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 Masabi, Daimler Buses, New Flyer, and March Networks. 

Virginia Agency Taps Masabi, Equans for Fare Payment Revamp

Va.’s Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA), Masabi, Equans, and the Transit app have launched fare payments through the Transit app. 

Riders can now purchase tickets using the Transit app, which combines fare payment with trip planning, real-time tracking, crowding information, and multimodal connections.

The new integration was made in partnership with Masabi, which will also deliver its Justride Onboard Validators. When boarding, riders can simply scan the activated ticket on the validator. 

Transit app has used Masabi’s Justride SDK to facilitate the integration, which is part of an agency-wide modernization that includes Equans’ NAVINEO Computer Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location providing real-time dispatch functionalities for detour or trip cancellation information, an Automatic Voice Annunciation supplying data to interior next stop signage and ADA-compliant announcements. 

Daimler Truck | Daimler Buses Team to Maximize Spare Part Production

3D Systems, an additive manufacturing solutions provider, and Daimler Truck | Daimler Buses announced a revolutionary solution to facilitate remote spare part printing. 

The solution combines Daimler Buses’ production and maintenance expertise for automotive serial additive manufacturing parts for trucks, buses, and motorcoaches with 3D Systems’ expertise in 3D printing technology, materials, and applications; Oqton’s software leadership; and the pioneering work of Wibu-Systems in digital rights and IP management. 

The collaboration enables Daimler Buses to deliver enhanced service capabilities to its certified additive manufacturing (AM) partners while protecting its valuable intellectual property (IP) and competitive position. 

By utilizing this solution, Daimler Buses’ certified 3D printing partners will be able to manufacture spare parts locally for various underhood and cabin interior applications, including pins, covers, and inserts. As a result, these service partners can increase flexibility and efficiency while reducing time to parts in hand by up to 75%. Commercial truck, bus, and touring coach companies will also realize substantial indirect cost savings by minimizing vehicle downtime due to maintenance. 

New Flyer to Supply Up To 500 WMATA Buses

NFI Group Inc. (NFI) subsidiary New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer) announced a significant contract award for a mix of zero-emission (ZEBs) and hybrid buses with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro).

The contract encompasses up to 500 buses, adding to New Flyer’s robust fourth-quarter 2024 backlog. This includes a firm order for 75 Xcelsior hybrid-electric 40-foot transit buses and 25 Xcelsior CHARGE NG 35-foot battery-electric buses, and options for up to 400 additional buses.

“New Flyer and Metro have enjoyed working together for thirty years,” said Chris Stoddart, president of North American Bus and Coach, NFI. “This new contract for the latest bus technology embraces healthy contracting measures and is paving the way for long-term benefits for both Metro and New Flyer. By striking a balance between bonding and payment schedules, it offers flexibility in pricing and delivery timelines to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions or other challenges.”

March Networks Celebrate 25^th Anniversary

March Networks is celebrating its 25th anniversary. 

Since its founding in 2000, March Networks has become a trusted partner for thousands of organizations in retail, banking, transportation, and more. The company has consistently pushed boundaries by introducing advanced, yet practical technology that empowers businesses with actionable insights and advanced video analytics.

Today, March Networks is leading the movement of enterprise video to the cloud and the integration of Generative AI. The latest generation of NVRs, the revolutionary X-Series hybrid, and all-IP recorders, utilize NVIDIA chipsets and provide embedded AI capabilities that continue to advance.

To mark this special occasion, March Networks has released a commemorative 25th anniversary video, showcasing key milestones, longtime employees, and the company’s vision for the future. Visitors are encouraged to visit and explore the company’s refreshed website to watch the video.