Public transport is entering one of its most transformative phases, driven by rapid advances in digital payments, automation, real-time analytics, and multimodal mobility services. In 2026, the core technologies shaping public transport are no longer new or emerging. Account-based ticketing, open-loop EMV payments, real-time data platforms and digital passenger services have moved well beyond pilot phases. They are now considered standard components of modern mobility systems, used across networks of all sizes to improve efficiency, reduce costs and create a smoother travel experience.

Across Latin America, public transportation is more than a way to move — it is the backbone of economic activity, social inclusion, and daily life for hundreds of millions of citizens. As urban populations expand and cash-based systems reach their limits, cities from Colombia to Ecuador are turning to digital innovation to keep people moving efficiently and fairly. 

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has emerged as one of the fastest-growing transport markets, with infrastructure investments, driven by rapid urbanisation, population growth, and national diversification agendas.