NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has received an American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 2023 Rail Emergency Management Certificate of Merit award for light rail/streetcar systems. The award was presented at the APTA Rail Conference in Pittsburgh.

The APTA Rail Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Awards program recognizes transit organizations and contractors for their commitment to improving the safety and security of transit employees, customers, and communities through application of effective safety and security initiatives. The award recipients are recognized for representing exemplary standards in the development and implementation of educational, training, and supportive programs that create and sustain a culture of safety within the workplace and result in exceptional service and security for the public and the communities served.

With this award, APTA is acknowledging RTA’s recent efforts to establish an emergency management function to develop and issue a comprehensive All-Hazards Plan. These have been major steps toward standardizing emergency preparedness and response across all teams and for all incident types. This better aligns RTA’s program with industry standards and federal requirements.

“This award underscores the RTA’s commitment to being proactive and comprehensive in using best practices to keep our workforce and the communities we serve safe and protected. We are extremely proud of our emergency management and safety team for their work in these spaces,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, RTA CEO.

“The All-Hazards Plan provides a comprehensive framework for responding to any emergency or disaster, regardless of type. By developing this plan, we aim to enhance our preparedness and response capabilities, and ensure the safety of our staff and the communities we serve,” said Michael J. Smith, Chief Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Officer. “I want to thank our team, including Craig Toomey, Director of Emergency Management, and Samantha Romain, Emergency Management Coordinator, for their support in our efforts.” 

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The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is a sub-division of the State of Louisiana which is operated by an independent Board of Commissioners that serves Orleans, Jefferson and St. Bernard parishes. The agency operates car and passenger ferries, fixed-route buses, paratransit, streetcar, and limited on-demand service.