FORT WORTH, AUGUST 21, 2023 - The Southwest Transit Association (SWTA) is pleased to announce the winners of its highly anticipated Annual Spotlight Awards, recognizing excellence and innovation in public transportation. The awards celebrate the exceptional efforts and contributions of transit agencies and organizations across the region that have made a significant impact on their communities.

The following winners were honored for their outstanding campaigns, initiatives, and projects:

East Texas Council of Governments
- Spotlight Campaign (GoBus Hiring Event)
- Electronic (GoBus Job Preview Video)
- Social (GoBus_Canton Cruiser)
- Event (East Texas Giving Day)

North Central Rural Transit District
- Print (The Blue Bus: Rebranding NCRTD)

Ozark Regional Transit
- Social Media (Transit Hit The Spot – Ridership)
- Event (Pedal It Forward + ORT)

Rio Metro Regional Transit District
- Print (Bike Locker Promo Series)

Topeka Metro
- Spotlight Award (MOD Microtransit Service)

Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority
- Spotlight Award (GoPass Campaign)
- Social (Celebration of Life for Carol Flowers)
- Print (GoPass Bus Wrap)
- Electronic (GoPass Commercial)

Mountain Line (Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority - NAIPTA)
- Events (Electric Bus Launch Event)

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
- Spotlight Award (DART is Hiring!)

Houston Metro
- Print (METRO Star Vanpool - Commute Better Together)
- Electronic (METRO Matters Television Series)
- Social Media (Super Duty Jobs Series)
- Event (Josue Flores Bus Stop Memorial Press Event)

Oklahoma Transit Association
- Spotlight Award (The ROC Bus is Rolling!)

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of the SWTA Annual Spotlight Awards," said Rich Sampson, Executive Director of the Southwest Transit Association. "These exceptional projects and initiatives showcase the dedication, creativity, and commitment of public transportation agencies in delivering high-quality services and enhancing the lives of communities they serve."

The SWTA Annual Spotlight Awards aim to foster excellence and innovation within the transit industry, highlighting best practices and inspiring continuous improvement. The selection process involved rigorous evaluation by a panel of industry experts, who assessed each entry based on criteria such as creativity, impact, community engagement, and overall effectiveness.

For more information about the SWTA Annual Spotlight Awards and to learn about the outstanding work of the winners, please visit swat.org or the SWTA Instagram and Facebook pages. 

About SWTA:
The Southwest Transit Association (SWTA) is a leading advocate for public transportation in the southwestern United States. Comprising a diverse membership of transit agencies, businesses, and individuals, SWTA is dedicated to advancing the public transportation industry through education, advocacy, and collaboration.

**Media Contact:**
Alexandra Aitken

Communications Strategist
South West Transit Association
aaitken@swta.org