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 Tolar, Urban Solar, MCI, and more.

North Carolina’s CATS Adds Tolar Bus Shelter

As part of its Better Bus program, North Carolina’s Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) installed a new Tolar bus shelter. 

The new Tolar-designed “signature sunset” model bus stop includes Urban Solar lighting, a USB phone charging port, a custom map case for wayfinding information, and a new trash receptacle. The shelter also features a public art glass installation and an ADA-accessible pad to ensure equitable access for all riders. 

The lighting at the stop is powered by solar energy, providing consistent illumination for riders day and night and improving visibility and safety. 

Contingent on voter approval of the proposed sales tax referendum, CATS plans to enhance more than 2,000 bus stops over the next decade through Better Bus. These upgrades include replacing aging shelters, adding solar lighting, benches, and trash bins, and ensuring that all stops meet ADA standards. 

Additional shelter replacements and upgrades are scheduled throughout 2025 as CATS continues implementing the Better Bus plan. 

Utah Transit Authority Orders 20 more Stadler Citylinks

The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) announced the purchase of 20 additional Stadler Citylink light rail vehicles, following the base order of 20 cars placed a year ago. 

The state-of-the-art trains are custom-designed for UTA’s TRAX service, serving Salt Lake City and surrounding communities. Stadler will manufacture the vehicles at its Salt Lake City facility.

The UTA Board of Trustees approved the fleet expansion as part of the agency’s ambitious “TRAX Forward” project, a long-term initiative to enhance and expand transit service across the region over the next decade. UTA selected Stadler as its vehicle supplier for the TRAX service in 2024. 

The original $129 million contract, partially funded by a Federal Transit Administration grant, included 20 Citylink vehicles, with options for up to 60 more. With this latest order, UTA has now exercised 20 of those options, bringing the total number of cars on order to 40. 

MCI Delivers Luxury J4500 to GTL Transportation

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) delivered a new, all-black J4500 luxury motorcoach to GTL Transportation of Fort Worth, Texas.

GTL Transportation specializes in executive and corporate transportation throughout the Dallas metro area. The new delivery marks GTL’s 10th MCI J4500 purchase since 2023 — each one built to a high-end specification designed to impress discerning clients.

GTL’s J4500 features a full slate of premium upgrades, including:

• Chrome mirrors and carbon fiber interior trim.

• Diamond-stitched seating.

• Multi-color interior lighting.

• A 360-degree camera system for enhanced safety.

Transdev Receives LIT ‘Trailblazer Award’ 

Transdev was recognized by Latinos In Transit (LIT) with the Trailblazer Award during the 2025 LIT Leadership Summit in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

The honor celebrates Transdev’s steadfast support, innovation, and leadership in advancing LIT’s mission to develop and empower professionals across the transit industry.

Presented as part of LIT’s 10th anniversary celebration, the Trailblazer Award recognizes private sector partners who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to workforce development and inclusivity. Through its partnership with LIT, Transdev has supported professional growth opportunities, leadership programs, and initiatives that help strengthen a diverse and skilled transit workforce.

LIT Executive Director Christina Villarreal shared that Transdev’s contributions have helped shape a stronger, more inclusive transit industry, adding lasting impact beyond the organization itself.