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 Jacobs, Modeshift, and more.

Alstom Takes Part in Innaugration of Montreal REM Extension

Alstom took part in the inauguration of the northern branch of the Réseau express métropolitain (REM) by La Caisse and CDPQ Infra, extending this automated urban rail system from Montreal’s Central Station to the municipality of Deux-Montagnes on the North Shore of the metropolitan area.

The branch will open to the public in November, adding 14 new stations and two connections to the underground metro. The expansion adds approximately 20.5 miles to the network, bringing the total system to approximately 32 miles. The expanded system now connects both the North and South Shores to downtown. The South Shore branch, which opened in 2023, connects Brossard and Central Station.

Alstom has provided REM with a fully automated, driverless metro system, including rolling stock and signaling. The company also participates to the operation and maintenance of the planned approximately 42-mile system for 30 years via Pulsar, a joint venture created by Alstom and AtkinsRéalis.

The system includes 212 Alstom Metropolis metro cars (106 two-car trainsets), Alstom’s Urbalis GoA4 solution for driverless operation and CBTC-based train control, the Urbalis Vision control center solution, platform screen doors, onboard Wi-Fi connectivity, and cybersecurity. Alstom has also delivered equipment for two depots and two train washing facilities. 

Jacobs, Kittelson Secure New Planning Contract in Maryland

The Jacobs and Kittelson and Associates Inc. team was selected by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to continue their longstanding working relationship and assist with project planning efforts for a range of transit initiatives across the state. The contracts cover planning for bus, light rail, metro, commuter rail, and mobility capital projects aimed at improving transit access, efficiency, and sustainability. 

As part of a joint venture, Jacobs and Kittelson will provide a full suite of planning services to support Maryland’s evolving transit infrastructure. 

Planning services under the new contracts will help MTA: 

• Navigate a competitive and financially constrained environment.

• Continue its leadership role in statewide transit planning and integration.

• Respond to shifting travel patterns, including commuter-focused services such as commuter rail, commuter bus, and paratransit.

• Apply emerging technologies and tools to strengthen project design and federal funding competitiveness.

TSI Lands North Carolina RATP Dev Contract

Transit Sales International (TSI) sold 10 pre-owned 40-foot Gillig Low Floor buses to RATP Dev for the City of Durham, North Carolina.

Each bus will undergo preparation to ensure operational readiness upon delivery. This includes a full mechanical and systems inspection, necessary repairs, and any customer-specific modifications to meet RATP Dev’s operational requirements. 

The buses are currently powered by ISL engines and B400R transmissions, and are equipped with LIFT-U wheelchair lifts and Thermo King HVAC systems.

By refurbishing pre-owned buses, TSI not only extends the life of valuable transit assets but also supports sustainability by reducing the need for new vehicle production. This approach reduces waste, conserves resources, and provides communities with safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible transportation solutions, according to the company.

Modeshift Modernizing Fare Payment in Pennsylvania

Modeshift announced a new partnership with the Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) in Malvern, Pennsylvania, to deliver a fully integrated digital fare collection system on ChescoBus. 

The new system will offer public transit riders flexible, cashless options for planning, purchasing, and managing trips via a smartphone app or reloadable smart card.

Modeshift’s account-based fare collection system will empower TMACC with real-time data insights, enable faster boarding through contactless options, and reduce the operational burden of paper tickets and cash fares. The smart cards will also include Spanish-language accessibility to ensure equitable access for riders.

TMACC’s ChescoBus becomes the 11th Pennsylvania transit authority to partner with Modeshift, joining a growing number of PA-based agencies bringing advanced digital mobility solutions to more communities.

Transdev, CobbLinc Strengthen Community Connections 

Transdev, the operator and maintainer of CobbLinc, is extending its mission beyond transportation to create a lasting impact in Cobb County, Georgia. Led by GM Ayana Pope and Customer Service Manager Antroinette Grant, the team has introduced a range of community-driven initiatives that demonstrate their dedication to supporting residents not only on the bus, but throughout the community they serve.

From volunteering at Sweetwater Mission’s food bank in Mableton to participating in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Atlanta, Transdev Cobb County employees have demonstrated a strong commitment to service. They’ve inspired students during Career Day at Hickory Hills Elementary and brought joy to seniors at Azalea Gardens Senior Center, proving that public transit can be a bridge to stronger communities.

Looking ahead, Transdev’s Cobb County team plans to expand its outreach with new partnerships and engagement with additional senior centers. These programs complement the essential transit services — fixed-route and paratransit — that thousands of residents rely on daily.