The Missouri Public Transit Association presented City Utilities of Springfield with the MPTA Transit Champion Award at the 36th Annual Meeting. MPTA President highlighted that over the last year City Utilities has been recognized not only as a leader in Missouri, but their work and driver dedication is being recognized on the national level as well. Kelly Turner, director of transit for City Utilities, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
“This year, City Utilities has gone above and beyond the call of duty on many fronts and demonstrated the impact a transit agency can have in communities beyond the trip from point a to point b,” said MPTA President Dorothy Yeager.
City Utilities was awarded the 2016 Transportation Achievement Award by the Ozarks Chapter of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (OCITE) for the construction and operation of the new City Utilities Transit Center in December. This past Spring, CU donated 5 retired paratransit vehicles; 3 to a transit property in Arkansas whose fleet was decimated by fire and 2 to the City of Springfield for the Wheels to Work Program; to help increase access to employment. In addition, City Utilities Driver TJ Davis went above and beyond the call of duty with his actions which led to the recovery of a missing 13 year old girl in Springfield. He has been recognized by the Red Cross and the US Department of Justice for his heroic actions.
According to Kelly Turner, the Director of Transit for City Utilities and MPTA Secretary/Treasurer, “Our Bus drivers are part of the eyes and ears of the community.”
“Difference between ordinary year and extraordinary year is capitalizing on opportunities, and City Utilities has done that this year,” said Turner.
“MPTA most definitely thinks your drivers are taking this role to a whole new level. Kudos to your commitment to Springfield and its residents and congratulations on your award,” added Yeager.