APTA 2026 EXPO Showcased Battery-Electric Rail, Zero-Emission Buses, AI Technologies, and More
10/22/2026
Held every three years, APTA’s 2026 EXPO featured nearly 700 exhibitors and drew more than 13,000 attendees to Chicago’s McCormick Place over the course of three days, October 5-7. Combined with APTA’s annual TRANSform meeting, the event provided 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:
- 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.
- 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.