[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 145 (Monday, September 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING METRO TRANSIT SYSTEM OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEITH ELLISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 26, 2016

  Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Metro Transit 
on being named Transit System of the Year. This year, Metro Transit 
served nearly 86 million riders while offering excellent and reliable 
service.
   The American Public Transportation Association's Outstanding Public 
Transportation System Achievement Award reflects accomplishments made 
between 2013 and 2015. During this time, Metro Transit increased 
ridership, expanded access, improved sustainability practices, and 
increased overall success in system safety. Metro Transit was singled 
out among all North America agencies that provide more than 20 million 
annual passenger trips.
   Metro Transit plays a vital role in the Twin Cities by providing 
clean, safe, reliable, and affordable transportation service every day 
to thousands of commuters, residents, workers, and visitors. In 2015, 
Metro Transit had its highest ridership in 30 years, with total annual 
rides of over 85 million. Metro Transit's commitment to sustainability 
through its transition to lower emission vehicles benefits everyone in 
the region, whether they use transit or not. Metro Transit not only 
makes transportation more accessible to workers, it also employs over 
3,100 people in the Twin Cities.
   I am pleased to say that Metro Transit contributes to the quality of 
life and preserves the livability of the Twin Cities by mitigating 
traffic impacts, providing easier access to local businesses, reducing 
air pollution, and improving circulation throughout the cities.
   On behalf of the residents of Minnesota's 5th Congressional 
District, I congratulate the entire Metro Transit System, its 
employees, and its Board of Directors, for their efforts and 
significant contributions to the Greater Minneapolis Area, and for 
their nationally recognized achievements in providing the highest 
quality transit service.

                          ____________________