Last week, leaders across the transit industry gathered in Los Angeles for the 8th UITP North America Conference, hosted by UITP and LA Metro. The conversations centered on one shared priority: shaping a future of public transportation that is resilient, innovative, and ready for the scale of tomorrow.
TMS was honored to take part in these discussions, including a featured panel on mobility for major international events and a dedicated workshop on operational excellence for large scale transportation programs. TMS was honored to sponsor both the UITP Opening Reception and the conference coffee break, reinforcing our commitment to supporting industry dialogue, networking, and shared learning.
Major Events: A Defining Test for Transit Systems
Global events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the FIFA World Cup represent a rare opportunity and a significant responsibility. They require cities to move millions of visitors safely and efficiently while maintaining high quality service for local riders. These events also offer a chance to showcase innovation and leave lasting mobility benefits for communities.
During the panel session, industry leaders explored lessons from Paris 2024 and preparations underway for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA28. TMS Vice President of Operations Rob DeMayo shared insights grounded in decades of event operations experience.
Keys to Success: What We Have Learned
Rob highlighted several core success drivers that enable transit systems and partner agencies to deliver world class mobility on the global stage:
- Start early and plan forward: Early alignment across agencies, operators, and planning teams creates the foundation for success.
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities: Unified command structures and shared accountability ensure decisions are made quickly and communication is seamless.
- Create strong data sharing practices: Common tools and transparent information flow improve real time decision making and operational efficiency.
- Design with legacy in mind: Major events should accelerate long term transit improvements, not deliver one time only systems.
These principles have guided TMS through more than 5,000 events over 30 years, including many of the world’s most complex mobility operations.
Major Event Transportation: Business Not As Usual
Alongside the panel, Rob and TMS Senior Planner Matt Waters contributed to the workshop, sharing insights on creative problem solving, operational readiness, and strategies that support successful event mobility. Their session, Event Transport Operations: Business Not As Usual, explored practical tools and approaches to prepare for unprecedented demand, evolving rider expectations, and high visibility global stages.
Looking Ahead
As the transportation community prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA28, collaboration remains our greatest asset. The UITP North America Conference reinforced what our work continues to prove:
When agencies, operators, and partners unite around a shared vision, we can deliver mobility experiences that elevate cities, empower communities, and inspire the world.
TMS is proud to contribute to this mission and grateful to UITP and LA Metro for convening such a forward thinking and impactful conversation. We look forward to continuing to support our partners as we plan for the future of global mobility.