APTA Kicks Off 2025 TRANSform Conference in Boston!

APTA opened its 2025 TRANSform conference in Boston, MA, Sept. 15. The event is bringing together more than 3,100 public transportation industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators for three days of education, networking, and industry collaboration.

Experts offering the latest solutions for bus, paratransit, and rail systems are exhibiting at the Products and Services Showcase.

APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas welcomed attendees, emphasizing the conference’s role in shaping the future of public transportation. “As we gather for TRANSform 2025, we celebrate an industry experiencing unprecedented momentum,” he said.

“With ridership increasing for five consecutive years, we’re not just meeting today’s transportation needs, we’re building the foundation for tomorrow’s smart mobility solutions.”

Skoutelas highlighted Boston’s significance as host city, noting its pioneering role in American public transportation. “Boston provides the perfect backdrop for our TRANSform conference as home to America’s first public transit system,” he said. “The MBTA’s rich history—from launching the nation’s first subway in 1897 to today’s groundbreaking modernization efforts—exemplifies the evolution and resilience that defines our industry.” 

Attendees also heard from incoming APTA Chair Leanne Redden, executive director, Chicago Regional Transportation Authority; MJ Maynard-Carey, APTA immediate past chair and chief executive officer, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada; Phillip Eng, general manager/CEO of host agency Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA); MBTA Board Chair Thomas McGee; Monica G. Tibbits-Nutt, secretary and CEO, MassDOT; MA Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll; and MA Governor Maura Healey via video.

Raymond Melleady, president, STER North America LLC, gave the keynote introduction; and Ronnie Hakim, senior VP & national transit & rail market sector leader, HNTB Corporation, gave sponsor remarks.

Bert Jacobs, co-founder and CEO of Life is Good, delivered an inspiring keynote address, describing how he and his brother John started the company in 1994, selling t-shirts on the streets of Boston. It has been 30 years since they sold their first t-shirt, but Bert and John champion the same mission to this day: to spread the power of optimism.

To close out the first day, FTA Administrator Marcus Molinaro delivered an update on his agency’s priorities and initiatives and engaged in a Q&A with the audience.

“We’re honored to welcome Administrator Molinaro to TRANSform 2025,” said Skoutelas. “We look forward to deepening our collaboration with FTA and working closely with Administrator Molinaro to advance our shared goal toward greater mobility and robust investment in public transportation that produces good-paying jobs and spurs innovation across the industry.”

“This keynote is an important opportunity for our industry to engage with federal leadership and build momentum for America’s public transit future.”

The conference concludes with the Innovation Summit on the final day, spotlighting emerging technologies set to revolutionize public transportation.

View more images from TRANSform here. Look for session coverage on Passenger Transport, APTA’s News Center, throughout the coming days.