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APTA 2026 TRANSform & EXPO Concludes in Chicago

Event Showcased Battery-Electric Rail, Zero-Emission Buses, and AI Technologies as Industry Leaders Discussed Federal Investment

CHICAGO (October 15, 2026) — The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) concluded its 2026 TRANSform & EXPO, held October 4–7, at McCormick Place in Chicago. The event featured nearly 700 exhibitors and drew 13,700 attendees, including public transit leaders, private-sector partners, policymakers, and international delegations. Taking place every three years, EXPO gives the public transportation industry an opportunity to see new technologies and share practices that improve service for riders.

“The technologies on the EXPO floor and the discussions in our TRANSform sessions gave transit agencies and businesses practical tools to improve service, operate more efficiently, and plan for the future. Our industry is ready to put those lessons to work for riders and the communities we serve,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas.

Several themes emerged across the exhibit floor and conference sessions:

  • Rail Innovation: Exhibitors showcased battery-electric passenger rail, highlighted U.S. rail manufacturing and presented future light rail equipment concepts, including longer train configurations.
  • Artificial Intelligence and Smart Technology: Exhibitors and speakers focused on AI tools that agencies are already putting into service, including applications for predictive rail maintenance, automated dispatching for on-demand and micromobility services, connected transit networks, and real-time rider information. New products on display included fleet intelligence platforms and advanced fare collection and faregate systems.
  • Regional Connectivity: Technology providers demonstrated how integrated fare payment and coordinated service planning can help riders travel more easily between suburban and urban areas and across agency boundaries.
  • Zero-Emission Buses and Fleets: Manufacturers introduced new battery-electric bus models and electric shuttle concepts to the U.S. market, and several companies announced plans to build and deliver buses for North American customers.
  • Transit-Oriented Development: Sessions examined how real estate partnerships around stations and transit hubs can generate revenue and support regional funding needs.
  • Federal Investment and Policy: Agency leaders and policymakers discussed the federal Capital Investment Grants (CIG) program and the next surface transportation reauthorization, including the role of sustained federal investment in advancing projects like those on display.
  • Workforce Development: APTA’s Transit Industry Job Fair on the EXPO floor connected hundreds of job seekers with public transit agencies and private-sector companies that are hiring. Events for young professionals offered mentoring, career development, and networking opportunities for those beginning their careers in public transportation.

The insights and practices shared in Chicago will inform the industry’s work in the years ahead as agencies plan for ridership growth, advance sustainability goals, and prepare for major events, including the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. Registered attendees can access session recordings, tech briefs, and exhibitor white papers through the EXPO Program Guide through January 5, 2027.

“Thank you to everyone who joined us in Chicago and contributed to a productive week,” Skoutelas said. “As Congress takes up the next surface transportation bill, APTA will continue to make the case for sustained federal investment in public transportation, which connects people to jobs, education, and health care in communities across the country.”

Media Contact: Amy Thompson, athompson@apta.com, 202-285-2997

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