During the 2009 Texas Transit Conference, the Texas Transit Association presented Gary Thomas, president and executive director of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), with the Outstanding Public Transportation General Manager Award for his contributions to the industry.
Thomas, who has led DART since 2001, was recognized for several reasons. They include leading DART to secure a $700 million Full Funding Grant Agreement from the Federal Transit Administration, beginning construction on the Green Line rail expansion, which will double the current DART rail system, and overseeing an aggressive light-rail expansion program.