APTA Workforce Summit Explores AI Readiness in Public Transportation
The 2026 APTA Workforce Summit, held in Salt Lake City, Utah, focused on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the public transportation sector. The summit gathered transit executives, labor partners, policymakers, and technology leaders to discuss workforce challenges such as recruitment, retention, and reskilling. APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas emphasized the importance of preparing workers for rapid technological changes. The summit highlighted AI applications in scheduling, customer information, predictive maintenance, and service improvements. Discussions included the impact of AI on workforce dynamics, with transit agencies exploring ways to modernize systems and ensure workers are equipped to handle emerging technologies.