Sonya Proctor (pictured left), TSA Assistant Administrator for Surface Operations, presents the TSA Gold Standard Award for security to LYNX Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Homler Hawkins at a ceremony in Orlando April 3.
ORLANDO – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) honored the Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, LYNX with the prestigious Gold Standard Award for security, Wednesday, Apr. 3. LYNX is one of only five transit agencies nationwide to receive recognition this year.
The Gold Standard Award is the highest level of recognition TSA can bestow upon a transit agency for achieving top scores on the Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement (BASE), consisting of 17 security action items. The review evaluates several aspects of a transit agency’s operations, including but not limited to; their security plan, security training, drills and exercise programs, public outreach efforts and background check procedures.
“We are proud to collaborate with LYNX toward our shared commitment to transportation security,” said Sonya Proctor, TSA Surface Operations Assistant Administrator. “This Gold Standard Award honors LYNX leadership in mass transit security and is well deserved."
LYNX is committed to connecting the community to economic and cultural opportunities through safe, reliable and accessible mobility experiences. LYNX serves an area of approximately 2,500 square miles with a resident population of more than 2.3 million people in the Orlando area.
“Safety is always our top priority at LYNX,” said Chief Executive Officer Tiffany Homler Hawkins. “To receive this prestigious recognition from the TSA solidifies the work we do daily to ensure our riders and teammates are safe and secure, whether they’re riding the bus or using any one of our other transportation services.”
TSA has oversight of public transit agencies across the country. Every year, the TSA assesses a select number of transit agencies nationwide for evaluation through its BASE program. Just a fraction of those evaluated achieve scores high enough to receive the Gold Standard Award.
In the most recent round of BASE evaluations, TSA reviewed 58 mass transit agencies for their security posture (Fiscal Year 2023). LYNX distinguished itself among the nation’s transit agencies and rightfully earned its first Gold Standard Award.