Biz Briefscovers 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 Masabi, Via, and more. 

Madison’s Metro Transit, Masabi Launch Open Payments 

Metro Transit in Madison, Wis., has expanded its fare system to include Open Payments. This allows riders to tap a contactless bank card or mobile wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, to board without buying a ticket or registering. The system also supports daily, weekly, and monthly fare capping.

The move reflects Metro Transit's ongoing push for convenience and efficiency. It was launched seven months after introducing Account-Based Ticketing (ABT) with Metro Fast Fare cards and a new mobile app. Riders can now pay using smartcards, mobile apps, or contactless payments, reducing cash use, streamlining boarding, and lowering operational costs.

Powered by Masabi’s Justride platform, the system integrates seamlessly with Metro Transit’s existing infrastructure. Onboard validators and multi-door boarding on BRT vehicles further reduce dwell times and improve service reliability across the network.

CATS Relaunches Vanpool Program with Enterprise Partnership

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has relaunched its vanpool program in partnership with Enterprise, offering residents and commuters a more convenient, flexible, and cost-effective transportation option in the greater Charlotte area.

The revamped program includes fuel-efficient vehicles, improved customer service, and a new “flexible” vanpool option for hybrid workers, allowing participants to pay per day when commuting. 

Designed for groups of 4 to 15 people with similar routes and schedules, vanpools help reduce commuting costs while promoting shared mobility. 

California’s Connect Torrance Expands Service 

In partnership with Via, the City of Torrance, Calif., is expanding service hours and coverage for Connect Torrance, the city’s curb-to-curb on-demand transit program, following strong early results since its launch in December 2024.

Designed to provide a convenient, affordable alternative to private vehicle use, the service has earned 4.9 out of 5 stars from riders. Monthly ridership doubled between January and May; average pickup times were just 9.5 minutes. Operational efficiency has also improved, with declining ride and mile costs.

Connect Torrance serves key commercial and employment areas and is funded through a mix of LA Metro’s Measure M and R funds, the South Bay Cities COG, and Torrance Transit’s budget. The city continues refining service based on rider feedback, with expansion plans.

Hitachi Rail Completes ‘Most Complex Signaling Upgrade’ on London Underground

According to a company press release, Hitachi Rail has completed the most technically challenging phase of Transport for London’s Four Lines Modernization (4LM) project — its largest-ever signaling upgrade — on the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines.

The milestone centers on the Neasden Depot, the Underground’s largest, and required intricate integration between legacy interlocking systems and Hitachi’s Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology. The deployment also included live testing with the Jubilee Line’s SelTrac system, all completed with real-time switching and minimal passenger disruption.

The 4LM program covers nearly 40% of the Tube network and is one of the world’s most complex signaling upgrades. It aims to improve reliability, frequency, and safety.