Biz Briefs covers the latest supplier partnership news in the motorcoach and public transit industries.

The latest installment includes EO Charging, Smart Eye, and Vicinity.

EO Charging to Electrify Augusta Transit Bus Depot

Augusta Transit tapped EO Charging to spearhead the electrification of its bus depot.

The initiative follows Augusta Transit's $12 million award from the Federal Transit Administration's Bus and Bus Facilities grant program. The funds will be used to purchase six clean-energy battery-electric buses, charging equipment, infrastructure, and a bus simulator for workforce training.

As part of this project, EO's Charge Assurance Solution will ensure >99% uptime, providing comprehensive support and technology to guarantee a seamless and efficient charging experience for the new fleet.

EO Charging will deliver a comprehensive turnkey service encompassing the design, construction, installation, and ongoing operations and maintenance of Augusta Transit's EV infrastructure. EO's comprehensive Charge Assurance Solution will deliver Design & Construction, Fleet Management Software, Energy Management, and Operations & Maintenance.

Vicinity to Develop Restructuring Plan With Creditors

Vicinity Motor Corp. reached an agreement with its secured lenders to execute a workout and financial restructuring plan to address the previously announced demands from Royal Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada (the Secured Lenders) in respect of outstanding credit facilities to progress toward financial stability for the company.

Vicinity and the Secured Lenders have agreed to the terms of the workout for the next 60 days, discussing with the Secured Lenders its revenues, debt structures, and initiatives to reorganize.

During this period, the company will return to limited operations and the Secured Lenders will retain all rights previously asserted.

Prior to the conclusion of the workout period, Vicinity expects to have entered into a restructuring plan that may include agreements for payment and creditor rights and protections.

Smart Eye Launches New Tech to Meet EU Standard

Smart Eye, provider of Driver Monitoring System (DMS) technology, announced the launch of AIS Focus, a new driver support system tailored for bus and truck manufacturers.

The system is designed to help manufacturers meet the stringent requirements of the EU's General Safety Regulation (GSR), specifically addressing the newly mandated Advanced Driver Distraction Warning systems.

 As of July 7, 2024, the GSR requires all new type-approved vehicles in the EU to be equipped with advanced driver distraction detection. This mandate extends to all new vehicles from July 7, 2026.

By streamlining the implementation process, AIS Focus ensures a smooth path to regulatory compliance without burdening manufacturers with excessive costs or lengthy development timelines.