and co-chaired the new Legislative Transit Caucus, which brings together state legislators who support public transit. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, and the former chair of the Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, she plays a critical role in promoting public transportation in the General Assembly.

Senator of the Year -- Senator Martin E. Williams As Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Williams has been a powerful voice for high quality public transportation in Virginia. In recent years, he has become a leading advocate for improving and expanding transit. During the 2001 Session, the senator served as co-chair for the Legislative Transit Caucus.

2001 VTA Business Awards
These awards are presented to businesses that have made significant efforts to support, improve and expand public transit in Virginia.

Outstanding Business Partner of the Year -- MediCorp Health System, Fredericksburg, VA
MediCorp’s substantial financial contributions have helped Fredericksburg Regional Transit (FRED) achieve tremendous growth in a few short years. Their support of transit helps ensure that all Fredericksburg residents have affordable and convenient transportation to health care facilities. The partnership between MediCorp and Fredericksburg is a unique model for other transit systems in Virginia that demonstrates how entire communities are strengthened when local businesses and transit properties work together.

Outstanding Business Honorable Mention -- Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA
Busch Gardens has supported James City County Transit’s development of the Williamsburg Visitor Shuttle by providing free customer service trainings to dozens of shuttle operators. The longevity of the relationship is quite impressive - trainings have been provided for the last three years. The successful partnership clearly demonstrates the economic and community link between transit and tourism, and the benefits of in-kind contributions.

2001 VTA Special Recognition

Outstanding Public Transportation Service Award -- Michael Connelly, former director of Blacksburg Transit
Over the last twenty years, Mike Connelly has built Blacksburg Transit from a transit start up to a national model for transit in small urban university communities. He also has given his time, energy, talent and creativity to the Virginia Transit Association. His drive, commitment and statewide perspective have helped VTA mature and better promote transit in Virginia. As Mike moves on to Chicago, IL, he will be sorely missed in Virginia. We wish him the best of luck.

VTA Member Distinctions

American Public Transportation Association (APTA)

• Secretary/Treasurer: Richard A. White, General Manager Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
  
• Regional Director (Region II): Rollo C. Axton, General Manager Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC)
  
• Regional Director (Region III): Scott K. Lasing, Executive Director Chatham Area Transit Authority, Savannah, GA Note: Mr. Lasing was formerly the general manager of the Greater Lynchburg Transit Company.

2001 Other Transit Awards

City of Fairfax CUE Bus wins safety award for the fourth time.

APTA has awarded the City of Fairfax CUE Bus the Gold Award, Group IV, in the APTA Bus Safety Award competition. This award was presented to CUE for the best overall safety performance in service delivery, among bus transit systems in the United States and Canada within the same competitive group.

Group IV is for bus systems with less than 1 million in unlinked passenger trips per year.

The City of Fairfax CUE Bus has a very impressive safety record. They won this award in 2000, 1998, and 1997, and received citations in 1999, 1996, and 1995.

CTS Wins Excellence in Marketing Award

On June 20th, Charlottesville Transit Service (CTS) won 1st Place in Broadcast in the American Marketing Association's (AMA) Excellence in Marketing Awards. Read more.

Alexandria Transit Company Receives National Bus Safety Award for Third Consecutive Year

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) presented its "Silver Award" for bus safety to the Alexandria Transit Company (ATC) at its national annual Bus and Paratransit Conference held May 7, 2001 in Calgary, Canada. Read more.