From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. 

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we highlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility — from manufacturers and technology providers to transit agencies and motorcoach service operators. Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Clean Energy, Gatekeeper, and more.

Samsara AI Dash Cams to Enhance SamTrans Bus Safety

California’s San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) approved the installation of Samsara artificial intelligence–enabled safety cameras on 235 SamTrans fixed-route buses, expanding the agency’s efforts to reduce collisions and improve safety for passengers, operators, and the public.

Samsara will provide dual-facing AI dash cameras and cloud-based services that help identify unsafe driving behaviors, increase operator awareness of pedestrians, and support incident review and training.

The system includes cameras that face both the roadway and the bus operator. Using AI technology, the cameras can detect risky conditions and trigger alerts that help improve driving awareness while also capturing video that can be used for safety analysis and operator coaching.

Under the agreement, Samsara will provide hardware, software, installation, training, and cloud-based video services for the buses. The contract has a three-year base term not to exceed $240,000, with an option for up to three additional one-year extensions totaling up to $240,000.

Clean Energy Signs Several RNG Contracts

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced a slew of deals with transit fleets nationwide, including with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). The agreements span renewable natural gas (RNG) fueling infrastructure and RNG supply, representing the continued growth of clean fuel adoption across multiple sectors.

WMATA extended its relationship with Clean Energy, awarding a new operations and maintenance contract to support its natural gas bus fleet. The agreement covers five million gallons of fuel to support over 400 buses, which will serve the local community.

Clean Energy also signed an operations and maintenance agreement with ABM Facility Services to maintain three transit bus fueling stations for the City of Phoenix, and to begin providing RNG to 78 Arlington Transit (ART) buses in Virginia, totaling approximately 750,000 gallons annually. ART selected Clean Energy through a competitive process to supply RNG and support its GHG emissions reduction goals.

Clean Energy will also continue to operate and maintain Nashville International Airport’s natural gas station under a new agreement to provide 63 shuttle buses and fleet vehicles with approximately 350,000 gallons of fuel annually.

Tolar Shelters Supporting PSTA ‘Spark’ Service

Tolar Manufacturing Company is supporting the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority's (PSTA) Spark service in St. Petersburg, Florida, with solar-powered amenities that align with the authority's ambition to operate an all-electric fleet.

Launched as a new era of zero-emission transit, Spark features all-electric buses and upgraded stops designed to deliver faster, cleaner, and more connected service, bringing South St. Petersburg closer to the center of the region’s economic and cultural growth.

Tolar's Signature Sunset EcoShade Monopole Transit Shelter and Solar Lit Totem Signs provide off-grid power, real-time information, and enhanced rider comfort — demonstrating how clean vehicles and clean infrastructure work together.

Tolar’s EcoShade bus shelter provides seating and shade at stops with limited space. The shelter is built featuring a protective radius roof and seating for two. RMS80F solar lighting is powered by 80W roof-mounted panels with integrated battery storage, providing five days of autonomous operation and lighting from dusk to dawn.

Tolar also provided 8-foot Solar Lit Totem Signs featuring a narrow-blade design with a nominal footprint, an integrated solar lighting system, and "Spark Bus" branding and metal logo plate signage, along with EPS13 battery-powered e-paper real-time passenger information signs that provide riders with up-to-the-second bus arrival information.

Gatekeeper Announces Follow-On Paratransit Contract

Gatekeeper Systems Inc. received a contract from Coach & Equipment Bus Sales Inc. to provide mobile data collectors, rear-view systems, video display mirrors, and other interior and exterior video devices to be OEM factory-installed on more than 55 new paratransit vehicles.

The contract, valued at $250,000, follows a contract replicating the same video configuration with the same OEM bus manufacturer in March 2025 for approximately $666,000.

Gatekeeper’s Rear Vision System is a ruggedized design video system that provides a clear view behind the vehicle, even in complete darkness. When coupled with Gatekeeper’s Video Display Mirror, it provides the bus driver with an easy-to-use rearview of the vehicle.