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 Hitachi Rail, The Routing Company, Transit Sales International, and STV.

Hitachi Rail to Supply Cutting-Edge Signaling in San Francisco

Hitachi Rail signed a contract with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) to transform the service of Municipal Railway (Muni) public transit with its advanced train control technology. 

Hitachi Rail will deploy its state-of-the-art SelTrac Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology across the entire 71-mile, 33-station network. 

The company will expand the train control system to the network’s surface portions, providing a single system for surface and subway areas to regulate flow of vehicles throughout the entire system. The contract will also include a 10-year long-term service support agreement for ongoing support and maintenance with an option for 10 additional years. 

SelTrac will allow trains to run closer together, boosting capacity and revenue potential. This transformative train control technology will allow for more reliable, efficient, and safer operations while supporting future growth.

The Routing Co., Whittier, California Team for On-Demand Program

The Routing Co. (TRC) formed a new partnership jointly with the City of Whittier, Calif., and its transit operator, the Parking Company of America (PCAM). 

Whittier, a community located 12 miles southeast of Los Angeles, spans 14.8 square miles and serves a population of just under 100,000. Known for its commitment to sustainability and infrastructure innovation, the city operates dial-a-ride and microtransit services managed by PCAM, striving to provide equitable and efficient transportation for all.

The 16-vehicle on-demand pilot service, which includes 15 shuttle vehicles and one shared with La Habra Heights, will deliver responsive dial-a-ride service in English and Spanish. Service is anticipated to launch early spring 2025. 

The pilot aims to enhance mobility solutions for the city’s residents, while aligning with Whittier's long-term transportation and sustainability goals in its 2021-2040 Envision Whittier General Plan, which outlines significant investments in mobility and infrastructure. 

California’s Sonoma County Taps TSI for CNG Buses

Transit Sales International (TSI) landed a new contract to supply two 2013 CNG New Flyer 40LFR buses to Calif.’s Sonoma County Transit. 

The two buses, both high-quality pre-owned models, have been sourced from TSI’s extensive inventory. TSI will bring the vehicles to operational readiness to ensure that all systems are fully operational and ready for service. 

TSI’s process involves inspection and service to all functional systems of the bus. In addition, the buses will be fitted with an REI 8 camera system, reupholstered passenger seat inserts, a new bike rack, and exterior LED lighting. 

The buses will also receive a custom paint job to reflect Sonoma County Transit’s branding. 

STV Opens New Florida Office

STV opened its new 9,844-square-foot office at The Crossing at Enterprise Park in Jacksonville, Fla. 

Located in Southpoint, within the city’s Southside area, the modern space is designed to foster collaboration and support STV’s growing team as they deliver critical infrastructure solutions for clients in the region.

The new office opening bolsters STV’s nearly 50-year history of advancing infrastructure across Florida. The firm supports state and local agencies, including the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida’s Turnpike, and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, with projects that connect communities statewide and support their economic development.

 STV has opened and expanded several of its North American offices over the past year, including in New York City, Dallas, and Charlotte. These new spaces support STV’s Strategic Plan priorities to reimagine its operations and invest in a world-class employee experience.