MAX Connect app earns COMTO 2026 Industry Innovation Award
The award recognizes the collaboration between BJCTA and ZED Digital to deliver a more connected transit experience for riders.
ZED Digital is proud to congratulate the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) and MAX Transit on receiving national recognition at the 2026 Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) Industry Awards.
The MAX Connect mobile app, developed by ZED Digital in partnership with BJCTA, received the 2026 Industry Innovation Award, recognizing innovation that improves mobility and the public transportation experience through technology.
Presented during COMTO’s 55th National Meeting & Training Conference in Washington, D.C., the award highlights organizations that introduce meaningful solutions to improve transportation services and better serve their communities.
Developed to make transit easier and more accessible, MAX Connect gives riders a single mobile platform to plan trips, purchase fares, access real-time information, and stay connected with MAX Transit services.
“This recognition reflects what can be achieved through a strong partnership and a shared commitment to improving the rider experience,” said Sumithra Jagannath, CEO of ZED Digital. “We are grateful to the BJCTA team for their trust and collaboration, and proud of everyone at ZED Digital whose expertise and dedication helped bring MAX Connect to life.”
In addition to the Industry Innovation Award, BJCTA received the Thomas G. Neusom Founders’ Leadership Award, COMTO’s highest honour. Presented to CEO Charlotte Shaw, the award recognizes outstanding leadership and long-standing contributions to the transportation industry and the advancement of transportation professionals.
“We congratulate Charlotte Shaw and the entire BJCTA team on these well-deserved honours,” added Sumithra. “Their vision and commitment to delivering better public transportation continue to make a positive impact across the Birmingham region.”
The recognition reflects a successful partnership between BJCTA and ZED Digital, built around a common goal: using technology to create a more seamless and convenient transit experience for riders.
As public transit agencies continue to expand digital services, projects like MAX Connect demonstrate how thoughtful technology can support greater accessibility, stronger customer engagement, and more connected communities.
About ZED Digital
ZED Digital is an Ohio-based corporation that develops mobile applications and digital platforms for transit agencies and venues. Its solutions help organizations modernize the customer experience through digital services, real-time information, contactless interactions, and connected technologies.
Learn more
Read BJCTA’s official announcement about its national recognition at the 2026 COMTO Industry Awards:
https://maxtransit.org/bjcta-earns-two-national-honors-at-comtos-55th-annual-industry-awards/
