APTA Kicks Off 2025 Rail Conference

Following the APTA High-Speed Rail Seminar, June 27-28 in San Francisco, CA, the association kicked off the 2025 Rail Conference June 29. Nearly 2,000 public transportation professionals from around the world convened opening day, June 30.

The Rail Conference Opening General Session included remarks by keynoter Marita Cheng, founder and CEO of Aubo; MJ Maynard-Carey, APTA board chair and CEO, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada; and APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas.

The conference will feature sessions and workshops that address the critical priorities and challenges facing all modes of passenger rail—light, heavy, commuter, high-speed, and intercity—including innovative technologies; infrastructure; using AI to enhance safety and the passenger experience; strategies for U.S.-international transit partnerships; and more.

In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to take part in behind-the-scenes tours with co-host agencies Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Plus, manufacturers, suppliers, and technology developers will be on hand to discuss the latest trends and solutions in rail transit at the Products & Services Showcase.

“We want to thank Bay Area Rapid Transit and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency for hosting this important annual event during a pivotal time for our industry,” said Skoutelas. “With its rich history in advancing passenger rail, San Francisco is the ideal location this year for industry leaders to come together and exchange insights, explore advancements, and drive tangible progress within the rail transit sector.”

View more images from the Rail Conference here. View images from the High-Speed Rail Seminar here. Look for session coverage on Passenger Transport, APTA’s News Center, throughout the coming days.