METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Biz Briefs: Optibus, Fleetio, and More

Here's the latest supplier/agency news from around the industry.

Biz Briefs: Optibus, Fleetio, and More

Since its initial seed round, investors including Volvo, Insight, Bessemer, SOMV, Tencent, and more, have backed Optibus’ mission, guiding the company to a valuation of $1.3 billion.

Photo: Optibus/METRO

2 min to read


Biz Briefs covers the latest industry news. In the latest installment, Optibus marks 10 years, Fleetio earns an award, and much more.

Optibus Marks 10th Anniversary

Optibus is marking its 10-year anniversary.

Ad Loading...

CEO Amos Haggiag and CTO Eitan Yanovsky co-founded Optibus in 2014 to solve a math challenge they had encountered at university as mathematics and computer science students: the Traveling Salesman Problem.

Today, Optibus has grown from two founders to more than 400 employees in 23 countries. It has been named a World Economic Forum technology pioneer and, in 2024, Optibus’ sustainability performance ranked in the top 5% of companies globally.

Since its initial seed round, investors including Volvo, Insight, Bessemer, SOMV, Tencent, and more, have backed Optibus’ mission, guiding the company to a valuation of $1.3 billion.

Fleetio Wins Sales & Customer Service Award

Fleet maintenance management software company Fleetio won a 2024 Silver Stevie® Sales & Customer Service Award for Customer Service Department of the Year.

A testament to its commitment to customer-centric service and product reliability, this marks the third consecutive year that Fleetio has earned a Stevie Award.

Ad Loading...

The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world’s top honors for customer service, contact center, business development, and sales professionals. The Stevie Awards organizes nine of the world’s leading business awards programs, also including the prestigious American Business Awards and International Business Awards.

Suffolk Transit Provider Earns TSA Certification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) honored EBT Inc. — one of several private bus companies contracted by New York’s Suffolk Transit to provide fixed-route services — with the Gold Standard Award for security.

The Gold Standard Award is the highest level of recognition TSA can give to a public bus transit agency for achieving top scores during an annual review of 20 categories of security and emergency preparedness elements. The review evaluates several aspects of a bus transit agency’s operations, including its security plan, security training, drills and exercise programs, public outreach efforts, and background check procedures.

EBT Inc., a member of The Trans Group of Spring Valley, N.Y., operates a fleet of 52 public buses for Suffolk Transit along eight routes with 111 full- and part-time bus operators in Suffolk County, N.Y.

More Technology

A blue graphic with lap top and phone iterations of Smith System's Trainer Center.
Technologyby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Smith System Launches Trainer Center to Scale Fleet Safety Programs

The new hub digitizes trainer-led safety programs, reducing admin work and giving fleets clearer insight into driver behavior.

Read More →
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 →
ManagementJanuary 22, 2026

Florida's JTA Unveils Mobility Visioning Plan 2050 at State of the Authority Event

CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
BusJanuary 22, 2026

Biz Briefs: BART, Uber Launch Partnership and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
TTC Bus
TechnologyJanuary 21, 2026

TTC Launches Pilot to Test New Bus Safety Technologies

The pilot also includes new in-vehicle displays designed to reduce blind spots and improve operator visibility.

Read More →
TechnologyJanuary 21, 2026

Florida's Tri-Rail Taps Siemens Mobility for Modern Locomotive Procurement

Expected to enter service in 2029, these locomotives support the agency’s commitment to offer reliable and efficient rail transportation across South Florida.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
CTA railcar in station.
Technologyby StaffJanuary 16, 2026

CTA Innovation Studio Expands Pilot to Reduce Smoke, Odors

The new filters include substantially more activated carbon than traditional HVAC filters, which is especially helpful in providing a better transit riding experience for vulnerable populations, particularly children, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses, according to the CTA.

Read More →
Transit signal priority and public transit agencies.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 16, 2026

How AI is Redefining Transit Operations and Signal Priority

In a recent episode of METROspectives, LYT CEO Timothy Menard discusses how artificial intelligence, cloud connectivity, and real-time data are transforming traffic management, boosting bus reliability, and enabling system-wide transit optimization across cities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
RailJanuary 15, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom Supplying TTC Subways, SilverRide Lands California Contracts, and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →