MSU transportation racks up awards at MS Public Transit Association annual conference

��Ƶ transportation won three driver awards, Rural General Public Transit System of the Year and Innovative Agency of the Year during recent Mississippi Public Association’s conference. From left, S.M.A.R.T. transit operators Theodis Young, Tommy Lott, Joe Lynne Moore; Tom Perkins, assistant director for transit services; and Jeremiah Dumas, executive director of transportation. (Submitted Photo). — ��Ƶ transportation won three driver awards, Rural General Public Transit System of the Year and Innovative Agency of the Year during the recent Mississippi Public Association conference. From left, S.M.A.R.T. transit operators Theodis Young, Tommy Lott, Joe Lynne Moore; Tom Perkins, assistant director for transit services; and Jeremiah Dumas, executive director of transportation. (Submitted Photo)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—The Starkville-MSU Area Rapid Transit system and three ��Ƶ 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 MSU, 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.

��Ƶ S.M.A.R.T. transit operator, left, accepts the Community Service Award during the Mississippi Public Transit Association’s recent conference. MSU won three driver awards, Rural General Public Transit System of the Year and Innovative Agency of the Year. (Submitted Photo). — ��Ƶ S.M.A.R.T. transit operator Joe Lynne Moore, left, accepts the Community Service Award during the Mississippi Public Transit Association’s recent conference. MSU won three driver awards, Rural General Public Transit System of the Year and Innovative Agency of the Year. (Submitted Photo)

In addition, the university team was named Innovative Agency of the Year—recognizing MSU’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 MSU’s Parking and Transit Services, visit��.

MSU's newest electric-autonomous shuttle, provided by Beep Inc., launches this week. (Photo by Jonah Holland) — MSU Transportation's newest electric-autonomous shuttle, provided by Beep Inc., launched this year. (Photo by Jonah Holland)

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