The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recognized MTS for its achievements in service operation, passenger safety, customer service, financial management and more
Agency leadership played vital role in high-performing operational excellence
San Diego – The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) received the transportation industry’s most prestigious annual award, the Outstanding Public Transportation System. Presented through the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) annual awards program, the award recognizes transit systems that demonstrate exceptional leadership, serve as outstanding models of excellence, and advance the future of public transportation through innovation and achievement.
“This award reflects the extraordinary progress MTS has made in delivering value to the communities we serve,” said Stephen Whitburn, MTS Board Chair and San Diego City Councilmember. “From strengthening public safety and security to improving accessibility, embracing innovation, and responding to customer needs, MTS has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement across every aspect of the organization. I am proud of what our team and the Board of Directors has accomplished and excited about the strong foundation we are building for the future of transit in San Diego.”
“Receiving APTA’s Outstanding Public Transportation System Award is an incredible honor and a testament to the dedication of our employees, the support of our Board of Directors, and the trust our riders place in us every day,” said Sharon Cooney, Chief Executive Officer of MTS. “Over the past several years, MTS has remained focused on delivering safe, reliable, and innovative transit services. This recognition reflects the hard work of our entire organization.”
During the past three years, MTS established itself as one of the highest-performing large transit agencies in the United States. While many agencies continued to face challenges associated with workforce shortages, financial uncertainty, and slower-than-expected ridership recovery, MTS consistently exceeded expectations through a balanced focus on safety, service quality, innovation, and fiscal stewardship.
In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, the agency provided more than 81 million passenger trips and recovered 95.2 percent of its pre-pandemic ridership, making it one of only two Top 40 transit agencies nationwide to surpass the 95 percent recovery threshold. Other notable accomplishments included:
- Earned a perfect score on the Federal Transit Administration’s 2025 Triennial Review, with no deficiencies identified.
- One of only two U.S. transit agencies to receive the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Gold Standard Award for security and resilience.
- Achieved the nation’s lowest light rail operating cost among large transit agencies at $212 per service hour.
- Delivered a $3.58 cost per passenger, 40% better than the next-ranked agency, while ranking second nationally in ridership productivity.
- Partnered with 30 agencies countywide to connect people experiencing homelessness with housing, healthcare, and support services.
“Congratulations to the 2026 APTA Award winners and Hall of Fame inductees,” said Leanne Redden, APTA Board Chair and Executive Director of the Regional Transportation Authority. “Their leadership reflects the very best of our industry, and it shows in their relentless commitment to connecting communities, advancing innovation, and improving the lives of the riders they serve every day. I'm proud to celebrate their achievements alongside the entire APTA community.”
“The achievements and legacies of our awardees represent the passion and expertise driving public transportation forward. Their work strengthens the communities they serve and sets a standard for excellence across our industry. On behalf of APTA, congratulations to the 2026 winners and Hall of Fame inductees,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas.
This recognition showcases MTS as a transit agency that delivers strong results today while building a resilient foundation for the future.
The award will be presented to MTS at the APTA 2026 Honors Ceremony during the 2026 TRANSform Conference & EXPO in Chicago this October.
About MTS
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates 93 bus routes and four Trolley lines in 10 cities and unincorporated areas of San Diego. MTS is a leader in advancing initiatives to create a greener, cleaner and better-connected transit system in San Diego. Each weekday, more than 250,000 passenger trips are taken throughout the MTS system, taking people to work, school, health appointments and other essential trips. In FY 2025, MTS served more than 81 million riders. For service schedule updates, news, alerts and more information on how you can use public transportation, go to www.sdmts.com.
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