APTA EXPO 2026 closes with 13,700 attendees and nearly 700 exhibitors in Chicago
APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026 attracted 13,700 attendees and nearly 700 exhibitors to McCormick Place in Chicago on 4–7 October, according to the final figures released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The event, held every three years, brought together transit agencies, manufacturers, technology providers and policymakers, with discussions focusing on fleet innovation, artificial […]
APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026 attracted 13,700 attendees and nearly 700 exhibitors to McCormick Place in Chicago on 4–7 October, according to the final figures released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). The event, held every three years, brought together transit agencies, manufacturers, technology providers and policymakers, with discussions focusing on fleet innovation, artificial intelligence, public transport funding and workforce development.
The exhibition at McCormick Place, as we summed up in our overview, included the North American premiere of the Solaris Urbino 40 electric, the launch of ABC Companies’ COR Transit brand, the first presentation of ENC’s ZAVIR shuttle platform and the announcement of VinFast’s planned entry into the U.S. electric bus market through NexMove. The vehicle displays also included three GILLIG buses covering diesel, hybrid and battery-electric propulsion, three vehicles from NFI Group and the battery-electric Nova Bus LFSe+.
APTA Expo 2026, the figures
The exhibition highlighted developments in zero-emission buses, including new battery-electric models, electric shuttle concepts and announcements by manufacturers planning to establish or expand production for the North American market. Beyond buses, exhibitors presented battery-electric rail technologies, predictive maintenance solutions, automated dispatching systems, fleet intelligence platforms and advanced fare collection technologies.
Federal investment was another central topic, with discussions addressing the Capital Investment Grants programme and the upcoming reauthorization of federal surface transportation legislation. Sessions also explored transit-oriented development, regional connectivity and the potential for integrated ticketing systems to improve journeys across different transport networks.
“The technologies on the EXPO floor and the discussions in our TRANSform sessions gave transit agencies and businesses practical tools to improve service, operate more efficiently, and plan for the future,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas.
Workforce development was also part of the programme, with a dedicated job fair connecting hundreds of candidates with transit agencies and private-sector employers.
Looking ahead, APTA identified sustained federal investment, ridership growth and preparations for major events, including the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, among the priorities facing the industry.
