2022 FPTA Award Winners
Organizational Awards
These awards honor systems who have demonstrated innovative or creative concepts and effective problem-solving techniques for the public transportation industry, as well as demonstrated achievement in efficiency and effectiveness.
Outstanding System of the Year – GoLine/Indian River Transit
Innovation and Creativity Award – Space Coast Area Transit
Bus Safety & Security Excellence
This award recognizes bus transportation systems that have implemented programs or projects that have achieved documented success in addressing specific safety program areas.
Tier 1, Gold Award – Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW)
Tier 2, Gold Award – Votran
Bus Technician of the Year
This award recognizes Florida’s best transit bus technicians.
1st Place
Paul Levesque, PSTA
2nd Place
Robert Hammond, StarMetro
3rd Place
Michael Paskanik, JTA
Paratransit Technician of the Year
This award recognizes Florida’s best paratransit bus technicians.
1st Place
Michael Allen, StarMetro
2nd Place
Sherman Polydore, JTA
3rd Place
Bruce Haney, Levy County
Operator of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding operator whose service has enriched and enhanced public transportation in their community.
1st Place
Loretta Fuegos, Palm Tran
2nd Place
Murray Seabrook, Palm Tran
3rd Place
Davidson Abraham, VOTRAN
Transit Super Hero
This award recognizes an outstanding team member who goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist others.
Winner
Gwendolyn Whitfield, Broward County Transit
Recently, Gwendolyn was recognized for her heroism, for going above and beyond the call of duty. Gwendolyn had the fortitude and presence of mind, to drive the bus to the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department parking lot to solicit help from a police officer. The police said the Operator’s actions saved many lives; a passenger on the bus became enraged over a conversation and started shooting passengers on the bus. Her training and instinct kicked in which led to the safety and security of passengers.