2021 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 – Votran
Innovation and Creativity Award – Jacksonville Transportation Authority
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 – LYNX
Tier 2, Gold Award – Votran
Bus Technician of the Year
This award recognizes Florida’s best transit bus technicians.
1st Place
John Foderaro, Votran
2nd Place
James Orie Holt, StarMetro
3rd Place
William J. Clay, Jr., SCAT
Paratransit Technician of the Year
This award recognizes Florida’s best paratransit bus technicians.
1st Place
Bruce Haney, Levy County Transit
2nd Place
Michael Eugene Allen, Jr., StarMetro
3rd Place
Elliot James Waters, Manatee County Area Transit
Operator of the Year
This award recognizes an outstanding operator whose service has enriched and enhanced public transportation in their community.
1st Place
Patricia Adams, Manatee County Area Transit
2nd Place
Lillie Marshall, Broward County Transit
3rd Place
Leonard Young, Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)
Transit Super Hero
This award recognizes an outstanding team member who goes above and beyond the call of duty to assist others.
Winner
Patricia Speranza, Votran
Patricia has been a professional driver for over 18 years. This past June, her training and instincts were put to the test. Patricia had stopped to let off some passengers when a truck did not stop and slammed into the back of the bus, with the front of the truck and back of the bus becoming engulfed in flames. Patricia safely evacuated her passengers even though she herself had minor injuries. She safeguarded the lives of her passengers until help arrived and stopped this tragic event from becoming a catastrophe.