Metro News

Cincinnati Metro has been recognized with four major awards, earning local and national honors for excellence in safety, community engagement, partnership and innovation.

Together, the awards reflect Metro’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable transportation while creating meaningful community impact throughout the Cincinnati region.

Among the honors, Metro received the 2026 Bus Safety & Security Excellence Gold Award, the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) highest recognition presented nationally for innovation in bus safety, security and emergency preparedness programs.

The award recognizes Metro’s development and implementation of a comprehensive Transit Safety Plan through a strong partnership between Metro administration and frontline employees working together through the Joint Safety Committee. This collaborative approach has led to measurable reductions in safety- and security-related incidents across the transit system.

In addition, Metro and the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) received the 2026 Great Places Award in the Research and Planning category from the Environmental Design Research Association.

The award-winning project, titled “From Pole to Place: Research through Design for Inclusive Transit Wayfinding and Placemaking,” focused on reimagining bus stops as more welcoming, accessible and community-centered public spaces. Judges praised the effort, noting that it “stands as a model practice of people-centered place planning in the field of public transportation.”

Locally, Metro was honored with the Donald and Marian Spencer “Spirit of America Award” from the Cincinnatus Association. Named for Cincinnati civil rights pioneers Donald and Marian Spencer, the award recognizes organizations that advance opportunity, inclusion, equity and quality of life throughout the region. Metro was recognized for expanding access to jobs and education and strengthening communities through equitable transportation investments and partnerships.

Further highlighting Metro’s community partnerships, the organization was named Best Overall Partner by Adopt A Class during its annual Celebration Breakfast. The recognition honors Metro’s ongoing commitment to supporting students, educators and mentorship programs that help prepare the next generation of leaders.

“These awards represent the many ways Metro serves our community beyond providing transportation,” said Jones. “Whether improving safety, supporting students, advancing equity or creating more welcoming transit environments, we remain focused on making a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve every day.”

The recognition comes as Metro continues to invest in service improvements, customer experience enhancements and community partnerships as part of its ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more connected region.