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

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Optibus, ELERTS, and more.

Optibus Launches Digital Driver Bidding

Optibus released Digital Driver Bidding, a new solution that transforms how bus operators (drivers) select work shifts and how agencies recruit and retain talent in a highly competitive labor market.

Integrated into Optibus Operations and the Driver Portal, Digital Bidding offers a solution by replacing slow, paper-based bidding processes with a fully digital, seamless driver pick experience. Drivers can view, filter, and submit roster picks directly through the Optibus Driver Portal from mobile or web. Meanwhile, pick managers configure, publish, and monitor bidding cycles in real time, all without requiring drivers to be physically present at the depot.

Digital bidding transforms operations, turning logistical headaches into a streamlined, automated experience. This includes configuring pick cycles and assigning bid windows, as well as resolving conflicts in real-time, which Optibus officials said can:

• Cut preparation time from weeks to days by configuring bid cycles, time slots, and validations with a single click.

• Eliminate the need for bid rooms and printing, reducing overhead and costs.

• Free managers to focus on service quality, not logistics, with streamlined setup and automated workflows.

• Reduce administrative time and errors like missed picks, duplicate and incorrect assignments, and seniority violations with automated rule enforcement.

• Ensure stronger compliance with labor agreements by applying rules such as seniority, union terms, and work-hour limits, and having issues flagged in advance.

Nova Bus Reaches Hiring Milestone

Nova Bus has hired more than 300 new employees since the beginning of 2025 to support the growing demand for its products and services, the company announced. 

With over 30 years of experience and expertise, Nova Bus designs and assembles urban transit buses in Canada.

“Nova Bus's success is attributable to our ability to listen to our customers' needs and our commitment to meeting their expectations. We are proud to offer a diverse range of products that are reliable, durable, easy to use, and supported by unparalleled after-sales service,” said Paul Le Houillier, president of Nova Bus.

Thanks to government subsidies from the Workforce Training program, Nova Bus will be able to partially compensate the salaries of its recruits during training, thereby reducing integration costs and accelerating the implementation of its growth projects. 

In fact, of the 300 new hires since the beginning of 2025, the Workforce Training program subsidy will apply to 180 of them, according to the company.

“We are very grateful to the government for its support of Nova Bus's development. This subsidy has enabled us to rapidly expand our workforce while enhancing coaching support and employee development. Thanks to these qualified hires, we can continue our growth and ultimately promote sustainable mobility,” said Le Houillier.

ELERTS, California’s Long Beach Transit Team for ‘See, Say’ App 

California’s Long Beach Transit (LBT) launched a one-year pilot program with the See Say App from ELERTS, reinforcing its commitment to customer and employee safety. 

The mobile app provides customers with a fast and discreet way to report safety and security concerns directly from their smartphones, supporting LBT’s efforts to ensure a welcoming transit experience for our customers.

The pilot program builds on LBT’s existing safety efforts, including our Transit Ambassador program, onboard monitoring technology, and a strong customer Code of Conduct.

All reports submitted through the See Say App are reviewed by LBT’s security team. Customers may choose to submit information anonymously, ensuring privacy while concerns are addressed. 

ChargePoint, Eaton Team for Charging Infrastructure Solution

ChargePoint, in partnership with Eaton, has unveiled ChargePoint Express Grid — an ultrafast, V2G-capable charging platform with end-to-end power infrastructure for public and fleet applications. The system delivers up to 600 kW for passenger EVs and supports megawatt charging for heavy-duty vehicles.

The integration of ChargePoint’s Express chargers with Eaton’s end-to-end electrical solutions delivers a powerful solution to overcome grid constraints, addressing the challenge of how to cost-effectively scale charging for the growing number of EVs entering service. 

By leveraging Eaton’s Everything as a Grid approach and integrated V2G capabilities, the system can seamlessly synchronize onsite renewables, energy storage, and vehicle batteries with local energy markets to help fleets significantly reduce fueling costs. When deployed at scale with participating utilities, the joint architecture can even help balance the electric grid.

Eaton will custom-engineer each Express configuration with comprehensive power infrastructure, delivered site-ready, and offer the option of a skid-mounted solution to expedite installation, reduce equipment requirements, and simplify connection to the grid and distributed energy resources. Eaton also plans to commercialize solid-state transformer technology in the next year through its recent acquisition of Resilient Power Systems Inc. to support DC applications in the EV market and beyond.