Each year, Mass Transit magazine puts together a series of data-driven reports, compiled from survey responses, the National Transit Database and the American Public Transportation Association, to paint a picture on what different sectors of the industry are facing or anticipating.
Mobility Outlook Survey
We kick off each year with our Mobility Outlook Survey, polling our readers to get a pulse check on anticipated procurements, budgets and investments for the year. Now in its sixth iteration, the 2025 survey highlighted where the public and private sectors saw the biggest opportunities. For transit agencies, 51% selected delivering more reliable service as their biggest area of focus. The private sector leaned towards launching new collaborations and improving the client experience, each coming in at 46%. Curious how these expectations played out throughout the year? Revisit the full 2025 Mobility Outlook Survey.
Bus Fleet Report
During the spring, we focus on the bus market with our Bus Fleets annual report. This year revealed strong progress in the transition to zero-emission vehicles: 44% of active rubber-tired vehicles in the U.S. now run on alternative power. We expect this number to grow, with 47% of Mobility Outlook respondents reporting plans to procure battery-electric buses. Fulfilling these orders, however, comes with its own set of hurdles. Supply chain disruptions, coupled with tariffs, continue to exacerbate challenges as agencies enter new vehicles into their fleets. For a closer look at how the industry is navigating these issues, check out our Special Report: State of North American Bus Fleets.
Passenger Rail Report
Next, we turn our attention to the passenger rail market with our annual Passenger Rail Trends report. In 2025, new or expanded services and investments in upgraded rolling stock were center stage. Many of the new vehicles are supporting cleaner rail transportation. From Metra’s order of battery-powered trainsets to Metro-North Railroad introducing the SC42-DMs locomotives, alternative propulsion systems are piquing the interest of agencies throughout the country. These investments are particularly timely as the industry continues to grapple with effects related to climate change. For more insights shaping the rail landscape, catch up with our Special Report: 2025 Passenger Rail Trends.
Safety & Security Report
Rounding out the year is our annual Safety & Security Report. Technology adoption and workforce safety were top of mind for 2025. Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence tools continue to gain traction, with agencies integrating it into video surveillance systems. More surprising is the increase in the number of assaults being reported against transit workers. One of our most striking findings was that there was a 41% increase in assaults against transit workers between 2023 and 2024. Our report dives deeper, breaking down where and how these incidents occurred, as well as spotlighting best practices agencies are implementing to improve safety. To learn more about these trends and others, take a look at our 2025 Transit Safety and Security Report.
2026 outlook
As we look to next year, we want your perspective. Are you planning vehicle procurements, investing in technology upgrades, expanding your business or rolling out new products? Your insight shapes our report, helping the industry plan for what’s next. Take our 2026 Mobility Outlook Survey to share your expectations for the year ahead.
About the Author
Megan Perrero
Editor in Chief
Megan Perrero is a national award-winning B2B journalist and lover of all things transit. Currently, she is the Editor in Chief of Mass Transit magazine, where she develops and leads a multi-channel editorial strategy while reporting on the North American public transit industry.
Prior to her position with Mass Transit, Perrero was the senior communications and external relations specialist for the Shared-Use Mobility Center, where she was responsible for helping develop internal/external communications, plan the National Shared Mobility Summit and manage brand strategy and marketing campaigns.
Perrero serves as the board secretary for Latinos In Transit and is a member of the American Public Transportation Association Marketing and Communications Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism with a concentration in magazine writing and a minor in public relations from Columbia College Chicago.