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 Transit Sales International, GMV, SilverRide, and more.

Transit Sales International Completes First RATP Dev Delivery

Transit Sales International (TSI) announced the successful delivery of the first of 10 pre-owned 40-foot Gillig Low Floor buses to RATP Dev.

The delivered bus underwent preparation to ensure operational readiness upon delivery. This included a full mechanical and system inspection, necessary repairs, and customer-specific modifications to meet RATP Dev’s operational requirements.

The vehicle is powered by an ISL engine and a B400R transmission, and is equipped with a LIFT-U wheelchair lift and a Thermo King HVAC system.

By placing refurbished, pre-owned buses back into service, TSI helps transit agencies reduce procurement timelines, maximize fleet value, and advance sustainability goals by extending the life of existing transit assets, according to company officials.

GMV Awarded $43M Contract to Continue Powering Los Angeles

GMV was awarded a $43 million contract by the City of Los Angeles to continue serving as the technology partner for the city’s DASH and Commuter Express transit services through 2030, extending a collaboration that spans more than 20 years.

As part of the project, LADOT will upgrade its entire fleet with GMV Hub, GMV’s latest-generation rugged on-board computer designed specifically for transit operations. Built to perform in demanding environments, GMV Hub delivers long service life and robust performance while simplifying onboard technology.

The system features a 10-inch touchscreen with an intuitive, driver-friendly interface inspired by modern vehicle infotainment systems and familiar consumer electronics. It consolidates multiple onboard functions into a single device, including turn-by-turn navigation, onboard surveillance video, infotainment content management, and bike rack occupancy monitoring.

The onboard equipment communicates with Sync, GMV’s cloud-based dispatch and fleet management platform, enabling real-time fleet monitoring, dynamic route detours, improved service management, and accurate, real-time passenger arrival predictions. These tools support transit operators in managing daily operations while providing riders with more reliable and timely service information.

In addition, the project includes the deployment of more than 300 solar-powered digital information signs at key bus stops throughout Los Angeles. These signs will deliver live bus arrival information, crowding levels, and service alerts, while enhancing security and accessibility through integrated safety lighting and ADA-compliant voice announcements.

SilverRide Partners with MV for Supplemental Service at SamTrans

SilverRide Inc. announced a new partnership with MV Transportation to provide supplemental service for California’s San Mateo County Transit District’s (SamTrans) Redi-Wheels Paratransit Program.

The SamTrans contract extends a partnership with MV that dates back to 2021 and now spans more than 10 cities nationwide, including operations in Los Angeles, Jacksonville, Louisville, and Indianapolis.

Under the agreement, SilverRide will operate both ambulatory and wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs) to provide supplemental service to Redi-Wheels riders across San Mateo County.

SilverRide drivers complete Level II background checks and drug and alcohol testing, meet specialized credentialing requirements tailored to the populations they serve, and maintain ongoing certification before and throughout their time on the platform.

The Company’s driver network operates under a live dispatch model that combines real-time technology with human oversight and provides companionship, wellness observations, and caregiver communication as part of every operation, said SilverRide officials.

Optibus Unveils Relief Car Scheduling Tools

Optibus released major updates that replace manual relief-car (also called taxis, ferries, or shuttles) scheduling with automated logic for driver pairing and grouping.

The new tools help the industry take control of its scheduling, from multimodal travel to chauffeur relief car trips.

Use cases for these new capabilities include:

• Integrated Multimodal Travel: Optibus has introduced a new capability that automatically combines relief cars, walking segments, and public transportation into a single, seamless sequence. By letting the system calculate these intricate connections, the mental load of manual workarounds is reduced, and users can achieve more efficient driver rotations that were previously too tedious to schedule by hand. The system recognizes the full journey, including building better "Walk + Car" connections and leveraging multimodal sequences.
• Improved Support for Chauffeur Relief Car Trips: For certain complex schedules, relief-car deadheads (trips without an assigned driver, also known as chauffeur trips) are necessary to achieve optimal results. Schedulers can use these to reduce relief cars and find more creative solutions, such as creating better chauffeur trips and reducing relief car PVR.
• Advanced Relief Car Optimization: Planning driver reliefs across a large network can mask inefficiencies, making it harder to coordinate a fleet as a single unit. An enhanced optimization algorithm automates complex tasks previously performed manually.

Tolar Manufacturing Completes Texas Bus Shelter Deliveries

Tolar Manufacturing Company completed the delivery of new transit shelters and benches for the Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG), supporting public transportation infrastructure in Texarkana and Paris, Texas.

The project was completed under a five-year contract awarded in September 2024 following a competitive procurement process. As part of the agreement, 16 shelters were delivered in April 2025, followed by 12 additional units in June 2025. 

ATCOG selected Tolar’s Niagara Series non-advertising transit shelter, which features all-aluminum construction, bronze-tinted twinwall polycarbonate roof panels secured with gasketed pressure ribs, and enclosed roof ends with tinted polycarbonate panels. Perforated aluminum rear wall panels provide ventilation while offering weather protection, and open-end walls enhance visibility and accessibility.

Each shelter also includes internally telescoping adjustable shoes for surface mounting and leveling on a suitable concrete pad, with all metal components finished in a super-durable baked powder coat selected from Tolar’s standard RAL color deck. Stainless steel anchors and complete installation hardware were included.

The shelters are complemented by Tolar’s loop arm benches, featuring two seats with black HDPE plastic slat seating surfaces. The benches are secured with stainless steel anchors and finished with a super-durable baked powder coat to match the shelters, providing a cohesive, long-lasting streetscape solution, Tolar officials said.