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 March Networks, Kuba, STV, and more.

March Networks Launches AI3 Counting Camera

March Networks marked its 25th anniversary by unveiling an expanded portfolio of AI-driven solutions. One of them is the launch of its AI3 Counting Camera. This compact, all-in-one edge device delivers both 360-degree video surveillance and real-time business intelligence analytics through seamless integration with Searchlight Cloud.

Built for high-trafficked environments such as retail, QSRs, transit, and banking, the AI3 Camera combines edge-based people counting, demographic segmentation, and queue and dwell analysis all in a single device.

Paired with March Networks Searchlight Cloud, the AI3 transforms raw foot traffic into actionable intelligence —displaying visual dashboards, alerts, and historical trends to help customers optimize operations, staffing, and sales — all backed by video clips for context, according to the company.

Key AI3 features include:

• 360-degree video with AI analytics in one device.

• Real-time queue, occupancy, and dwell-time alerts.

• Customer demographic analysis and employee exclusion tags.

• Accurate conversion tracking via POS integration.

• Multi-site dashboards to compare traffic and performance enterprise-wide.

• Easy installation with PoE and Searchlight Cloud integration.

STV, MTA Mark Metro-North Locomotive Launch

STV joined New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Metro-North Railroad to mark the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of Metro-North’s first state-of-the-art dual-mode locomotives. 

The new locomotive will enhance service reliability for riders in New York and Connecticut, while reducing emissions by more than 85% compared to the diesel fleet it replaces. 

The MTA contracted STV to perform design reviews and test coverage to inform vehicle selection, as well as to monitor vehicle construction and provide vehicle inspection services for the fleet in preparation for service commencement. 

The new 4,200-horsepower locomotives are capable of operating in both traditional diesel and electric modes. This technology enables faster travel speeds for riders traveling from unelectrified areas of its network into New York City, who would traditionally rely on train transfers. The dual-mode capabilities also enable service through the Park Avenue Tunnel and along Metro-North’s 102 miles of live, electric rail territory, extending the reach of electric operation beyond the four miles served by the current fleet. 

LA Metro Expands Cell Service on K Line

Through a public-private partnership agreement with American Tower, customers of major wireless providers AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon will now have full cellular service coverage at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (Metro) K Line, including at the Expo/Crenshaw, Martin Luther King Jr., and Leimert Park stations, as well as in the tunnels connecting them.

The expanded cell service provides riders and frontline workers with added convenience and safety at no cost to Metro, making it easier to stay connected while at stations and onboard Metro trains.

The capital investment is being made by Metro’s private partner, American Tower, in collaboration with the major wireless providers, underscoring a shared commitment to enhance connectivity and infrastructure.

This latest expansion joins the growing list of Metro locations that already have access to service from the three major wireless providers, including the underground stations and tunnels on the B and D Lines, A Line 7th/Metro Station, and adjacent track section toward Pico Station, as well as E Line Mariachi Plaza and Soto Stations, along with adjoining track sections.

San Joaquin Rail Commission, Kuba Group launch ticketing upgrade on ACE

Kuba deployed an account-based ticketing (ABT) platform, mobile app, and customer portal for the San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission (SJRRC). In the first phase of its contract, the system will be rolled out across the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) commuter rail network.

SJRRC selected Kuba to help advance key goals. First, to upgrade and modernize ACE Rail’s fare collection system. This upgrade is a critical step towards delivering a data-driven, efficient operation while improving the rider experience. Kuba’s ticketing platform offers potential to achieve the longer-term vision of deploying open-loop fare payments and supporting an interoperable fare system across ACE rail and other connecting services, according to the company.

Multi-token acceptance was an essential requirement for SJRRC to ensure payment options for the unbanked and underbanked, as well as digital natives. Kuba’s solution accepts multiple “travel tokens” in place of traditional tickets, including digitized cash and dynamic barcodes in a mobile app. It will also eventually be enabled to accept contactless EMV payments.

Riders will also be able to plan, book, and pay for journeys. The customer website and mobile app, both provided by Kuba, will be fully integrated into the ABT system. Using either interface, riders can access their full travel and payment history, according to a Kuba press release. 

Highland Electric Fleets to Partner with LA28 for Olympic Transportation

Highland Electric Fleets, a provider of “electrification-as-a-service for school bus fleets,” will partner with LA28 to repurpose electric school buses from local districts to help transport the network of accredited stakeholders essential to the delivery of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the company announced.

During the Games, Highland Electric Fleets will partner with the LA28 Transport Team to introduce a first-of-its-kind electric school bus program at the Games. 

Working closely with LA28, Highland will oversee the operation of its school bus fleet, coordinating daily logistics and charging, managing depot activities, and providing on-site technical support to ensure services run smoothly throughout the event. 

The hands-on role will ensure buses are ready for a demanding schedule and support seamless service across all venues.