METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Biz Briefs: American Seating New HQ, Optibus Partnership, and More

Get the latest from American Seating, Optibus, CarMedialab, and GOGO Charters.

Biz Briefs: American Seating New HQ, Optibus Partnership, and More

American Seating, Optibus, CarMedialab, and GOGO Charters are the latest companie to be featured in METRO's Biz Briefs.

Photo: METRO

2 min to read


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. 

Ad Loading...

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. 

Ad Loading...

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 announced its official launch servicing Phoenix

Ad Loading...

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."

More Management

STV's Garo Hovnanian
Managementby Alex RomanMay 13, 2026

The Expanding Role of Advisory in Transit Delivery

Garo Hovnanian explores how agencies can better navigate competing priorities, strengthen decision-making, and prepare for a future shaped by electrification and emerging mobility.

Read More →
An NJ TRANSIT bus.
Managementby StaffMay 13, 2026

NJ TRANSIT to Expand Cleanliness, Safety, and Accessibility Under New Action Plan

The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

Read More →
Mayor Tim Keller in front of an ABQ RIDE microtransit vehicle
New Mobilityby StaffMay 12, 2026

ABQ RIDE Forward's Next Phase Sets Target Date

ABQ RIDE Forward is the first transit system overhaul in more than 25 years. This latest phase marks 15% completion of the 16-phase rollout, which will continue over the next several years.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Managementby StaffMay 12, 2026

New Orleans RTA Signals Leadership Shift, Opens National CEO Search

During the meeting, the board approved a resolution invalidating a previously amended contract and authorized Board Chair Ann Duplessis to negotiate a separation agreement with CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.

Read More →
METRO Biz Briefs cover photo

STV Launches Power Practice and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from SilverRide, Complete Coach Works, and more.

Read More →
Railcar handles signifying transit usage
Managementby StaffMay 11, 2026

FTA Announces $28.5M Investment for Transit-Oriented Development Planning

The Pilot Program for TOD Planning helps support FTA’s mission of improving America’s communities through public transportation by providing funding to local communities to integrate land use and transportation planning with a new fixed-guideway or core-capacity transit capital investment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two Swedish public transit buses next to a Hitachi Energy infrastructure.
Managementby Elora HaynesMay 11, 2026

When the Buses Are Ready, and the System Isn’t

Transit agencies have moved past pilot projects, but scaling electrification is exposing a harder truth: the real challenge isn’t vehicles, it’s everything around them.

Read More →
Local, Federal, State, and LA Metro officials at the opening of the D Line.
Railby StaffMay 10, 2026

LA Metro Opens D Line Extension

The only new subway opening in the US this year, the D Line Extension represents one of Metro’s top transit priorities and a historic milestone for Los Angeles, with Sections 2 and 3 set to open in 2027.

Read More →
Cover for Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon
ManagementMay 8, 2026

Bus Tech Talk: Part 2 with AC Transit's Cecil Blandon

In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Société de transport de Montréal transit bus driving past a grassy area with trees.
Managementby StaffMay 8, 2026

Montreal’s STM Reports Ridership Decline, Service Modernization Efforts

The transit agency cites labor disruptions, demographic shifts, and evolving rider needs as it advances safety initiatives, paratransit changes, and major infrastructure projects across its network.

Read More →