Highlights from the UITP North America Conference
Leaders, practitioners and innovators from across the public transit sector convened in Los Angeles from 20–22 October 2025 to explore how cities are transforming mobility to meet evolving customer expectations, rapid technological advances and the growing need to move people efficiently and sustainably.
From sustainability and social equity to digital transformation and data-driven innovation, the conference showcased how North America’s transit community is working together, locally and globally, to shape a more inclusive and resilient future.
Two key themes defined the discussions: the social and economic role of transit and the accelerating pace of technological change.
The Social and Economic Transformation: Transit as Freedom
The conference opened with LA Metro’s Stephanie Wiggins, DART’s Nadine Lee and APTA’s Leanne Redden highlighting how Los Angeles is redefining mobility through global collaboration and bold investment.
One message resonated across sessions: transit is freedom, connecting people to opportunity, community and culture.
Speakers noted that changing travel patterns, including hybrid work and leisure trips, require new thinking in delivering value, measuring success and designing the customer experience.
Sessions such as Delivering Results: Managing Costs and Timelines in Transit Projects and Shaping Transit’s Future Together: From Los Angeles to the World emphasised these approaches.
Human-centred design was central to customer service discussions, from intuitive wayfinding and accessible payments to improved safety, station design and volunteer coordination at major events.
Examples drew on lessons from the Paris 2024 Olympics, illustrating the importance of training, staff preparation and clear communication across all levels of an agency.
Sessions also addressed the intersection of mobility, housing and climate, highlighting integrated policy and design approaches that link transport to broader community outcomes.
Workforce development emerged as another pillar, spotlighting LA Metro’s partnership with SEED LA to nurture the next generation of mobility professionals through mentorship, training and education.
Association leaders emphasised that collaboration and shared learning are essential. Systems face common challenges from cost pressures, governance shifts and funding constraints, but local creativity and global exchange can drive breakthroughs.
The Tech and Digital Transformation: Building Smart, Sustainable Systems
If the social dimension defines why we move, technology is transforming how we move. Experts discussed how digital tools, automation and data are reshaping operations, improving safety and supporting the shift to zero emissions.
AI and digital innovation featured prominently, with applications in predictive maintenance, fare forecasting, real-time service management and customer engagement.
Early workforce involvement and clear data governance were seen as critical to adopting technology responsibly, enhancing trust and equity alongside efficiency.
Zero-emission mobility continues to accelerate, driven by policy evolution and public expectation. Speakers in Driving Change: Strategies for Zero-Emission Mobility stressed balancing the benefits of electric fleets with operational readiness and clean power sources. Autonomous vehicles were described as team players in multimodal networks, connecting people to transit rather than replacing it.
Data as a strategic asset also featured heavily. Agencies increasingly leverage governance and secure sharing to improve outcomes, from operational efficiency to social well-being, while exploring new applications such as absenteeism prevention and mental health support. Speakers emphasised an experiential mindset: test, learn and refine, embedding technology thoughtfully into transit culture and purpose.
Reflect, Connect and Take the Next Step
From Los Angeles to the global stage, the conference captured a sector at a pivotal moment, embracing both its social mission and technological transformation. UITP brings public transit professionals together worldwide through committees and working groups that advance innovation and address pressing mobility challenges.
Attendees explored how Los Angeles is reimagining mobility through technical tours, including the LAX/Metro Transit Center, Metro’s Security Operations Centres, Division 9’s next-generation bus infrastructure and the Metro Art programme, highlighting the depth and diversity of investments.
Onsite committees and workshops reinforced the importance of collaboration, from parking transformation and open-loop payment adoption to strategies for moving passengers more efficiently. Young professionals and students were welcomed, hearing leaders share career journeys and insights into the field’s dynamic future.
The Workshop on Public Transport and Large Events examined preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including a behind-the-scenes tour of SoFi Stadium.
The session emphasised strategies for moving millions of spectators safely and sustainably while leaving lasting mobility legacies.
Looking ahead, momentum continues with the UITP Summit 2026 in Dubai, the world’s largest event for sustainable urban mobility. The next chapter will be written through collaboration, creativity and courage, connecting people and possibilities across every journey.
