The Kentucky Public Transit Association has recognized the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky for a half-century of community service and resilient efforts to regain ridership.
TANK received the Outstanding Section 5307 Urbanized Public Transit System of 2023 award during the recent Kentucky Public Transit Association Conference in Lexington.
The Federal Transit Administration’s 5307 program designates a transportation agency in a small urbanized area as eligible for federal funding under the program, officials said.
Officials said they chose TANK for the award because the transit authority continued to provide stellar service throughout the COVID-19 pandemic while adeptly managing the return of ridership over the last year.
“TANK has provided public transit service to the residents of Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties since 1973,” General Manager Gina Douthat said. “In those 50 years of service, we have provided many people in our community with independence, transportation to jobs, school and medical appointments.”
Florence resident Emile Graves echoed Douthat’s sentiments.
“Before I was able to buy my own transportation, I used TANK to get to school and then later, work,” Graves said. “I still use the service occasionally to this day. They are a great option for those with transportation needs.”
The transit service has expanded its resources throughout the years to address Northern Kentucky’s growing workforce and economy, Douthat said.
“The recognition from the KYTC Office of Transportation Delivery is the acknowledgement that the work we do continues to be important, providing an essential service to our community,” Douthat said. “It’s also wonderful continued motivation for our team of dedicated employees.”