Transportation
Latest data from the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) shows that as of July 2025, system ridership has grown for eight consecutive months, driven mainly by new line openings, World Cup events, and improved safety conditions. Meanwhile, violent crime within the system fell 6.7% year-over-year, and the homeless population decreased by 57% compared to 2024.
After federal funding was terminated, the California High-Speed Rail Authority reached a cooperation agreement with private consortia, attempting to attract external investment. However, experts point out that the private sector's willingness to invest in high-speed rail projects is limited, and the financial difficulties of other private rail projects also cast a shadow over the prospects.
The latest study by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene shows that the congestion pricing plan implemented on January 5, 2025, has not led to substantial improvements in air quality, nor has it caused deterioration in environmental justice communities. This conclusion aligns with the 2023 federal environmental assessment, with experts noting that air pollution is influenced by weather and topography, making it difficult to observe changes on a small scale.
The Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) began operations today, replacing the former Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to oversee the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, and Pace. This move aims to address an imminent fiscal crisis, with the state legislature approving $1.5 billion in funding support and planning to raise over $1.3 billion annually through sales and gasoline taxes. All existing services will remain unchanged, but the new authority will promote fare simplification, safety enhancements, and investment optimization.
Since 2021, North Miami Beach has partnered with ProKel Mobility, launching a new bus system in July this year that includes three community shuttle routes and two on-demand electric vehicles, connecting to Miami-Dade Transit, Tri-Rail, and Metrorail. Monthly ridership has now doubled from approximately 4,000 to 10,000 trips, with projected savings of over $1.5 million for the city. ProKel's CEO stated that the company is focusing on the first-and-last-mile on-demand service trend and plans to announce an autonomous bus initiative within the year.
Nearly five years since Flix acquired Greyhound, this North American intercity bus operator has undergone a significant transformation. By updating its fleet, expanding routes, and improving on-time performance, Greyhound has attracted students, young professionals, and value-conscious travelers. In 2026, the World Cup, high fuel prices, and Spirit Airlines' suspension further drive passenger growth. The company is preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and advancing hub facility upgrades in cities such as Chicago, Boston, and New York.
In 2026, North America is expected to open approximately 150 miles of new fixed-guideway transit lines, including the Seattle floating bridge light rail, Las Vegas BRT, and Los Angeles metro extension. Compared to 240 miles in 2016, this year's scale is reduced, with some cities favoring lower-cost bus rapid transit.
The Utah Department of Transportation has selected Econolite to install Ouster's lidar-based traffic management technology at 160 intersections statewide, expanding a prior 2025 partnership. The system aims to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users through real-time signal adjustments.
Tesla appears close to launching its purpose-built Cybercab robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, with employee rides first, according to The Information. The company has begun manufacturing the two-seat vehicle and adding Starlink connectivity.
The Federal Railroad Administration announced $5.3 billion in safety grants on Friday, funding 41 projects in 23 states and new Amtrak trains. Amtrak will receive $2.05 billion for 43 new passenger train sets and $140 million for locomotive repairs. Approximately $3.2 billion goes to highway-rail grade crossing improvements, bridge repairs, station upgrades, and other projects.