Gainesville, Florida – The Florida Public Transportation Association (FPTA) awarded the City of Gainesville’s Regional Transit System (RTS) the Outstanding System of the Year at a ceremony on Monday, October 26, during their annual meeting.

FPTA officials reviewed 37 transit organizations in the state for proficiency in safety measures, efficient operation procedures, providing additional value and service to riders (customer service), financial management, containment of employee costs and improving absentee rates, staff development, marketing, community relations, as well as, implementing effective and productive administration techniques. RTS excelled in all areas and received the 2015 award to go with its 2008 FPTA Outstanding System of the Year award.

“We are the only agency that has won the award twice and were the first winner in 2008,” said Jesus Gomez, Transit Director. “It showcases the effort and work that RTS employees do day-to-day to provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation options to Gainesville.”

RTS consistently ranks at the top of Florida public transportation agencies in trips per capita, passenger trips per revenue hour and operating expenses per passenger trip (lowest cost). “The partnerships with the University of Florida, Santa Fe College, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Federal Transit Administration and Alachua County allow us to continue our growth and excel in providing transportation services to our community,” added Gomez.

The Marketing and Communications Department also received awards at the meeting. They received a first place award for Signage and Graphics and a second place for Internal/Employee Communications.