Votran honored at 2021 FPTA Awards

Volusia County’s public transit system drove off with six statewide awards and three recognitions following the Florida Public Transportation Association’s (FPTA) annual conference at the Ocean Center last week.

Votran received the 2021 Bus Safety Excellence Gold Award and the Outstanding System of the Year Award. The agency also received marketing awards for its safety and internal COVID-19 information campaigns.

John Foderaro, a master technician with Votran for 41 years, was named Florida’s Technician of the Year. Votran bus operator Patricia Speranza was the recipient of the newest FPTA Award—Transit Hero of the Year—for quickly and safely evacuating her bus during a serious incident. Speranza ensured all passengers were accounted for and in a safe location while waiting for emergency responders.

Maintenance Trainer Scott Groth was recognized for graduating from the Center for Urban Transportation/ FDOT Certified Transit Technician Program, while Safety and Training Supervisor Tamika Whitaker was celebrated for graduating from the FPTA Leadership Training Program. Steve Jack of Med-One Shuttle, who contracts with Votran to provide Gold Service trips, was named Volunteer of the Year.

Votran is no stranger to awards, having won dozens of FPTA awards for marketing, safety and service over the years.