FORT WORTH, August 1, 2024 - 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 significantly impacted their communities. 

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

Corpus Christi Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) 
- Spotlight Campaign (Know the Signs: Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign)
- Hit the Spot Electronic Media (Driven to Succeed: Career Fair Radio Ad)
- Hit the Spot Event Promotion (Routes of Recognition, Celebrating CCRRTA’s Employees)
- Hit the Spot Print Media (Skip the Ferry Lines: CCRTA’s Port Aransas Express) 

East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) 
- Hit the Spot Electronic Media: (Go Bus Testimonial Campaign) 

Fort Bend Transit
- Spotlight Campaign (Resilience on the Move)
 

 Fort Smith Transit
- Hit the Spot Print Media (Fort Smith Transit Welcomes Back College Students) 

 Kansas City Area Transit Authority (KCATA) & Transit Unplugged
- Hit the Spot Electronic Media (Explore Kansas City Transit, BBQ, Music & Games) 

Ozark Regional Transit 
- Social (Gen Z Takes on Public Transit)
 

Rio Metro Regional Transportation District  

-Hit the Spot Event Promotion (Santa Fe National Cemetery Visitation Project Pilot Program) 

- Hit the Spot Electronic Media (Rail Safety PSA) 

SporTran 

-Hit the Spot Social Media (All the Best People Ride SporTran) 

SunTran 

-Hit the Spot Social Media (Answer Common Questions w/Gabby) 

-Hit the Spot Print Media (The Sun- Employee Newsletter) 

-Hit the Spot Event Promotion (Bus Roadeo) 

VIA 

-Hit the Spot Event Promotion (TEAD: Transit Employee Appreciation Day) 

-Spotlight Campaign (VIAMonos Fiesta!) 

"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. "Every year marketing professionals throughout the SWTA Nation create exceptional campaigns showcasing their unique passion for creativity. It is an honor to continue this tradition."

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 swta.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. 

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**Media Contact:**
Alexandra Aitken 

Communications Director
South West Transit Association
aaitken@swta.org