In This Blog
- ThinkTransit 2026 in Boston: MBTA will host the event from March 29–April 1, celebrating Boston’s transit legacy.
- MBTA’s impact: Serving over one million riders daily, the system connects 176 municipalities and fosters civic pride.
- Vontas OnCall boosts accessibility: Supports MBTA’s paratransit service with real-time scheduling and dispatch tools.
- Explore Boston’s transit history: Ride the Green Line, walk the Freedom Trail, and visit Fenway Park.
- Conference highlights: Includes hands-on training, customer-led sessions, and expert panels on mobility and innovation.
We’re thrilled to share that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will be the esteemed host of ThinkTransit 2026, taking place in Boston, Massachusetts, from 29 March to 1 April. With a transit legacy that spans centuries, Boston remains a cornerstone of innovation and mobility, serving millions of riders annually through the MBTA. The Vontas team is eager to gather in one of America’s most iconic transit cities for our flagship event of the year.
As we prepare for next year’s conference, we’re taking a moment to spotlight the MBTA’s rich history, its ongoing journey of modernization, and the role of tools like Vontas OnCall in shaping the future of service across the region.
A Transit System with Deep Roots
Public transit is deeply woven into Boston’s identity. In fact, the city launched North America’s first subway line in 1897, starting with just 1.5 miles of track connecting Boylston, Park Street, and Scollay Square. That early innovation laid the foundation for the expansive MBTA system that now serves the Greater Boston area.
Today, the MBTA, known locally as “the T”, moves over one million passengers each weekday across a vast network of subways, buses, commuter rail, ferries, and paratransit. Covering 176 municipalities and more than 3,200 square miles, it’s one of the largest and most complex public transit systems in the United States.
Beyond its scale, the MBTA holds a strong emotional connection for many Bostonians. A memorable example came from Love on the Spectrum U.S., where local resident Dani expressed heartfelt admiration for the T. Her enthusiasm reflects a broader sentiment: the MBTA is more than a way to get around, it’s a symbol of independence, community, and civic pride.
It’s this deep-rooted bond between city and system that makes the MBTA’s ongoing evolution so impactful.
Advancing Accessibility with The RIDE and Vontas OnCall
For many years, the MBTA’s paratransit service, The RIDE, has played a vital role in providing transportation access to individuals with disabilities. Completing thousands of door-to-door trips daily, the service supports mobility for those who depend most on personalized transit.
When the MBTA sought support in managing this essential program, it partnered with Vontas. The agency discovered that OnCall offered the comprehensive tools needed to schedule, dispatch, and monitor trips in real time, all from a single, centralized platform. With enhanced visibility into daily operations, dispatchers can now respond swiftly to delays, adjust schedules, and ensure vehicles remain on course throughout the day.
By streamlining workflows, OnCall also helps reduce administrative overhead and improve communication between staff and passengers. These operational improvements directly enhance the rider experience: travellers receive timely updates, encounter fewer disruptions, and gain greater confidence in the system. For a network as extensive as the MBTA’s, that consistency is key.
Get Ready to Discover a City Where History Fuels Innovation
ThinkTransit 2026 will be hosted in a city where transportation has long been woven into the fabric of civic life. For conference attendees, it’s an opportunity to experience that legacy firsthand.
When you’re not attending breakout sessions or networking with peers, there’s plenty to explore:
- Ride the Green Line, the oldest continuously operating subway in North America.
- Walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile red brick path linking key sites from the American Revolution.
- Visit Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States.
- Catch a game or tour Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox and a historic landmark.
- Explore the Seaport District, where innovation hubs and public art meet waterfront dining and museums.
Boston offers a compelling blend of heritage and progress, making it the ideal setting to reflect on transit’s past and envision its future.
What to Expect at ThinkTransit 2026
ThinkTransit is the annual conference where transit agencies gather to exchange ideas, ask questions, and collaborate on real-world challenges.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store this year:
- Interactive product training to deepen your understanding of Vontas solutions like OnRoute and OnCall
- Customer-led sessions where peers share best practices and lessons learned
- Open forums with product experts, engineers, and developers
- Keynotes and panels exploring the future of mobility, innovation, and community impact
And of course, there will be ample time to connect with colleagues, explore Boston, and celebrate the progress public transit has made. We’re proud to partner with the MBTA and look forward to the insights, connections, and conversations that will emerge from ThinkTransit 2026.
We can’t wait to welcome you there.