The 2024 ‘Making Connections National Transit Workforce Conference‘ showcased a transit industry at the crossroads of innovation and evolution. With technology and cross-sector collaboration redefining workforce strategies, this year’s conference illuminated bold new paths for public transportation to adapt, grow, and thrive in an era of unprecedented change.
Breaking Down Traditional Barriers
The long-standing silos between government agencies, transit authorities, labor unions, and technology providers are finally being dismantled.
FTA Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool set the tone in her opening remarks, declaring, “Our investments in public transportation should never be infrastructure first – they should always be people first.” This wasn’t rhetoric; it was a rallying cry backed by action.
The conference highlighted tangible examples of unprecedented cooperation between the Department of Transportation and Department of Labor, showcasing how this alignment is reshaping the workforce landscape. Together, they are driving initiatives such as apprenticeship programs, workforce training investments, and create pathways for diverse talents to enter the industry. This coordination has enabled transit agencies to more effectively leverage federal support for workforce development.
This shift from a traditionally fragmented approach—where agencies operated in isolation, navigating complex bureaucratic systems—represents a new era of coordination and results-driven strategy. By breaking down these barriers, the transit industry is better positioned to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving transportation ecosystem.
The Next Generation’s Voice
The most refreshing aspect of the conference was its emphasis on young voices in transit.
Students from the TransSTEM Academy delivered a wake-up call to industry leaders, challenging long-held assumptions about what attracts young talent to the sector. Dr. Beverly Scott underscored this with compelling survey insights: “When you ask young people what they’re looking for, career advancement clarity ranks at the top. They want to understand their path forward, and they want to hear real stories from people who started where they are.“
The generational shift in expectations aligns seamlessly with the industry’s technological advancements. For today’s young professionals, public transportation is not just a job—it’s a platform to drive meaningful changes in their communities while working with state-of-the-art technology.
The traditional image of transit jobs is evolving, now encompassing roles in data analytics, sustainable technology, and innovative operational solutions. This synergy between young workers’ digital expertise and the industry’s growing technological sophistication offers a unique opportunity to attract and retain next-generation talent.
AI: Empowering Workers, Not Replacing Them
The conference’s focus on AI — focusing on its workforce impact and training applications — reflected a more nuanced and mature approach to technology implementation.
Michael Walk, a researcher from the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, presented findings that challenge common assumptions about automation. Instead of wholesale displacement, the industry is seeing targeted implementation in areas like yard operations and safety systems, with human expertise remainings central to operations.
Carnegie Mellon researcher Sarah Fox echoed these insights with her work on automated vehicle pilots, highlighting the gap between AI system capabilities and the complexities of real-world transit operations. “Operators’ expertise is critical in developing effective automated systems,” Fox emphasized, stressing that frontline worker involvement from the outset is essential for success.
AI is already delivering impressive results in transit workforce development. From developing accessible training materials to creating personalized learning paths, AI tools are streamlining workforce development processes. These technologies can analyze complex technical documents, generate targeted training content, and adapt to individual learning styles and needs. The capacity of AI to significantly enhance work efficiency while complementing human capabilities demonstrates its value as a transformative tool in transit operations.
Technology as a Connector
The role of technology in transit extends far beyond passenger amenities.
Modern connectivity infrastructure serves as the foundation for workforce development, enabling everything from virtual training platforms to real-time operational support systems. Transit agencies are increasingly leveraging robust Wi-Fi networks to support AI-driven training programs, remote diagnostics, and integrated communication systems. These advancements not only create a more appealing workplace for tech-savvy employees, but also improve operational efficiency and resilience.
Looking Ahead
The transit industry stands at the threshold of a technological renaissance.
For technology providers, this transformation presents an opportunity to evolve from vendors into strategic partners. As transit agencies continue to modernize their operations and training approaches, robust connectivity infrastructure becomes increasingly crucial for success.
The road ahead requires continued investment in both technology and people, ensuring that digital advancements empower workers, enhance passenger experiences, and drive the transit industry toward a brighter, more connected future.
