From keynote presentations to technology tours—and, of course, plenty of Kansas City BBQ—ThinkTransit 2025 gathered transit professionals from across the country to examine upcoming trends in transit technology. Hosted in partnership with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), this year’s event delivered three days full of practical insights, interactive learning, and shared experiences focused on keeping riders moving safely, reliably, and efficiently.
With the conference now concluded, we’re reflecting on the main takeaways and preparing for what lies ahead in 2026.
A Strong Opening with a Big-Picture Perspective
The first day opened with a keynote by Jason Sims, Director of Transportation for FIFA 2026. Bringing decades of experience in traffic safety, system design, and operations at the Missouri Department of Transportation and other agencies, Jason provided an insider’s perspective on the planning efforts behind one of the world’s largest events. His presentation highlighted the critical role of seamless, real-time transportation coordination—and offered attendees a glimpse into what it takes to deliver safe and dependable transit on a global scale. Jason’s core message was clear: while technology, communication, and coordination are essential for international events, they are equally fundamental to everyday transit operations.
Showcasing Innovation and Proven Solutions
On day two, Vontas Product Manager Andrea Costa led the Product Showcase, introducing attendees to Vontas OnCall, a state-of-the-art VoIP communication platform developed specifically for transit agencies. Built to integrate seamlessly with CAD/AVL systems such as Vontas OnRoute, OnCall offers a cost-effective, scalable alternative to older radio communications. Rapid deployments—375 vehicles in just two weeks at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and 750 vehicles within 48 hours at Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)—demonstrate how agencies can quickly upgrade their communications without disrupting service. Also featured at the Product Showcase was Workforce Management, where clients shared success stories highlighting improvements in staff coordination, scheduling, and punctuality.
Hands-On Learning: KCATA Tech Tours
One of the event highlights was the exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of KCATA’s transit operations. These tech tours included visits to the agency’s headquarters, streetcar operations, the Troost BRT line, and community development facilities—offering attendees valuable insights into how Kansas City is applying innovative strategies to connect residents and neighbourhoods through public transit.Insightful, Practical Sessions
ThinkTransit sessions this year spanned a wide array of topics, including managing service disruptions, planning for electric vehicle fleets, procuring yard management systems, and developing accessible wayfinding solutions for first-time riders. Attendees walked away with actionable tips to implement immediately, as well as a richer understanding of industry trends and the technologies shaping them. The Solution Center buzzed with live demonstrations, product discussions, and opportunities to engage directly with experts ready to address specific challenges. A notable comment 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.”
This commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence was a consistent theme throughout the event.