APTA Rail Conference Underscores Push for Funding and Modernisation

Last week, the 2025 APTA Rail Conference was opened by Paul Skoutelas, President and CEO at APTA. During his opening address, Skoutelas provided an overview of the US rail industry, highlighting the progress, challenges, and opportunities facing the passenger rail and public transportation sectors.

With just under 2,000 delegates in attendance, this year’s event set a new record for participation and exhibitor engagement. The event was held in San Francisco, which is described as one of America’s key rail hubs. Skoutelas acknowledged the work of local transport leaders and agencies in the region, including San Francisco Muni and BART, whose efforts to modernise and expand services reflect broader national trends.

Paul Skoutelas, President and CEO at APTA

Throughout his address, Skoutelas emphasised that public transportation and passenger rail have always been intertwined with the American story: economically, socially, and historically. He pointed to the resilience of the industry and its continued momentum, even amid significant change and ongoing uncertainty.

Paul Skoutelas, President and CEO at APTA said:
Passenger rail and public transportation in America grew up together—rail is integral to our nation’s past and to our future. It’s a relationship that has defined our economic and social landscape like nothing else.

Citing recent developments, Skoutelas spotlighted Caltrain’s new state-of-the-art, 100% renewable energy electric service between San Francisco and San Jose. He also referenced major infrastructure projects such as the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s largest-ever construction effort, the proposed Draper-Lehi light rail line in Utah, and the Hudson River tunnel improvements in New York.

On the policy front, Skoutelas noted the proposed increase in federal funding for passenger rail and public transportation in the 2026 fiscal year, which could total 16.5 billion USD. While these proposals await Congressional approval, he described the figures as a positive step toward securing the robust and stable funding that the industry requires, particularly as the reauthorisation of the Surface Transportation Act approaches in 2026.

Despite this progress, the American Society of Civil Engineers’ recent infrastructure report card gave public transit a “D” grade, citing a 152 billion USD funding gap over the next decade for state-of-good-repair needs. Paul underlined this as a call to action for continued federal and local investment.

Skoutelas also highlighted innovations in fare integration, service design, and station accessibility, with US station accessibility increasing from 52% in 2002 to over 75% in 2022. Meanwhile, agencies are using modern tools, such as digital fare systems, transit ambassadors, and mental health professionals, to improve safety, usability, and passenger confidence.

Workforce development emerged as another key theme. Skoutelas spoke of efforts to engage students and young professionals, encouraging them to consider careers in public transportation where technology and innovation are central.

Looking ahead, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including supply chain issues, changing grant criteria, and funding uncertainty. Yet, the overall message was one of determination. “We’re a resilient, determined industry,” he said, urging attendees to continue advocating for transit and rail, to tell their stories, and to highlight the economic and community benefits their work brings.

Skoutelas said:
This is a critical time for public transportation. Our communities are counting on us to deliver.

Stay tuned or subscribe as we delve deeper into the event’s content and explore the emerging future of rail in the United States.

The APTA Rail Conference followed the APTA High-Speed Rail Seminar, which explored several key developments in bringing true high-speed rail to the US.