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

Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

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.

Read More →
New Mobilityby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Chicago's Pace Expands VanGo Mobility Program

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.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with text reading "Foothill Gold Line: Design Contract Award & 2026 Board Leadership."
Managementby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Foothill Gold Line Board Awards Claremont Extension Design Contract to Parsons, Maintains Board Leadership for 2026

Parsons wins the $60M Claremont Extension design contract as the Foothill Gold Line board reaffirms leadership during a pivotal project phase.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technologyby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Houston METRO Introduces RideMETRO Fare System

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.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →
A b2x rewards logo and graphic reading "Read. Learn. Earn."
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Bobit Business Media Launches B2X Rewards to Engage Transit Industry Professionals

The new program rewards B2B audience readers for engaging with trusted content and suppliers, earning them points toward events, travel, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says

The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 28, 2026

New Orleans RTA Reaches Agreement with ATU

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.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

Keolis Retains Virginia Railway Express Contract

The new contract for Keolis and VRE will commence in July 2026, with the potential to expand to 15 years.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

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.

Read More →