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 STV, New Flyer, and more.

STV Leveraging AI Solutions for CTA Pilot

STV was selected by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to provide new digital solutions to enhance right-of-way safety as part of a unique CTA pilot program. 

Using software developed by Derq, an award-winning artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics platform, the pilot program will leverage AI-equipped cameras to provide real-time data so CTA can better monitor and respond to track right-of-way intrusions by people or large objects. 

The camera detection system uses a computer vision algorithm to identify intrusions and send details to CTA staff at its Control Center so action can be taken. The new system has the potential to improve safety by enabling swift intervention when unauthorized people are on the tracks. 

The pilot, which will be conducted over the next 12 months, was initiated by CTA’s Innovation Studio, a program launched last year to test new and state-of-the-art solutions to a wide range of issues impacting all aspects of the agency and its ridership. 

California’s OCTA Adding 50 New Flyer ZEBs

New Flyer of America Inc., a subsidiary of NFI, announced a contract from the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for 50 zero-emission buses.

The order consists of 40 Xcelsior CHARGE FC 40-foot hydrogen fuel cell-electric buses and 10 Xcelsior CHARGE NG 40-foot battery-electric buses. The units were added to NFI’s Q4 2024 backlog and are supported by a combination of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and local funding.

OCTA first launched a hydrogen fuel cell-electric pilot program in 2020 and a battery-electric pilot in 2022 — both powered by New Flyer buses. As part of this initiative, OCTA constructed the largest hydrogen fueling station for transit buses in the U.S., demonstrating a strong commitment to next-generation technology.

Genetec Enhances Security Center SaaS 

Genetec Inc. announced the addition of intrusion management to Security Center SaaS, the company’s unified physical security solution that can be deployed in the cloud or as a hybrid solution. 

By unifying intrusion detection with video surveillance, access control, identity, and visitor management, Security Center SaaS now delivers a fully unified, open, cloud-managed platform supported by the Genetec Cloudlink line of appliances.

Security Center SaaS will support a wide range of intrusion devices from multiple vendors, starting with Bosch intrusion panels.

The intrusion panel feature for Security Center SaaS will be available globally in mid-2025 through the Genetec network of accredited channel partners.