Biz Briefs: INIT, Spare, and Keolis

Business Briefs covers the latest in public-private partnerships in the public transit and motorcoach industries.

In METRO's latest installment, we have the latest news from INIT, Spare, and Keolis.

INIT to Supply Advanced Charge Management to New York MTA

In partnership with New York Power Authority and Guth DeConzo Construction Management, INIT will supply a cloud-based charge management solution using CarMedialab technologies to New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

The project aims to transform four depots across New York with cutting-edge charge management technology, paving the way for the city's electric future.

In the initial phase, approximately 255 charging points will be installed. As the project progresses, an additional 500 charging points will be added, supporting the plan to expand the charging infrastructure for a fleet of 5,800 electric buses by 2040.

The transition, according to the MTA, is set to cut greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 500,000 metric tons annually, marking a significant step towards a cleaner New York.

Boston’s Commuter Rail Sees Major Increase on Weekends Sales

Data from Keolis Commuter Services, the operating partner for the MBTA’s Commuter Rail system, shows that more than 230,000 Commuter Rail Weekend passes were sold between Memorial Day and Labor Day, compared to about 160,000 sold over the same period last year — and overall increase of 40% compared to 2023.

The increase also coincided with a 16% overall increase in ridership during the summer, while Cape Flyer ridership was up 6% compared to 2023 as well.

The $10 weekend pass allows for unlimited travel anywhere on the Commuter Rail on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on federal holidays. The Cape Flyer operates service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between Boston and Hyannis.

Spare Raises $30M in Series B Funding Round

Spare, provider of mobility operations software, announced the successful completion of its Series B funding round, raising more than $30 million.

The new funding will enable Spare to meet the growing demand for innovative transit solutions, particularly in the paratransit sector.

The capital will be used to expand Spare’s global reach, allowing more agencies to better serve their riders while accelerating the development of its AI-driven platform.

Spare has recently announced significant partnerships with transit agencies, including Dallas Area Rapid Transit; Bay Area Rapid Transit; and the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, as well as GoDurham ACCESS in North Carolina.

The agencies use the Spare Platform to power their demand response services, whether ADA-paratransit or microtransit.