Biz Briefs: Translink to Elevate Operations, Via, and More

Translink, Via, and Siemens Mobility recently announced news from their respective companies.

Translink Aims to Elevate Operations

SISCOG announced it has been selected by Translink through an international tender as the preferred partner to design, develop, and maintain a new “Rail Validation System.”

ONTIME, FLEET, and CREWS software products will be featured in the system that Translink envisions in alignment with its goal toward delivering its “Better, Connected” Strategy. 

The cloud-hosted solution will facilitate the delivery of the new rail timetable in 2024, maximize efficiencies across the business, and ensure consistent management of those resources. 

The project will be developed and maintained in partnership with Anaeko.

“This system will support the internal Translink team in delivering an optimized and efficient service for our passengers,” said Richard Knox, Translink GM, Rail Services. “We look forward to working with the SISCOG team to use this enhanced technology to improve services, maximize the use of resources, and ensure continued high-quality performance.”

Pocono Pony Switches to Via as Microtransit Provider

PonyPlus announced it has a new mobile app that is available for download. The app will go live and accept bookings on Sept. 1.

“After evaluating the first year of PonyPlus service, we decided to upgrade and improve the functionality of our app, which is the heart of booking trips for our on-demand service,” said Rich Schlameuss, CEO of MCTA. “Riders will need to download the new app and create a new account. Then, they can start booking trips.”

The PonyPlus will continue to cost $2 per ride and operate from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

The service zones are the Tri-Boro Connector, covering the boroughs of East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg, and Delaware Water Gap; and the Pocono Summit Connector, covering Mount Pocono Borough and Pocono Summit. 

The new PonyPlus app is powered by Via. By switching to Via as the app provider, PonyPlus riders will gain a platform that is used successfully in more than 600 communities around the world.

Siemens Mobility Wins Framework Agreement for Up to 540 Trains

Siemens Mobility announced it has won the tender for a framework agreement to deliver up to 540 single-deck electric multiple-unit trains for Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB).   

“Siemens Mobility and ÖBB have long enjoyed a strong and trusting partnership,” said Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “We are proud to be delivering further development of the Mireo platform to ÖBB for the company’s new fleets. With numerous innovations, low energy consumption, and a high level of passenger comfort and convenience, the new Mireo trains will help make ÖBB’s local and regional transport even more attractive.”   

The Mireo platform and its modular system can deliver an optimized train concept that meets all customer requirements. 

The electric multiple-unit trains are especially eco-friendly thanks to their low energy consumption and lightweight construction.