APTA to Host Transit Industry Job Fair at 2026 TRANSform Conference & EXPO in Chicago

Job fair will connect students and early-career professionals  with leading public transportation employers

 Washington, D.C. (August 25, 2026) — The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) will host a free Transit Industry Job Fair during its 2026 TRANSform Conference & EXPO on October 5 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The day-long event will bring together students and early-career professionals with employers recruiting for jobs, internships and other career opportunities.

“We want attendees to leave TRANSform with new connections, more confidence and a clearer sense of where a career in public transportation can take them,” said Paul P. Skoutelas, APTA President and CEO. “With more than 12,000 people from across the industry expected to attend, this is a real opportunity to put the next generation of public transit professionals in front of the organizations shaping where the industry is headed.”

The event also comes as the industry works to address a nationwide workforce shortage in public transportation.

“Our industry is facing a workforce challenge that isn’t going away on its own,” said Leanne Redden, APTA Chair and Executive Director of the Regional Transportation Authority of Chicago. “Events like the Transit Industry Job Fair are how we build the pipeline of talent that public transportation will need for the next generation, one relationship at a time.”

Employers scheduled to participate include ABC Companies, Alstom, CCS Global, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Genfare, HDR, Long Beach Transit, Parsons, Stacy Witbeck, Ster Seating, SYSTRA, Valley Metro, Wabtec, WeGo Public Transit and WSP. The Job Fair is sponsored by APTA Business Members Genfare, HDR and WSP.

“Supporting the APTA Job Fair is an investment in the future of our industry. As an employer, we have a responsibility to connect talented students and early-career professionals with meaningful opportunities to build careers in transit,” said Eric Kaled, President of Genfare. “A key focus is to ensure our industry has the skilled leaders it needs for the future. We are proud to serve as a lead sponsor and to be part of creating these important connections.”

Job seekers can meet recruiters, explore jobs and internships, participate in mock interviews, résumé challenges and speed networking, and receive professional headshots. Some employers may also conduct on-the-spot interviews.

“Join us and connect directly with talented college students and early-career professionals ready to launch their transit careers,” said Ray Melleady, Chair of APTA’s Business Members Board of Governors and CEO of Ster Seating. “The APTA Job Fair is the optimal place to meet your next great hire.”

Event Details:

 What: APTA Transit Industry Job Fair
When: October 5, 2026, 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. CT
Where: McCormick Place Convention Center, Booth #4785, Chicago
To register and to learn more, visit APTA EXPO Job Fair.

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

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