Biz Briefs: MTM Transit Expands Partnership, Autonomous Bus Service in Scotland, and More
Biz Briefs: Autonomous Mini Buses, GOGO Charters, and More
Get the latest from Alstom, GOGO Charters, and Siemens Mobility.
June 1, 2023
While Alstom is preparing to launch autonomous mini buses in France, Siemens Mobility and GOGO Charters.
Photo: METRO
2 min to read
Alstom, GOGO Charters, and Siemens Mobility recently announced news from their respective companies.
Autonomous Mini Buses to Deploy in France
Alstom announced it is part of a French consortium, which includes EasyMile, Equans, Keolis, Renault Group, and StatInf, as they prepare the launch of a new, zero-emission public transport service at Level 4 of autonomous driving.
The first deployment of a Level 4 autonomous mobility service on this scale marks a step in the development of automated public transport in France, and in Europe.
The service will be operational from 2026 in the city center of Châteauroux, integrated into the city's "Horizon" bus network, and operated by Keolis.
GOGO Charters Launches Charter Bus in San Antonio
GOGO Charters announced its official launch servicing greater San Antonio.
"We are thrilled to bring our top-notch charter bus services to the beautiful city of San Antonio, where tradition meets innovation," said Farzin Parsa, president of GOGO Charters. "Whether you're strolling along the iconic River Walk or attending important business meetings, GOGO Charters is here to handle all your transportation logistics. Our reliable and customized charter bus service is designed to make your time in San Antonio truly unforgettable.”
GOGO Charters will offer one-time and recurring group transportation services for a variety of trips, events, and special occasions.
Siemens Mobility Secures Service Contract
Siemens Mobility announced it has been awarded a contract extension for the maintenance of the Class 185 fleet serving TransPennine Express routes operating between Manchester, Sheffield, and Cleethorpes and Manchester to Hull from northwest of England depots
“The UK is one of our core markets and we’re proud to have been awarded this contract extension,” said Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “It is a real testament for us being a trusted partner to our customers and continuing to ensure trains perform at a high standard throughout their entire lifecycle. Railigent X applications, part of the open, digital Siemens Xcelerator business platform, enable us to offer best passenger experience and highest availability.”
The majority of maintenance work will take place at Ardwick Depot, Manchester and subsidiary depots at York and Cleethorpes.
The $566 million contract extension will continue to support around 200 jobs across Siemens Mobility depots in the north of England.
More Management
FIFA World Cup Matches Are Driving Record Transit Ridership Nationwide
See how World Cup matches are generating record transit demand across North America, with ridership surpassing Super Bowls, concerts, and Olympic-era events.
Read More →
The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets
In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.
Read More →
Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail
Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.
Read More →
Latinos In Transit Seeks Host Organization for 2027 Leadership Summit
The selected host organization will showcase its transit system, projects, and community while welcoming hundreds of industry leaders and emerging professionals during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Read More →
Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program
Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.
Read More →
DOT: Brightline Corridor Incidents Fall 30% Following Federal Safety Upgrades
Safety improvements funded through a $25 million federal investment are credited with reducing trespassing and train-vehicle collisions along the Brightline Florida corridor.
Read More →
D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System
Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.
Read More →
Q4 Travel Data Reveals Drop in Vehicle Traffic to Manhattan Congestion Zone
NYMTC’s quarterly Travel Patterns Report provides a snapshot of travel activity throughout New York City, Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley, and northern New Jersey using data collected from the agencies operating the region’s bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.
Read More →
Southern California's Metrolink Debuts Contactless Fare Payment Pilot
Customers traveling between Redlands and Los Angeles can now tap their preferred payment method, including a credit or debit card, mobile wallet, or wearable device, at station validators before boarding and again while exiting.
Read More →
California's BART Approves FY27 Budget While Maintaining Service Levels
The budget covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, a period when pandemic emergency funds run out, the District faces a structural deficit of $375 million, and a regional transit funding measure may appear on the November ballot.
Read More →