Keep Transit Moving with Modula Automated Storage at APTA EXPO 2026
Event: APTA TRANSform & EXPO
Location: McCormick Place | Chicago, IL
Dates: October 5-7, 2026
Visit our team: Booth #4226
Modula at APTA EXPO 2026 in Chicago
Modula is heading to APTA EXPO 2026, taking place October 5-7 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
As one of the world’s largest events dedicated to public transportation, APTA EXPO brings together transit agencies, industry leaders, government officials, manufacturers, and technology providers to explore the solutions shaping the future of mobility.
Keeping buses, rail vehicles, and other transit assets in service depends on efficient maintenance. And efficient maintenance depends, in part, on having the right parts, tools, and components available when technicians need them.
At Booth #4226, Modula will showcase the Modula Lift equipped with a Double Bay configuration, demonstrating how automated vertical storage can help public transportation organizations improve parts management while making better use of available space.
Keeping Critical Parts Organized and Accessible
Public transportation maintenance facilities manage a wide range of spare parts, tools, and components needed to maintain vehicles and infrastructure.
For agencies operating aging fleets and equipment, maintaining visibility and control over this inventory becomes particularly important. When technicians need a component to complete a repair, knowing whether the part is available and where it is stored can have a direct impact on maintenance activities.
Vertical lift modules consolidate inventory that might otherwise be distributed across shelving, cabinets, and different areas of a maintenance facility. The system automatically delivers the required tray to an ergonomic access point, keeping parts organized and readily accessible while making better use of available space.
Combined with Modula WMS, automated storage can also provide greater visibility into inventory locations and movements, helping organizations maintain better control over critical replacement parts and other stored materials.
This goods-to-person approach reduces unnecessary walking and searching, and allows maintenance personnel to spend more time focused on the work that helps keep transit assets in service.
Making the Most of Available Maintenance Resources
Public transportation agencies are also operating in a challenging workforce environment. APTA has identified a severe, ongoing shortage of bus drivers and technicians, along with high retirement rates, as key workforce challenges facing the industry.
According to APTA, 42.7% of the public transportation workforce is age 55 or older, highlighting the importance of making effective use of available personnel and preparing operations for continued workforce changes.
By bringing requested items directly to the operator, automated storage can help maintenance teams make more effective use of available personnel, as the industry prepares for continued workforce changes.
See the Modula Lift with a Double Bay Configuration
At APTA EXPO, visitors can see the Modula Lift equipped with a Double Bay configuration, featuring two separate access points, one on each side of the unit.
For transit maintenance operations, the Double Bay configuration provides additional flexibility in how different teams access the same stored inventory. For example, one bay can be dedicated to replenishment while the other is used for parts retrieval, helping separate inbound and outbound activities.
The two access points can also serve different work zones or departments from the same unit. This provides additional flexibility for maintenance facilities where inventory needs to be accessed by different teams or from different operational areas.
Proven in Public Transportation
Modula automated storage solutions are already supporting public transportation and transit operations across North America, with more than 170 installations in the industry.
Public transportation organizations including LA Metro, Amtrak, Toronto Transit Commission, and Utah Transit Authority have implemented Modula automated storage solutions.
At LA Metro, American-made Modula vertical lift modules helped reduce the space required for storage by 80%, while improving safety, efficiency, and picking accuracy.
Modula’s U.S. manufacturing presence can also be important for public transportation projects subject to Buy America requirements, helping agencies incorporate automated storage while addressing domestic manufacturing requirements.
Explore the Future of Public Transportation
APTA TRANSform & EXPO brings together the global public transportation community to explore technologies, strategies, and mobility solutions shaping the industry’s future.
The 2026 event is expected to welcome more than 12,000 attendees from 85 countries and 800+ exhibiting companies, creating an opportunity to connect with industry professionals and explore innovations across virtually every area of public transportation.
For maintenance and operations professionals, that conversation includes not only the vehicles and infrastructure passengers see every day, but also the systems and processes behind the scenes that help keep those assets ready for service.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you are looking to improve spare parts management, make better use of maintenance space, or give technicians more efficient access to the inventory they need, our team will be available throughout the show to discuss your operation.
Visit Modula at Booth #4226 at APTA EXPO 2026, October 5-7 in Chicago.
Virtual Booth
Experience the latest on automation and material handling, even if you’re unable to attend the trade shows in person. You can check out our automated storage solutions by visiting our virtual booth from the comfort of your own des
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