From the challenges of higher fuel costs and decreasing revenue to the efforts to obtain a long-term, multimodal surface transportation authorization bill, this has been a formidable time for the public transportation industry. To cite just a few examples, this was a year when:

* Los Angeles Metro became the largest bus fleet operating exclusively with alternative fuels when it retired its last diesel bus.

* Proterra completed construction of its first all-electric bus at its facility in Greenville, SC.

* The Brookings Institution recognized Honolulu for its extensive public transportation coverage for working-age residents in its report, Missed Opportunity: Transit and Jobs in Metropolitan America.

* MTA Metro-North Railroad became the first U.S. railroad to receive the 2011 Brunel Awards Jury Prize for Overall Design Excellence in the 26-year history of the honor.

* Following tornadoes in mid-April, St. Louis Metro donated 1,000 transit passes to St. Louis County for distribution to residents left without means of transportation.

This was also a year when we said farewell to Bill Millar, APTA’s president for more than 15 years, and we welcomed Michael P. Melaniphy, APTA’s newly elected president & CEO.

Inside this Passenger Transport Year in Review issue, you will find stories that cover industry events and actions; photos from throughout the year; contributions from several APTA Executive Committee members; and a page devoted to new APTA members. A new feature highlights a specific benefit APTA offers—in this case, forums that encourage online member participation.

And with that, we wish you a happy and safe holiday season!