Operator of the Year Award
This award recognizes outstanding operators whose service has enriched and enhanced public transportation in their community.
All entries must be received by 6:00 PM (EST) on Friday, June 26, 2026 and are date/time stamped.
Late entries will not be accepted (no exceptions).
Eligibility Criteria
All FPTA member public transportation systems in good standing are eligible to compete for this award. Good standing is defined as being up to date in payment of annual dues.
Total entries allowed
Each agency may submit (1) best overall candidate for consideration. There is no charge to submit an entry.
Award Categories
The FPTA Operator of the Year Awards committee will select a 1st place winner for each of (3) award categories.
Category #1
Corporate: Tier 1 members
Budget exceeding $36 million.
Category #2
Corporate: Tier 2 members
Budget between $4 million – $36 million.
Category #3
Corporate: Tiers 3 & 4 members
Budget is less than $4 million or Trolley systems and non-fixed route CTC’s.
Nomination Instructions
Step 1
Download and complete our fillable (.pdf) FPTA Operator of the Year Nomination Form below. The form should be completed by the nominee’s direct supervisor, with approval from the transit property’s director. All information in this form is critical. Any blank areas will void the nomination.
Step 2
On agency letterhead, create a one-page nomination letter stating what the nominee has done to promote transit and public transportation. Why should this operator be recognized as an FPTA Operator of the Year?
The nomination letter should incorporate specific examples of the following related to your nominee as they must:
- Exhibit a cooperative attitude towards their job
- Express detailed attention to their professional appearance
- Willingly assist passengers and other staff members
- Always greet passengers in a polite and friendly manner
- Always drive safely and with courtesy to other drivers on the road
- Go above and beyond the call of duty
Step 3
Prepare any written commendation(s) scanned in (.pdf) format for upload. This is an optional item.
Step 4
Secure a current photo of the nominee (.jpg) to upload. This will be used at the Awards Banquet.
Timetable
- Friday, April 24, 2026: FPTA Awards nominations open
- Friday, June 26, 2026 by 6:00pm: FPTA Awards nominations deadline (entries are automatically date/time stamped)
- Friday, July 31, 2026: deadline for Awards Chairs to provide winner names to FPTA. Transit agencies will be notified of the winning operators in advance shortly thereafter.
How and when are 2026 winners honored?
The winning operators will be invited to attend the FPTA Awards Banquet, held during the FPTA Annual Conference in Orlando from October 25-27, 2026. FPTA will pay for the following travel expenses for each 1st place winner: one night in a hotel room, a one-day registration for the day of the Awards Banquet, and one guest ticket to the Awards Banquet, if applicable.
Have additional questions?
Please contact Amy Keys, FPTA at am*****@************it.org for questions related to the online entry process.
Please contact Karen Deigl, Senior Resource Association, Inc. (FPTA Operator of the Year Award Committee Chair) at kd****@*****il.org for general questions about this awards process.