OTA's annual awards will be presented at the joint conference with WSTA during an OTA-only dinner Tuesday, August 15 in Vancouver. Awards may be submitted through July 21 at https://forms.gle/sckUsDA79YWdQP4w8.

Award categories include:

• SYSTEM INNOVATION: Honoring a public transportation system that has demonstrated innovative concepts or effective problem-solving techniques not previously applied in the public transportation industry.
• OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE: Honoring an employee of a public transportation system who has made outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry.
• OUTSTANDING MANAGER: Honoring a manager of a public transportation system who has made outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry.
• DISTINGUISHED SERVICE: Honoring a public transportation decisionmaker, elected or public official, or private citizen who has contributed at the highest level to the public transportation industry through policy, legislative initiative, and leadership.
• HERO AWARD: Honoring a public transportation employee, volunteer, or passenger who has demonstrated a high level of compassion and care to those using transit services.
• DRIVER OF THE YEAR: Honoring a public transportation driver who has consistently demonstrated outstanding service and care to their passengers.
• OUTSTANDING BOARD MEMBER: Honoring a member of a public transportation system's governing board for their outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry.
• LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR: Honoring a state legislator for outstanding, consistent leaderhsip on issues of highest priority to the transit community.