From strategic partnerships and acquisitions to service expansions and technology investments, the transportation industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace.

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility. 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.

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from New Flyer, STV, Shuttle Bus Leasing, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Ballard Fuel Cell Engine Makes Production Debut in Solaris Hydrogen Bus

Ballard Power Systems announced its FCmove-SC fuel cell engine will make its series-production debut in the new-generation Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen transit bus.

The milestone follows the extension of the companies' long-term supply agreement, broadens the scope of cooperation, and reflects their continued commitment to advancing hydrogen bus technology, said officials.

Designed for city transit duty cycles, the FCmove-SC combines efficient power generation with a compact architecture that simplifies vehicle integration and servicing when in operation. Its design draws on Ballard's extensive operating experience to help manufacturers and operators improve performance and reduce lifecycle costs, Ballard officials said.

The new-generation Solaris Urbino 12 hydrogen is built on the unified platform shared by the latest Urbino buses. Removing the conventional engine tower creates space for additional rear seating, while the flexible positioning of roof-mounted components improves access for service.

The fuel cell serves as the bus's primary energy source, generating electricity for a centrally mounted traction motor. A supporting traction battery supplies additional power during peak demand and stores energy recovered through regenerative braking.

CTA Awards Contract for Blue Line Track Design Work

The Chicago Transit Board approved the awarding of a contract for the remaining track design work on the Forest Park Branch of the Blue Line from the Illinois Medical District (IMD) station to the I-290 Bridge to AECOM Technical Services.

The board action marks the start of the next phase of the Forest Park Branch Rebuild Project — a multi-year, multi-phased investment program to reconstruct the entire Forest Park Branch of the Blue Line and make it 100% accessible to those who use mobility devices.

Currently, more than 80% of the branch is categorized as a “slow zone,” requiring trains to operate at drastically reduced speeds for safety. The first phase of work, which began in 2023, included comprehensive track and drainage renewals between the UIC-Halsted and Illinois Medical District (IMD) stations, along with a complete modernization and ADA-accessibility rebuild of the Racine station.

The contract covers design work for about 70,000 track feet, or about 13 miles, between the IMD station and the I-290 Bridge, located just east of River Road and east of the Forest Park station. Major services in the contract include a field investigation of the entire corridor and design for new and upgraded infrastructure, including track, signals, traction power, drainage, utilities, and any other facilities within the CTA right-of-way.

The contract also includes a review of drainage elements along the I-290 expressway shoulders and how they affect CTA rail service. AECOM partnered with three local DBE firms that account for more than 15% of the contract.

Shuttle Bus Leasing Awarded Two-Bus Lease with Nevada County Transit

Shuttle Bus Leasing (SBL), in collaboration with its affiliate Complete Coach Works (CCW), announced a new lease agreement with California’s Nevada County Transit for two 2013 30-foot Gillig low-floor diesel buses.

The buses will undergo pre-lease preparation at CCW’s Riverside, California facility before being delivered to Nevada County Transit. The work will include mechanical servicing, interior and exterior improvements, and customer-specific upgrades to prepare each vehicle for the agency’s operational needs.

Before delivery, each bus will undergo final inspections and testing to ensure it is ready for service. This includes brake and air system testing, a DOT inspection, and road testing before final detailing and delivery.

 The two-bus lease provides Nevada County Transit with additional fleet support while offering flexibility to meet its current transportation needs, officials said. Through SBL’s leasing solutions and CCW’s preparation capabilities, the buses will be customized and prepared for the agency’s operations.

New Flyer Secures Broward County Transit Hybrid-Electric Bus Order

New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer) announced a firm order from Florida’s Broward County Transit (BCT) for 65 Xcelsior hybrid-electric heavy-duty transit buses equipped with BAE Systems’ hybrid-electric propulsion system.

The order was placed through the Jacksonville state contract and is supported by a combination of local funding and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds, including the Low or No Emission (Low-No) Program and Bus and Bus Facilities (BBF) Program.

The buses are part of New Flyer’s Q2 2026 firm backlog and will be delivered between the first and fourth quarters of 2028, replacing aging buses in BCT’s fleet.

“Transit agencies continue to make strategic investments in fleet replacement to support their long-term service objectives,” said Chris Stoddart, president, North American Bus and Coach, NFI. “We appreciate Broward County Transit’s continued confidence in New Flyer and look forward to delivering buses that will support the agency’s fleet renewal program and serve communities across Broward County for years to come.”

STV to Manage Design of 22 Power Substations Across New York City

STV announced that the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority Construction & Development (MTA C&D) selected the firm to provide general engineering consultant (GEC) services for the design phase for 22 improvements to wayside power substations and circuit breaker houses throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, replacing aging assets and strengthening the network that keeps millions of riders moving each day.

As GEC, STV will oversee scope development and program management for the design at the 22 locations, including repairs, replacements, and upgrades of traction power equipment.

Significant enhancements include:

• Modern traction power equipment replacing outdated switchgear, rectifiers, transformers, and control systems.
• Energy-efficiency and resiliency upgrades, including a feasibility study for reversible traction power systems to capture regenerative braking energy.
• Advanced safety and monitoring technologies, including AI-enabled thermal imaging to help prevent equipment failures.
• Structural, environmental, and MEP improvements, including hazardous materials abatement where required.

Much of the existing equipment is beyond its useful life, making modernization essential to reduce unplanned outages, shorten recovery times during incidents, and support a more stable power network.