Biz Briefs: Tolar Delivers Bus Shelters, MCI Reunion, and More

Tolar Manufacturing Company, Motor Coach Industries, and Dallas Area Rapid Transit announced the latest news regarding their respective companies.

Tolar Delivers Bus Shelters for LYNX

Tolar Manufacturing Company announced it is delivering a second installment of bus shelters as part of a three-year contract awarded in April 2022 to build 35 bus shelters for Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, doing business as LYNX.

After delivering eight Signature Custom Radius shelters in 2022, the company is now set to deliver 14 more in May, bringing the total deliveries to 32 bus shelters to date, according to Tolar's news release.

“LYNX has found Tolar Manufacturing to be a great partner with respect to providing transit amenities to our bus passengers," said Jeff Reine, senior project manager, LYNX. "The Tolar team, through our long-standing relationship and current and previous contracts, has always been attentive and responsive no matter the request. As our local funding partners continue to look at ways to increase capital funding to our agency, we see Tolar being an integral part of that solution."

Scott Robertson Rejoins MCI

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) announced that Scott Robertson has rejoined the company as director of service centers, reporting directly to vice president of Customer Care at New Flyer and MCI, Scott Halbesma.

Leveraging his 20-plus years of industry experience, Robertson will lead the operations of six MCI service centers and one heavy-duty collision repair center across North America.

Robertson first joined MCI Service Parts in 2011 and held many roles, including pricing manager, engineering manager, head of marketing, director of the supply chain, and director of product management.

DART Upgrading Bus, Rail Seating

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) announced it is replacing nearly 34,000 fabric seat cushions and backs on its bus fleet with vinyl-covered ones.

The new vinyl seats are part of the agency’s continued customer-focused commitment to riders to provide a safe and clean transit experience. This includes the DART Clean Team Initiative that launched in November of last year.

The DART bus fleet receives nightly cleanings. With the addition of the new vinyl seating, DART said it can continue to provide superb service to the residents of North Texas.

DART Light Rail Vehicles will receive their new vinyl seats beginning in May. With a fleet of 163 vehicles and 15,000 seats, the agency expects to be completed in September.

RATP Dev USA Awarded Operations Contract

RATP Dev USA announced it has been awarded an operations contract with the City of Raleigh, NC, and Wake County Access.

The contract covers fixed route and paratransit services, according to the company's news release.

The contract term will be for five years, with the potential for up to four option years. The contract will involve the operation of 185 vehicles and the management of 450 employees between the two sites. 

"We are thrilled to have been awarded this contract with the City of Raleigh for GoRaleigh and GoWake Access," said Mike Birch, regional VP of RATP Dev USA. "We look forward to working closely with both organizations to deliver high-quality and efficient transportation services to the residents of Raleigh and Wake County."