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! 

Top 10 Articles of the Year 

1. How the Transit App Is Redefining What It Means to Move Without a Car

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. 

2. FlixBus, Greyhound, and the Future of Intercity Travel

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. 

3. TransLink’s MyWork Program Sets New Standard in Operations Innovation

TransLink and CMBC earned national recognition this year for MyWork, a transformative digital workforce management program that dramatically improved efficiency and operator experience. 

4. Clear the Way: How Bus Lane Automation Can Improve City Transit

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. 

5.  Glydways Showcases New Mobility Solution at CES 25

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. 

6. 120 Years of Transit Innovation: NYC’s Subway Pushes Transit Systems Forward

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. 

7. Today’s Regional Transit Strategies Require a Multimodal Approach

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. 

8. Putting Out Fires: Is Your Operation Prepared for A Disaster

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. 

9. CapMetro's Driverless Breakthrough: How Austin's Transit Agency Revolutionizes the Bus Yard

From cost savings to tighter parking, Austin’s CapMetro driverless yard tech delivers significant results for fleet efficiency and zero-emission goals. 

10. The World Cup Stress Test: Are U.S. Cities Ready for Potential Gridlock?

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. 

Top News Stories of the Year 

1. US DOT Gives Guidance on Competitive Grants

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. 

2. Hyundai Rotem, Kinkisharyo Contract for Final Assembly of New LA Metro Railcars

Hyundai Rotem and Kinkisharyo reached a significant agreement this year to assemble LA Metro’s next-generation HR5000 railcars in California. 

3. Amtrak, Private Partners Join to Rebuild America’s Railroad, Deliver Infrastructure Investments

Amtrak brought together major industry partners in 2025 to highlight the massive rebuilding effort underway nationwide and the historic investments reshaping American passenger rail. 

4. California’s OCTA Wave Card Launches with Free Rides and Fare Capping for Riders

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. 

5. Seattle's King County Lands $79.7M Federal Grant for BRT Line

Read more on the Federal Transit Administration’s $79.7 million award to King County Metro’s new RapidRide I Line in early 2025. 

6. ENC to Restart Transit Bus Production, Deliveries Under New Ownership

In April, ENC resumed bus production under new ownership, returning its American-made, multi-propulsion transit buses to the market and boosting domestic manufacturing. 

7. Houston METRO Launches Direct Route to George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Houston METRO introduced a $4.50 nonstop airport route this year that strengthens its METRONow vision, and it’s definitely worth checking out. 

8. California Invests $1 Billion in Transportation Infrastructure

California allocated $1 billion this year to strengthen climate-resilient transportation, expand clean transit infrastructure, and improve mobility statewide. 

9. LA Metro Equips Entire Bus Fleet with Protective Barriers

LA Metro retrofitted its entire active bus fleet with full driver-protection barriers this year, marking a significant step in operator safety. 

10. Cincinnati Metro Launching New Fare Structure in July

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. 

Photo Gallery of the Year 

APTA Mobility's Bus Display and More in Photos

This collection showcases innovations in public transportation, featuring cutting-edge buses on display and an immersive transit experience aboard Austin’s CapMetro Rail.  

Most-Read Blogs 

1. The Driver Shortage isn't Slowing Down

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. 

2. Competitive Mass Transit: Using Technology and Data to Revolutionize City Commutes

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. 

3. Driving Performance with Purpose: How I Lead One of Greyhound’s Top Teams

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.