Transit business updates: Knorr-Bremse; The Routing Company; new transit industry book

Knorr-Bremse has acquired Alstom Signaling, The Routing Company (TRC) has launched its on-demand services with the Solano Transportation Authority (STA) and Paul Comfort has published his new book on the future of transit technology.

Knorr-Bremse 

Knorr-Bremse has acquired Alstom Signaling North America which will open new prospects for profitable growth, technological competence and future digital business models for the company. 

The acquisition is a step in the direction of transforming from a supplier of vehicle systems to a supplier of systems for the entire rail ecosystem.  

“For Knorr-Bremse, the acquisition of Alstom Signaling North America means a successful entry to the CCS segment," explains Dr. Nicolas Lange, member of the Knorr-Bremse AG executive board and responsible for the rail vehicle systems division. "The CCS market is approximately €20 billion (US$21 billion) globally, making it a highly attractive rail segment. For us as an international systems supplier, the transaction is a substantial step forward in electronics and digitalization in rail infrastructure. Brakes and signaling technology have a critical influence on the safety and capacity of rail transportation. The CCS segment fits into the DNA of the Knorr-Bremse Rail division amazingly.” 

A purchase price of around €630 million (US$670 million) was agreed upon. This will include a mid-double-digit million euro amount for additional expected and highly profitable project business that is expected to support the revenue growth mid-term. The acquisition is to be financed from available liquidity and debt and should not affect the credit rating.  

The transaction is expected to close during summer 2024. 

TRC 

TRC has successfully launched its commingled on-demand transit and paratransit services with  STA. The agency announced its partnership with TRC in 2023. Powered by TRC’s Ride Pingo app – in Suisun City, Calif., the service is operating under the name Suisun Microtransit.  

Commingled service means transit vehicles are being used for paratransit and on-demand transit services at the same time. 

“We are thrilled to support STA in its pursuit of connected, responsive and scalable commingled transit where every rider is included,” said James Cox, CEO, TRC. “Launching commingled service, powered by Pingo, delivers on STA’s commitment to connect various microtransit services in the region. It also continues to prove commingling can be done efficiently and that rider experience never has to be compromised.” 

This new service will help STA provide better public transit to its more than 10,000 community of riders in Solano County. 

“Suisun Microtransit offers our residents a flexible, reliable and affordable transportation alternative to travel throughout Suisun City and various locations in Fairfield,” said Suisun City Mayor and STA Board Member Alma Hernandez. “The new app makes Suisun Microtransit even more convenient for riders and allows them to easily track the location of their ride.” 

Paul Comfort 

Paul Comfort, who serves as senior vice president and chief customer officer for Modaxo Americas, has published a book that delves into leading public transportation figures and components.

From hydrogen-fueled buses to artifical inteligance-driven advancements and cybersecurity, The New Future of Public Transportation discusses what the future of transit can be through the use of new technology. 

Comfort also utilizes his experience as the former CEO of one of Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) in Baltimore to give his incite on the complexities of transit planning in a post-COVID-19 world, where innovative solutions became essential to tackle infrastructure challenges and workforce shortages. 

The book goes into how new transit technology, including autonomous vehicles and zero emission initiatives, with a focus on sustainability and customer experience have and will continue to improve rider experience and system efficiency overall.    

The book will be available on Amazon on May 1, 2024.