Yet amid these pressures, two transit agencies — Auburn Transit in California and the Gulf Coast Transit District (GCTD) in Texas — have emerged as pioneers of modern mobility. Auburn Transit: Bringing AI to the Heart of Rider ServiceIn Auburn, a small but forward-thinking city in Northern California, the local transit agency found itself at a crossroads. Budget limitations forced Auburn Transit to eliminate its dispatcher position — a role critical to booking and managing rides for its passengers, many of whom rely on phone-based trip planning. “We at Auburn Transit are humbled and grateful to be considered for this award, let alone selected as a winner,” says Bowen. Whether through AI-driven call handling or fully integrated microtransit platforms, these agencies have shown that innovation in public transit isn’t about flashy tech; it’s about meeting people where they are.