Public transit is undergoing a transformation, and Minnesota is at the heart of it. On December 16, 2025, the Transportation Research Board (TRB) will host a pivotal webinar exploring how agencies and technology partners are reimagining mobility through innovation, integration, and technology. This event, running from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Eastern, promises to showcase strategies and technologies that are shaping the future of connected mobility, with a special focus on breaking down the barriers of fragmented transit systems.
The urgency for such innovation is clear, especially in rural communities. According to recent reports by local Minnesota media, a rural Minnesota transit system has expanded its service with a new fleet of autonomous (driverless) vehicles as of December 3, 2025. The move directly addresses the persistent challenge of limited transportation options in these less-dense areas, aiming to provide greater access and flexibility for residents who have long been underserved by traditional transit.
This expansion is more than just a local story—it’s emblematic of a broader shift in public transportation philosophy. As TRB’s upcoming webinar will highlight, agencies are increasingly seeking to integrate open platforms, seamless fare payment, and real-time trip planning to create a more user-friendly experience. The event will draw on lessons from the Federal Transit Administration’s Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) and Accelerating Innovative Mobility (AIM) programs, both of which have pushed the envelope on what’s possible for modern transit systems.
One of the headline presenters for the webinar is Alireza Khani of the University of Minnesota, whose work has helped inform the state’s approach to mobility innovation. The session will delve into how Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and Autonomous Mobility-on-Demand (AMoD) are not only buzzwords but real, actionable solutions that can expand access, improve service efficiency, and—perhaps most crucially—rebuild ridership after years of pandemic-related setbacks.
Let’s take a closer look at the technologies and strategies driving this revolution. Fragmented transit systems have long been a headache for users, especially in sprawling or rural regions where connections between bus lines, shuttles, and trains are anything but seamless. TRB’s webinar aims to spotlight how open digital platforms can bridge these gaps, allowing for integrated trip planning and fare payment that feels as intuitive as using a ride-hailing app. According to the TRB, “public agencies and technology partners are addressing fragmented systems through open platforms, integrated trip planning, and seamless fare payment.”
These changes aren’t happening in a vacuum. Minnesota’s Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has been actively researching and piloting innovative transit solutions for years. Among their ongoing projects are studies on user behavior with MaaS platforms, designing autonomous services to cover the “last mile” in low-density areas, and supporting the Grand Rapids GoMARTI self-driving shuttle pilot program. These initiatives are about more than just technology—they’re about understanding what riders need and how best to deliver it.
The Grand Rapids GoMARTI pilot, for example, provides real-world data and research support for self-driving shuttles operating in a rural context. It’s a bold experiment in bringing the kind of convenience urban dwellers take for granted to communities where public transit has historically lagged. Similarly, MnDOT’s research into rural community transit strategies and active transportation information systems is helping to create a blueprint for other states looking to modernize their own networks.
But what does all this mean for everyday Minnesotans? For rural residents, the introduction of autonomous vehicles represents a lifeline. As reported by local outlets, “a rural Minnesota transit system is expanding its service with a fleet of autonomous (driverless) vehicles as of December 3, 2025.” This isn’t just a flashy tech upgrade; it’s a practical solution for people who might otherwise struggle to get to work, medical appointments, or even the grocery store. The hope is that by making transit more accessible and responsive, agencies can attract new riders and make communities more connected.
The TRB webinar will also spotlight how these innovations are being funded and implemented. Drawing on lessons from the FTA’s IMI and AIM programs, the session will provide a roadmap for agencies looking to scale up user-centered transportation systems. These federal initiatives have supported projects that test everything from app-based fare payment to fully autonomous shuttles, helping to identify what works and what doesn’t in the real world.
Of course, none of this comes without challenges. Integrating new technologies into legacy transit systems can be a logistical and financial headache. There are questions about safety, data privacy, and accessibility that need to be addressed head-on. But the momentum is undeniable. As the TRB notes, “attendees will also gain insights into how Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) and Autonomous Mobility-on-Demand (AMoD) can expand access, improve service efficiency, and rebuild ridership.”
Registration for the webinar is open to the public, with a fee of $100. Discounted packages are available, and complimentary registration is offered for TRB sponsors, standing technical committee chairs, involved CRP panel members, media, congressional staff, and TRB or National Academies staff. Those interested can visit MyTRB.org or the webinar page on the TRB website for details and to register. For agencies and individuals invested in the future of transit, it’s an opportunity to hear directly from researchers and practitioners on the front lines of change.
For those wanting to dig deeper, MnDOT’s related research projects offer a wealth of information. From studying how users interact with MaaS platforms to piloting autonomous buses in Minnesota, the state is actively shaping the future of mobility. These efforts are not only about deploying the latest tech but about understanding how to make transit systems work better for everyone, especially those in communities that have historically been left behind.
As public transit agencies across the country look to the future, Minnesota’s example offers both inspiration and practical lessons. By embracing innovation, fostering partnerships between public agencies and tech companies, and keeping the needs of riders front and center, the state is showing what’s possible when technology and public service go hand in hand.
With the expansion of autonomous vehicles in rural Minnesota and the upcoming TRB webinar highlighting cutting-edge strategies, the conversation around public transit is shifting from what’s possible to what’s next. The coming months and years will reveal just how transformative these changes can be, but one thing’s for certain: the journey toward seamless, accessible, and efficient mobility is well underway.
