GoTriangle, the Research Triangle’s regional transit agency, recently won a First Place AdWheel award from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) for GoTriangle’s Raleigh Union Station Bus Facility (RUS Bus). The first-place award – one of just 50 total – was in the Best Educational Comprehensive Campaign category and was presented to representatives from GoTriangle during the 2026 AdWheel Awards, which was part of the APTA Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience Workshop Savannah, GA, in late February. The awards recognize APTA member public transportation systems and business members for outstanding marketing, communications, and CX efforts that contributed to strategic organizational goals.
“This award may be a marketing award, but it represents a true team effort across a number of departments and colleagues here at GoTriangle,” said Wendy Mallon, Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing at GoTriangle. “Our team is honored to accept it on behalf of the countless hours of planning that went into introducing RUS Bus to our community.”
The GoTriangle entry was one of 350 AdWheel entries that were evaluated by more than 100 industry experts. First Place awards were presented in three categories: workforce development, campaigns to increase ridership or sales, and other educational efforts. Honors were awarded in five groups, based on size and type of transit organization.
“Congratulations to the 50 organizations receiving First Place honors in the 2026 AdWheel Awards. They represent the very best in our industry — using strategic communications and compelling storytelling to show how public transportation is essential in strengthening our economy and improving the daily lives of people across North America,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas.
Top First Place winners will face a final round of judging to determine 15 Grand Awards, which will be presented at APTA TRANSform & EXPO, October 4-7, 2026, in Chicago, IL.