Biz Briefs covers the latest in supplier/transit partnerships from around the nation.

The latest installment of Biz Briefs includes partnerships in Buffalo, Albany, and Los Angeles.

U at Buffalo Taps WeDriveU for Bus Service

New York’s University at Buffalo Parking and Transportation Services entered into an agreement with WeDriveU to provide UB Stampede bus service for the university for the next 10 years.

Under the new contract, WeDriveU will procure and operate a new UB Stampede fleet of 28 buses. The goal is to have 40% of the fleet comprised of electric vehicles over the first two years of the contract. These electric buses will result in nearly 90% lower carbon emissions than diesel buses, according to university officials.

The new transit buses are in production. They are scheduled to arrive at UB in fall 2025. In the interim, WeDriveU will provide a fleet of 20 40-foot GILLIG transit buses to maintain continuity of service for the UB community.

The UB Stampede transports over 16,000 passengers a day, on and between the North, South, and Downtown campuses. In addition to regular daily service, Stampede buses transport students to shopping centers and specialty stores several days a week, is contracted for special events by UB departments, and is utilized for tours during open house and orientations.

CDTA Expands Flex+ Service through TRC Partnership

The Routing Company (TRC) celebrated the expansion of the Capital District Transportation Authority’s (CDTA) FLEX+ on-demand transit service.

FLEX+, launched in January 2024, is expanding through the summer months with additional stops throughout downtown Albany, N.Y.

The original FLEX+ service delivered convenient connections between downtown Albany and the Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station (formerly the Rensselaer Rail Station) — one of the busiest Amtrak stations in America.

The expanded service includes 19 unique stops in the downtown Albany area, accommodating the city’s bustling tourist season. It will take customers to several different designated stops including hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and more.

Cubic Lands Contract to Upgrade LA Metro’s Fare Collection

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) approved a new contract for Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) to upgrade the agency’s fare collection technology to include open payment and account-based functionality across LA County’s 27 transit agencies.

The new contract will enable Cubic to continue supporting the current TAP system as it upgrades to TAP Plus — a more open, flexible, and interoperable payment system that will make public transit more accessible for riders.

The Metro board decision follows Cubic’s successful launch of programs such as fare capping and GoPass.