Optibus
Optibus helps transit agencies optimize bus routes and schedules with AI.
Optibus is an AI-powered SaaS platform that enables public transportation agencies and operators to plan and manage complex transit networks end-to-end. The platform automates route planning, scheduling, rostering, real-time operations, and passenger communication, reducing optimization work from days to minutes using advanced algorithms. Optibus powers operations in over 6,000 cities across 35+ countries, including 70% of UK buses and major operators like First Bus and LADOT, serving more than 7 billion annual passenger trips.
Problem solved
Transit agencies manually spend days optimizing routes, schedules, and driver rosters, leading to inefficient operations, poor driver morale, and suboptimal passenger coverage.
Target customer
Public transportation agencies, city transit operators, and large bus companies managing complex fleet operations across multiple routes and schedules.
Founders
A
Amos Haggiag
CEO & Co-Founder
Previously architected online ad targeting systems, search engines, and Cortana at Microsoft and Siemens; holds B.Sc. in Mathematics and Computer Science from Ben-Gurion University.
E
Eitan Yanovsky
CTO & Co-Founder
Co-founder bringing technical leadership to the platform development.
G
Gady Shlasky
Co-Founder
Co-founder specializing in algorithms and optimization for transportation systems.
Funding history
Seed
Unknown
January 2015
Led by Unknown
· Unknown
Series A
Unknown
November 7, 2017
Led by Unknown
· Verizon, Pitango
Series B
Unknown
December 12, 2018
Led by Alibaba Group
· Alibaba Group
Series C
$107M
March 2021
Led by Bessemer Venture Partners
· Bessemer Venture Partners
Series D
$100M
2022
Led by Insight Partners
· Bessemer Venture Partners, Verizon Ventures, Pitango First, Pitango Growth, Tencent, SOMV Momentum
Total raised:
$260M
Industries
Pricing
Custom pricing based on operational requirements and budget. Contact for quote. No publicly available standard pricing tiers.
Notable customers
First Bus, Keolis, MV, LADOT (Los Angeles), NICE (Nassau County), AVTA (Antelope Valley), Auto Viação Alpha (Rio de Janeiro), Chapel Hill Transit
Website
Competitors
Remix
Transit planning and engagement platform with focus on community feedback and visualization.
HASTUS
Scheduling and rostering software for public transit with longer market presence.
Moovit MaaS Solutions
Mobility-as-a-Service platform focusing on passenger experience and multimodal integration.
Swiftly
Real-time transit operations and passenger communication platform.
Circuit
Route optimization software with broader logistics and delivery focus.
TransCAD
Transportation planning and modeling software with broader analytical capabilities.
Why this matters: Optibus is the first 'unicorn' in public transportation technology, backed by major investors including Tencent and Alibaba, reflecting strong investor confidence in AI-driven transit optimization. With operations spanning 6,000+ cities and 7+ billion annual passenger trips, the company has achieved significant scale and real-world impact on urban mobility and sustainability.
Best for: Large transit agencies and bus operators managing hundreds of routes and thousands of vehicles across multiple cities seeking to automate planning, reduce costs, and improve driver satisfaction.
Use cases
Route and Schedule Optimization
Transit agencies use Optibus to automatically generate optimal routes and timetables based on demand patterns, traffic data, and operational constraints. Chapel Hill Transit reduced split shifts by 60% and improved driver recruitment by optimizing schedules using Optibus' AI algorithms.
EV Fleet Planning
Transit operators planning electric bus fleets use Optibus to account for battery range, charging infrastructure, and grid constraints in route design. The platform simulates realistic run times using historical traffic data to ensure feasible schedules for electric vehicles.
Real-Time Operations Management
Control centers use Optibus to manage daily operations, track vehicle positions, and communicate with passengers in real-time. First Bus manages 4,000 buses across all operating companies using the platform for continuous optimization.
Ridership Analytics and Planning
Optibus Ridership Insights provides granular boarding and alighting data by route, time, and date. Agencies use these insights to make informed decisions about service adjustments, resource allocation, and capacity planning.
Alternatives
Remix
Better for agencies prioritizing community engagement and collaborative planning over pure algorithmic optimization.
HASTUS
Established competitor with strong European presence; choose if you prefer proven legacy system over cutting-edge AI optimization.
Swiftly
Stronger real-time operations and passenger communication focus; better if prioritizing rider-facing features over planning automation.
FAQ
What does Optibus do? +
Optibus is an AI-powered platform that automates public transportation planning and operations. It generates optimized routes, schedules, and driver rosters in minutes using advanced algorithms, then manages real-time operations and passenger communication. The platform serves over 6,000 cities globally.
How much does Optibus cost? +
Optibus uses custom, usage-based pricing tailored to each transit agency's operational requirements and budget. Pricing is not publicly available; you must request a quote directly from their sales team.
What are alternatives to Optibus? +
Top alternatives include Remix (community-focused planning), HASTUS (established scheduling software), Swiftly (real-time operations platform), TransCAD (broader transportation modeling), and Moovit MaaS (passenger experience focus).
Who uses Optibus? +
Large public transit agencies and bus operators globally use Optibus, including First Bus (UK), LADOT (Los Angeles), NICE (Nassau County), Keolis, and Auto Viação Alpha (Rio de Janeiro). The platform powers operations in 6,000+ cities across 35+ countries.
How does Optibus compare to HASTUS? +
Optibus differentiates through AI-powered optimization that reduces planning time from days to minutes and includes EV fleet planning capabilities. HASTUS is more established with longer market presence, while Optibus offers more advanced algorithmic capabilities and real-time operations management.
What makes Optibus unique? +
Optibus is the first 'unicorn' in public transportation technology with $1.3B valuation. It combines AI-driven planning optimization, EV fleet management, real-time operations, and passenger communication in one platform, serving 70% of UK buses and 7+ billion annual passenger trips.
Tags
public transportation
route optimization
AI scheduling
fleet management
transit operations
EV charging
real-time operations