The International Association for Public Participation (IPA2) recognized TransLink in Vancouver, BC, and Metro in St. Louis with its Core Values Award at recent ceremonies in Scarborough, UK.

TransLink won the Innovation Award for “It’s Your Move,” its 10-year plan, while St. Louis Metro was first runner-up with its “Moving Transit Forward” program.

Ian Jarvis, chief executive officer of TransLink, said: “Since its creation 10 years ago, TransLink has continually provided broader and more innovative ways to have dialogue with the public on how our transportation network should support Metro Vancouver’s future. The 2009 consultation played a critical role in helping us preserve and sustain significant transit expansion.”

Through “It’s Your Move,” TransLink received comments from thousands of people who participated in both offline community workshops and forums and online through a designated web site. Most of the comments supported increased investments in transit and transportation in the region, according to the agency.

“Moving Transit Forward” is the St. Louis region’s first long-range public transportation development plan, created by Metro with the East-West Gateway Council of Governments. Metro made available a variety of public outreach efforts including 22 public meetings; more than 150 presentations to business, civic, advocacy, and neighborhood groups; webinars; an interactive web site; and social media (Facebook, Twitter, blog).

“Metro is pleased by the recognition of our dedicated effort to engage the people of the region in development of this important plan to shape the future of public transit services for the St. Louis region,” said John Nations, the system’s president and chief executive officer. “We provided approximately 200 opportunities for area residents to get involved and to contribute to the plan to continue to build transit service that not only connects people throughout the region, but also fuels economic development and quality jobs.”

IAP2 is an international association that seeks to promote and improve the practice of public participation in relation to individuals, governments, institutions, and other entities that affect the public interest in nations throughout the world. The organization has more than 1,500 active members.

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