The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) honored the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) of Stark County (Alliance/Canton/Massillon), Ohio, with the prestigious, national "2006 Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award".

This award is given to public transportation systems that have demonstrated achievement in efficiency and effectiveness in providing more than one million, but fewer than four million annual passenger trips.

APTA 2006 Outstanding Public Transportation System Award Qualifying Measures:

1. Safety -- SARTA has implemented extensive safety mechanisms to enhance the safety and welfare of SARTA employees and riders, which include employee/visitor ID badges, security gates, and cameras, Advanced Communication System (ACS) with Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) and covert silent alarms, off duty police officers, Safety Committee, safety performance audit, and employee wellness activities and contributions.

2. Operations -- SARTA’s Operations Department has established several operating procedures that have made significant improvements in efficiencies and effectiveness, which include modification of fixed route scheduling, procurement of an ACS System, acquisition of updated GFI fareboxes, and development of a Special Event Transit service.

3. Customer Service -- SARTA has implemented several initiatives to assist the Customer Service Department in achieving their mission statement, which included conducting a Customer Service Analysis, implementing a database for tracking compliments and complaints, developing a live chat room on SARTA’s website, and procuring Trapeze INFO-Agent software.

4. Financial Management -- SARTA instituted financial controls to contain escalating costs, which were surpassing revenues. Routing analysis, budget controls, professional staff development, procurement controls, and software improvements were all instrumental in containing costs. Moreover, SARTA utilizes continuous improvement efforts in maintaining targeted cost levels.

5. Attendance and Employee Costs -- SARTA encourages and promotes containing costs and improving absentee rates throughout the organization. SARTA procured TimeClock Plus, re-structured the prescription drug program, instituted requirements for spouses with available health coverage, and conducted health fairs to increase employee morale and reduce costs.

6. Minority and Women Advancement -- SARTA strives to encourage and promote diversity throughout the organization. 35% of SARTA employees are Female and the remaining 65% Male. In terms of race, 27% are African American, 1% Hispanic, and 72% Caucasian. At the Executive Staff level, 56% are Female and 44% are Male. In terms of race, 19% are African American, 6% Hispanic, and the remaining 75% Caucasian.  

7. Marketing -- SARTA has participated and implemented the following community events: Senior Expo, Stark County Fair, Massillon Senior Health Fair, and Try SARTA Week to enhance awareness and increase ridership.

8. Policy and Administration -- SARTA has implemented policies and procedures that coincide with the integration of new software programs, including a maintenance system, a financial system, an ACS System, run-cutting software, Operations Dispatch software, itinerary planning software, and a time and attendance system. Upon implementation of these software programs, SARTA has incorporated new operating policies and procedures to fully utilize software benefits. In addition to new policies and procedures, SARTA has implemented administrative policies to empower and motivate employees. These administrative polices include decentralizing the organizational structure, establishing “Thought of the Day” communications, Open-Door Fridays, Customer Service Uniforms, and the Dress for Success program Monday through Thursday.

9. Community Relations -- SARTA’s extensive community involvement includes Harvest for Hunger, United Way, Meals on Wheels, Massillon Fun Fest, Local Parades, tours, and the “Stay in School Program”. SARTA’s involvement in these community activities creates awareness and enhances SARTA’s reputation within the community, which will encourage community support for transit authority levies.