Biz Briefs covers the latest supplier partnership news in the motorcoach and public transit industries.

In the lastest installment, METRO covers news from Long Beach, Calif.; Yonkers, N.Y.; and more.

Complete Coach Works to Refurbish 13 Long Beach Buses

Complete Coach Works (CCW) received a contract for the midlife refurbishment of 13 Long Beach Transit (LBT) 2015 New Flyer Xcelsior, compressed natural gas (CNG) 60-foot buses. 

The bus rehabilitation contract includes both cosmetic and mechanical upgrades. The buses will be fitted with Cummins L9N CNG “Near Zero” engines, replacing the older Cummins ISL-G engines. 

Additionally, each bus will include new aluminum wheels, updated exterior lighting and mirrors, a refurbished driver’s seat, reupholstered passenger seats, and articulation joint service. Further enhancements include the recertification of each bus’s Amerex fire suppression system.

The recent award is built on a long-standing partner relationship between the two organizations. CCW previously performed a mid-life rehabilitation for 72 Gillig buses under a contract awarded  in 2019. 

Alexander Dennis Electric Buses Achieve 97% Charging Efficiency

Alexander Dennis announced Zemo Partnership testing has confirmed a 97% charging efficiency for its next-generation electric buses, delivering further financial benefits for customers by reducing total cost of ownership.

The charging efficiency has been achieved by careful system integration and optimization, with the manufacturer’s engineers working in close partnership with driveline supplier Voith Turbo, battery system provider Impact Clean Power Technology, and HVAC specialists Grayson Thermal Systems.

The 97% grid-to-wheel efficiency is the best recorded in UK zero-emission bus certification to date.

It further enhances the overall efficiency of Alexander Dennis’s next-generation electric buses, which were earlier certified with a benchmark 0.67kWh/km driveline energy consumption over the UK Bus Cycle for the Enviro400EV, and 0.54kWh/km for the Enviro100EV.

Kawasaki Celebrates 5,000^th Railcar in U.S. Market

Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. held a major milestone event celebrating its 5,000th railcar in the U.S. market. 

Through four decades of operations in Yonkers, the event recognized the thousands of jobs created and sustained by Kawasaki and the robust economic activity the business has generated for the State of New York. 

Kawasaki has delivered over $12 billion in railcars since its entry into the market in 1979, with its Yonkers, N.Y., facility awarding an estimated 30% of the contracts to companies located in New York State, and nearly 10% to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.

The company has delivered 3,783 railcars equivalent to 76% of its total 5,000 railcars to authorities in the New York area.

Michigan’s Big Ride Extends TRC for On-Demand Contract

The Routing Company (TRC) announced the significant expansion of its partnership with Michigan’s City of Big Rapids to continue on-demand transit and shuttle service for up to five years.

The expansion permanently continues two services TRC launched with Big Rapids in May 2024 through a pilot program. The first service, operating under the name Big Rapids Dial-a-Ride, offers on-demand transit to riders across the city from Monday to Saturday. The second service, in partnership with the City of Big Rapids, provides a flexible campus shuttle, available throughout the academic year to students at Ferris State University.

Key highlights of the expanded agreement, include:

• Multi-Year Commitment: The partnership extends for an initial period of one year with four one-year renewal options, demonstrating TRC's commitment to long-term collaboration.

• Large Service Area: Both services continue to reach a wide range of residents, eliminating transit deserts and improving accessibility.

• Enhanced Service Options: Residents can expect more flexible booking options and additional features through the Ride Pingo app.

• Scalability and Growth: The agreement positions Big Rapids for future growth and expansion of its public transit services.