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 Zonar, RTA, and May Mobility. 

Zonar Releases Next-Gen Telematics Control Unit

Zonar released its next generation Zonar LD Telematics Control Unit (TCU), delivering more comprehensive and faster vehicle intelligence and security data to meet the broadening demands of fleets. 

With advanced telematics capabilities, faster installation, and expanded vehicle coverage, the new iteration empowers fleet operators to optimize operations while continuing to prioritize strengthening efficiency, safety, and performance.

Enhanced features introduce key improvements for a better user experience:

• Faster installation: Calibrate and sync in as little as two minutes to get on the road faster.

• Enhanced over-the-air updates: Receive device performance enhancements, including expanded vehicle, engine control module (ECM), odometer and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) coverage more quickly and efficiently.

• Expanded vehicle coverage: Benefit from increased support for a broader range of vehicle models and types.

• Towing detection: Gain visibility into towing events for added security and situational awareness.

• Cold start event tracking: Detect soft or hard reboots to better identify device tampering to improve the security of fleet vehicles and technology assets.

May Mobility Partners to Introduce Autonomous Minibus Platform

May Mobility and Tecnobus, an established European electric minibus manufacturer, introduced a new autonomous minibus platform, allowing May Mobility to offer further flexibility to fleet operators and transit agencies across domestic and international markets. 

Working with Tecnobus, the new autonomous EV minibus will seat up to 30 passengers and include wheelchair accessibility, enhancing May Mobility's mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) offerings and advancing sustainable transportation. 

Key features of May Mobility's new autonomous minibus platform include:

• Scalability for mixed fleets: Designed for urban transit, corporate campuses, airports, planned communities, and more.

• International reach: Homologated for use in Europe and Canada, unlocking new markets in addition to U.S. site deployments.

• Sustainability: Fully electric with swappable batteries minimizing downtime and related energy waste.

• Performance: Accommodates up to 30 passengers and reaches speeds of 45 miles per hour.

Leveraging May Mobility's patented Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) technology, the first autonomous minibuses are expected to be road-ready in the first half of 2026, with deployments slated for later that year. 

RTA Surpasses $240M in Client Savings

RTA: The Fleet Success Company announced that since Josh Turley, grandson of founder Ron Turley, took over as CEO in 2017, RTA’s software and consulting services have helped clients save over $240 million, far exceeding its original company-wide goal of $100 million in client savings.

The savings metrics reported by RTA stem from a comprehensive time and cost analysis conducted from 2017 to 2024 across its entire customer base. 

The platform enables fleets to streamline service requests, automate preventive maintenance schedules, and manage work orders more efficiently — all contributing to significant productivity improvement and cost savings. 

The client savings measured by the use of RTA’s software are rooted in four key areas:

• Shop Management (64%) – Primarily driven by paperless operations.

• Parts Management (18%) – Efficient inventory tracking and usage.

• Warranty Management (12%) – Maximizing warranty recovery opportunities.

Fuel Management (6%) – Enhanced tracking and cost control.