Local Transportation Innovators Honored at Awards Ceremony

For Immediate Release: Monday, May 15, 2000

Montgomery County employers and individuals who have excelled in promoting and using transit, carpooling and other commuting alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles were honored today at the County's 15th Annual Transportation Awards Ceremony. Sponsored by the Department of Public Works and Transportation, the ceremony is held each year in conjunction with National Transportation Week.

"I am delighted to honor the dedicated community and business leaders who have been at the forefront of transit and commuter initiatives," said Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan. "They are making a difference through tax incentives, reduced transit fares, and commuter amenities at the workplace that are helping thousands of people reduce their reliance on single occupancy vehicles. Through their actions, they are enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the County."

Duncan also presented the Carmen S. Turner Award for Achievement in Community Service to former Montgomery County Councilmember Betty Ann Krahnke.

President of the American Public Transportation Association William W. Millar delivered the keynote speech at this year's ceremony.

Presentation of other awards were made in nine categories:

Newly Developed Program of the Year - Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc., an insurance underwriter located near the Friendship Heights Metro Station, was able to reduce the number of parking spaces they were leasing by educating employees about transit and joining the Fare$hare program. (Sponsored by the County, Fare$hare enlists employers in the promotion of alternative transportation options for their employees and matches transit fare discounts offered by employers.)

Ongoing Program of the Year - Westat, Inc., the survey research firm for health and education issues, was recognized for its outstanding Fare$hare participation and leadership in promoting and participating in alternate transportation.

Transportation Benefits Coordinator of the Year - Intended to recognize individuals who go beyond their normal duties in promoting alternative transportation, the honoree was Malissa "Missy" Marceron of the U.S. Department Of Health And Human Services (HHS). Serving more than 4,000 employees in numerous agencies and departments that make up the HHS complex in North Bethesda, Marceron organizes frequent transportation fairs and promotions and distributes the North Bethesda Transportation Management District's annual survey to staff.

Transit Rider of the Year - Rachel Whitman was honored with this newly created award that recognizes individuals who walk, bike, carpool, vanpool, or use Ride On or other transit to commute to work. Whitman commutes from Capitol Hill to her job at Gymboree on Nicholson Lane on roller blades - with an assist from Metrorail.

Bicycle Commuters of the Year - Husband and wife team, Lynne Rosenbusch and John Fauerby of Clarksburg, commute to work using a tandem bike and the Ride On bike racks. They have also been strong advocates for bicycle transportation.

Special Awards - These special certificates recognize organizations, individuals, and teams, that make noteworthy contributions in promoting commuting solutions. Orbital Science Corporation won for helping to develop Montgomery County's Advanced Transportation Management System, which directs each traffic device on every road, street, and highway in our County. Also winning was the husband-and-wife team, Chip and Monica Gribben of Memberware Technology, for building and operating their own electric car.

Best of the Best Transit Operators/Coordinator Awards -Awardees honored were Preya Nuon and Michael Lyles, Ride On Bus Operators; Michael Margetis, Ride On Bus Coordinator; Riley Brothers, Jr., Metro Bus Operator; James C. Hartridge, Metrorail Operator.

Taxi Drivers of the Year Awards -- Both honorees are with Regency Cab: Mohd Asghar Khan, for regular service and Isaac Boateng for special service.

Keep Montgomery County Moving Awards -- This year's awardees represented excellence in public service, corporate life, technology, and the media. Partners in Motion received the Achievement in Advanced Transportation Technolgy Award; Bethesda Urban Partnership earned the Robert S. McGarry Award for Achievement in Education; Awards for Acheivement in Public Information were presented to Chris Core, WMAL Radio, Joe Krebs, WRC TV 4, and Dave Willingham, NewsChannel 8; and the Special Award for Lifetime Service was presented to Senior Planner David F. Bone, Montgomery County Division of Transit Services.

For more information about the Transportation Awards Ceremony or commuter services in Montgomery County, call 301-770-POOL. 

Release ID: 00-201
Media Contact: Esther Bowring 240-777-6530, Tom Pogue 301-565-7317