Global Public Transportation Market Grows Steadily at a CAGR of 5.71%

Introduction

Public transportation refers to shared mobility services that enable people to travel within cities and regions efficiently. It includes various modes such as buses, metro systems, trams, trains, and ferries, providing affordable and accessible transport options for daily commuters, tourists, and intercity travelers.

Public transit plays a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable urban development. With advancements in technology, modern public transportation systems now incorporate smart ticketing, real-time tracking, and eco-friendly vehicles, improving convenience and efficiency for passengers.

Market Dynamics

Increasing urbanization and population growth drive the global market

Urbanization and population growth are key drivers of the public transportation market as cities experience an influx of people seeking better job prospects, education, and living standards. This rapid migration increases the need for efficient and affordable transit solutions, pushing urban centers to enhance and expand their public transportation infrastructure. To accommodate rising demand, cities are adopting integrated multi-modal systems, combining buses, metro, and shared mobility services for greater convenience and efficiency.

• For instance, in 2023, over 60% of China’s population resided in urban areas, leading to a surge in demand for mass transit. In response, the government has invested heavily in expanding metro, bus, and rail networks, reinforcing public transportation’s role in supporting sustainable urban development.

Growth of shared mobility services creates tremendous opportunities

The expansion of shared mobility services, including ride-hailing, car-sharing, and bike-sharing, is creating new opportunities for enhancing public transportation networks. By collaborating with private mobility providers, transit agencies can develop integrated, multi-modal systems that offer commuters greater convenience, flexibility, and affordability. This seamless connection between different transport modes improves accessibility and streamlines urban mobility.

• For instance, in February 2024, Uber partnered with the city of Paris to synchronize its ride-hailing services with metro and bus schedules. This initiative enhances coordination within the city's transit network, showcasing how shared mobility can optimize public transportation and adapt to the evolving needs of urban travelers.

Regional Analysis

North America holds the largest market share in the global public transportation market, driven by its well-developed transit infrastructure, technological advancements, and strong government initiatives. The region’s growth is fueled by the urgent need to alleviate urban congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance sustainable mobility. Robust government support, including the FTA’s funding programs and infrastructure bills, has played a crucial role in modernizing transit systems. Moreover, the region is witnessing a surge in the adoption of electric buses, smart ticketing systems, and real-time transit tracking, further enhancing efficiency and user experience.

Key Highlights

• The global public transportation market size was valued at USD 248.13 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from USD 262.30 billion in 2025 to reach USD 409.00 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.71% during the forecast period (2025 – 2033).
• Based on Mode, the global public transportation market is segmented into rail transport, road transport, air transport, and water transport. The road transport segment dominates the market.
• Based on System, the global market is segmented into automated fare collection (AFC) and integrated ticketing systems. The Automated Fare Collection segment dominated with the highest market share.
• Based on Service, the global public transportation market is segmented into urban, intercity, and suburban. The urban service segment accounted for the largest market.
• Based on Application, the global market is segmented into HR Management, Learning Management, Employee Engagement, and Others. The Passenger transport segment accounted for the largest market share.
• North America is the most significant shareholder in the global market.

Competitive Players

1. Alstom SA
2. Siemens Mobility
3. Bombardier Transportation (acquired by Alstom)
4. CRRC Corporation Limited
5. Hitachi Rail
6. ABB Group
7. Hyundai Rotem Company
8. CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A.)
9. Keolis Group
10. Transdev Group.
11. RideFlux

Recent Developments

• In September 2024, Alstom, in collaboration with LNVG, TU Berlin, and DLR, introduced the ARTE (Autonomous Regional Train Evolution) project in Salzgitter, Germany. Supported by German federal and Lower Saxony funding, ARTE aims to modernize the rail network by implementing automated train operations (ATO) via the European Train Control System (ETCS) on existing tracks.

Segmentation

1. By Mode
   1. Rail Transport
   2. Road Transport
   3. Air Transport
   4. Water Transport
2. By System
   1. Automated Fare Collection (AFC)
   2. Integrated Ticketing Systems
3. By Service
   1. Urban
   2. Intercity
   3. Suburban
4. By Applications
   1. Passenger Transport
   2. Freight Transport
5. By Regions
   1. North America
   2. Europe
   3. Asia-Pacific (APAC)
   4. Middle East & Africa (MEA)
   5. Latin America (LATAM)