skip to Main Content

What We're Working Toward

NATA is an alliance of private sector companies that operate transit systems in the U.S. and Canada. 

NATA is comprised of the six largest private transit contracting firms. In addition to RATP Dev, our members include Transdev, Keolis, MV Transportation, WeDriveU, and Beacon Mobility. NATA member companies operate and maintain paratransit, fixed route, and other transportation services on behalf of public transit agencies in the U.S. and Canada and several of our companies, including RATP Dev, operate public transit systems around the world.

Our member companies comprise up to 15% of the U.S. public transportation workforce, encompassing more than 71,000 employees

NATA members collectively serve over 700 million riders per year

85% of the NATA companies’ workforce are represented by labor unions

The private sector has a long history of operating public transit services under contract to city and county transit agencies

More than half of the agencies in the U.S. contract with the private sector to operate all or a portion of their transit service. Our members operate bus, rail, and paratransit service in large and small cities and rural areas throughout the country. Our companies bring our global expertise to the public transit agencies we serve, providing them with the benefits of our unmatched scale and reach, including:

The ability to leverage support services, training programs and costs (including in safety, maintenance and HR) across multiple contracts

Investments in technology and innovation to manage employees, improve safety and drive innovation

Experience across multiple markets with key industry changes, including alternative fuel vehicles, microtransit models and software platforms

Volume discounts on parts and faster delivery times due to larger volumes

Learn more about contracting from UITP: Contracting in transit and the Eno Center

Two recent reports sheds light on the value and benefits of private contracting in North America and internationally to meet passenger needs.

Supporting our partners in public transportation

We are also proud members of APTA (American Public Transportation Association), the major transit industry association, and are collaborating with them on advocacy efforts for public transportation.

Supporting Strong Communities

At NATA, we believe that strong communities and engaged employees are the foundation of effective public transportation. Our member companies are committed to ensuring that transit systems are accessible, reliable, and reflective of the needs of the diverse populations they serve. Public transportation plays a vital role in connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services—regardless of where they live or their economic background.

We support efforts that foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among our workforce and the communities we serve. Many of our members actively invest in programs that promote professional development, offer competitive wages, and expand opportunity for employees from all backgrounds. These initiatives strengthen our organizations and help build trust with the communities who rely on public transit every day.

By aligning our workforce with the communities we serve, we not only enhance service delivery but also deepen public confidence in our industry. Our commitment is to practical, people-centered solutions that make public transportation a reliable and equitable resource for all.