H.R. No. 122 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Sun Metro in El Paso has been named a 2011 Outstanding Public Transportation System by the American Public Transportation Association; and WHEREAS, The award is presented annually to just a few transit systems in the country that best demonstrate achievement in transit efficiency and effectiveness over the previous three-year period; Sun Metro won in the medium-size category, which honors transit systems providing between 4 and 30 million rides each year, and it was judged on quantifiable performance-related data, including its safety record, operating procedures, customer service, financial management, sustainable practices, workforce development, marketing, technological applications, and community involvement; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to making El Paso the least car-dependent city in the Southwest, Sun Metro is working to make public transit a more accessible, attractive, and viable option for all; among its recent accomplishments are the completion of four new transfer centers, a partnership with Google, the installation of nearly 200 shelters, a 21 percent increase in ridership, and the introduction of eight new vehicles; in addition, Sun Metro has adopted a plan to develop a Rapid Transit System along four corridors, with the first two to become operational in late 2013; and WHEREAS, Currently, Sun Metro supports some 15 million bus passenger trips a year with 167 vehicles that service 58 routes; moreover, the transit system includes 65 LIFT paratransit vehicles on which about 200,000 disabled passengers rode in 2010; and WHEREAS, The enhancement and expansion of public transportation contributes to economic development and an improved quality of life for a community, and Sun Metro's notable advancements in these areas make it a truly fitting choice for this prestigious award; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature, 1st Called Session, hereby honor Sun Metro on its receipt of a 2011 Outstanding Public Transportation System award by the American Public Transportation Association and extend to all those associated with the organization sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Sun Metro as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Margo ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 122 was adopted by the House on June 28, 2011, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House