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SEARCHFrom autonomous systems to workforce insights, transit milestones, and big-picture mobility trends, these were the stories that stood out in 2025!
From app-powered trip planning and the comeback of intercity bus travel to cutting-edge operations, safety upgrades, autonomous yards, World Cup readiness, and smart funding and fare innovations, thanks for reading these stories the most!
Credit: METRO
Best of the web time already? You bet. Join us as we look back at the stories that captured the most attention, sparked the most significant conversations, and reflected the evolving challenges and opportunities of 2025.
This year’s most-read stories say a lot about where transit and motorcoach are going, what leaders are prioritizing, and how the industries are transforming in real time.
So, let’s dive into the standout moments of 2025!
Over a decade after launching in Montreal, Transit has grown into one of North America's most trusted mobility apps, proving that technology can make cities more human, not just more efficient.
See why intercity bus travel is making a strong comeback in the U.S., driven by FlixBus’s tech-powered model, Greyhound’s modernization, and growing demand for affordable, connected, and sustainable mobility.
TransLink and CMBC earned national recognition this year for MyWork, a transformative digital workforce management program that dramatically improved efficiency and operator experience.
Bus lane automation emerged this year as a powerful tool for reducing congestion and improving transit reliability, with cities from Seattle to New York demonstrating why this trend warrants closer scrutiny.
Glydways showcased its fully autonomous transit system at CES this year and advanced multiple U.S. projects, making this a standout story for anyone following the future of urban mobility.
New York City’s subway marked its 120th anniversary this year with a look back at its legacy of innovation and a push toward modern upgrades.
Shifting migration patterns and longer commutes reshaped mobility needs this year. Get insight into why multimodal, shared mobility strategies are becoming essential for transit agencies nationwide.
This piece highlights why transit agencies need a real emergency plan, not just day-to-day problem-solving. Read more for practical steps on preparing for the unexpected.
From cost savings to tighter parking, Austin’s CapMetro driverless yard tech delivers significant results for fleet efficiency and zero-emission goals.
With the 2026 World Cup set to stress U.S. mobility systems like never before, learn how transit agencies can plan, adapt, and keep cities moving during one of the most significant events in North American history.
In Spring 2025, new DOT guidance required agencies to review and, if necessary, revise or remove climate, equity, EV, and related elements from competitive grant projects to align with federal policy.
Hyundai Rotem and Kinkisharyo reached a significant agreement this year to assemble LA Metro’s next-generation HR5000 railcars in California.
Amtrak brought together major industry partners in 2025 to highlight the massive rebuilding effort underway nationwide and the historic investments reshaping American passenger rail.
OCTA’s Wave fare system modernizes OC Bus travel with contactless payments, best-fare capping, and app-based card management, giving riders a more convenient and efficient way to pay.
Read more on the Federal Transit Administration’s $79.7 million award to King County Metro’s new RapidRide I Line in early 2025.
In April, ENC resumed bus production under new ownership, returning its American-made, multi-propulsion transit buses to the market and boosting domestic manufacturing.
Houston METRO introduced a $4.50 nonstop airport route this year that strengthens its METRONow vision, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
California allocated $1 billion this year to strengthen climate-resilient transportation, expand clean transit infrastructure, and improve mobility statewide.
LA Metro retrofitted its entire active bus fleet with full driver-protection barriers this year, marking a significant step in operator safety.
Cincinnati Metro approved a new fare structure with fare capping and a simplified child fare policy this year, making transit more affordable and family-friendly.
This collection showcases innovations in public transportation, featuring cutting-edge buses on display and an immersive transit experience aboard Austin’s CapMetro Rail.
The worsening bus and coach driver shortage on both sides of the Atlantic became a full-blown crisis in 2025, making this a timely read on why action is urgently needed and what solutions could actually help.
New York City’s congestion pricing program delivered significant traffic relief and boosted transit ridership this year, offering a data-driven blueprint that other cities should explore.
A Greyhound leader shares how investing in people, not just performance metrics, drove her team to one of the highest on-time records in the company this year.
What do you want to see from us in 2026? What topics matter to you? Please don't hesitate to send in your hot takes, news tips, feedback, and suggestions. Email METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman at alex.roman@bobit.com to connect.
The agreement restores full commuter rail service after a three-day shutdown disrupted travel for hundreds of thousands of riders across the New York region.
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Following its 2024 acquisition, ENC is upgrading operations, expanding capacity, and aligning its approach to meet agency demand for reliability and on-time delivery. METRO spoke to John Obert, vice president of transit sales, to find out more.
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Officials said the ridership gains recorded in February, March, and April signal renewed public confidence in transit and reinforce AC Transit’s vital role in connecting East Bay residents with jobs, schools, healthcare, shopping, and recreational destinations.
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A new study found commuters in several major U.S. cities could save hundreds of dollars each month by taking public transit instead of driving, with Los Angeles ranking as the nation’s most expensive city for car commuters.
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The milestone highlights both the agency’s history and its evolving role in meeting the region’s growing mobility needs.
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HDR’s transit program management lead discusses the challenges of overseeing large capital projects, adapting to cost and supply chain pressures, and the capabilities agencies need to build for the future.
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Over the three days, PRT recorded 485,000 rides, reflecting the extraordinary number of trips taken as people traveled throughout the region for Draft events, work, and daily life.
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Garo Hovnanian explores how agencies can better navigate competing priorities, strengthen decision-making, and prepare for a future shaped by electrification and emerging mobility.
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The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.
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ABQ RIDE Forward is the first transit system overhaul in more than 25 years. This latest phase marks 15% completion of the 16-phase rollout, which will continue over the next several years.
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