IT recognized as nation’s best

Intercity Transit has won recognition as the best medium-sized transit system in the United States.

The award from the American Public Transportation Association is based on ridership growth, safety, financial management, community involvement and other measurable records during 2006-08, a period that saw IT ridership grow by more than 50 percent to about 5 million passengers a year.

That growth continues this year despite fare increases of 33 percent in January.

“It is a very significant recognition. ... In the transit industry, it’s one of the top awards,’’ said the Intercity Transit Authority’s citizen chairman, Tom Green, after general manager Mike Harbour announced the award Wednesday to IT’s 290 employees.

Customer-service representatives at the Intercity Transit center in Olympia and a driver who agreed to be interviewed Wednesday said the day was happier than usual – and not just because management gave out doughnuts along with letters announcing the award.

Driver Roger Max said it shows the agency is “doing a good job.” He credited Harbour, employees and the agency’s crew of drivers, but also said IT has a tighter target for delivering its service than when he came to the agency 15 years ago.

“It boosts our appreciation for the place where we work and the work that we do,” customer service representative Jamie Martin said from behind glass at IT’s downtown ticket and information counter.

Passenger Christa Zucati called IT “extremely well run.” She depends on the bus to get 7 miles from home to her job as a cook in downtown Olympia.

The award comes as APTA released first-quarter rider data nationwide, which showed IT with a 12 percent increase in riders during January to March compared with the same period a year before.

The agency provided about 1,344,100 rider trips in that period, up from 1,200,300 the year before.

Brad Shannon: 360-753-1688

bshannon@theolympian.com

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