(Albuquerque, NM - May 13, 2016) - The Rio Metro Regional Transit District earned top honors in an international marketing competition - winning three Communicator Awards from the International Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts (AIVA). With more than 6,000 entries, the Communicator Awards is one of the largest and most competitive awards of its kind in the world honoring the creative excellence of communications professionals.

"These awards are a recognition of the true collaborative efforts of every member of the marketing team whose vision and execution made this possible", says Allyne Clarke, Rio Metro Marketing Director. "It's an honor to work with such talent who push the boundaries of their creativity."

"Our Rio Metro Marketing team consistently goes above and beyond in their efforts to showcase the New Mexico Rail Runner Express and the Rio Metro Regional Transit District", says Terry Doyle, Director of Rio Metro Regional Transit District. "Each year, they compete on an international scale, and manage to garner top honors - I'm very impressed with their work and proud of their success."

The Communicator Awards is an annual competition judged and overseen by the AIVA, a 600+ member organization from all 50 states and 15 countries worldwide who are leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts dedicated to embracing progress and the evolving nature of traditional and interactive media. The AIVA's mission is to honor, promote and encourage creativity by providing a benchmark standard of excellence for evaluating media design, production and distribution. Current members include executives from Conde Nast, Disney, Time, Inc., Fry Hammond Barr, Yahoo!, and MTV Networks.

Rio Metro 2016 Communicator Awards
Gold Communicator Award of Excellence - Brochure: Special Events Category
NMRX Brew Tour Guide - Alternative transportation Guide to brewery tours, "Rails, Trails & Ales."

Silver Communicator Award of Distinction - Marketing/Promotion: Flyer Category
Seniors Ride Free Rack Card - Adults 62+ ride free on Wednesdays.

Silver Communicator Award of Distinction - Marketing/Promotion: Other Category
Express Magazine Balloon Fiesta Insert - Information about the special weekend Rail Runner event schedule for the Balloon Fiesta & Rail Pass, and Veterans free train pass.