Every year the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA) celebrates the achievements of its members at the annual CUTA Awards Ceremony. The 2025 CUTA Awards Ceremony, held in Montreal, recognized organizations and individuals for their contributions to public transit in Canada.

CUTA's Awards Committee selected 18 winners who demonstrated the greatest impact within the communities they serve.

List of 2025 CUTA Award winners:

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Young Leaders Award - Recognizes young and talented emerging leaders entering the sector (35 or younger).

• Timothy Young, York University: A PhD candidate at York University, Timothy is shaping Canada's transit future through research, education, and leadership in CUTA's youth programs. Read more.
• Kyle Monda, TransLink: From SkyTrain Attendant to Wayfinding Planner, Kyle improves accessibility and the rider experience while mentoring future transit professionals. Read more.
• Janany (Jen) Ragunathan, Left Turn Right Turn: Jen is a trailblazer in specialized transit and accessibility, leading innovative projects and strengthening service quality nationwide. Read more.

Edward J. Dowling Distinguished Service Award - Recognizes individuals in the industry who have demonstrated superior and outstanding service over a period of ten years.

• Mike Bismeyer, INIT: A passionate mentor and advocate, Mike drives Canada's zero-emission transition while championing kindness, safety, and industry leadership. Read more.
• Charlene Sharpe, City of Fredericton: Charlene has transformed Fredericton Transit with new technology, expanded service, and a 20% ridership increase through visionary leadership. Read more.
• Michel Tremblay, Société de transport de Montréal: Michel's 30-year career at STM has elevated Montreal's bus network through innovation, planning excellence, and a strong customer focus. Read more.

William G. Ross Lifetime Achievement Award - Recognizes exceptional service for at least 25 years. The winner is inducted into the CUTA Hall of Fame.

• Sylvain Yelle, exo: With 37 years in transit, Sylvain has built an integrated, sustainable network at exo leaving a lasting legacy of innovation and leadership. Read more.

CORPORATE AWARDS

Equity Diversity & Inclusion Award - Recognize initiatives, programs, and outreach undertaken by businesses, transit systems, and/or their municipal owners, committed to inclusive, accessible, diverse workplaces and communities.

• Transdev: Meilleurs lieux de travail® / Great Place to Work. Transdev Canada champions diversity, equity, and inclusion through initiatives like its National Diversity Charter and bias-free hiring. Its 2024 Great Place to Work® certification reflects strong employee trust, pride, and inclusivity. Read more.
• MiWay, Durham Region Transit & The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Organization: Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. MiWay and DRT joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, training staff and raising awareness to support riders with invisible disabilities and create a more inclusive travel experience. Read more.
• York Region Transit: Together We Are Sheltering from the Elements. YRT partnered with the Chippewas of Georgina Island to install the region's first culturally named Indigenous transit shelter, celebrating language, art, and community connection. Read more.
• BC Transit (ACRD & Watt): West Coast Transit Service. Developed with Indigenous leadership, this service improved access for rural Vancouver Island communities, integrating bilingual signage and affordable fares to advance equity and reconciliation. Read more.

Safety & Security: for systems that took extra steps to keep riders and workers safe.

• Saskatoon Transit: Frontline Employee Safety Plan. A storytelling campaign featuring real employees helped humanize frontline staff, improve perceptions of safety, and eliminate operator assaults in the second half of 2024. Read more.

Innovation Award - Recognizes excellence in using technology to make services more efficient.

• Milton Transit: Diesel-to-Battery Electric Bus (BEB) Mid-Life Conversion: Canada's first diesel-to-electric bus conversion pilot explores cost-effective electrification, reducing emissions and maintenance while extending fleet life. Read more.

Lorna Stewart Corporate Leadership Award:

This NEW award celebrates the exceptional efforts of transit, paratransit systems and businesses that have gone above and beyond to dismantle barriers and provide inclusive, accessible transit services. The award recognizes those who ensure that travellers, regardless of their abilities, can access transit when and where they need it.

• ARTM: Mobilité inclusive: This free program teaches people with disabilities to use public transit independently, helping 1,600 participants gain confidence and shift from paratransit to regular transit. Read more.
• Edmonton Transit Service with CNIB: Get on Board Campaign: ETS and CNIB improved accessibility through better signage, audio, and design, plus awareness training and campaigns to strengthen inclusion for riders with vision loss. Read more.

Marketing and Communications - Recognizes excellence in advertising, corporate communications, or public relations.

• Hamilton Street Railway: 150 Years of Continuous Public Transit Service. HSR 150 celebrated 150 years with heritage buses, storytelling, and community events, boosting ridership, satisfaction, and civic pride across Hamilton. Read more.
• exo: Campagne Nouveaux residents. exo's welcoming campaign engaged newcomers through free passes, events, and local partnerships, turning relocation into long-term transit adoption. Read more.
• BC Transit: The new LEED Gold handyDART centre transformed community opposition into collaboration, improving the environment, accessibility, and trust in Greater Victoria. Read more. Read more.