METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Vontas Acquires Orion Labs to Expand Communication Offering

Based in San Francisco, the Orion Labs solution delivers instant and secure voice, location, and data messaging across connected devices and applications.

December 11, 2023
Vontas Acquires Orion Labs to Expand Communication Offering

The Orion Labs tech's Push-to-Talk 2.0 offering includes a web-based dispatch console and mobile applications, location services, message playback, and archiving, as well as AI-powered technology like real-time voice translation and support for voice bots.

Photo: Vontas

2 min to read


Vontas, a Modaxo company, acquired Orion Labs, a voice-first collaboration platform, expanding the Vontas OnTransit solution with a communications module for a constant flow of information and real-time situational awareness.

Based in San Francisco, the Orion Labs solution delivers instant and secure voice, location, and data messaging across connected devices and applications. Their Push-to-Talk 2.0 offering includes a web-based dispatch console and mobile applications, location services, message playback, and archiving, as well as AI-powered technology like real-time voice translation and support for voice bots.

Ad Loading...

“Vontas is excited about the acquisition of Orion Labs as their products fit right into our integrated, modular ITS solution Vontas OnTransit,” said Peter Aczel, GM at Vontas. “Orion’s products help to improve our best-in-class IP-based communication solution in our OnTransit product portfolio, enabling us to deliver exciting new solution modules like translation and digitalized vehicle inspection capabilities that transit agencies are looking for.”

The New Orion Labs Acquisition

With this acquisition, Vontas adds a module that helps transit agencies easily make individual, group, and fleetwide calls ensuring a critical layer to a fail-safe environment. Voice and data redundancy improves communication abilities and keeps lines open for mission-critical systems during unpredictable situations.

In the future, Vontas plans to seamlessly integrate Orion products into the Vontas OnRoute module for computer-aided dispatch and automatic vehicle location (CAD/AVL).

Aczel said, "Our first goal with this acquisition is integrating Orion's customers and staff into our operations. We're excited to embrace them as part of Vontas and anticipate building a strong partnership together."

More Technology

Gavel and measures of justice.

American Bus Association Files Lawsuit Against NYC Over Bus Idling Rules

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, challenges the City’s use of its Citizens Air Complaint program.

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 →
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...
SEPTA's advertisement for multi-rider feature.
Technologyby StaffMay 7, 2026

Philadelphia's SEPTA Introduces Multi-Rider Feature for Contactless Payments

Up until now, this feature was only available when using a SEPTA Key card.

Read More →
A Waev Gem vehicle with a ramp deployed.

ABC Teams with Waev, Knorr-Bremse in Boston Top Biz Briefs

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

Read More →
Steve Goodreau
Technologyby Alex RomanMay 6, 2026

Trackless Rapid Transit: Hype or Viable Option?

Steve Goodreau of WSP explores the technology’s promise, limitations and where it may fit in the evolving transit landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Terrel Smith

Terrel Smith Launches New TransitOne Venture, Focuses on Building Relationships

The company partners with manufacturers such as Kiel Seating, Camira Fabric, and TSI Video, focusing on areas that directly impact both passenger experience and operational performance.

Read More →
An MBTA paratransit vehicle.

FINAL CALL: Apply Now for METRO's 2026 Innovative Solutions Awards

Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.

Read More →
A person working on a bus
ManagementMay 1, 2026

Data-Driven Maintenance: Focusing Effort Where It Matters Most

Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
transit tracker connectpoint
Sponsoredby Alex RomanMay 1, 2026

Connectpoint Expands Digital Signage Strategy with LED Push

Connectpoint is enhancing its digital signage strategy by integrating LED technology into its services.

Read More →