Summary - Transit State of Good Repair 2026

The US transit system’s repair needs have never been more urgent. The latest Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Volpe National Transportation Systems Center analysis estimates the national SGR backlog at $140.2 billion, up sharply from $101.4 billion in 2018. Rising inflation, aging infrastructure, the expansion of guideway assets, and improved inventory accuracy have widened the funding gap. The report also highlights critical vulnerabilities, including systems assets - signals, train control, communications - where over 21 per cent are in poor condition, as well as accelerating deterioration across heavy rail and commuter rail fleets. These issues threaten reliability, safety, and long-term sustainability for the millions who depend on transit every day.

Alongside these infrastructure pressures, transit agencies face internal challenges in implementing effective asset management. Agencies also struggle with gaps in data quality, data integration, analytics capabilities, workforce readiness, and cross-departmental coordination. Many agencies are still maturing in their adoption of risk-based planning, condition-based maintenance, performance management, and lifecycle costing. As agencies work to modernize fleets - particularly with electrification, digital systems, and new technologies - the need for stronger organizational capacity, robust asset data, predictive tools, and enterprise-wide alignment has never been more urgent.

The 2026 Transit State of Good Repair Conference will address these combined pressures and chart a path toward resilient, well-maintained, and future-ready transit systems.

The Transit State of Good Repair Conference is the leading annual forum for transit agencies, transportation departments, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss strategies for maintaining, modernizing, and future-proofing public transportation assets. Now in its 14th year, the event brings together government officials, transit executives, asset management leaders, engineers, consultants, and solution providers committed to improving safety, reliability, and lifecycle performance of transit systems.

The mission of the 2026 conference is to evaluate transit SGR needs and requirements, highlight the funding available, and discuss best practices, effective strategies and case studies. It will also cover topics such as preventive and predictive maintenance, lifecycle management, emerging technologies for asset inspection and monitoring, digital tools such as AI, sensors and digital twins, the critical role of data capture, analytics, and risk-based prioritization in managing assets efficiently, and organizational capacity building.

National backlog, Federal and grant-funding landscape
SGR experience so far, case studies and best practices
Latest standards and guidance available for TAM and SGR
TAM plan updates due October 2026
Recent successes and challenges related to TAM
Capital planning and investment prioritization
Aligning long-term capital plans with agency budgets
Changing maintenance needs: rail vs. bus vs. commuter systems
Impact of inflation, cost pressures and supply chains
Project management strategies and systems engineering for SGR
Practical experiences from large, mid-sized, and small agencies
Lifecycle analysis, whole lifecycle costs and strategies
Preventive and predictive maintenance
Role of data and analytics and new technologies
Tools for improving data capture, validation, and system integration
Use of sensors, IoT, AI, digital twins, and automated diagnostics
Integrating data systems across departments
Predicting failures and reducing lifecycle costs
Tools and technologies for inspection and diagnostics
Mid-life overhauls, component management, and rolling stock refurbishment strategies
SGR of buses and infrastructure
Fleet modernization and electrification considerations
Reliability-based maintenance and warranty management
Workforce planning for maintenance and engineering
Leveraging training, remote support, and augmented reality

Collaborate with leaders: Engage with top transit agencies, policymakers, and innovators from across the nation.
Explore game-changing solutions: Discover the latest tools, technologies, and strategies driving sustainable and resilient transit systems.
Shape the future: As the new administration comes in, join to contribute to critical discussions on funding requirements, maximizing the impact of this funding and achieving long-term infrastructure goals.
Network and learn: Exchange ideas with professionals who, like you, are committed to making transit systems safer, more reliable, and future-ready.