The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority was presented with the TSA's Gold Standard Award on Wednesday, recognizing the highest rating a matt transit system can achieve on the agency's baseline assessment for security enhancement, according to an article by The Times-Picayune.

The baseline assessment program is designed to establish a standard for individual systems' security programs and progress tracking, the article says. The comprehensive review focuses on several fundamental categories for a solid transit security program, including training, drills and exercise programs, public outreach efforts and background checks.

The presentation was held at the RTA's headquarters on Canal Street, and U.S. Transportation Security Administrator John Pistole presented the award.