Michigan public transit celebrates award recipients, service anniversaries and Small Bus Roadeo winners

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan's public transportation community is celebrating the people, projects and agencies honored through the 2026 Michigan Transit Impact Awards, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Transit Agency Service Awards and Michigan Small Bus Roadeo.

Together, these awards recognize rising professionals, innovative and effective transit initiatives, longtime agency service and the skill of Michigan's rural and community transit operators.

"These honorees represent the creativity, professionalism and commitment that keep public transportation moving forward across Michigan," said John Dulmes, executive director of the Michigan Public Transit Association. "Their work strengthens communities, connects people to opportunity and shows the value of transit every day."

2026 Michigan Transit Impact Awards

The second annual Michigan Transit Impact Awards recognize individuals, projects and partners making a meaningful difference in public transportation across the state.

Transit Rising Stars

• Hunter Causie, Jackson Area Transportation Authority (JATA)
• Jeff Pfeifer, Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (The Ride)
• Paige Eiseman, Alger County Transit Authority (ALTRAN)

Innovative Transit Projects

• The Rapid Early Childhood Center
• MDOT Transit Technology Guidebook

Outstanding Communications Projects

• Saginaw Transit Authority and Regional Services Route Branding
• TheRide Blake Transit Center
• Western Oakland Transportation Authority (WOTA) Driver and Rider Testimonials
• Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) Wayne County Ballot Initiative

Friend of Michigan Transit

• Assad Turfe, Deputy Wayne County Executive

2026 MDOT Transit Agency Service Awards

MDOT is recognizing local transit agencies for milestone anniversaries of service to their communities.

"At MDOT, we see daily how public transportation connects people to work, school, health care and opportunity," said Jean Ruestman, administrator of the MDOT Office of Passenger Transportation. "These honorees reflect the dedication and community commitment that make transit essential to communities across Michigan."

The 2026 honorees are:

50 Years

• Blue Water Area Transportation Commission
• Crawford County Transportation Authority
• Eastern Upper Peninsula Transportation Authority
• Yates Township Transportation Authority
• Lenawee Public Transportation Authority

45 Years

• Clare County Transit Corp.
• Gogebic County Transit
• City of Greenville
• Huron County Board of COmmissioners
• Ontonagon County Board of Commissioners
• Sanilac County Board of Commissioners

25 Years

• Clinton Area Transit System

20 Years

• Benzie Transportation Authority
• Thunder Bay Transportation Authority

2026 Michigan Small Bus Roadeo Winners

The 49th Anniversary Michigan Small Bus Roadeo, held on July 30, showcased the knowledge, precision and professionalism of transit operators from across the state.

Special Awards

Best Dressed Roadeo Team: Livingston Essential Transportation Services (LETS)

Q'Straint Driver of the Year: Wayne Kinney, Huron Transit Corp.

Rookie of the Year: Emilio Herrera-Rodriguez, Blue Water Area Transit

Team Awards

1st Place: Huron Transit Corp.

2nd Place: Gladwin City County Transit

3rd Place: Manistee County Transportation

Individual Awards

1st Place: Wayne Kinney, Huron Transit Corp.

2nd Place: Jeremy Fetterolf, Gladwin City County Transit

3rd Place: Tyler Montgomery, Huron Transit Corp.

4th Place: Dustin Stirrett, Huron Transit Corp.

5th Place: George Teeple, Huron Transit Corp.

6th Place: Tom Thomson, Gladwin City County Transit

"The Small Bus Roadeo is an opportunity to celebrate the operators who bring skill, safety and dedication to their communities every day," said Ken Jimkoski, president of the hosting Michigan Association of Transportation Systems (MASSTrans). "We congratulate every participant and this year's outstanding winners."