For the first time in nearly 30 years, WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority, or Metro) has been named 2025 Outstanding Public Transit Agency of the Year by APTA (American Public Transportation Association). APTA presented the award to the Metro team, board members and management Sept. 16 during its TRANSform Conference in Boston. The award recognizes 12 qualitative and quantitative measures such as ridership, safety, operations, customer service and financial management.
“The APTA Awards recognize organizations and leaders in the public transportation industry in North America who have demonstrated significant leadership, are outstanding role models of excellence, and whose accomplishments and innovations have greatly advanced public transportation over the past three years,” WMATA said. “Metro was selected for its record customer satisfaction and ridership growth; redesign of the entire Metrobus network; a dramatic increase in rail service; opening of seven new stations; improved customer amenities such as better wayfinding signage and more digital screens in stations; and public safety achievements, including an eight-year low in crime, 82% drop in fare evasion, and new in-house police academy.”
WMATA last won Outstanding Public Transportation System in 1997; prior to that in 1987. The agency took home APTA’s Innovation Award in 1986, 2004, and 2012, and the Gold Safety Award in 2024 and 2025. This year, WMTA also won the Outstanding Partnership in Public Transportation award with Kimley-Horn and Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning for the Better Bus initiative.
“We are honored to be recognized for the hard work and dedication the Metro team has put into transforming America’s Metro System and proving our immense value to the region we serve,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “This award is more than just a recognition; it is a call to keep pushing forward and continuing to provide the service excellence our customers deserve.”
“The achievements and legacies of our awardees inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in our industry and to making a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals,” APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas said. “Congratulations to all who have been recognized for their accomplishments and for making positive impacts in their communities and our industry.”
To commemorate the award, WMATA will unveil a specially wrapped bus, train and MetroAccess van. Additionally, all trains, buses and Metro Access vehicles will feature new decals to celebrate the award.
