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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.

A Houston automated people mover manufactured by Alstom.

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.

Credit:

Copyright ALSTOM SA 2025 | Innovia

4 min to read


  • 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.

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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:

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  • 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.

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A DATTCO motorcoach

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.

Credit:

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.

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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.

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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

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