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 Nova Bus, RideCo, Masabi, and more.

Nova Bus to Provide Electric Buses for Calgary Transit

Nova Bus was recently awarded a contract to produce the first 120 LFSe+ fully electric city buses for Calgary Transit. 

Production of the buses is scheduled to begin in 2027 at Nova Bus's 100% Canadian factories, according to the company. 

The awarding of this contract to Nova Bus is part of Calgary Transit's commitment to improving its service and achieving its goal of decarbonizing its transit system. This investment, supported by the federal government, will increase the size of its bus fleet while diversifying its propulsion modes in public transit and reducing long-term costs.

Equipped with two charging options, LFSe+ buses can use overhead charging via a pantograph as well as a plug-in system using two sockets located on each side of the bus, ensuring complete adaptability to existing charging infrastructure and facilitating efficient route planning. 

Kuban Transit Solutions Looks to Solve ‘Paratransit Paradox’

Kuban Transit Solutions (KTS), a new strategic consultancy specializing in accessible transit strategy, announced its launch to address the escalating “Paratransit Paradox” facing transit agencies across North America. 

With aging populations increasing paratransit demand and technology enabling new service models, agencies are seeking frameworks to unify traditionally separate transit systems. KTS addresses this challenge through the “One Transit Strategy” — a comprehensive framework coined by Kuban that transforms paratransit from an isolated service into an integrated component of unified transit networks, the company said in a press release.

The approach has already demonstrated success through programs like Toronto Transit Commission’s Family of Services, where strategic integration of paratransit with fixed-route operations has delivered significant cost reductions while improving rider satisfaction and freedom of movement.

KTS was founded by Stephen Kuban, who has over a decade of leadership experience shaping the continent’s most successful implementations. As a former leader at both RideCo and The Routing Company, Kuban has directly shaped transit operations serving millions of riders across urban and rural contexts.

CCW Lands Contract in California

Complete Coach Works (CCW) has been contracted to perform a complete rehabilitation of 10 2020 New Flyer XN40 buses for SunLine Transit Agency, headquartered in Thousand Palms, California.

 Under the agreement, CCW will perform a complete refurbishment of the 40-foot buses at its Riverside, CA facility. The scope of work includes both cosmetic restoration and mechanical refurbishment. Every vehicle will receive: 

• New Cummins L9N ReCon CNG engines and rebuilt ZF transmissions. 

• Replacement and overhaul of key bus systems, including power steering, suspension, braking, HVAC, electrical, exhaust, and ADA accessibility equipment. 

• Inspection and repair of passenger seating, flooring, modesty panels, and stanchions. 

• Exterior body repairs, complete exterior repainting, and decal reapplication using agency-approved paint samples and graphics. 

• System updates to fire suppression and gas detection systems. 

• Detailed interior and exterior vehicle cleaning before delivery.

 The refurbishment will extend the useful life of the buses while ensuring they meet current performance, safety, and appearance standards. Once complete, the vehicles will return to SunLine’s fleet ready to serve riders across the Coachella Valley.

Pennsylvania’s LANTA Taps Masabi for Account-Based Ticketing

Pennsylvania’s Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) launched ValleyRide — a new Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) system powered by Masabi’s industry-leading Fare Payments-as-a-Service platform. 

Riders can now tap and ride using the Transit app or new ValleyRide smartcards, all while enjoying fare capping that ensures they never pay more than they should, according to Masabi’s press release.

LANTA’s new system is designed to meet the needs of all riders by making fare payment simple and accessible. Whether tapping to ride with the Transit app or a ValleyRide smartcard, adding funds online through a convenient web portal, or with cash at select retail locations, every rider can choose the option that best fits their lifestyle.

California’s Riverside Transit Taps RideCo for Paratransit Service

RideCo signed an agreement with California’s Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) to provide a new, modernized, ADA origin-to-destination paratransit service. The new service represents an expansion of the partnership between the two organizations, which originated in 2022.

The new paratransit service solution RTA has secured will instantly elevate the end-to-end rider experience by offering a streamlined eligibility process, independent booking options, increased trip transparency, and enhanced rider communication. 

It will also provide dynamic routing and automated scheduling and dispatching, enabling the agency to increase operational efficiency and deliver improved performance statistics across all facets of its paratransit system, according to RideCo officials.