From keynote sessions to tech tours—and yes, plenty of Kansas City BBQ—ThinkTransit 2025 brought together transit professionals from across the country to explore what’s next in transit technology. Hosted in collaboration with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), this year’s event delivered three days of actionable insights, hands-on learning, and shared stories about keeping riders moving safely, reliably, and efficiently.
Now that the final sessions have wrapped, we are reflecting on key takeaways and getting ready for what’s to come in 2026.
A Strong Start with Big-Picture Thinking
Day one kicked off with a keynote from Jason Sims, Director of Transportation for FIFA 2026. With decades of experience in traffic safety, system development, and operations at the Missouri Department of Transportation and beyond, Jason offered an inside look at the planning strategies behind one of the world’s biggest events. His talk emphasized the need for seamless, real-time transportation coordination—and gave attendees a preview of what it takes to deliver safe, reliable transit at a global scale.
Jason’s message was clear: while technology, communication, and coordination are priorities for international events, they’re also table stakes in everyday operations.
Showcasing What’s New (and What Works)
On day two, Vontas Product Manager Andrea Costa led the Product Showcase, introducing attendees to Vontas OnCall, a modern VoIP communication platform built specifically for transit. Designed to integrate with CAD/AVL systems like Vontas OnRoute, OnCall provides a cost-effective and scalable alternative to aging radio systems.
With quick deployments—375 vehicles in two weeks at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and 750 vehicles in just 48 hours at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)—OnCall proves how fast agencies can modernize communications without disruption.
Also spotlighted at the Product Showcase was Workforce Management, where customers shared success stories about improving staff coordination, shift scheduling, and on-time performance.
Learning from the Field: KCATA Tech Tours
A highlight for many attendees was the behind-the-scenes access to KCATA’s transit operations. Tech tours included the agency’s headquarters, streetcar operations, Troost BRT line, and community development facilities, providing first-hand insights into how Kansas City is using innovative strategies to connect people and neighborhoods through public transit.
Thoughtful, Actionable Sessions
This year’s ThinkTransit sessions covered a wide range of topics, including disruption management, EV fleet planning, yard management system procurement, and accessible wayfinding for first-time riders.
Attendees received practical tips they could take home and apply immediately, along with a deeper understanding of industry trends and the technology that powers them. The Solution Center was buzzing with live demos, product discussions, and face-to-face time with experts ready to tackle specific challenges.
One of the standout comments from this year came from Carl Roeser, Manager of Information Technology at Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC):
“As far as our customers go, we should always be giving them top-of-the-line service. To be able to get their information faster, our customer service agents and our dispatchers should be able to manage the buses and keep our on-time performance at a high level.”
It’s this mindset—of continuous improvement and service excellence—that anchored every discussion throughout the event.
Next Stop: Boston for ThinkTransit 2026
We’re excited to announce that ThinkTransit 2026 will be held in Boston, Massachusetts, from March 29 to April 1, 2026! While Boston offers a beautiful and scenic backdrop for the event, it’s also a city rich in transit history and innovation.
Boston is home to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), one of the largest transit agencies in the U.S. and the host agency for ThinkTransit 2026. It also houses America’s first subway—the Tremont Street Subway—which opened in 1897. Today, Boston continues to lead in transportation innovation, backed by world-renowned universities and a strong focus on transit research and development.
While attending ThinkTransit, guests will have the opportunity to explore historic landmarks along the Freedom Trail, catch a Red Sox game, or enjoy fresh seafood by the harbor. With MBTA’s commitment to modernization and forward-looking mobility strategies, Boston offers the ideal backdrop for the next chapter of ThinkTransit.
Mark Your Calendar
Whether you joined us in Kansas City or followed along from afar, thank you for being part of the ThinkTransit community. If you couldn’t make it this year, there’s plenty to be excited about in 2026. We’re proud to host an event where transit professionals can come together to share real success stories, tackle common challenges, and walk away with practical tools to move their agencies forward.
Stay tuned for updates on next year’s event in Boston, including speaker announcements and early registration details. We look forward to seeing you there.