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 motrocoach service operators. Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including SilverRide, Masabi, and more.

Complete Coach Works Awarded Mountain Line Bus Refurbishment Contract 

Complete Coach Works (CCW) was awarded a contract by Flagstaff, Arizona’s Mountain Line to perform a refurbishment of two Gillig 35-foot hybrid transit buses.

The project includes a midlife refurbishment designed to extend vehicle service life, enhance passenger comfort, and support Mountain Line’s long-term fleet sustainability goals. The buses, model years 2007 and 2009 Gillig Low Floors, will undergo mechanical, electrical, and interior upgrades at CCW’s Headquarters located in Riverside, California.

Major Scope Highlights Include:

• Engine Replacement: Installation of a Cummins ReCon ISB 6.7 diesel engine. 

• Hybrid Propulsion System Overhaul: overhaul of drive unit, energy storage system, and hybrid inverters.

• Interior Flooring Replacement: Removal of existing flooring and installation of new Altro commercial-grade transit flooring throughout the bus.

• Passenger and Driver Area Improvements: New RECARO driver’s seat and refurbished passenger seating. 

• Structural, Suspension, and Brakes Overhaul: Complete front and rear suspension rebuilds.

Virginia’s GLTC Launches Account-Based Ticketing with Masabi 

Virginia’s Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC) and Masabi launched Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) across GLTC’s bus network. The new system gives riders access to the best possible fare for every journey and delivers faster boarding, greater flexibility, and more convenient payment options.

The launch builds on GLTC’s mobile ticketing rollout with Masabi in 2024 and introduces a fully account-based fare system available through the FlexFare white-label app, the Transit app, and new FlexFare smartcards. 

With ABT, riders no longer need to decide which ticket or pass to buy in advance, with fares automatically calculated and capped at the best daily or monthly price, including discounted fares for eligible riders, according to officials.

Riders can use the FlexFare app or Transit app, tap a FlexFare smartcard, or load funds through a secure online web portal. For added accessibility, riders can also add value to their accounts with cash at select retail locations. Through the web portal, riders can link their card to an account, view travel history, manage balances, and ensure they receive the correct fare or discount.

The deployment is powered by Masabi’s Justride platform, delivering a single, cloud-native back office that supports Account-Based Ticketing, mobile ticketing, smartcards, and retail cash loading through one integrated system. The project was delivered in partnership with Systrans, an Equans company, continuing a successful collaboration announced at the time of the initial contract award.

BART Launches Uber In-App Integration with Rider Discounts

California Bay Area riders can now plan and book short Uber trips — ranging from two to seven miles — to and from BART stations directly within the agency’s official app.

The partnership between BART and Uber Transit is part of BART’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the customer experience by expanding and modernizing technology solutions that offer riders more flexible, convenient ways to get where they need to go, agency officials said. 

BART is partnering with Uber Transit to fully integrate seamless end-to-end journey planning and payment all within the BART app. Riders will no longer need to use multiple apps to plan and pay for an Uber ride. Everything can be done without leaving the app, and the total trip time will be displayed, making things faster and easier for users. 

According to BART officials, the new partnership addresses a key challenge within the Bay Area’s transit network: providing reliable connections for people whose starting location or destination is too far to walk to a station or bus stop comfortably or is underserved by frequent bus or rail service. 

The BART and Uber partnership includes a special, limited-time $5 Uber trip discount at the launch of the program for trips starting or ending at the following ten selected BART stations: 

SilverRide Expands in California with Transdev, San Diego MTS Partnership 

SilverRide Inc. announced a new contract with Transdev to provide supplemental paratransit service for the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).

As a subcontractor to Transdev, SilverRide, via its driver network, will provide assisted trips for community members with cognitive differences, vision impairments, mobility challenges, neurodivergent conditions, advanced age-related needs, and complex medical conditions.

The MTS deployment expands the company’s footprint with Transdev, adding to deployments in Orange County, California; Atlanta; and Las Vegas. SilverRide now serves over 40 paratransit and PACE deployments in California.

SilverRide's “There with Care” approach deploys highly credentialed drivers who provide wellness observations, family and caregiver communication, companionship, and compassionate support beyond basic transportation. For paratransit, the company consistently delivers compliant, high-quality door-to-door service that meets the exacting standards public transit systems demand.