TARTA and ETA Transit Systems Recognized with Metro Magazine’s Innovative Solutions Award

Boca Raton, Florida – August 21, 2025 – The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) has been named a recipient of Metro Magazine’s Innovative Solutions Award for its collaboration with ETA Transit Systems on a project that dramatically improved communications and operational efficiency.

The award recognizes TARTA’s commitment to delivering innovative, rider-focused service, supported by ETA Transit’s advanced CAD/AVL and communications technology. Together, the teams developed a closed, one-to-one radio system that improves driver-dispatch communication, enhances rider privacy, and strengthens operational reliability.

The solution integrated ETA’s CAD/AVL platform with Motorola radios via API, leveraging the Lucas County Radio System as the backbone. This replaced TARTA’s previous open system, where communications could be overheard across the fleet, even during disputes or emergencies.

“We have an amazing team of transit professionals here at TARTA that are committed to delivering innovative and quality service to our customers, and this is just one more example of that,” said TARTA CEO, Laura Koprowski. “In a short period of time, (TARTA Director of Information Technology) Lucas Boehm and his team have made so many upgrades including the CAD/AVL systems that have positive impacts to our customers and employees. They have completely transformed TARTA’s technological capabilities.

ETA Transit CEO, John Maglio added: “We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from METRO Magazine. This award validates the power of true partnership between ETA Transit and TARTA. Working together throughout the comprehensive system implementation, including TARTA providing us with a radio to use in our lab for testing and refinement, we created an integrated solution that delivers real results.”

Metro Magazine has recognized Innovative Solutions Award winners for 11 years, honoring projects that replace outdated systems with modern technology to improve efficiency and expand mobility. Honorees will be featured in Metro Magazine’s print issue and at the Public Transit & Technology Exchange conference September 22–24 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

TARTA’s recognition highlights how collaborative problem-solving between agencies and technology partners can deliver lasting improvements to public transit operations and rider experience.

Read more at Metro-Magazine.com