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

An ABQ RIDE bus going through a Westmatic wash system.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 16, 2026

Biz Briefs: Westmatic in Albuquerque, New Fare Payment Systems, and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from suppliers including Alstom, Modeshift, and more.

Read More →
Photo of a traffic signal
TechnologyMarch 16, 2026

AI Bus Lane Enforcement Boosts Safety, Reliability in West Hollywood

Traditionally, bus lane enforcement has relied on manual processes carried out by transit police or parking enforcement officers. While it may be effective in certain municipalities, this approach is resource-intensive and very difficult to sustain.

Read More →
A Coach USA vehicle wrapped for Newark International Airport service.
TechnologyMarch 11, 2026

Scaling Smart: How Fleet Operations Can Cut Downtime and Drive Growth

A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Sound Transit Link light rail vehicle in a station
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 10, 2026

INIT Introduces Open Payments for Seattle’s ORCA Fare System

The landmark event empowers riders across six agencies in the Puget Sound region to tap-and-ride transit using a contactless credit or debit card or a mobile wallet.

Read More →
An MBTA paratransit vehicle.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 9, 2026

METRO Opens Submissions for 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 →
Cover photo for Biz Briefs dated March 6, 2026
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 6, 2026

Biz Briefs: Tolar Manufacturing Supports PSTA Spark Service and More

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

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover Photo for METROspectives with Timothy Menard
TechnologyMarch 5, 2026

How AI and Innovation Are Powering the Future with LYT’s Timothy Menard

Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization is improving efficiency, reliability, and ridership, while offering insight into the innovations driving the next generation of smart mobility. Together, they explore how technology and collaboration are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future in transit.

Read More →
An NJ TRANSIT bus
Technologyby StaffMarch 4, 2026

NJ Transit Pilots AI-Powered Digital Bus Stop Signs

The pilot program showcases two companies’ technology at eight bus stops. The companies submitted their ideas through the Transit Tech Lab, which is backed by the Partnership Fund for New York City and provides an accelerated pathway for early to growth-stage companies to solve public transportation challenges for the largest transit agencies in North America.

Read More →
Cover photo for Biz Briefs
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 26, 2026

Biz Briefs: Hitachi Rail in Philadelphia, Keolis in Nantucket, and More

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

Read More →
Ad Loading...
MBTA passengers at rail station
Technologyby StaffFebruary 24, 2026

Boston's MBTA Advancing Major Signal Modernization to Improve Red Line Reliability

To accomplish this work, the MBTA announced that four phases of temporary evening service changes will begin on February 28 and continue through April.

Read More →