RSI
RSI on Sept. 4 announced that is has joined the B&O Railroad Museum as a key partner to support the Bicentennial of American Railroading in 2027. Together, RSI and the museum, “will shine a spotlight on the past, present, and future of American railroading” as the nation celebrates 200 years since the founding of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, America’s first chartered rail line, on Feb. 28, 1827.
As a Bicentennial partner, RSI will display its logo on the anniversary website, www.americanrail200.org, and has committed to amplify the 200th anniversary of American railroading in 2027 with its membership and beyond.
RSI will also work with the museum on the planning of its new Innovation Hall showcasing the present and future of railroading technologies. The Innovation Hall will open in 2027.
“The invention of the railroad is often viewed as the internet of its time given its transformative impact on American life,” said Kris A. Hoellen, Executive Director of the B&O Railroad Museum. “Having RSI as a partner, representing the technologies that ensure the rail system continues to innovate, is a natural fit to be front and center in the celebration.”
“RSI is honored to join this historic celebration,” said RSI President Jim Riley. “The Bicentennial is a chance to celebrate two centuries of progress while showcasing how rail will continue to move America forward.”
The Bicentennial of American Railroading will be a nationwide celebration culminating in 2027, inviting railroads, industry partners, museums, and communities across the country to participate.
APTA
New data released on Sept. 4 by APTA highlights the growth and economic impact of the public transportation industry in the U.S., “reinforcing the need for strong and consistent investment in public transportation systems nationwide.
APTA’s new 2025 Public Transportation Fact Book (download below) shows ridership reached 7.66 billion trips in 2024—a significant rebound from pandemic lows. This represents the fifth consecutive year of ridership growth. Public transportation is a $93.4 billion industry that directly employs more than 430,000 people and supports several million private-sector jobs, making it a key driver of economic activity in communities of all sizes, according to the association.
“These numbers tell a story of resilience and growth, and why investment in public transit and passenger rail is essential,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “Public transportation remains the backbone of economic mobility in communities across America, with 87 percent of trips directly impacting the economy by connecting people to work, retail, healthcare, and entertainment opportunities.”
Key highlights from the 2025 Public Transportation Fact Book include:
- “Economic Impact: Public transportation is a $93.4 billion industry, making it a significant economic driver, with 77% of federal transit funds supporting private businesses through contracts, services, and supply chains.
- “Ridership Recovery: Ridership has shown steady growth, climbing from 4.81 billion trips in 2021 to 7.66 billion trips in 2024—a 59% increase—demonstrating the essential nature of public transportation services.
- “Employment Growth: The industry employs 437,313 people as of 2023, providing good-paying jobs and career opportunities across the nation. Public transportation employment has remained strong, supporting families and communities nationwide.
- “System Expansion: The nation’s public transportation network continues to grow, with 26 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems, 48 surface rail systems (light rail and streetcar), 37 regional railroad systems (commuter rail and hybrid rail), and 16 heavy rail systems providing diverse transportation options.”
“What these statistics really show is that public transportation is more than just moving people from point A to point B,” Skoutelas said. “We’re talking about connecting working Americans to economic opportunities, supporting students in their educational pursuits, and ensuring that communities remain accessible and vibrant.”
“Public transportation serves as a lifeline for communities large and small across America, especially for seniors and people with disabilities,” Skoutelas noted. “Rural residents with disabilities rely heavily on public transit, taking approximately 50 percent more public transit trips than those without disabilities.”
The data also reveals public transportation’s expanding role in supporting air travel and tourism, with 31 airports in 22 urbanized areas now connected to rail or BRT systems, facilitating seamless multimodal transportation for travelers and workers.
“As we look toward the future, these numbers reinforce that investment in public transportation is investment in America’s economic competitiveness,” Skoutelas said. “Every trip on public transportation supports local businesses, reduces traffic congestion, and provides transportation options that benefit entire communities.”
APTA also released its 2025 Q2 Ridership Report (download below) showing that public transportation ridership was 7.3% higher in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the year before. Riders took more than two billion trips on public transportation in the quarter for the first time since 2020. Together, riders took 140 million more trips in the second quarter of 2025 than in the same quarter in 2024. Ridership has increased for five consecutive years.
