The Orange County Chapter of WTS honored OCTA’s leaders and programs at its annual awards gala on Dec. 5.
Rose Casey, Executive Director, Planning and Kia Mortazavi, outgoing Executive Director, Planning were recognized as Woman and Man of the Year, respectively, honoring their outstanding leadership and contributions.
In addition, OCTA’s Youth Ride Free and College Pass programs received the prestigious Innovative Transportation Solutions award.
Jennifer Bergener, Deputy CEO, accepted the award on behalf of OCTA.
“By providing free public transit for youth and community college students, we’re not only reducing the cost of transportation but also encouraging the next generation to embrace sustainable mobility options,” Bergener said. “Before the introduction of these programs, youth and college student boardings made up about 3% of OCTA’s bus ridership and that figure is now close to 20%, with more than 13 million boardings to date through these programs.”