This year, the top trending stories on Mass Transit mag for buses centered around supplier-based contracts and the transition to 100% zero-emission fleets.
5. Bus order updates from DART, NFI Group, Nova Bus
In February, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) purchased 476 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses from GILLIG while NFI Group and Nova Bus fulfilled contracts for zero-emission buses throughout North America. DART expects to institute the new buses by spring of 2026, prior to the region serving as host to the FIFA World Cup. NFI picked up an option order for 265 zero-emission buses from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority while Nova Bus was awarded a contract for the production of 80 fully electric LFSe+ urban buses for the Regional Municipality of York, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026.
4. MARTA Board approves NextGen Bus Network
In June, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors approved the NextGen Bus Network. Now launched, the NextGen Bus Network is a strategic redesign of more than 100 bus routes that is intended to deliver a smarter, faster and better bus network in the Atlanta region. The NextGen Bus Network redesign followed four years of planning, analysis and robust public engagement, including more than 60 public meetings and more than 15,000 survey responses.
3. Special Report: State of North American Bus Fleets
This special report, as part of our March/April issue, explored North American bus fleets ability to adapt to increased ridership, supply chain hurdles and a continued shift to zero-emission vehicles. According to the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) “Public Transportation Ridership Report” for Q4 in 2024, total bus ridership increased by 9.24% compared to total ridership in 2023. Several high-profile bus projects have also made strides in the past year, with IndyGo launching the Purple Line, its second bus rapid transit route; Seattle Department of Transportation breaking ground on its RapidRide J Line; and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey moving ahead with its Midtown Bus Terminal replacement project after securing federal funding.
2. NJ Transit unveils new 40-foot New Flyer buses
In October, New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) unveiled the first of 175 40-foot New Flyer buses that will be arriving through June 2026. The agency plans to replace or modernize every outdated bus and rail car by 2031. The new 40-foot buses include USB charging ports at multiple seats, brighter LED interior lighting for comfort and energy efficiency, low-floor design with ramps for faster, easier boarding — especially for seniors and customers with disabilities — and improved intercom systems for clearer announcements. The buses also feature enhanced safety and security measures, including onboard security cameras, blind-spot cameras to assist bus operators and turn-warning systems to alert pedestrians when buses are making turns.
1. How Kansas City is Preparing for the FIFA World Cup 2026™
In our May/June issue, we highlighted the collaboration between Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and the KC2026 Host Committee as the Kansas City region prepares to host part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From securing a lease for additional buses to planning service expansions, we gave readers a behind the scenes look at what it takes for transit to support special events.
The Mass Transit mag editorial team wants to thank all our readers who engage with our content throughout the year—whether through the website, newsletters, magazines (print or digital) or social media. We look forward to another year of being your go-to, trusted source on the latest happenings in the North American public transit industry.
About the Author
Brandon Lewis
Associate Editor
Brandon Lewis is a recent graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lewis is a former freelance editorial assistant at Vehicle Service Pros in Endeavor Business Media’s Vehicle Repair Group. Lewis brings his knowledge of web managing, copyediting and SEO practices to Mass Transit magazine as an associate editor. He is also a co-host of the Infrastructure Technology Podcast.