Biz Briefs: Alstom in Houston, DATTCO Makes Acquisition, and More
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.

The contract with Alstom includes a new Operations Control Center, upgraded Automatic Train Control and communications systems, 16 new Innovia APM R vehicles, modernized station doors across all terminals, and continued operations and maintenance of the system.
Copyright ALSTOM SA 2025 | Innovia
- The transportation industry is rapidly evolving through strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and service expansions.
- METRO's Biz Briefs highlights updates from manufacturers and suppliers like DATTCO and Complete Coach Works in the mobility sector.
- Alstom has been contracted to upgrade the Skyway Automated People Mover at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, including providing operations and maintenance for 15 years.
*Summarized by AI
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 DATTCO, Complete Coach Works, and more.
Alstom to Upgrade Skyway APM at Houston Airport
Alstom was selected by George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston to replace its existing Skyway automated people mover (APM) system and provide operations and maintenance services for 15 years.
The contract includes a new Operations Control Center, upgraded Automatic Train Control and communications systems, 16 new Innovia APM R vehicles, modernized station doors across all terminals, and continued operations and maintenance of the system.
The renewed Skyway system will reduce service disruptions, improve passenger flow between terminals, and enhance the overall travel experience. Upgraded digital communications and monitoring systems will increase operational reliability, supporting smoother journeys during peak airport demand.
Under the contract, Alstom will:
- Construct a new Operations Control Center to improve system supervision and responsiveness.
- Upgrade to Urbalis automatic train control to enhance capacity and safety.
- Install enhanced communication systems for improved reliability.
- Deploy 16 new Innovia APM R vehicles designed for optimal safety and performance.
- Replace station doors at all terminals for safer, faster boarding.
- Provide 15 years of operations and maintenance supported by a dedicated 48‑person on‑site team.
These upgrades will ensure the Skyway system continues to serve millions of passengers with high availability and comfort. Interim busing will be provided when the Skyway is out of service to minimize customer impact.
Complete Coach Works Awarded Texas Contract
Complete Coach Works (CCW) was awarded a contract to prepare and deliver a refurbished Gillig low-floor transit bus for the GoBus Transit system in Kilgore, Texas.
Before delivery to GoBus Transit operations, the vehicle will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment. CCW will conduct extensive inspections, mechanical servicing, and interior and exterior upgrades to ensure the vehicle meets operational and safety standards required for public transportation service.
The procurement was completed through the 791 Purchasing Cooperative, which enables public agencies to access competitively sourced transit equipment and services through a streamlined cooperative purchasing process.

As part of the acquisition, DATTCO will integrate Land/Jet’s fleet of 10 buses. Half of the vehicles will be retired and replaced with newer models from DATTCO’s fleet, improving safety, reliability, and overall passenger experience.
DATTCO
DATTCO Acquires Land/Jet
New Britain, Connecticut’s DATTCO Inc., acquired Land/Jet, a well-established transportation company located in Watertown, Connecticut.
The strategic move expands DATTCO’s presence in Western Connecticut and into New York, while reinforcing its commitment to safe, reliable, and community-focused transportation. The acquisition also supports continued investment in workforce development, fleet modernization, and regional economic growth, said DATTCO officials.
As part of the acquisition, DATTCO will integrate Land/Jet’s fleet of 10 buses. Half of the vehicles will be retired and replaced with newer models from DATTCO’s fleet, improving safety, reliability, and overall passenger experience.
DATTCO will offer continued employment to all current Land/Jet employees, with additional opportunities for full-time roles as operations expand. The company views this as an investment in both people and the continuity of service, officials said.
Virginia DRPT Expands Virginia Breeze Commuter Coach Network
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) announced that its new Virginia Breeze intercity bus route, the Tidewater Current, will launch on April 20. It is the first east-west transit service in the Virginia Breeze network, connecting Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads with destinations in Richmond, Charlottesville, and the Shenandoah Valley along the I-64 corridor.
The Tidewater Current is the fifth addition to the Virginia Breeze Bus Lines network and the fourth route launched within the past six years. The new service will connect 10 cities and five counties, including a number of the state’s colleges and universities.
Like all Virginia Breeze buses, Tidewater Current vehicles are equipped with a wheelchair lift to ensure rides are accessible to all and with plenty of storage space for travelers with luggage.
The Virginia Breeze transported over 68,000 passengers in 2025, a 5% increase over the prior year. The service has made a meaningful impact on Virginia’s roadways, reducing single-occupancy vehicle travel nearly 61 million miles and cutting greenhouse gas emissions by more than 10,000 tons, said DRPT officials.
Flow Labs Releases Flow API Suite
Flow Labs launched Flow API, a suite of APIs that gives transportation agencies programmatic access to the signal performance measures and mobility data from the Flow platform.
Flow API enables agencies to integrate real-time and historical signal and mobility data directly into the systems that drive day-to-day operations — ATMS platforms, TMC tools, analytics environments, and custom applications.
Teams can automate monitoring, build richer reporting workflows, and apply Flow data across their entire technology stack without manual exports or any workarounds.
The Flow API is now available to agency customers and will expand alongside the Flow platform as new datasets and capabilities are added over time.
Quick Answers
Biz Briefs highlights strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and service expansions as key focus areas in the rapidly evolving transportation industry.
*Summarized by AI
More Technology

LA Metro, City of West Hollywood, and Partners Advance Smarter Bus Lane Enforcement
The award-winning partnership combines AI-powered detection with human oversight to improve bus reliability, accessibility, and enforcement efficiency.
Read More →
PSTA Modernizes Workforce Management with Digital Bidding System
The award-winning Workforce Transit Modernization project replaced paper bidding with a transparent digital platform, cutting administrative effort while improving access for operators.
Read More →
New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick
Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.
Read More →
How Data, Strategy, and Community Engagement Are Reshaping Transit
In this edition of METROspectives, strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can better align planning with operations, leverage data to improve decision-making, and build public trust as they prepare for the future of mobility.
Read More →
How DART's GoPass Is Redefining Regional Mobility
Serving 14 transit agencies, GoPass simplifies multimodal travel by allowing riders to plan, pay for, and manage an entire trip through one app.
Read More →
Turn Transit Data Into Action
Discover how leading agencies are using connected technology to gain real-time visibility across operations, improve service reliability, and reduce disruptions.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
CharterUP Expands Into New Mobility and Autonomous Transportation
Vice President of New Mobility Stephen Joos discusses how CharterUP is leveraging its nationwide transportation network, technology platform, and autonomous vehicle partnerships to expand into workforce mobility, campus shuttles, and transit solutions.
Read More →
METRO Magazine Announces 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards Winners
Projects Recognized for Advancing Mobility Through Technology, Accessibility, Workforce Innovation, and Operational Excellence
Read More →
Cummins Introduces Phased Model Year 2027 Launch Strategy
According to officials, the approach is designed to maintain regulatory compliance, support customer production schedules, and provide additional time to ramp production in a disciplined manner that helps ensure a successful transition for the industry.
Read More →