JTA earns TSA Gold Standard Award for transit security
Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) earned a Gold Standard Award from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which was recognized at JTA’s March 30 board meeting.
TSA, which has security oversight of 6,800 transit agencies in the United States, selects a number of agencies for evaluation through its Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE) program. TSA then recognizes the highest scoring agencies with a Gold Standard Award. TSA reviewed 108 transit agencies during the most recent round of BASE evaluations and recognized four with Gold Standard Awards.
“As one of only four transit agencies to receive this award, this is a testament to the team’s steadfast work to keep all of us safe,” said JTA CEO Nathaniel P. Ford. “We want to continue to live up to this recognition by providing a safe and secure environment for all employees, customers and contractors.”
TSA’s evaluation encompasses 17 categories of security and emergency preparedness elements, including an agency’s security plan, procedures and practices, as well as its security training, testing, drills and exercise programs, public outreach efforts and background check procedures.
“The TSA appreciates the long-standing partnership with CEO Ford and the JTA,” said TSA Regional Security Director for Surface Operations Mary V. Leftridge Byrd. “This vital bridge linking safety and security is delivered as a direct result of the working relationship and mutuality, established and honed over time. Clearly this optimal, stand-out success achieved by JTA demonstrates commitment on all levels. Further, we salute TSA’s surface inspectors for their valuable engagement.”
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
