The Benzie Transportation Authority, a.k.a. Benzie Bus, was named winner of the Rural Transit System of the Year award by the Community Transportation Association of America. The CTAA’s award is based on innovative and creative services in the community, and is presented to a system which is responsive to its customers’ and community needs in an area with a population of less than 50,000. The awards committee determined Benzie Bus deserved recognition for its commitment to improving mobility, its community service, its inspired leadership and its innovative achievements.

Benzie Bus Executive Director Bill Kennis cited the system’s inter-county commuter and medical rides, its utilization of smaller vehicles which run on propane, and the Magical History Tours led by the Benzie Area Historical Museum as among the elements which helped it win the award. The Transit System of the Year award has been presented yearly since 1989. Isabella County Transportation Commission, which won the award in 2014, is the only other Michigan system to be cited.