A look at Mass Transit’s 2025 cover stories in print 

The cover stories for Mass Transit magazine’s print issues for 2025 told their own story: A story of the ability of transit to connect people. 

AC Transit’s Zero-Emissions Journey: The 5x5 Study and Beyond 

This feature as part of Mass Transit magazine’s January/February issue profiled AC Transit’s mission to explore cleaner buses to better serve its community In 2021, AC Transit launched its Zero Emission Transit Bus Technology Analysis, a comprehensive research and planning project in partnership with Stanford University, aiming to transform its transit network and develop a better understanding of how to effectively integrate zero-emission buses into its existing service schedules, rather than modifying schedules to fit the buses. 

NCRTD Improving Transit Access for Rural Communities in New Mexico 

For our March/April issue, we profiled the North Central Regional Transit District and how it was making transit more accessible for people in the rural areas of Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe and Taos, N.M. The agency recently completed building a new maintenance facility, is transitioning its fleet to zero emissions and is in the middle of building a new rapid line so residents can have better transit access in the 10,000 square mile service area. 

Advancements in Battery-Electric Trainsets for Rail Transit 

In our May/June issue, we did a deep dive into the opportunities for battery technology in passenger rail operations, highlighting how trains with battery-electric storage systems can offer an alternative to costly overhead wire catenary infrastructure. As battery technology adoption increases, agencies will need to leverage unique designs, operations and emergency response practices to ensure smooth operations.  

40 Under 40 

Now in its 18th year, Mass Transit’s prestigious 40 Under 40 Program honors people in the industry who have shown a capacity for innovation, demonstrated leadership and a commitment to making an impact in transit. This year’s cohort was especially known for their innovation and ingenuity.  

MBTA Creating a Better Experience for Passengers with Bus Network Improvements 

The September/October issue featured a profile on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and its Better Bus Project, which is improving service with dedicated traffic lane infrastructure for buses and modernized transit facilities for riders. MBTA first launched the program in 2018, with the goal to improve service, install bus lane infrastructure and modernize transit facilities as buses account for 40% of the agency’s ridership. 

2025 Transit Safety and Security Report 

To end the year, Mass Transit’s annual safety and security report profiled how agencies updated rider policies, cracked down on fare evasion, used artificial intelligence to help enhance safety and added police to their systems throughout the last calendar year. The report focuses on national trends in safety and security incidents and what specific actions agencies are taking to address them. 

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.