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 The Routing Company, ENC, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

ChargePoint, Eaton Power Santa Monica’s Electric Bus Fleet Transition

ChargePoint and Eaton announced a collaboration with the Santa Monica Department of Transportation to support the transition of its Big Blue Bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2032.

The project is part of Santa Monica’s $56 million investment in electric transit fleet infrastructure. It will combine ChargePoint’s DC fast-charging equipment and fleet software with Eaton’s electrical infrastructure and energy management systems.

Big Blue Bus plans to deploy 130 DC fast-charging ports using ChargePoint’s Express Plus equipment. Eaton will provide supporting electrical infrastructure, including medium-voltage switchgear, switchboards and panelboards, as well as engineering services.

ChargePoint’s fleet software will be used to monitor electric buses on routes and at depots, manage charging operations and provide reporting on fleet performance.

The Routing Company, VCU Expand Campus Accessibility

The Routing Company (TRC) launched RamsLink, a new paratransit service serving Virginia Commonwealth University’s Monroe Park and MCV campuses.

Powered by TRC’s Pingo platform, RamsLink provides registered students, faculty, and staff with point-to-point transportation for temporary and long-term mobility needs. Riders can schedule and manage trips through the Ride Pingo app.

RamsLink joins VCU’s other Pingo-powered services, including late-night RamSafe transportation and RamRide shuttles, which have provided nearly 2.5 million trips since 2024.

NY, NJ Port Authority Awards $10M Contract to Wi-Tronix

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has awarded a $10 million contract to Wi-Tronix to deploy new onboard technology across the PATH commuter rail fleet.

The investment will support PATH’s regulatory compliance and improve service reliability for millions of riders by providing real-time visibility of onboard mechanical issues of each railcar.

The Wi-Tronix technology supports PATH’s compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements, including a FAST Act mandate for onboard image and audio recording. By modernizing how this information is captured and accessed, PATH can retrieve data remotely, respond more efficiently to breakdowns, and improve car availability during service disruptions, resulting in fewer delays, according to officials.

PATH will install the Wi-Tronix technology on more than half of its 422-car fleet, with installation and implementation expected to be complete by the FRA deadline in October 2027.

The contract award follows a multi-year collaboration that began in 2023 through the Transit Tech Lab program, which is run by the Partnership Fund for New York City, allowing PATH to evaluate Wi-Tronix’s technology in a live transit environment. The PATH tests expanded to a larger deployment of the Wi-Tronix technology after a 30-month pilot. The contract includes Wi-Tronix’s continued maintenance and upkeep of the technology.

ENC Named to North Carolina’s PART Consortium 5-Year Transit Bus Contract

ENC was named an approved manufacturer on a five-year cooperative contract led by the Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART).

The consortium contract establishes a base quantity of 49 buses, with an option for an additional 50, for a total potential of up to 99 vehicles over the five-year term. Participating agencies include PART, the City of Winston-Salem's Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA), and the City of Burlington's Link Transit. Under the agreement, participating agencies may procure vehicles from ENC or New Flyer.

As a cooperative procurement vehicle, the contract enables participating agencies to acquire ENC buses directly, without conducting an independent competitive solicitation. The structure reduces administrative burden and shortens acquisition timelines, an advantage particularly valuable to smaller agencies that can redirect constrained resources toward service delivery and the rider experience, said ENC officials.

The contract gives each participating agency flexibility to select ENC bus configurations that meet its specific service needs. PART may purchase 30-foot E-Z Rider II and 40-foot AXESS diesel buses, with additional 30-, 35-, and 40-foot options. WSTA may order 33-foot AXESS and E-Z Rider II diesel buses, as well as 35-foot AXESS diesel-electric hybrids, while Link Transit may purchase 33-foot AXESS diesel-electric hybrid buses.

The award builds on a relationship established in 2022, when PART first selected ENC to provide E-Z Rider II diesel buses for its fleet.

CCW Completes Delivery of 2 Gillig Buses for Roberts Hawaii

Complete Coach Works (CCW) completed and delivered two 2007 35-foot Gillig Low Floor diesel buses for Roberts Hawaii. The buses were prepared at CCW’s headquarters in Riverside, California.

The completed project continues the long-standing relationship between CCW and Roberts Hawaii, built over decades of working together to support transportation needs across the Hawaiian Islands. Over the years, CCW has partnered with Roberts Hawaii on multiple fleet initiatives, providing dependable vehicles and tailored solutions that meet the company's operational requirements, said company officials.

Major Project Highlights Included:

•    Full interior and exterior repaint.

•    Replacement of critical service components including fluids, filters, belts, and batteries.

•    HVAC, electrical, and accessibility systems tested and verified for full functionality.

•    Mechanical inspection and system checks across engine, transmission, braking, and steering components.

The completed buses will support Roberts Hawaii's ongoing efforts to maintain a reliable and flexible fleet while continuing to provide safe, dependable transportation for residents and visitors throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

Scheidt & Bachmann Selected by NEORide to Provide Cash Farebox Systems

Scheidt & Bachmann USA Inc. was selected through a competitive procurement process by NEORide to provide cash farebox systems to its member agencies.

 NEORide is a regional council of governments representing 45 public transit agencies across 13 states.

“We are pleased to offer Scheidt & Bachmann’s Farebox System to our members,” said Katherine Conrad, executive director of NEORide. “Selecting S&B through a competitive procurement ensures our agencies receive proven, dependable solutions that meet both current and future needs.”

Scheidt & Bachmann officials said the company is honored to combine its proven farebox systems with NEORide’s collaborative model to deliver measurable value to member agencies.