Business showcase : Optibus

Describe the company – the elevator pitch

Optibus is a cloud based platform for planning and operating city-wide mass transportation. The transportation market is rapidly changing, and the existing infrastructure cannot handle the number of private cars on the road, forcing driving authorities and urban planners to look for new ways to move people from place to place. With autonomous driving and car connectivity on the rise, service solutions are encouraging public and shared transportation models. Integration and efficiency of these new models are critical in making transportation as efficient as possible. Optibus, the leading vendor of public transportation optimization, provides a dynamic real-time platform that enables optimal use of resources for public transportation and fleet operators. Optibus uses proprietary algorithms and cloud-based technology to factor in passenger demand and unexpected events, making real-time changes to prevent any negative impact. Powering some of the largest bus operators internationally, Optibus is positioned for multi-modal transportation control, able to manage the on-demand mobility of the future.

How are you different?

Optibus is the only real-time optimization platform that offers real-time dynamic operation and control for entire fleets. Optibus disrupts public transportation operations by transforming a previously static system that rarely changed to a digital platform that adapts to the demand of the city.

Why will you do well?

Optibus is about more than just public transportation. We are positioned to synchronize multi-modal transportation across entire cities. With population density increasing and the rise of autonomous and private vehicles, it’s critical to create a strong infrastructure to support these changes and facilitate efficient and accessible transportation for everyone- that’s where we step in.

We are also invested in the cause. I’m familiar with the complexity of transportation operations from my father, CFO of one of the leading transit providers in Israel. My father provided me with insights into the static and outdated nature of even the biggest companies, and seeing it firsthand gave me that extra push to make a change.

Where are you based?

Optibus is based in Tel Aviv, Israel.

When was the company launched?

Optibus has been operational since 2014.

What have been your biggest wins to date?

Each customer is highly valuable to us because they present a unique challenge (i.e. local government regulations, routes, unions). On a macro level, Optibus’ solutions are used by over 200 transportation operators spread throughout 5 continents. This means millions of vehicles and drivers are managed in an optimal manner, providing passengers with a much better public transportation system. This is our biggest win.

Who are you trying to attract to your product?

We are targeting transportation companies and fleet operators who can utilize Optibus to manage and optimize their fleets. Most transportation companies have not updated their system of operations in decades, still using the manually-drawn plans that were created years prior based on factors that are no longer relevant.

What tips would you give to others looking to build their business?

We were lucky enough to create a solution that actually helps solve a substantial challenge in today’s world – transportation! Our solutions were driven by the market demand and will continue to be so. If we could advise new businesses, it would be to first make sure the product or service you offer resolves a real market problem.

The second piece of advice is to provide outstanding customer care. This is probably our number one goal, and our entire team is geared towards it. Optibus customers can testify that we take their requests very seriously and provide solutions as quickly as possible. This directly helps their business, and builds valuable long-term relationships.

Tell us about your team?

The Optibus team is a group of carefully selected individuals who are experts in their field. At the same time, they also know how to have fun while they are at it. Each team member understands the importance of their tasks, and their immediate impact on the company and ultimately our customers.

The company’s founders – myself, Amos Haggiag, CEO & Co-Founder; Eitan Yanovsky, CTO & Co-Founder met in university, aiming for the top two places on their degree program. While specializing in math and computer science, we recognized the field of public transportation as a mathematical puzzle, and considered the challenges in moving masses of people every day and from here the idea for Optibus was born.

What are your long-term plans?

We believe that the growing urbanization, vehicle electrification, and autonomous driving will drive the masses away from using private vehicles, to using efficient public transportation. In fact, it is the solution to the chaotic traffic challenges our cities suffer from, and will continue to suffer from if public transportation does not evolve. When given the option to leave your private car at home in exchange for a friendly, easy-to-use, affordable public service, most people would choose the latter. After all, who wants to sit in traffic day every day for hours?

The Optibus solutions, those of today and what is being developed for the future, are designed to help operators provide improved and optimized public transportation for day-to-day travelers.

What are your favorite tech gadgets?

Since I believe in sustainable mobility, my current favorite gadgets are personal electric mobility vehicles (e.g. electric skateboard).  Some of the better ones are Onewheel and Boosted boards.

What tech gadgets do you wish you could use to help you?

As a daily user of public transit, I am looking for better ways to bridge the gap of the first/last mile.  What I wish I could have is a vehicle that can be folded and carried with one hand on a bus, and has enough speed and distance.  There are many electric transporters, but they not there yet.

How do people get in touch with you?

Visit our website: http://www.optibus.co/
Press Contact: Justine Rosin, Justine@headline.media, +44 203 769 2363

Prepared and edited by @EdinaZejnilovic, Journalism student at DCU

If you would like to have your company featured in the Irish Tech News Business Showcase, get in contact with us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie or on Twitter: @SimonCocking