While it is easy to blame the lack of dedicated funding for slowing down projects and causing uncertainty, consultants remain optimistic that they can help public transit agencies fill the gap by utilizing its expertise from other regions around the world. Many are hopeful the younger generation entering the workforce will help grow public transit usage.

Cited as the top challenge experienced by one-fifth of participating operators. Coming in second was land use coordination, at 17%, down by slightly more than 10% from last year, when it was listed as the top challenge.

The Texan city prides itself on a track record of highly involved neighborhoods and history of Smart Growth initiatives as key contributors to its high quality of life. Several years ago, in anticipation of opening its first commuter rail line - Capital MetroRail, which began service in March - the city began TOD planning for the areas surrounding three key stations.

In addition to meeting the Dec. 31, 2015 deadline, rail operations are faced with cost issues, project deferrals and ensuring interoperability between systems.