As the Head of Global Sustainability & Brand at Optibus, I had the privilege of co-hosting this discussion alongside Sharad Agarwal, Managing Director, North America at Optibus. Our expert panel featured:
Together, we explored the strategies that will shape the future of public transportation in 2025 and beyond. Here are the key takeaways.
Electrification is no longer a question of if but how quickly operators and agencies can make the transition. Our Optibus 2025 Public Transportation Industry Survey Report found that over 90% of industry professionals see fleet electrification as a major priority.
However, as Olivier Van Mullem pointed out, “The transition from diesel to electric is a huge challenge. It’s not just about replacing vehicles – it requires rethinking depot infrastructure, charging strategies, and operations.”
Beyond infrastructure challenges, agencies worldwide face uncertainty in funding. Jim Wojciechowski noted that in the U.S., “The bankruptcy of major electric bus manufacturers has left some agencies with fleets they can’t even operate. Combined with changing federal policies, there’s hesitation around long-term investment.”
At the same time, global markets show clear progress. Lidia Signor shared, “China is leading with over 700,000 electric buses, and European cities are setting aggressive targets for a zero-emission future. The U.S. and other regions are catching up, but policy and infrastructure must align for long-term success.”
Solution: Agencies must take a holistic approach – securing long-term funding, upgrading depot infrastructure, training staff, and adopting smart charging technologies to optimize energy use and costs.
Workforce shortages remain a pressing issue, and ensuring driver safety is a growing concern. In the U.S., assaults on public transportation operators have been rising year over year, making recruitment and retention more difficult.
Jim Wojciechowski emphasized the urgency of the issue: “Here in the United States, the FTA put out a 10-year study that showed year-over-year increases in transit worker assaults, especially on bus operators.” Tragically, he noted recent violent incidents, including “a Seattle bus operator who was fatally stabbed over an argument about an open window, and an operator in Atlanta who was shot after a dispute over a $2.50 fare.”
To address these challenges, agencies are introducing new policies and safety measures. “We’ve invested heavily in de-escalation training to help operators manage conflicts,” Jim explained. Public transportation agencies are also focusing on physical barriers in buses and clear emergency response procedures, such as ensuring drivers stay in their seats and call for support instead of engaging in confrontations.
Beyond safety, retention remains a priority. MULTIOBUS has implemented a self-rostering system, allowing drivers more control over their schedules, while agencies across the U.S. are offering financial incentives at key milestones – such as after training completion, at three months, and at six months – to encourage drivers to stay.
Solution: Agencies must prioritize operator safety, flexible scheduling, and proactive training to improve retention and create a safer work environment.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming public transportation operations. AI-powered scheduling, predictive maintenance, and safety monitoring are no longer futuristic concepts – they’re happening right now.
Olivier Van Mullem shared how MULTIOBUS has started integrating AI: “At this time, we are beginning to work with AI to improve scheduling and operational efficiency. AI can help manage flexible timetables and support a demand-driven approach.”
AI is also enhancing safety monitoring. Jim Wojciechowski explained how AI-powered cameras are improving operator safety: “New AI-powered drive cams can now detect drowsiness, distraction, and unsafe driving behavior – helping prevent accidents before they happen.”
Another major benefit of AI is in workforce management. AI-powered scheduling tools allow agencies to eliminate inefficiencies such as unnecessary split shifts. Jim highlighted this impact: “With AI, we can optimize route planning, reduce split shifts, and ultimately, make operations more efficient without adding strain on our workforce.”
AI is also playing a growing role in fleet electrification. Smart charging technology, powered by AI, allows agencies to optimize charging schedules based on energy pricing and operational needs, reducing costs while ensuring reliable service.
Solution: Operators and agencies should embrace AI-powered tools for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and dynamic scheduling to improve efficiency, workforce management, and safety.
Passenger expectations have evolved, and public transportation agencies must rethink how they deliver service to ensure convenience, reliability, and accessibility. Jim Wojciechowski put it plainly: “Public transportation agencies are still operating as if things will go back to the way they were. They won’t. We need to rethink our networks and adapt to new travel patterns.”
One of the biggest opportunities for improving the passenger experience is seamless, multimodal integration. Lidia Signor emphasized the importance of better connections: “Walking, cycling, and shared mobility must complement public transportation. Cities that invest in multimodal hubs see higher ridership and a better passenger experience.” Making it easier for passengers to transition between buses, bikes, e-scooters, and on-demand services removes friction from their journeys and provides more flexible, efficient ways to reach their destinations.
Technology is also playing a key role in making public transportation more efficient and passenger-friendly. At Optibus, we work with agencies to redesign routes based on real-time data, ensuring that services align with current demand patterns. AI-powered scheduling optimizes frequency and reliability, while tools like Optibus Passenger Billboards automate service information displays, ensuring that passengers always have clear, up-to-date schedules at every stop. Features like real-time trip planning and contactless payments further enhance convenience, making public transportation more seamless and accessible.
Solution: Agencies must embrace data-driven route optimization, multimodal connections, and technology-driven enhancements to prioritize passenger convenience, increase ridership, and make public transportation a more attractive alternative to private vehicles.
Despite the challenges, I left this discussion feeling optimistic about the future of public transportation. There are hurdles – electrification costs, workforce shortages, funding uncertainty – but there are also incredible opportunities to innovate and improve.
As Olivier Van Mullem said, “There are many hurdles, but also many opportunities. Believe in the changes you’re making, and persevere.”
Jim Wojciechowski added, “We need to challenge the status quo, things are never going back to exactly the way they were before COVID, it’s time to re-align and position our networks for the future.”
Lidia Signor emphasized the importance of strong collaboration across the industry: “The challenges require a tight dialogue between operators, authorities, and cities. The only way forward is through innovation and partnership.”
At Optibus, we’re committed to supporting agencies and operators to embrace innovation, optimize operations, and create more sustainable, efficient public transportation systems.
If you’re ready to tackle 2025’s biggest challenges, the Optibus 2025 Public Transportation Industry Survey Report is now available! This data-driven guide provides key insights into electrification, workforce challenges, AI adoption, and more – helping agencies make informed decisions for the road ahead. Download your copy today