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 ENC, Transdev, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

New Flyer Lands CNG Bus Orders From Houston METRO, COTA

New Flyer of America announced separate compressed natural gas (CNG) bus orders from Houston METRO and the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) to support fleet replacement and expanded transit service.

Houston METRO ordered 100 40-foot Xcelsior CNG buses in a purchase valued at approximately $93 million. The buses, which were added to New Flyer’s firm backlog in the second quarter of 2026, will replace vehicles that have reached the end of their service lives. Federal Transit Administration funding supports the purchase, and METRO is also upgrading select facilities to increase CNG fueling capacity.

In Central Ohio, COTA awarded New Flyer a contract for up to 45 60-foot Xcelsior CNG articulated buses. The contract includes a firm order for 12 buses and options for up to 33 more. The vehicles will replace aging buses and support the rollout of new bus rapid transit service in Columbus and surrounding communities. The order marks COTA’s first purchase of 60-foot New Flyer articulated buses.

The two agencies are using the purchases to address different fleet needs. Houston METRO, which provides more than 76 million passenger trips annually, is incorporating the buses into its ongoing fleet renewal program. COTA, which provides more than 12 million annual passenger trips, plans to use its articulated buses to add capacity as it develops high-capacity transit service in Central Ohio.

Transdev to Continue Operating DART First State Transit Services

The Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) awarded Transdev a contract renewal to continue operating DART First State transit services in Sussex County. The agreement includes a three-year base term that began June 18.

Under the contract, Transdev will continue managing daily operations for DART’s fixed route, paratransit, and microtransit services throughout Sussex County.

The operation includes a fleet of about 40 fixed-route vehicles, seven paratransit vehicles, and four microtransit vehicles, supported by more than 75 employees operating from three facilities throughout the county.

Transdev said its Sussex County team will continue supporting DART’s evolving mobility initiatives, including electric bus services and expanded transportation options designed to meet riders' changing needs throughout the region.

ENC to Supply New University of Vermont Transit Buses

The University of Vermont selected ENC to supply four AXESS 40-foot diesel transit buses.

The order marks the university's first with ENC and includes an option to purchase four additional 40-foot AXESS buses in diesel, compressed natural gas, or diesel-electric hybrid configurations.

The University of Vermont is a research university based in Burlington, Vermont, with an on-site population of approximately 14,000 students. The new buses will provide the student body with safe, reliable transportation across the university community.

ENC's Buy America-compliant transit buses are available in 30-, 32-, 33-, 35-, and 40-foot configurations, affording fleet operators comprehensive sizing flexibility. Each model meets full ADA compliance and offers configurable floorplans with comprehensive mobility features designed to serve diverse community needs.

Beep, Freebee Complete Merger

Beep Inc. announced the completion of its merger with Freebee, bringing together the two mobility companies and their microtransit and autonomous transportation services.

The merged entity combines Freebee’s human-driven microtransit platform, proprietary technology, and large-scale operating network with Beep’s deep experience implementing autonomous mobility systems through its AI-driven AutonomOS software platform, which builds on Beep’s years of operating autonomous vehicles to make it easier to use and manage physical AI across transportation networks.

The company will operate under the Beep name, led by Beep co-founder Kevin Reid as chairman and CEO. In contrast, Freebee co-founders Kris Kimball and Jason Spiegel will join the executive team as chief operating officer and president and chief growth officer, respectively. Beep co-founder Mark Reid will serve as chief customer officer. The company’s microtransit solutions will continue to operate under the Freebee brand.

The combined company will continue expanding Freebee’s microtransit services while introducing autonomous capabilities where they fit operationally, economically, and in the community. Customers can deploy human-driven, autonomous, or blended mobility networks through a single partner, meeting immediate transportation needs while building a practical pathway to autonomy over time.

West Virginia’s Mountain Line Adds Propane-Fueled Buses

Mountain Line Transit Authority, a public transportation provider in Morgantown, West Virginia, is showcasing its five new light-duty buses fueled with propane autogas.

The ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-450 cutaway chassis is the only propane vehicle to complete the Federal Transit Administration’s New Model Bus Testing Program (Altoona Testing), which allows transit fleet operators to access federal funds that cover 85% of the total cost of an alternative-fuel vehicle, with a 15% local match.

To fuel the five vehicles, Mountain Line installed an on-site propane station. Ferrellgas provided the infrastructure at no cost through a fuel contract.

All of Mountain Line’s propane vehicles are certified to 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour and emit 90% less nitrogen oxide than the EPA’s strictest standard. EPA and CARB measure NOx, particulate matter, non-methane hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, formaldehyde, and nitrous oxide, officials say. Propane vehicles equipped with a ROUSH CleanTech fuel system emit 64% less of each of the eight measured outputs on average.

Complete Coach Works to Install Pierce Transit Driver Barriers

Complete Coach Works (CCW) announced a new contract with Lakewood, Washington’s Pierce Transit to install driver barrier systems on 37 MCI coaches.

The work will be completed at Pierce Transit’s Lakewood facility, where CCW technicians will install the systems on-site. Through its on-site labor services, CCW brings skilled transit technicians to an agency’s facility to help complete projects, supplement existing staff, and keep fleet work moving, company officials said.

The contract was completed through the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES) Contract. By using the DES contract, Pierce Transit streamlined the purchasing process and moved the project forward more efficiently.