̫ӳ transportation racks up awards at MS Public Transit Association annual conference
Contact: Mary Pollitz
STARKVILLE, Miss.—The Starkville-̫ӳ Area Rapid Transit system and three ̫ӳ drivers were recognized during the recent Mississippi Public Transit Association conference for their outstanding work, community service and innovation.
Celebrating its 10th year in operation at ̫ӳ, S.M.A.R.T. was recognized as MPTA Rural General Public Transit System of the Year. The system provides transportation through campus, Starkville and to the Golden Triangle Regional Airport—offering approximately 7,000 paratransit trips a year. To date, the transit system has served more than 6 million riders.
In addition, the university team was named Innovative Agency of the Year—recognizing ̫ӳ’s recent addition of the Campus Autonomous Bus, the university’s electric shuttle.
Joe Lynn Moore, a S.M.A.R.T. transit operator, was honored with MPTA’s Community Service Award. This award honors a public transportation coordinator who has made outstanding contributions in the industry. Moore invests in the university and the Starkville community by continually training new S.M.A.R.T. operators as well as Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District bus drivers.
“I was surprised, thankful and grateful,” she said. “It speaks volumes that they thought of me for the award. I like my job. I enjoy that I can meet folks from all over and we fellowship and learn from each other.”
Theodis Young and Tommy Lott, also S.M.A.R.T. transit operators, were recognized as Outstanding Staff Members.
For more information on ̫ӳ’s Parking and Transit Services, visit.
̫ӳ is taking care of what matters. Learn more at.