NEXT and PART Receive Gold Safety Award from NCDOL

The Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART), operated by National Express Transit, earned the 2016 Gold Safety Award by the North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL).

The NCDOL’s Safety Awards Program recognizes private and public companies throughout the state that achieve and maintain good safety records. For a second consecutive year, PART has received recognition for its outstanding commitment to safety.

“We’re honored to once again be recognized by the North Carolina Department of Labor,” said Mark Foster, vice president of National Express Transit. “The safety of our passengers and team members is always our top priority, and as such we are dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of safe operations.”

“I’d like to congratulate PART and all of its employees for earning the Gold Safety Award in 2016,” said Cherie Berry, labor commissioner for North Carolina Department of Labor. “This award shows their commitment to excellence and it belongs to each and every one of their employees, regardless of their job. Congratulations and keep striving for excellence in workplace safety and health.”

According to the NCDOL, the gold award criteria is based on achieving a rate of days away from work, job transfer or restriction that is at least 50 percent below the industry rate. The annual safety awards are presented during spring ceremonies throughout the state.

“I am very pleased and proud that the PART professional staff, and our partnering operations and maintenance contractor, National Express Transit, has received this prestigious honor for another year,” said Scott Rhine, PART executive director. “The work involved to maintain a safe working environment, and safely operating public transit service, speaks volumes to the dedication of our organization’s employees to provide the most efficient, effective, and safe public service to the citizens of the Piedmont Triad.”