In a role reversal between the two sides of the Atlantic, January, North American Bus Industries Inc. announced it acquired Optare Holdings Ltd., headquartered in Leeds, England. The total value of the acquisition is $35.2 million including assumed debt. Optare Holdings is the third largest city bus manufacturer in the United Kingdom. NABI said it will retain Optare’s current management. Peter Rona, founding chairman of NABI noted, “The transaction is based upon strong industrial and marketing synergies. Both companies have excellent products, innovative technologies and outstanding marketing expertise in their own traditional markets. I am convinced that adding Optare to NABI will create significant value for our shareholders.” Added Russell Richardson, managing director of Optare, “This relationship with NABI now provides us with fast-track access to new technologies and new markets.” Most notable among these is NABI’s designs and attendant worldwide licenses for the manufacturing technologies for its integral bus using a composite fiberglass-carbon body. NABI also has significant experience in producing low-emission, natural-gas powered buses. European operators are increasingly demanding such technologies as environmental pressures mount. The move also gives NABI an entry into the European market, something which it did not have even though it is owned by the First Hungary Fund and is listed on the Budapest Stock Exchange. Optare, on the other hand, has gained success with British fleet operators using its comprehensive line of integral body/chassis structured low-floor buses of its own design. A number of its models seem appropriate for the North American market; however, previously Optare had no viable means of accessing operators in this market, company officials said. Recently, Optare unveiled plans for a small, low-floor bus targeted at neighborhood, rural and specialty sectors. Scheduled for debut later this year, this vehicle will meet or exceed new standards outlined in the British Disability Discrimination Act. The DDA is expected to accelerate the purchase of new low-floor vehicles substantially in Britain over the next decade.
NABI Buys U.K.’s Optare Holdings Ltd.
In a role reversal between the two sides of the Atlantic, January, North American Bus Industries Inc. announced it acquired Optare Holdings Ltd., headquartered in Leeds, England.
More Management

Modaxo Acquires Conduent Public Transit Business in $164M Deal
The sale has a purchase price of $164 million. The companies expect the transaction to close before the end of 2026, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
Read More →
New York MTA Issues RFP for 252 Metro-North Passenger Cars
The competitive RFP includes an option to purchase an additional 377 cars, reserved for future expansions of the Metro-North service area.
Read More →
Virginia's GRTC Focused on Reliability, Open Access
The approved FY2027 budget totals approximately $101 million.
Read More →
KCATA, RideKC Set to Resume Bus Fares
Beginning May 26, riders will be able to download the RideKCGO mobile app, set up their account, and add funds to pay for rides with a tap.
Read More →
Penn Transformation Partners Named as Master Developer Team for New York Penn Station Renovation
The team of Halmar and Skanska will build a brand-new station that will provide daily commuters and tourists with a more seamless travel experience through a vibrant gateway into America’s largest city, said Amtrak.
Read More →
People Movement: Montoya to Lead Delaware, Andreski Extended in Fort Worth, and More
In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at Trinity Metro, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.
Read More →
T&I Committee Approves BUILD America 250 Act With Key Motorcoach Provisions, Transit Investments
A bipartisan transportation package moving through Congress could redefine how the U.S. funds highways, transit, and motorcoach travel, while igniting new fights over electrification, regulation, and federal priorities.
Read More →
California's OCTA Proposes 2026-27 Balanced Budget to Advance Transportation
The proposed budget, totaling approximately $2 billion, advances key transportation initiatives while ensuring all services, programs, and projects can be delivered to residents not only next year but well into the future.
Read More →
ABA Foundation’s 2025 Motorcoach Census Highlights Industry Growth, 77K Jobs
Conducted annually by Tourism Economics, the study found that 1,769 companies operating 49,543 motorcoaches are based in the US, while 122 companies operating 1,425 motorcoaches are located in Canada.
Read More →
Steve Lassey on Data, Delivery, and the Future of Projects
From breaking down data silos to preparing for AI-driven operations, strada360's CEO shares insights on how transit agencies can deliver more efficient, connected, and resilient systems in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Read More →