Biz Briefscovers 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 Alstom, Masabi, Umo, and more. 

Alstom to supply Propulsion Components for MTA’s R211 Railcars 

Alstom has exercised the second option with Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. to supply propulsion components for 435 additional new generation subway cars, known as the R211 series, for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) New York City Transit (NYCT). 

The R211 cars are being introduced as a part of NYCT’s efforts to modernize and improve reliability and service for NYCT’s customers.

The propulsion system for the R211 trains will be manufactured at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, New York. The Hornell facility’s component plant produces AC traction motors, traction cases, and high-speed circuit breakers (HSCB). It includes a combined test/power laboratory, ensuring that all components are rigorously tested and validated on-site. This integrated approach enhances quality control and streamlines the production process. 

Wisconsin Agency Adds Umo Fare Payment

Appleton, Wisconsin’s Valley Transit will be officially launching its new payment system, WisGo, powered by Umo, in August. 

The new system allows riders to pay their fares using either a mobile app or a reloadable card. Additionally, Valley Transit is introducing fare capping, ensuring riders don’t pay more than a daily or monthly limit while using WisGo.

According to Umo, with WisGo, riders will have multiple ways to take advantage of fare capping and streamline their payments: the Umo Mobility app or a reloadable WisGo card, both of which can be loaded with money using credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Riders can scan their mobile app or tap their WisGo card when boarding, and the bus fare will be automatically deducted. Cash is still accepted across all routes, but riders will not receive the benefits of fare capping.

The WisGo system tracks each trip a rider makes and ensures that once the daily or monthly fare cap is reached, all additional rides and transfers for the remainder of that day or month are free. After hitting the cap, no further charges are applied. 

TSI Provides GILLIG Buses to Nations Bus Sales

Transit Sales International (TSI) announced the sale of eight 35-foot Gillig Low Floor transit buses to Nations Bus Sales, a nationwide dealer and distributor, which is purchasing the buses on behalf of one of its customers that has recently been awarded a university transportation project.

The eight Gillig buses will undergo preparation by TSI’s sister company, Complete Coach Works, to ensure they are operational and ready for service. This includes mechanical and external reconditioning to meet the standards of Nations Bus Sales and their client. 

Once completed, the buses will be delivered for deployment in support of the university transportation project.

Montreal’s ARTM Taps Masabi for New Fare Payment System

Montreal’s Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain (ARTM) awarded a contract to Masabi for the development and implementation of a new fare collection solution as part of the Concerto project, a significant transformation initiative aimed at modernizing the public transit customer experience in the Montreal metropolitan region.

Masabi offers a Software-as-a-Service cloud-native platform, called Justride, which enables transit agencies to quickly deploy modern, flexible, and scalable fare collection systems. This platform supports a variety of payment methods, including contactless bank cards, smartphones, smart cards, and mobile tickets. 

Already adopted by over 200 agencies worldwide, Masabi’s solution simplifies the user experience, reduces operational costs, and facilitates integration with other mobility services. To support the delivery of a modern, integrated fare system for Greater Montreal, Masabi is working with global engineering consultancy WSP.

Concerto represents a complete and gradual overhaul of the entire fare collection system in the metropolitan region, with several deliverables already available or in deployment.

Siemens Mobility’s Hacon Launches HAFAS NextGen App for ‘Smarter Travel’

Siemens Mobility subsidiary Hacon has introduced HAFAS NextGen, the latest generation of its proven mobility platform. The user-centered app streamlines trip planning, ticket booking, and real-time travel assistance — all within a single interface.

NextGen’s innovative Live Navigation guides users throughout their journey, offering reminders to depart, change vehicles, or disembark, while suggesting alternate routes when disruptions occur.

Transit agencies benefit from continuous development, flexible branding, and modular product suites tailored to needs ranging from travel info to full Mobility as a Service. The platform is also fully accessible, meeting WCAG 2.2 AA standards.