Passenger Transport 2010 APTA Annual Meeting - 38

2010 APTA Awards

Outstanding Public Transportation System
For public transportation systems that have demonstrated achievement in efficiency and effectiveness.
CaTeGOry: Providing more than 4 million but fewer than 20 million annual passenger trips.

Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority
Tampa, FL
The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) celebrated its 30th year of service with another year of growth. It is clear that the most successful and exciting time in HART’s history is right now. HART’s growth is reflective of the Tampa Bay region— one of the nation’s most desirable places to live because of its natural beauty and low cost of living. HART has played an important role in maintaining a balance between protecting a fragile environment and fostering economic growth. While the economic downturn has forced agencies nationwide to cut services and raise fares, HART has focused on a valued transit goal—productivity. By diverting resources into critical areas and developing a culture that rewards improvement in every area, HART has transformed itself. More than 13 million rides were taken on HART in 2009, a new agency record. To date, HART has replaced 38 percent of its fleet to include the latest EPA-certified, low-emission engines improving the average age of the fleet and making the customer experience more enjoyable. By thinking “outside the bus,” this multimodal agency has cultivated and strengthened its relationship with its customers and the community. In addition to expansive community outreach and public education, HART has unveiled a new brand identity, further accentuating changes throughout the system. This rebranding has reenergized public opinion about HART. As the economy recovers, HART has found that its ability to readily adapt to the changing environment has helped it weather the economic downturn and positioned the agency to further increase services and absorb growth. This is only possible with a workforce that is open to change and has an innovative approach to business. HART is entering a new phase with a bus rapid transit system and a streetcar extension into downtown Tampa underway. Additionally, the agency is also striving for a permanent source of expanded funding so it can offer more comprehensive multimodal services, including light rail transit service to the Tampa Bay region. HART serves as a shining example of how a mediumsized transportation agency can effectively and efficiently meet the transportation needs of a growing region. HART recognizes that it takes a team effort to become a team success story. HART will continue to deliver on its mission to providing excellent customer service while building solutions to support Hillsborough County’s needs . . . now and into the future.

ART is honored to receive this prestigious award. This is the ultimate recognition of a lot of really hard work from our employees and board members to position HART for further growth. Each day we roll out service with the goal of providing the most efficient and highest quality transit service. As we look to new opportunities, it feels great to have earned the confidence of the public as well as our peers. — David armijo HarT Chief executive Officer

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HART is going through a fantastic transformation and is integral to how we move around in Hillsborough County. It is with great pleasure that I extend my gratitude to HART’s 727 employees for their quality service and continued contributions to the improvement of the transit system in Hillsborough County. — Mark Sharpe Vice Chair, Hillsborough County Commission

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Outstanding Public Transportation System
For public transportation systems that have demonstrated achievement in efficiency and effectiveness.
CaTeGOry: Providing 20 million or more annual passenger trips.

Société de transport de Montréal
Montréal, Québec, Canada
Ranked 14th among top Québec corporations, Société de transport de Montréal (STM) provides some 1.2 million rides a day. Operating a fleet of 1,680 buses and a network of 202 lines in the greater Montréal area, the STM workforce consists of 8,600 employees. The métro extends over four lines serving 68 stations, and its fleet of rolling stock comprises 759 railcars. Increasing service by 16 percent and ridership by 8 percent sums up the challenge undertaken by STM in its 2007-2011 Business Plan. To that end, the company adopted a series of strategic measures, while mobilizing its employees to reach its ambitious goals. The results for the 2007-2009 period are all the more impressive, having been achieved despite a difficult economy. In 2009, STM recorded 382.8 million linked trips, which represents 19.5 million more rides than in 2006, a 5.4 percent increase. Regarding paratransit service, over 2.4 million trips were provided in 2009, a 16 percent increase over 2006. The overall satisfaction level of customers progressed, from 84 percent in 2006 to 86 percent in 2009. To produce such results, STM increased the number of initiatives and provided 18.5 percent more service than in 2006. The métro reached record levels of service with 76.6 million kilometers (a 30 percent increase in service) without new railcars. Despite operating some of the world’s oldest rolling stock (with an average railcar age of 36 years in 2009), the métro’s reliability improved more than 30 percent. In addition, service on the bus network jumped 18 percent to reach 77.3 million kilometers in 2009, a level unmatched in 15 years. Also, a historic agreement with the maintenance workers’ union lowered costs by $3.8 million and delivered 99.2 percent of service. As workforce expansion and renewal leapt 30 percent between 2007 and 2009, STM spared no effort to recruit the most talented candidates and provided more than 200,000 hours of training to staff. To control absenteeism costs and occupational injuries, STM implemented an action plan that reduced absenteeism 5 percent, accidents resulting in loss of time decreased by 23 percent, and accident severity declined by 17.7 percent. To increase ridership, STM launched a promotional campaign in spring 2009 focused on public transit and the environment. The campaign strived to convince the population to help the environment by using public transportation. A few months after its launch, the results exceeded expectations. The business community also greeted the new branding campaign favorably. Indeed, an increased number of businesses in the Montréal area showed interest in forging partnerships with STM to promote public transit as part of their major events.

eing acknowledged by our peers as the best in our industry in North America is quite an honour for us. This award is not only the result of an ambitious business plan, but also the work of a committed team that spared no effort in offering clients efficient and safe transit services. Each and every STM employee deserves this prestigious award. — yves Devin STM Director General

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Public transit is key to sustainable economic growth in the Montréal area. STM’s performance contributes directly to reaching the goal outlined by the city in its Transportation Plan: meeting the transportation needs of all Montréal residents by providing our community with a high quality of life and ensuring its role as a prosperous and environmentally friendly economic powerhouse. Congratulations to STM for this highest of awards! — Gérald Tremblay Mayor of Montréal

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Passenger Transport 2010 APTA Annual Meeting

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Passenger Transport 2010 APTA Annual Meeting
