APTA concludes 2024 TRANSform conference in Anaheim with focus on equity, innovation
The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) concluded its 2024 TRANSform Conference, hosted by Orange County Transportation Authority in Anaheim, Calif., from Sept. 29 through Oct. 2.
The conference brought together public transit professionals, policymakers and industry leaders from across the country to share best practices, collaborate and celebrate industry achievements. This year’s theme focused on equity and innovation.
The conference kicked off with an opening session featuring welcome remarks from APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas,who emphasized the importance of continuing to highlight public transit as an economic driver of change. He also encouraged the industry to continue the work of reinventing mobility, saying people want to “see tangible innovation happening” in public transit.
“As we gather for TRANSform 2024, we stand at the intersection of tradition and transformation. This conference is not just a meeting of minds; it’s a catalyst for the innovations that will drive our industry forward and reshape the way people move in our communities,” Skoutelas said.
Skoutelas added, “This has been a remarkable year of reimagining service and modernizing infrastructure. Our advocacy secured crucial federal funding, allowing us to create accessible, equitable and sustainable public transportation that’s essential for strong economies and thriving communities. The challenges we face today — from climate change to evolving rider expectations — demand creative solutions.”
APTA Immediate Past Chair Michelle Wong Krause highlighted the association’s work on advancing racial equity, sharing there are now 87 signatories on APTA’s racial equity pilot program. APTA plans to build on this work in 2025 by launching a diversity and inclusion program.
“This is the time to stand up to make the case that diversity makes good business sense,” Wong Krause said.
APTA also highlighted racial equity efforts from across the public transit industry in its 2024 Transit Equity Report, found below.
Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino, a #MeToo and human rights advocate, delivered the opening day keynote. She underscored transit’s role in stopping human trafficking and the importance of training frontline employees to see the signs of trafficking.
Other highlights from the conference include an exhibit hall that showcased cutting-edge technologies; APTA Honors Luncheon celebrating award winners, scholarship recipients and leadership program graduates; and panels on successful major infrastructure project delivery; addressing workforce challenges; empowering women leaders in transit; pathways to financial sustainability; and transitioning to zero-emissions fleets.
The conference concluded with the Innovation Summit, spotlighting emerging technologies set to revolutionize public transportation.
“The Innovation Summit is a testament to our industry’s commitment to progress,” Skoutelas noted. “It’s an opportunity to glimpse the future of mobility and to ensure that public transportation remains at the forefront of technological advancements and service improvements.”
APTA announces AdWheel Grand Award winners during TRANSform luncheon
The 2024 AdWheel Grand Award winners were honored during the TRANSform APTA Honors Luncheon. The awards recognize APTA member public transportation systems and business members for outstanding marketing, communications and customer experience efforts that contributed to strategic organizational goals.
“Congratulations to the 15 trailblazing organizations that claimed top honors in the 2024 AdWheel Awards. Your bold and visionary campaigns don’t just move people—they spark connections, create lasting impact and shape the future of our communities,” Skoutelas said. “Public transportation is more than a means of getting from A to B—it’s a catalyst for transforming lives and strengthening the fabric of society. Hats off to those who understand that every ride is a chance to drive our communities toward a more prosperous, connected future.”
APTA members entered 374 campaigns and hundreds of industry experts reviewed submissions in two competitive judging rounds. The Grand Awards were presented in three categories:
- Workforce development
- Campaigns to increase ridership or sales
- Other educational efforts
Honors were awarded in five groups, based on system size.
The Grand Award winners are listed below and their full winning submission details can be found on APTA’s website.
Best Marketing and Communications on Workforce Development
Fewer than three million annual passenger trips
KC Streetcar Authority, Kansas City, Mo.: “Next Stop: Love What You Do” – Employee Recruitment Social Media Campaign
More than three million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips
Lane Transit District, Eugene-Springfield, Ore.: Comprehensive Multimedia Recruitment Campaign
More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips
Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, Oakland, Calif.: “Spring Into Your New Career” – Hiring Event
More than 50 million annual passenger trips
Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto, Ontario: “Be Essential” – Comprehensive Recruitment & Retention Campaign
Business Member
California High-Speed Rail Authority, Sacramento, Calif.: “I Will Ride” – Long-Term Transit Awareness Program for Students
Best Marketing and Communications to Increase Ridership or Sales
Fewer than three million annual passenger trips
Minnesota Valley Transit Authority, Burnsville, Minn.: “HUZZAH!” – Campaign to Reduce Traffic Congestion
More than three million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips
Metrolink, Los Angeles: Student Adventure Pass Campaign
More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips
Valley Metro, Pheonix, Ariz.: Super Bowl Campaign
More than 50 million annual passenger trips
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles: Taylor Swift Eras Tour Special Service Campaign
Business Member
RideCo, Los Angeles: “Milpitas SMART: The Smart Way to Travel Around Town” Campaign
Best Marketing and Communications Educational Initiative
Fewer than three million annual passenger trips
Rio Metro Regional Transit District, Albuquerque, N.M.: Rail Safety PSA
More than three million but fewer than 15 million annual passenger trips
Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority, Dayton, Ohio: “Caring for Our Community” Campaign
More than 15 million but fewer than 50 million annual passenger trips
Milwaukee County Transit System, Milwaukee, Wis.: “Save The Bus” Campaign to Avert the Fiscal Cliff
More than 50 million annual passenger trips
Calgary Transit, Calgary, Alberta: Transit Trailblazers Scavenger Hunt
Business Member
Q’Straint/Sure-Lok, Oakland Park, Fla.: “Put a Q in It” Campaign
APTA publishes 2024 Transit Equity Report: Charting Progress in Public Transportation
APTA’s 2024 Transit Equity Report highlights significant strides made by public transit agencies across the U.S. in advancing equity, particularly for historically underserved communities.
Drawing on the equity-driven initiatives of 11 transit agencies, the report illustrates the innovative measures being taken to embed equity into public transportation. These efforts include revised fare structures, enhanced service routes and expanded community engagement programs, all aimed at addressing longstanding inequities in transportation access and quality.
“Public transit serves as a critical lifeline, particularly for underserved populations,” said Michele Wong Krause, APTA immediate past chair and past board chair of Dallas Area Rapid Transit. “This report demonstrates the meaningful progress our industry is making towards creating more inclusive transit systems.”
The report outlines a strategic three-pillar framework for public transit providers to deepen their equity commitment:
- Establish an equity foundation: Define organizational equity goals, craft a clear mission statement and prioritize equity at the highest levels to ensure a unified commitment across all operations.
- Build internal capacity for equity: Invest in staff training and integrate equity considerations into core functions like planning and budgeting.
- Implement community-focused equity initiatives: Develop tailored policies and programs reflecting local needs, foster community partnerships and explore innovative engagement models.
“The ingenuity and dedication shown by transit agencies nationwide are promising signs of what’s possible when we center our efforts on inclusivity and opportunity,” Skoutelas said.
For a detailed look at the report and its recommendations, visit APTA’s website.
Megan Perrero | Editor in Chief
Megan Perrero is a national award-winning B2B journalist and lover of all things transit. Currently, she is the Editor in Chief of Mass Transit magazine, where she develops and leads a multi-channel editorial strategy while reporting on the North American public transit industry.
Prior to her position with Mass Transit, Perrero was the senior communications and external relations specialist for the Shared-Use Mobility Center, where she was responsible for helping develop internal/external communications, plan the National Shared Mobility Summit and manage brand strategy and marketing campaigns.
Perrero serves as the board secretary for Latinos In Transit and is a member of the American Public Transportation Association Marketing and Communications Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism with a concentration in magazine writing and a minor in public relations from Columbia College Chicago.