Biz Briefs covers all the latest news from the motorcoach and public transit industries.

The most recent edition includes MTM Transit, WSP, and Tolar Manufacturing Co.

CapMetro Extends MTM Transit Contract

The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) in Austin, Texas, extended its contract with MTM Transit to continue to operate the agency’s paratransit and Pickup on-demand microtransit program.

The contract, which begins Jan. 1, 2025, represents one of the largest programs for the company, with a total contract value of $736 million over the next 10 years.

Since 2014, MTM Transit has introduced innovative solutions to enhance service quality and efficiency. From implementing new technology and security systems to installing a 6,000-gallon fuel delivery system, the company has sought ways to improve its Austin operations.

MTM Transit’s partnership with CapMetro has also seen the company expand its fleet and services. Starting with 45 minivans for the North Base, the company has since grown to a fleet of 255 vehicles for the North and South Base.

Additionally, MTM Transit and CapMetro recently celebrated the one millionth Pickup passenger, representing a milestone in the program’s success.

Tolar Delivers Bus Shelters to Michigan Agency

Tolar Manufacturing Co. delivered 24 new Signature Sunset Bus Shelters to Port Huron, Mich., as part of an agreement with Blue Water Area Transit (BWAT).

The Signature Sunset shelters delivered to BWAT feature a custom super durable baked powder coat two-tone design along with some of the most critical amenities passengers seek, including quarter-inch Opal white twin-wall polycarbonate roof panels, a tempered glass front-windscreen with ADA-compliant entrances, tempered-glass rear and end walls for weather protection, 100W solar-powered dusk-to-dawn lighting for increased security, and a six-foot Mesa bench for added comfort.

Delivery of the shelters began in July 2023 and was completed in August of 2024.

The shelters are part of an overall plan by BWAT to upgrade the rider experience to continue providing quality service for residents.

WSP Signs Equity Infrastructure Project Pledge

WSP signed the Equity in Infrastructure Project (EIP) pledge as a commitment to improving diversity in public contracting.

In 2022, WSP established its Equity Center of Excellence with the goal of driving the transformation of American transit and mobility to full and equitable access for undeserved, marginalized, and disinvested communities.

In Illinois, WSP has long supported equitable contracting and employment opportunities for small and minority business owners. The firm is the general engineering consultant for the Illinois Tollway, and in this role oversees 50.5% minority and women partners holding significant leadership roles.

WSP also is part of a joint venture team on the owner’s representative contract for the Chicago Transit Authority Red Line Extension project. The team includes Infrastructure Engineering Inc., a minority-owned DBE.