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

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including GOGO Charters, Vix Technology, and more.

Vix Technology, Edmonton Transit Launch Next-Gen Fare Collection System 

Edmonton’s Transit Services, in partnership with Vix Technology, announced the full launch of the Arc next-generation fare payment system across the region’s bus and light-rail networks. 

The milestone completes a transformative, multi-phase project, culminating in the introduction of open payments via credit/debit cards and mobile devices across thousands of validators across six municipalities and all major transit modes.

The Arc system, designed, delivered, and integrated by Vix Technology, now serves as Canada’s most comprehensive regional transit fare platform. It enables riders to pay with Arc smartcards or tap their debit or credit cards, smartphones, or smartwatches for instant payment. The system decreases cash usage while removing barriers to access for all riders. 

Transit users benefit from fare capping, flexible trip planning, and a user-friendly, multi-operator experience on over 1,000 buses and 29 LRT stations throughout Edmonton, St. Albert, Strathcona County, Spruce Grove, Beaumont, and Fort Saskatchewan.

The full launch also marks the official transition away from monthly paper passes and tickets, making Edmonton among the first in Canada to deploy a truly account-based fare system at a metropolitan scale. Since initial deployment, over 500,000 reloadable Arc cards have been issued.

Indiana’s Citilink Partners with Via Transportation

Fort Wayne, Indiana’s Citilink will enhance its paratransit service through a new partnership with Via, which will operate all Citilink Access and Access Plus services. 

The partnership is designed to strengthen the long-term reliability, staffing stability, and overall rider experience of the community’s essential paratransit services.

Citilink’s transition to Via is part of a broader effort to modernize and stabilize operations, according to a joint press release.

The improvements will help Citilink continue to meet federal requirements and address rising community demand, while keeping the rider experience consistent and familiar.

GOGO Charters Set to Add 30 Motorcoaches

GOGO Charters will be adding 30 new motorcoaches to its national fleet. The investment marks an important milestone in GOGO Charters’ continued growth and reinforces its commitment to delivering excellent service.

The purchase represents a $20 million investment in GOGO Charters’ fleet and reflects the continued rise in charter demand. The new motorcoaches will be deployed across key regional hubs, including Chicago, Dallas, and New York City, to support increasing volume from schools, corporate clients, and regional travel groups. 

The new motorcoaches are equipped with upgraded safety systems, modern amenities, and improved onboard technology. These additions complement GOGO Charters’ advanced mobile app, which simplifies booking, provides real-time trip tracking, and offers secure e-tickets for a seamless, hassle-free journey. 

The motorcoaches also meet the latest emissions standards and deliver improved fuel efficiency compared with previous models. The first motorcoaches from the order are expected to enter service in January, with full deployment planned for mid-February. 

The order is part of a multi-year strategy to modernize and expand the GOGO Charters fleet across the central US.

PrePass Announces Strategic Acquisition of FleetDrive 360

PrePass, a leader in integrated weigh-station bypass, toll payment, safety, and compliance solutions, acquired FleetDrive 360, a provider of FMCSA and DOT compliance technology for fleets.

By integrating FleetDrive 360’s AI-driven compliance platform, PrePass will deliver a unified compliance and safety ecosystem that replaces the spreadsheets, disconnected portals, and websites fleets traditionally rely on to stay operational. 

The enhanced PrePass platform brings together bypass, tolling, safety insights, and now automated compliance management, giving carriers a single partner across the entire regulatory lifecycle.

FleetDrive 360’s technology automates driver qualification file management, drug and alcohol clearinghouse compliance, and real-time safety monitoring, and provides proactive alerts to address the compliance pain points that most often lead to violations, downtime, or out-of-service orders.

Together, PrePass and FleetDrive 360 will deliver more intelligent, more efficient, and safer operations for fleets of all sizes, backed by the industry’s most comprehensive compliance and safety network, according to PrePass officials.