Metro wins Transit Agency of the Year award from the American Public Transportation Association

This is Metro’s first win in the category in nearly 30 years

Metro has won the transit industry’s most prestigious award, being recognized as the Outstanding Public Transit Agency of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association.

APTA presented the award to the Metro team, board members, and management today during its TRANSform Conference in Boston.

The 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 over the past three years.

Metro was selected for our record customer satisfaction and ridership growth, the redesign of the entire Metrobus network, a dramatic increase in rail service, the opening of seven new stations, and improved customer amenities, like better wayfinding signage and more digital screens in stations. 

Metro also highlighted public safety achievements, including an eight-year low in crime, an 82% drop in fare evasion, and a new in-house police academy. 

“We are honored to be recognized for the hard work and dedication the Metro team has put into transforming America’s Metro System and proving our immense value to the region we serve,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “This award is more than just a recognition; it is a call to keep pushing forward and continuing to provide the service excellence our customers deserve.” 

The award recognizes 12 qualitative and quantitative measures, like ridership, safety, operations, customer service, financial management, and more

“Over the past three years, Metro has undergone a remarkable transformation: enhancing service, improving the customer experience, and boosting efficiency. Both our region and the nation have taken notice,” said Metro Board Chair Valerie Santos. “Our Board and the entire Metro team have remained laser-focused on delivering a safe, reliable transit system while growing ridership, embracing innovation, and ensuring Metro continues to provide world-class service to the National Capital Region.”

Metro’s last won Outstanding Public Transportation System in 1997 and 1987. Metro took home APTA’s Innovation Award in 1986, 2004, and 2012, and the Gold Safety Award in 2024 and 2025.

This year, Metro also won the Outstanding Partnership in Public Transportation with Kimley-Horn and Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning for the Better Bus initiative.

“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 said in a news release. “Congratulations to all who have been recognized for their accomplishments and for making positive impacts in their communities and our industry.”

To commemorate this moment, Metro will unveil a specially wrapped bus, train, and MetroAccess van. Additionally, all trains, buses, and Metro Access vehicles will feature new decals to celebrate the award. 

See more highlights that led to this achievement in the video below.