Automated People Mover System Market Size, Share, Growth and Industry Analysis By Type (Heavy APMs, and, Light APMs) By Application (airports, urban transit, and, others) Regional Forecast From 2026 To 2035

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AUTOMATED PEOPLE MOVER SYSTEM MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Automated People Mover System Market is estimated to be valued at approximately USD 1.27 Billion in 2026. The market is projected to reach USD 2.22 Billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2026 to 2035.North America leads with ~40% share in airports and urban transit, followed by Europe at ~30% and Asia-Pacific at ~25%. Growth is driven by smart city and airport expansion projects.

An APM system is a self-driving, electric vehicle created to help transport people around a short area. At airports, urban centers and large universities, APMs run on their own guideways to help keep people safe and prevent crowding. Thanks to sensors, automation and monitoring such systems are able to provide reliable services all the time. APMs are designed as an ecological and inexpensive option, so they do well in crowded cities that depend on quick and reliable public transit. They promote better connectivity and help the transport system work faster and more efficiently. The Automated People Mover market is driven by innovation, sustainability, urbanization, and increasing passenger demand worldwide.

KEY FINDINGS

• Market Size and Growth: Global Automated People Mover System Market size is valued at USD 1.27 billion in 2026, expected to reach USD 2.22 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 5.7% from 2026 to 2035.
• Key Market Driver: Airport infrastructure modernization supports demand, with over 60% of large airports adopting automated transit and nearly 45% prioritizing operational efficiency improvements.
• Major Market Restraint: High capital and maintenance intensity limits deployment, as around 35% of planned urban transit projects face budget deferrals or scope reductions.
• Emerging Trends: Technology integration is rising, with about 50% of systems using advanced automation and nearly 40% incorporating predictive maintenance platforms.
• Regional Leadership: North America leads adoption with nearly 40% share, followed by Europe around 30%, while Asia Pacific contributes close to 25%.
• Competitive Landscape: Market concentration remains moderate, with top players accounting for nearly 55% of installations and around 45% held by regional manufacturers.
• Market Segmentation: Heavy APMs dominate with about 55% share due to high passenger capacity, while Light APMs represent nearly 45% usage.
• Recent Development: System upgrades are accelerating, as nearly 48% of existing installations undergo automation enhancements and about 32% integrate energy-efficient designs.

COVID-19 impact

Reduced Passenger Numbers in Both Airports and Urban Areas during Pandemic Increased Market Growth

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, APM systems experienced less use, as people were advised to stay home and keep their distance. Because of reduced passenger numbers in both airports and urban areas, APMs were either shut down or reached by fewer customers. The times for regular inspections were revised and new cleaning methods were set up to keep staff and guests safe. Money issues slowed down the starting or updating of different projects. Yet, the situation also underscored why contactless, automated travel systems are so valuable and interest in APM systems grew for their safety and reliability in future plans.

LATEST TRENDS

Latest Trends in Sustainability, Technology and Urban Design to Accelerate Market Growth

APM systems are adapting to the latest trends in sustainability, technology and urban design. Today, there are autonomous vehicles, maintenance based on AI and improved energy saving features. As an example, Siemens Mobility brought an APM to an airport in Europe in 2024, with AI used for predictive maintenance. By using APMs, Western Europe hopes to lift traffic and lower carbon emissions. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport opened an APM in underground tunnels in 2023 to boost transportation among airport terminals. With these achievements, APMs become essential parts of future-proof, environmentally friendly city transportation. These trends are driving the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) market growth.

• According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), more than 180 international airports globally operated automated people mover systems in 2024, with system lengths exceeding 620 km combined, highlighting the shift toward fully automated intra-terminal mobility.

• According to the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), over 65% of newly commissioned APM systems since 2022 operate at GoA 4, enabling unattended train operation and reducing operational staff requirements by up to 40%.

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AUTOMATED PEOPLE MOVER SYSTEM MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Heavy APMs, and, Light APMs

• Heavy APMs: are designed for high-capacity, long-distance transit within large airports or urban environments. They operate on dedicated guideways and can handle frequent, large passenger volumes efficiently.

• Light APMs: are smaller, lower-capacity systems ideal for short distances, such as linking parking areas to terminals or within smaller campuses. They are cost-effective and flexible for low to moderate passenger flow.

By Application

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into airports, urban transit, and, others

• Airports: use Automated People Movers (APMs) to transport passengers quickly between terminals, gates, and parking areas, improving efficiency and convenience. These systems help manage large passenger volumes while reducing congestion within terminals.

• Urban Transit: APMs serve as automated shuttles in cities, connecting business districts, residential zones, and transport hubs. They enhance public mobility with eco-friendly, driverless operations on dedicated tracks.

• Others: includes APM applications in theme parks, hospitals, and large campuses where they provide reliable, short-distance transportation. These systems improve accessibility and operational flow in non-traditional transit environments.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.     

DRIVING FACTORS

Growing Need for Convenient Airport Transportation to Amplify Market Growth

Because more people are traveling by air, the need for convenient airport transportation has grown. With help from the APM, people can be quickly carried through the airport safely and easily using the same system. With airports growing and updating, APMs take the place of walking between terminals and enhance how passengers feel. Since they can be run on their own and stop often, they play a big role in keeping traffic moving. Because airport infrastructure is becoming more and more important, APM installations are increasing in airports across the globe. All of the above-mentioned factors are driving the automated people mover system market share.

• According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), annual passenger traffic at major U.S. airports exceeded 1.02 billion passengers in 2023, increasing demand for high-capacity APM systems capable of transporting 5,000–8,000 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD).

• According to the European Commission Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, €45 billion was allocated to urban and airport transport modernization projects between 2021 and 2024, with automated transit systems forming a key component of funding eligibility.

Rapid City Growth and Emergence of Smart Cities to Propel Market Growth

Because of rapid city growth and the emergence of smart cities, Automated People Mover systems are increasingly accepted in urban areas. When cities get crowded, people and policymakers become more focused on using sustainable, space-saving transit services. APMs are self-driving and environmentally friendly and can perfectly be put into smart city plans. They make the final trip between hubs, business centers and homes more accessible. Governments and planners are beginning to adopt APMs because they believe they can help reduce congestion on the roads, cut carbon emissions and back the movement toward greener cities, so urban transit is set to see a lot of APM growth. The above mentioned factors are contributing to the rapid growth and development of the market.

RESTRAINING FACTOR

Large Upfront Costs and On-Going Upkeep to Decrease Market Growth

The large upfront costs and on-going upkeep is one big barrier to the growth of the APM market. Adding APM systems is costly, as it needs guideways, control systems and a set of stations, making it hard for some airports and urban regions to pay for them. Every organization must also budget for routine system upgrades, upkeep and training their workers. Since many places lack enough budget, these costs often make it impossible or very difficult for them to adopt mass transit. Merging APM systems into an organization’s environment is often complicated and costly which prevents many from using them on a large scale. All of these factors are disrupting the market growth and development.

• According to the World Bank Transport Global Practice, the average capital cost of APM systems ranges between USD 40 million and USD 80 million per kilometer, making adoption challenging for small-scale urban projects.

• According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), nearly 32% of delayed APM projects cited guideway construction complexity and station integration issues as primary causes of timeline overruns exceeding 18 months.

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AUTOMATED PEOPLE MOVER SYSTEM MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• NORTH AMERICA

During the 2026–2035 period, North America is anticipated to maintain a commanding presence in the Automated People Mover System Market, continuing to capture around forty % of the global share, driven by extensive airport and urban mobility infrastructure deployment. Automated People Mover (APM) systems are making major progress in North America. LAX is almost done with its APM project, all 44 cars have been delivered and trains are set to go into operation by December 2025. Its main purpose is to improve how passengers get from one terminal to another and link to the new Consolidated Rent-A-Car facility. A fare pilot program on the People Mover has resulted in more riders and the system is planning to add surplus railcars and improve their communication system. In addition, San Diego is reviewing its possibility to spend $2 billion on a new transit system that would go from the airport to downtown, as the area tries to improve airport connections.

• EUROPE

Europe is projected to hold about thirty % of the global Automated People Mover System Market over 2026–2035, underpinned by strong emphasis on sustainable urban transit solutions and connectivity enhancements.Airport connectivity is being improved in Europe by extending APM infrastructure. Frankfurt Airport is building a fully automatic system that will transport passengers between Terminal 2, the coming Terminal 3 and Terminal 1’s long-distance train station. From March 2023, the Luton DART in the UK started helping passengers travel smoothly between Luton Airport Parkway station and Luton Airport with much shorter waits. Otherwise, the HS2 project in Solihull will add an APM to link the planned Interchange station to Birmingham Airport, therefore improving links between the two locations

• ASIA

The Asia Pacific region is expected to secure roughly twenty-five % of the Automated People Mover System Market share through 2035, supported by rapid urbanization and investment in smart city and transit projects across key economies. Urban growth and more airport building are two factors leading to quick APM development in the Asia Pacific region. Opening in September 2023, the mass transit APM at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport now connects the main terminal to the new SAT-1 concourse, working at a frequency of three-minute intervals, day and night. To improve passenger movement and industry, the Chubu region is adopting duo rail APM systems, especially at Chubu Centrair International Airport. SkyTrain, a suggested project in the Philippines, looks to unite Makati and Bonifacio Global City to solve the need for better urban transport around Metro Manila.

Key Industry Players

Leading Players adopt Acquisition Strategies to Stay Competitive

Several players in the market are using acquisition strategies to build their business portfolio and strengthen their market position. In addition, partnerships and collaborations are among the common strategies adopted by companies. Key market players are making R&D investments to bring advanced technologies and solutions to the market. Several companies in the market are focusing on strategic mergers and acquisitions to expand their product offerings and enhance their market presence. Collaborations with construction and technology firms are becoming more prevalent, allowing for integrated solutions that meet the evolving demands of clients. Market leaders are investing heavily in research and development to innovate new materials, improve system durability, and enhance performance. These initiatives are aimed at offering more sustainable, cost-effective, and customizable flooring options, thereby solidifying their competitive advantage in the rapidly evolving market landscape.

• Alstom – According to company disclosures referenced by UITP, Alstom’s APM and automated metro solutions operate in over 30 airports worldwide, supporting passenger flows exceeding 500 million annually.

• Siemens – According to German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport data, Siemens automated transit technologies are deployed in 25+ urban and airport networks, with system availability rates above 99.5%.

List of Automated People Mover System Companies

• Alstom (France)
• Siemens (Germany)
• Hitachi Rail (Japan)
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan)
• Doppelmayr Cable Car (Austria)
• POMA (France)
• Intamin Transportation (Switzerland)

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

October 2024: All 44 Innovia APM 300 vehicles have now arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a major achievement for the airport’s APM project. These advanced autonomous vehicles will support getting passengers around the airport and to the recently built Consolidated Rent-A-Car structure. The goal of the APM system at LAX is to help travelers and raise the bar for sustainable ways of getting to the airport. The airport is updating its Aerotrain, upgrading the former CX-100 cars with the newer Innovia APM 300 system. In September 2024, new trains arrived and the system hopes to start operating again in June 2025.

Report Coverage

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.