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 STV, WSP, Prevost, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Alexander Dennis, Volvo Buses Eye ‘Tram-Style’ Electric Articulated Bus for UK

Alexander Dennis, a subsidiary of NFI Group Inc., is working with Volvo Buses to explore developing a tram-style electric bus for the UK market, designed to support high-capacity, zero-tailpipe-emission rapid transit solutions with lower infrastructure requirements, according to officials.

As part of a feasibility study, Volvo Buses has made its BZL Electric articulated chassis available to Alexander Dennis to assess how it could combine the latter’s engineering expertise and UK manufacturing capability with a new body design, the Enviro Max. The articulated chassis is a higher-capacity format of Volvo’s established BZL Electric rigid platform.

The initiative aims to assess appetite for a high-capacity, zero-tailpipe-emission vehicle designed to support bus rapid transit corridors. By using existing road space and avoiding the need for rails, track beds, and overhead line infrastructure, they offer an attractive, cost-effective option for local authorities looking to boost public transport capacity and connectivity, officials said.

Volvo Buses and Alexander Dennis have a long-standing relationship in the UK bus market, including previous work on the high-capacity Enviro400XLB double-decker built on the Volvo B8L chassis. The feasibility study marks the next step in that partnership, focused on a new generation of ultra-efficient, high-capacity rapid transit vehicles.

New York MTA Selects STV/WSP Joint Venture for Hudson Line Design Project

STV was selected, in joint venture with WSP, by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to lead design and preliminary engineering for a major climate resilience program along Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line.

The project supports a broader $800 million effort to protect one of the Northeast’s most heavily traveled rail corridors from flooding, extreme rainfall, and other climate-related threats.

Stretching from New York City to Poughkeepsie, the Hudson Line faces growing risks from coastal flooding, extreme rainfall, mudslides, and washouts. The New York City Panel on Climate Change projects sea levels could rise by 23 inches in the 2050s and 45 inches in the 2080s, putting low-lying segments of the line at risk of tidal flooding.

The joint venture will advance preliminary engineering for a near-term design-build package focused on the corridor’s most vulnerable segments, including portions of the line between Spuyten Duyvil and Hastings-on-Hudson. The team will also develop a corridor-wide resilience framework to help guide future investments across the entire Hudson Line. To support delivery, the team will deploy advanced field assessment technologies including mobile LiDAR, ground-penetrating radar and AI-enabled subsurface mapping tools.

Transdev to Continue Operating MBTA’s The Ride Access Center

Transdev announced that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has renewed its contract for Transdev to continue managing The RIDE Access Center (TRAC), the operational hub supporting the MBTA's paratransit service, The RIDE.

Under the renewed agreement, Transdev will continue overseeing reservations, scheduling, dispatching, service coordination, customer communications, quality assurance, and operational management that support one of the largest paratransit programs.

 As operator of TRAC, Transdev serves as the central coordination point for The RIDE program, managing trip requests, scheduling and dispatching operations, service monitoring, provider coordination, and customer support functions. The operation works closely with dedicated transportation providers and on-demand mobility partners to deliver safe, reliable service year-round.

The company said the renewed contract builds on a long-standing partnership between Transdev and the MBTA, focused on enhancing mobility and accessibility for riders who rely on paratransit services to access employment, healthcare, education, and community services. 

Beyond supporting rider mobility, Transdev's TRAC operation also demonstrated a strong commitment to workforce accessibility and inclusion. The site's management team has remained in place since June 2018, providing consistent leadership and operational continuity. The operation also employs approximately 15 current or former RIDE customers, including a member of the management team, reflecting Transdev's dedication to creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The Government of Canada Announces Investment in Prevost

Canadian officials announced an $18.5 million investment in Prevost through the Strategic Response Fund to support an $87.5 million project to develop a new vehicle platform. The One Prevost Platform will support multiple propulsion technologies, including clean and zero-emission options.

Through this project, Prevost aims to strengthen its supply chain and research-and-development capacity. The investment aligns with the objectives of Canada’s new auto strategy, which Prime Minister Carney announced in February 2026.

The investment will help secure the company’s long-term manufacturing presence in Sainte‑Claire, Quebec, while also enabling the development of new intellectual property and positioning Canada as a hub for advanced bus manufacturing.

With this project, Prevost will maintain 1,265 full-time equivalent jobs and employ students for 156 co-op terms in Canada. Support for this project will preserve jobs threatened by tariffs and strengthen Sainte-Claire's rural economy.

Duluth Transit, Masabi Launch Account-Based Ticketing, Open Payments

Minnesota’s Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) announced an expansion of its myDTA fare system by launching Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) and Open Payments, powered by Masabi.

Building on the myDTA mobile ticketing app launched in May 2021, the expansion reflects DTA's commitment to fare innovation, delivering a system designed to be easy to use and to serve every rider across the Twin Ports region.

With Account-Based Ticketing, riders can tap and ride using the myDTA app or new More smartcard without purchasing a ticket or pass in advance. The system automatically deducts the appropriate fare at boarding, with fares capped at $3 daily and $40 monthly. Additional discounts for eligible riders ensure they pay the lowest available fare.

Open Payments lets riders tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard, prepaid card, or mobile wallet directly on onboard validators. The same fare caps apply, and riders can link their payment method to a myDTA account to access trip history, discounted fares, and concessions. Officials said account linking ensures riders receive the same benefits regardless of payment method.