Public Transit Association Receives Technology Excellence Award

ALBANY, NY (01/27/2011)(readMedia)-- The New York Public Transit Association is the recipient of the Empire State Society of Association Executives (ESSAE) 2010 Association Excellence Award for Technology.

Although it is easy for associations to master internal communications with their members, NYPTA recognizes that today organizations must operate within a global market. Throughout 2010, the Association made deliberate efforts to enhance their communications with both internal and expanding external audiences by effectively using technology. NYPTA remains committed to building lasting relationships with all public transit stakeholders – including transit systems large and small; businesses serving the systems' needs; local, state and national legislators; riders, and the general public – and uses electronic communication as the means to achieve this initiative.

This award recognizes NYPTA's success in the redevelopment of the NYPTA website, re-branding of the Association, use of social media, and outreach and engagement of new stakeholders - including public transit riders. The use of technology in enhancing communications on every possible level of the Association and industry resulted in receiving a national grant, the development of a pilot program to engage transit riders, and positioning NYPTA as an example for the country on how to use and implement web-based tools.

"NYPTA is very proud to receive this honor. Public transit is a vital and growing part of our communities throughout New York State. This initiative gives us another platform to communicate with our riders and involve them at another level," said NYPTA President Carm Basile.

In order to be effective and efficient in today's fast-paced world, associations need to take advantage of the tools, technology and talent available to them. In 2011, NYPTA will continue to offer high-quality, cutting-edge communications and programs, making use of the latest technology to reach stakeholders throughout the state. For more information, please visit www.nytransit.org.

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NYPTA is a not-for-profit association representing more than 40 transit systems across New York State including the MTA, one of the largest public transportation systems in the nation, the four upstate authorities, and the transportation systems that serve rural upstate New York communities. In addition, NYPTA is comprised of more than 90 private sector manufacturers, consultants and state government agencies. Members provide nearly all of the public transportation services in New York State, nearly 40 percent of the public transportation services in the nation, and employ more than 60,000 New Yorkers.