Top Banana Awards 2014 - present
What is The Top Banana Award
RiderShip for the Masses presents its Top Banana Award to an individual who has made a difference for public transit riders or an organization that positively changes public transit in the Sacramento Region.
Starting in 2018, the award will be presented 2x a year. One at the beginning and one at the end of the year. Nominations are open to individuals, organizations, and elected officials.
2023 update: We offer a couple of ways to present the award:
in-person, and Zoom. (we will mail the award to Zoom recipients)
if you would like to nominate a group or individual, please email us at rftm@rftm.info.
and include why you think they should be awarded the Top Banana.
Award consists of a Certificate and the little Top Banana (pictured)
,
Recipients
2024
Advocate/Activist Helen O'Connell and City Council/SacRT Board Director Rick Jennings, II
Helen O'Connell
For the tireless and outstanding effort in advocating for inclusive and accessible public transportation in the Sacramento Region, with emphasis on the disability community, resulting in a positive impact.
Rick Jennings, II
For his commitment as a City Council Member to guarantee equitable community benefits for his constituents and for his effort as SacRT Board Director to ensure fulfillment of the new Light Rail
Station project promises.
2023
Kiara Reed is the Top Banana selection for 2023, in recognition as Executive Director of Civic Tread (formally Walk Sacramento) taking Civic Thread in a new direction, expanding its reach
in the broader metro region to deliver transformative change!
2022
Don Nottoli is the Top Banana selection for the second half of 2022, in recognition of his years of service on the Sacramento Supervisors and Sacramento Regional Transit Board that enhanced mobility and the quality of life for public transit riders and residents in the Sacramento Region.
2022
Glenn Jackson Jr. youth advocate is our Top Banana selection for the first half of 2022. Glenn started advocating at the age of 10. His advocacy has raised the Quality of life for residents of Sacramento. He has been recognized by SACOG and accepted by SACOG to its Youth Leadership Academy in January 2022.
2021
Terry Bassett, Executive Director of the Yolo County Transportation District, is our Top Banana selection for 2021. His forward-thinking approach for 39 years has led the District to the many accomplishments that enhanced the quality of life for Yolo County and the Sacramento Region. Terry retired from the district on April 2, 2021.
2019
Transit Advocates
Mike Barnbaum and Jeffery Tardaguila, long-time transit advocates, were awarded the top banana. Mike for his enthusiastic approach to transit advocacy for the SacRT district and the Capitol Corridor. Jeffery for his commitment to rider issues that provide a positive riding experience when resolved.
2018
SacTRU. (Sacramento Transit Riders Union)
Whose dedicated members helped change public transit and policy for all riders.
2018
Cindy Brooks, Clerk of the Board, Regional Transit District
For her dedication and service to the Regional Transit District, Transit Riders, and Advocates
2017
Maggie Coulter and SacRideHuman
They successfully changed the Regional Transit District procurement Policy to contract with locally owned companies.
2016
Roberta MacGlashan
The county supervisor and regional transit director recognized her dedicated service and support, especially to her constituents, regarding transportation issues in the Sacramento region.
2014
Bonnie Pannell
Former Councilwoman and Regional Transit Board Director Bonnie Pannell was recognized for her dedicated effort on behalf of Transportation in the Sacramento Community. The Blue Line South Phase 1 to Meadowview and Blue Line South Phase II to Cosumnes River College are examples of her dedication.
We are grateful that Bonnie was able to be at the Blue Line Phase II Opening.
Bonnie Pannell 1949-2017
Pictures of Recipients 2014 -2024 have been moved to the