Pictured from left are: Michael Norvell, Marketing & PR, Bay Transit; Kathy Vesley-Massey, President & CEO, Bay Aging; and Ken Pollack, Director of Bay Transit.
For the fourth consecutive year, Bay Transit, the public transportation division of Bay Aging, has been recognized with an award from the Virginia Transit Association (VTA). At the VTA’s 2023 Annual Conference & Bus Expo in Virginia Beach, VA, Bay Transit was awarded the Outstanding Community Program for their “Art in Transit” initiative. Launched in 2021, Art in Transit is a collaboration with the RAL Art Center to raise awareness about, and financial support for, the two non-profit organizations.
Bay Transit’s share of the proceeds from entry fees, artwork sales, commissions and sponsorships go toward a community college scholarship fund for Bay Transit’s frontline employees and their New Freedom Program, a low-cost transportation service for disabled and/or senior individuals who need to travel outside of Bay Transit’s normal service area or operating hours. In 2023, nearly $10,000 in sponsorships were raised, increasing the scholarships awarded to $2,500, increasing underwriting of the New Freedom program, and placing a copy of the first-place finisher’s artwork on the side of a bus for the third year.
“This has been a wonderful community success story,” said Ken Pollock, Director of Bay Transit. “Art in Transit has brought beautiful artwork into residents’ lives, along with more exposure and a little extra money for our two organizations.”
“I’m so proud of Art in Transit and receiving this award from our transit industry peers from across the state is definitely the icing on the cake,” Pollock added. “We may be one of the smaller transit systems in Virginia, but our commitment to innovation, excellence, and community service have really distinguished Bay Transit as an industry leader.”
For more information about Bay Transit, please visit the Bay Transit website at www.BayTransit.org. To learn more about Bay Aging, please visit the website at www.BayAging.org.
