A delegation representing Victoria, Australia visited Optibus’ headquarters in Tel Aviv to discuss technological solutions for improving public transportation in Australia and Optibus’ work in the region.
Members of the visiting delegation included two representatives of the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office (VGTI) UK, Europe & Israel: Tim Dillon, Agent General for Victoria to the United Kingdom and Commissioner for Europe and Israel, and Arabella Rothwell, the Victorian Strategic Advisor for the UK, Europe, and Israel. The Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce (IACC) was represented by Paul Israel, IACC Executive Director, Janet Goodvach, Senior Trade & Investment Advisor, and Shifka Seigel, Project Manager.
Members of the Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office (VGTI) UK, Europe & Israel and Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce (IACC) visited Optibus' headquarters to discuss how to improve regional public transportation Featured, from left to right: Janet Goodvach, Senior Trade and Investment Advisor, IACC; Arabella Rothwell, Victorian Strategic Advisor UK, Europe and Israel, VGTI, UK, Europe & Israel; Shifka Seigel, Project Manager and Business Development, IACC; Tim Dillon, Agent General to the UK, Commissioner to Europe and Israel at State Government of Victoria; Shaun Bretstein, General Manager, APAC and Israel at Optibus; Alina Matsa, Field Marketing Manager, APAC and Israel at Optibus; Paul Israel, Executive Director, IACC.
The Victorian Government Trade and Investment Office, also known as Invest Victoria, is the State Government of Victoria's trade facilitation agency, connecting Victorian businesses to international opportunities and investment. The Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce encourages networking, trade, and business within Australia and between Australia and Israel and has been active since 1970.
At the meeting, Optibus and the Australian delegation discussed the challenges involved with the transition to zero emissions fleets, optimization technologies that can support Victoria’s Big Build program, mitigating service disruptions, and preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Optibus also presented its activities in the region, including its work with one of Victoria’s largest privately-owned bus companies, which uses Optibus’ software to optimize the movement of their fleet.
Optibus demos their electric vehicle scheduling software to the Australia delegation.
"Infrastructure Victoria is currently looking at opportunities to reform the existing network to benefit customers, ease congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, building on the improvements already underway as part of Victoria’s bus plan. It was great to visit Optibus to see how their technology can optimise planning and running of mass transportation and hear about their work with Victorian bus operators. We are delighted to welcome Optibus to Melbourne,” said Mr. Dillon.
“The Chamber is very proud of its association with Optibus as their solution not only cuts carbon emissions but also enhances people’s quality of life by significantly reducing road congestion and the timing couldn’t be better as Victoria embarks on its ambitious transport infrastructure reform,” said Mr. Israel.
Mr. Dillon of VGTI and Mr. Bretstein of Optibus discuss how advancements in public transportation planning and operating technology can improve service efficiency for passengers.
“Optibus’ mission is to make advanced technology applicable and accessible to public transportation operators. Victoria’s large urban population, extensive mobility network, and eye towards innovation makes the state a great partner in introducing the latest technologies to the public transportation industry, which is a key driver in economic growth, sustainability, and positive quality of life,” said Amos Haggiag, Optibus CEO and co-founder.
The visit of the Australia delegation is the latest in a series of visits from policymakers working to bring technology and innovation to the public transportation sector, including the Chilean Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, Juan Carlos Muñoz Abogabir.
