American Seating, Optibus, CarMedialab, and GOGO Charters are the latest companie to be featured in METRO's Biz Briefs.
Photo: METRO
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American Seating, Optibus, CarMedialab, and GOGO Charters recently announced news from their respective companies.
American Seating Reveals Plans for New HQ
American Seating revealed plans for its new corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations at 1040 40th St. SE in Grand Rapids.
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The company is renovating an existing facility into an over 210,000-square-foot hub for transportation-seating product design, manufacturing, and speed to market.
The southeast Grand Rapids location is seven miles from American Seating’s current site on Grand Rapids’ northwest side where the company has been since its inception in 1886.
Renovation work at the new location just recently began, and company leaders anticipate starting to move into the new space at the end of the year.
Optibus, HITOUCH Announce Partnership
Optibus and HITOUCH announced they are partnering to bring a new level of ease in transforming data into route displays, network maps, and timetables.
Combining Optibus' platform with HITOUCH's visualization solution “geo.zpheres”, the partnership simplifies the workflow for converting service data into information materials.
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Transportation operators of all backgrounds will gain the ability to go from planning services to creating passenger information displays.
MOBILEcharge receives dispatching data from Optibus and uses this data to optimize charging processes based on departure time.
Photo: Ayalon Highways
CarMedialab to Equip Israel’s Public Transport with Smart Charge Solution
Ayalon Highways has contracted INIT subsidiary CarMedialab to integrate the MOBILEcharge intelligent charge management system into hundreds of electric bus charging stations across the country.
MOBILEcharge monitors the charging of electric buses while integrating various interfaces that facilitate communication with depot management and other pertinent systems. This allows operators to better manage their electric fleets, increase efficiency, and save costs.
“We chose CarMedialab’s charge management system for all our bus depots all over Israel,” said Shirley Wermus, product manager at Ayalon Highways. “MOBILEcharge will help us to have a maximum number of buses available on time with minimal use of the grid and minimal costs.”
GOGO Charters will offer one-time and recurring group transportation services for a variety of trips, events, and special occasions.
Photo: GOGO Charters
GOGO Charters Launches Bus and Shuttle Fleet in Phoenix
GOGO Charters will offer one-time and recurring group transportation services for a variety of trips, events, and special occasions.
"Phoenix's sprawling metropolitan landscape can make group travel challenging," said Farzin Parsa, president of GOGO Charters. "We're excited to offer reliable, comfortable charter bus services to both locals and tourists in Phoenix. Our 24/7 reservation team, backed by professional drivers, will cater to your group's transportation needs, regardless of distance, event, or season. Experience seamless navigation through the vibrant desert city with GOGO Charters."
The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.
The service is a flexible, reservation-based transit service designed to close the first- and last-mile gaps and connect riders to employment for just $5 per day.
The upgraded system, which went live earlier this month, supports METRO’s METRONow vision to enhance the customer experience, improve service reliability, and strengthen long-term regional mobility.
The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.
The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.