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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 region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
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The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
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Parsons wins the $60M Claremont Extension design contract as the Foothill Gold Line board reaffirms leadership during a pivotal project phase.
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The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
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The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.
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The new program rewards B2B audience readers for engaging with trusted content and suppliers, earning them points toward events, travel, and more.
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The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.
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The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
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The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.
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The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.
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