Demystifying important issues concerning management of global IT resources in the Public Transit Sector in the US

Abstract

The public transit industry has undergone a dramatic shift in its digital landscape, impacting its operations, infrastructure
management, and stakeholder engagement in the United States. The effective management of global IT resources is
now an imperative, with many transit systems now relying on technologies that are interconnected, including cloud,
big data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence and advanced communication networks. But a host of
governance, cyber security, data management, resource allocation, interoperability, workforce skills and vendor dependency
challenges remain at the forefront of transit agency challenges. This article illuminates the key challenges confronting
the management of global IT resources in the U.S. public transit sector by exploring the technological, organizational
and operational challenges of digital transit ecosystems. The study investigates how IT governance ensures technology
investments are in alignment with organizational goals and the importance of cybersecurity resiliency, enterprise data
governance, and strategic sourcing practices. At the same time, the paper explores new issues which are associated with
financial limitations, social justice of services, public-private cooperation, and digital innovation management. The article
summarizes findings from previous studies and current practices, and suggests key recommendations for shaping more
effective IT governance policies, developing digital skills, optimizing operations and fostering sustainable and resilient
transport. The results support the academic body and policy makers in their actual and future efforts to effectively manage
global IT resources to support the modernization and long-term sustainability of public transportation services in the U.S.