METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Biz News: National Express, First Transit contracts; New Flyer, Proterra deliver

MBTA, Valley Metro, and Miami-Dade come to agreements for paratransit, CNG buses, and battery-electric vehicles, charging.

October 10, 2019
Biz News: National Express, First Transit contracts; New Flyer, Proterra deliver

Miami-Dade is installing up to 75 plug-in chargers to support future expansion of their electric vehicle fleet.

2 min to read


MBTA taps National Express for paratransit services

Boston’s Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) selected National Express Transit Corp. to continue providing paratransit services as THE RIDE in the MBTA’s South Service Area. The five-year base contract, with a two-year option, has a potential total value of more than $400 million over seven years.

The Ride’s work will be split amongst three providers, including National Express. The new contract awards National Express Transit 50% of the entire Ride program.

Ad Loading...

Valley Metro adding 27 New Flyer CNG buses 

The Valley Metro Regional Public Transportation Authority exercised options for 27 additional New Flyer Xcelsior® 40-foot, compressed natural gas (CNG) heavy-duty transit buses.

The original joint contract with the City of Phoenix, awarded in November 2017, included up to 396 buses over five-years. Currently, 91% of the Valley Metro fleet is powered by low-emission CNG buses, which support local clean air initiatives and Valley Metro’s 2016-2020 strategic plan to advance the value of transit throughout metro Phoenix.

Miami-Dade is installing up to 75 plug-in chargers to support future expansion of their electric vehicle fleet.

Proterra to deliver battery-electric buses, charging stations to Miami-Dade

Proterra announced that Miami-Dade has agreed to purchase 33, 40-foot Proterra Catalyst® E2 electric buses with DuoPower drivetrain technology and up to 75 plug-in Proterra chargers. With 33 electric buses and charging systems, Miami-Dade represents the largest electric bus order on the East Coast.

Miami-Dade is installing up to 75 plug-in chargers to support future expansion of their electric vehicle fleet. Proterra will provide turn-key infrastructure installation, managing the process from start to finish. Working with the county and local utility, Proterra’s team of in-house experts will design and implement the best charging infrastructure solution for Miami-Dade, simplifying the transition to an electric fleet.

Ad Loading...

Proterra’s purpose-built high-power charging systems utilize standardized J1772-CCS plug-in technology, providing Miami-Dade the opportunity to charge other electric vehicles in addition to Proterra electric buses. The company’s chargers are also vehicle-to-grid capable and smart-grid ready.

First Transit United Airlines contract extended at IAH

United Airlines renewed its contract with First Transit to operate and provide shuttles for all employees at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

First Transit will continue to provide maintenance, operations, and staffing for 22 buses, carrying nearly two million United Airlines employees annually at IAH. The contractor is bringing the latest technology with a new bus tracking app for employees to see the location of shuttles in real-time. Also, First Transit is introducing 16 new 35-foot ElDorado EZ Rider II buses to enhance the employee rider experience.

More Bus

A Nova LFSe+ electric bus for STM
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJune 18, 2026

Biz Briefs: Montréal Debuts Nova Electric Buses and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.

Read More →
Zero-emissions bus with FLEETWATCH technology
ManagementJune 17, 2026

The Hidden Cost of Fuel Data Inaccuracy in Public Transit Fleets

In today's transit environment, accurate fuel and mileage data are critical to reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and improving fleet performance.

Read More →
Six-Year Plan Boosts Virginia Transit, Rail Investments
Managementby StaffJune 17, 2026

Virginia's $28.5B Transportation Plan Targets Transit and Rail

Approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the program supports ongoing infrastructure projects while providing new investments in transit, state of good repair and transportation alternatives.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Group announcing BUSES Act
Motorcoachby StaffJune 16, 2026

Bipartisan BUSES Act Seeks Changes to New York City's Bus Idling Enforcement Program

Backed by motorcoach operators, the legislation seeks to balance emissions goals with passenger safety by allowing limited idling for inspections, accessibility needs and extreme weather conditions.

Read More →
An LA Metro D Line train in Union Station
Managementby StaffJune 16, 2026

D Line Expansion Fuels Growth Across LA Metro's Rail System

Weekend rail ridership was especially strong, soaring 18% as riders embraced expanded access to jobs, entertainment, dining, and cultural destinations, said the agency. Total system ridership for May, including bus and rail, was 26,966,657.

Read More →
An ENC bus being manufactured in its facility.
Busby StaffJune 10, 2026

ENC to Deliver Three Clean Diesel Buses to Canada's York Region Transit

Since 2005, City View and ENC have supplied nearly 90 E-Z Rider II buses to YRT.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Frontrunner's new facility in Billerica, Massachusetts.
Busby StaffJune 8, 2026

Frontrunner Bus Group Expands with New Massachusetts Headquarters

The significantly larger facility will provide the infrastructure needed to support the company’s growing workforce, advanced technologies, and expanding product line.

Read More →
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
A maintenance person with a tablet.
ManagementJune 5, 2026

Reinventing Fleet Maintenance with Real-time Visibility and AI

Transit leaders need to know what needs fixing, where to look, who is responsible, when work is completed, and what it costs without having to chase information across disconnected systems.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SamTrans planning for ballot measure
Managementby StaffJune 4, 2026

SamTrans Sets Priorities for Potential Connect Bay Area Revenue

The board-approved framework allocates future funding to maintaining service, rider improvements, equity initiatives, and infrastructure repairs.

Read More →