Models of the future: revitalising US transit systems
Building future-ready transit systems across the US isn’t just about spending more. It’s about planning smarter, leveraging global programme success and adopting strategies that maximise long-term value. We look at the science of capital planning, procurement as a strategic tool and the digital solutions that can improve delivery efficiency for decades to come.
Rethinking capital planning
We need a major shift in how agencies approach capital planning. Many still rely on a small circle of engineering firms to manage programmes end-to-end. While these agencies bring important expertise, innovation often happens in a more diverse ecosystem.
Bringing in specialised providers with strong track records in project delivery and cost and commercial management can improve transparency, build your team’s skills and help get faster results.
A second opportunity lies in how we make decisions. Too often, capital planning is driven by existing budget limits rather than a clear understanding of what the system actually needs. Projects are shaped to fit predefined numbers instead of being prioritised based on long-term outcomes. This approach restricts modernisation and stops agencies from aligning investments with broader economic, social or environmental goals.
Looking at global markets, the most successful transit agencies begin by defining outcomes and system requirements from the beginning.
Once they have clarity, they align funding, scope and sequencing to deliver those outcomes. This shifts the goal from ‘what can we afford today?’ to ‘what will create the greatest long-term value for passengers, communities and the network?’.
Strengthening internal delivery capability is also essential. Agencies managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios need scalable project management offices (PMOs), rigorous governance frameworks and the ability to make rapid decisions based on data.
Embedding mature risk management processes early in the lifecycle can help you anticipate challenges before they escalate.
Finally, funding based on political pressure or current trends does a disservice to stakeholders and the public. A framework for assigning value to capital projects based on key metrics will ensure the right projects advance and meet meaningful project goals.
Redefining how transit projects secure and spend funding
Transit agencies face constant tension between maintaining existing infrastructure, network expansion and daily operations. As resources are limited, these priorities often compete. This forces trade-offs that dilute the system’s long-term performance. At the same time, megaprojects continue to exceed budgets and schedules, widening funding gaps and straining public trust.
To break this cycle, agencies must ask the right questions. How can funding be prioritised to align with project goals? How do we maximise the impact of every dollar we spend?
Accessing the full spectrum of funding has grown increasingly complex. Federal resources in the US are distributed selectively and policies shift frequently. Those agencies that do secure federal funding are required to demonstrate high levels of accountability and transparency to show they’re using public money responsibly.
However, transit agencies rarely cover long-term capital and operating needs through fares or local taxes alone. Leaders often face pressure to supplement revenue through unpopular measures like fare increases.
A more strategic approach is necessary. Agencies should adopt a multisource funding strategy that layers federal, state and local resources while aligning each source with the types of projects it best supports. This includes mapping eligibility for federal programmes, leveraging state matching funds and aligning municipal contributions.
Beyond traditional sources, agencies should explore alternative streams such as public-private partnerships to leverage private capital, value capture mechanisms or real estate partnerships near transit hubs.
This value-driven approach makes difficult decisions easier. It allows you to prioritise investments that deliver the greatest long-term impact and align funding choices with clearly defined system goals. Performance-based budgeting strengthens accountability by tying allocations to measurable outcomes, such as passenger growth, emissions reduction and timely construction completion.
Finally, adopting a dynamic approach to financial planning helps reduce upfront capital strain. This includes phased funding aligned with project milestones and contingency reserves for cost overruns. Applying cost-benefit analysis and life-cycle costing ensures projects are ranked by long-term value rather than short-term affordability.
New fit-for-purpose delivery and procurement models
Many current US transit delivery models were built for a different era. As project portfolios grow larger and more complex, internal teams often lack the tools to keep up. This leads to bottlenecks and reactive decisions, where visibility only improves once a problem becomes critical. To succeed, we need structures that match the scale of today's work.
As agencies rethink delivery models and build internal capability, procurement becomes one of the most powerful levers for change.
Procurement is no longer just a transaction, it’s also a strategic tool that shapes project delivery, manages risk and unlocks innovation across the supply chain.
When procurement works harder for delivery, it creates space for innovation, agility, value and accountability. Agencies that move beyond traditional contracting approaches benefit from stronger alignment between delivery performance and project goals. This includes embracing longer-term supplier relationships, outcome-based contracts and risk-sharing models.
Accepting the need for change across delivery models, offers many potential advantages.
- Different pricing models that improve the sharing of financial risk and reward performance to focus efforts on delivering value across programmes.
- Robust market engagement that shapes strategies to draw supplier interest and gives the supply chain clear visibility of long-term demand. This then prompts the investment essential for successful delivery.
- Attracting new players to the market maintains competitive tension across suppliers. This brings cross-sector and international learning that supports improved solutions.
- Accessing the critical Tier 2 market helps to build capability beyond Tier 1 suppliers. It provides additional capacity, new specialisms, diversity of thought and a platform for innovation.
Integrating digital tools for performance
Digital tools like artificial intelligence (AI), digital twins and advanced analytics are transforming rail operations, safety and efficiency.
The challenge isn't that the technology doesn't exist, but how to integrate these tools into legacy systems and decision-making.
Fragmented data and siloed departments can hinder adoption, while upfront costs remain a barrier.
When properly embedded, digital tools reduce manual effort, improve oversight and boost delivery efficiency. Transit agencies should pilot high-impact programmes, upgrade legacy systems and train staff in digital competencies.
From funding to impact: what’s next?
Enormous amounts of public funding won’t guarantee success in transit infrastructure. Funding must be backed by new, innovative approaches that stand the test of time. Auckland’s City Rail Link is a prime example of a future-ready transit programme, designed to expand capacity and accessibility, but also to deliver social outcomes.
Transit agencies across the US must challenge conventional thinking and draw from a broader set of experiences. Independent perspectives, informed by global best practices, can help see beyond the constraints of legacy models and uncover new ways to deliver improved outcomes.