Despite the controversy surrounding his correspondence with neighboring city Seal Beach regarding the alteration and eventual eradication of certain bus routes, Long Beach Transit (LBT) president Laurence W. Jackson was honored with an award for his managing role in the transit company.
Having served for 40 years, the American Public Transportation Association handed Jackson its Outstanding Public Transportation Manager award for work throughout his tenure.
The association, an advocacy group that attempts to recognize innovation within public transportation, cited several earmarks within Jackson’s career that have served to make Long Beach home to a more efficient public transportation system. Amongst these highlights are the implementation of his Dial-A-Life service in 1975, which helped disabled citizens gain access to transportation pre-Americans with Disabilities Act. Also noted were the creation of the transit mall in the 80s, its recent renovation, and the CSULB U-Pass that provides students with free access to LBT’s operating buses.
“Larry Jackson has spent nearly 40 years inspiring the employees of Long Beach Transit and helping to advance public transportation on the national level,” said the association’s president and CEO Michael Melaniphy. “He is an outstanding role model, not only as a public transit manager, but as a leader in the industry.”
The official award ceremony will be held at the association’s Annual Conference on October 2 in Seattle.