From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. 

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators. Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

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

Coach USA Adds New Van Hool CX45 Coaches

Coach USA is modernizing its fleet with nine new Van Hool CX45 motorcoaches delivered by ABC Companies, continuing a long-standing partnership focused on reliability, innovation, and passenger-first solutions.

Coach USA selected the Van Hool CX45 to align with its focus on quality, performance, and modern amenities that meet today’s passenger expectations. The new vehicles are part of Coach USA’s ongoing investment to modernize its fleet and deliver a higher standard of comfort, safety, and service across key routes, including expanded operations under the Virginia Breeze program.

The Van Hool CX45 series is known for passenger comfort, operational reliability, and modern design, said ABC officials. The features align with Coach USA’s focus on providing safe, convenient, and eco-conscious transportation to millions of riders across the U.S. and Canada.

Designed with the passenger experience in mind, the new coaches are lift-equipped for accessibility and include front and side destination signs for easier wayfinding, USB-C and USB-A outlets to keep devices connected, and six onboard monitors that support rider information and entertainment.

CAF USA to Build 15 New Portland Streetcars

CAF USA will build 15 new streetcars for the Portland Streetcar system, the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation announced. The vehicles will be battery-hybrid models, enabling service on a planned off-wire extension to Montgomery Park in Northwest Portland.

The 1.3-mile extension was approved in 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2030. The new vehicles will support that expansion while also replacing aging equipment in the existing fleet.

CAF will manufacture the streetcars at its Elmira, N.Y., facility. The company has supplied or is currently building streetcars for several U.S. cities, including Kansas City, Cincinnati, and Omaha.

ENC Named to Washington Statewide Transit Bus Contract

ENC was named to the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) Statewide Transit Bus Contract. This FAST Act-compliant cooperative purchasing agreement enables transit agencies across Washington and participating states to purchase ENC heavy-duty transit buses.

The contract, which DES administers, streamlines procurement for public transit agencies by allowing them to purchase directly through an established statewide agreement, eliminating the need for individual competitive solicitations.

Over 30 transit agencies in Washington and participating states — including Sound Transit, King County Metro, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, and Spokane Transit Authority — are currently eligible to purchase through the contract.

ENC has been awarded across eight categories spanning four propulsion types and two vehicle lengths: clean diesel (35-foot and 40-foot), compressed natural gas (35-foot and 40-foot), diesel-electric hybrid (35-foot and 40-foot), and battery-electric (35-foot and 40-foot). The breadth of the award positions ENC as a comprehensive heavy-duty transit solution provider for agencies across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

New York’s CDTA and Moovit Launch New Real-Time Passenger Info System

Albany, New York’s Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), in partnership with Moovit, has launched an enhanced real-time arrival system within its Navigator app and on its website, achieving 90% arrival prediction accuracy for fixed routes and providing riders across New York’s Capital Region with a smoother mobility experience.

Navigator, powered by Moovit, serves as Albany’s central mobility platform, enabling riders to plan trips, track vehicles in real time, pay fares, and book on-demand services in one place.

The latest advancement builds on CDTA’s continued investment in digital mobility solutions. The new system refines estimated times of arrival (ETAs) by analyzing real-time vehicle positioning, current traffic conditions, and historical travel patterns to dynamically adjust positions, resulting in a more reliable and smoother ride, according to officials.

CDTA has also seen significant reductions in FLEX on-demand waiting times following service adjustments, including transitioning to point-to-point pickup and drop-off, and the launch of a third zone in Saratoga Springs in late 2025.

ZF SolarBoost Solution Launches to Reduce Climate Footprint for Bus Operators

With ZF SolarBoost, ZF presents a new retrofit solution that provides clean, reliable energy for the 24-volt battery systems of medium-sized to large city and coach buses. The easy-to-install solar modules generate electricity while the bus is in operation and continuously recharge the battery.

By increasing the vehicle’s uptime by reducing the need for battery recharging and minimizing maintenance, the extended battery life also lowers maintenance costs: practical experience from transport operators shows that users save the equivalent of one battery per year of operation, ZF officials said.

By generating renewable electricity during operation, onboard systems are no longer solely dependent on the alternator, reducing strain on the engine and lowering fuel consumption by up to 3.5%, depending on conditions. The system also helps operators cut emissions while improving overall efficiency.

Designed for easy adoption, ZF officials said the plug-and-play solution requires no drilling or rewiring and can be installed with standard tools, enabling quick fleetwide deployment with minimal disruption. Its durable construction withstands harsh conditions, while features such as Bluetooth connectivity for real-time monitoring, a five-year warranty, and available repair kits support long-term reliability and performance.