"Innovation Is at the Heart of Everything We Do" – Amos Haggiag Reflects on a Decade of Impact at Optibus

Over the past decade, Optibus has been transforming public transportation through innovative technology, a focus on sustainability, and a commitment to improving mobility for communities worldwide. Co-founder and CEO Amos Haggiag has been at the forefront of this journey, guiding Optibus from its early days to becoming a global leader serving thousands of cities in over 35 countries.

In this final edition of our Decade of Impact interview series, Amos reflects on the key moments of the past ten years, shares insights into Optibus’ values, and looks ahead to what’s next for public transportation.

Q: Innovation has been a cornerstone of Optibus from its inception. How has it shaped the company's journey, and how do you see it evolving in the future?

Amos Haggiag: When we started Optibus, we saw public transportation as a vital yet often overlooked industry. Behind every bus route, timetable, and driver assignment, there were surprisingly manual and outdated processes. This gap presented an enormous opportunity to innovate.

Initially, our focus was on optimizing public transportation systems using advanced algorithms and cloud computing. We aimed to deliver solutions that could optimize entire cities' operations almost instantly. Over time, innovation expanded into data-driven predictions, allowing cities to anticipate service performance before implementation. Innovation remains at the heart of everything we do, driving improvements across public transportation and creating better experiences for operators and riders alike.

Q: Optibus values include caring, determination, and innovation and impactful. Can you share a moment when these values significantly influenced a decision or project?

Amos Haggiag: Our values reflect who we are as a company. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we exemplified "caring" by working closely with public transportation agencies to adapt their networks in real-time, enabling them to serve vaccination sites and essential services. Many employees went above and beyond, offering direct support to customers. In some cases, we even provided our platform for free to help cities manage these unprecedented challenges.

Our determination has also been crucial. Whether solving complex algorithmic challenges or competing with much larger players, we've consistently tackled obstacles head-on, reinforcing our belief that no challenge is insurmountable.

Q: What advice would you give to leaders aiming to nurture an innovative and impactful workplace culture?

Amos Haggiag: Culture begins with the founders and extends through every hire. Values must be authentic and exemplified daily. As the company grows, maintaining this culture requires deliberate effort - clear communication, leadership alignment, and consistent reinforcement. Ultimately, a company's culture is its people, so hiring individuals who embody your values is crucial to sustaining and scaling an innovative and caring environment.

Q: Sustainability is a growing focus in public transportation. How is Optibus supporting cities in their transition to electric buses and zero-emission mobility?

Amos Haggiag: Electric public transportation is a major trend, and it’s great to see cities moving toward zero emissions faster than many other industries. However, scaling electric bus fleets comes with challenges, from grid capacity to optimizing charging schedules. Optibus is helping to manage this complexity with tools that ensure efficient vehicle deployment, strategic charging plans, and grid-friendly operations.

We’ve worked with cities like Santiago, London, and others that are scaling their electric fleets. While this started with a handful of buses, the challenges grow exponentially as cities deploy thousands of electric buses. Our technology is designed to address these challenges and help cities achieve their zero-emission goals at scale.

Q: Public transportation is constantly evolving. How does Optibus ensure its platform remains impactful and innovative?

Amos Haggiag: Optibus started as an innovation in public transportation operations, and we’ve continued to innovate ever since. The key is staying ahead of technological advancements. For example, cloud computing allowed us to solve large-scale problems early on. Today, AI and machine learning enable us to provide better predictions, optimizations, and real-time adjustments.

Our cloud-based platform allows us to push updates continuously, so customers always have access to the latest innovations without needing to buy new products. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and predictive analytics, we ensure our platform remains impactful and future-ready.

Q: What does the future of public transportation look like, and how will Optibus contribute to its evolution?

Amos Haggiag: The future is trending toward making public transportation the preferred mode of mobility. However, reliability, convenience, and frequency remain hurdles. Optibus is addressing these challenges by enabling dynamic, data-driven network adjustments—whether in planning or real-time operations. Additionally, with the rise of electric buses, our tools ensure scalable and efficient deployment.

Our goal for the next decade is clear: to directly enhance the rider experience. We want people to notice that their city's public transportation system is faster, more reliable, and better because of Optibus.

Q: Reflecting on a Decade of Impact, how has Optibus lived up to its mission, and what are your aspirations for the next 10 years?

Amos Haggiag: The first decade was about transforming how public transportation operates - making it more efficient and reliable for operators. This has had a significant ripple effect, enabling cities to provide better services that directly impact people's lives. Reliable and efficient public transportation connects communities, makes cities more accessible, reduces congestion, and contributes to lower emissions.

Over the next decade, our focus will shift more directly toward improving the passenger experience. By making public transportation faster, more reliable, and better aligned with people's needs, we can help ensure it becomes the preferred mode of mobility. I envision a future where cities everywhere can proudly say their public transportation systems are far superior, and Optibus plays a pivotal role in achieving that transformation. When public transportation systems improve, it doesn't just make commuting easier - it enhances the overall quality of urban life, fosters economic growth, and helps build a more sustainable future.

As we wrap up our Decade of Impact interview series, Optibus remains focused on improving public transportation and helping cities and operators deliver better service. To learn more about how Optibus’ platform can transform your public transportation operations, visit our Product Page. Thank you for joining us in celebrating ten years of innovation, impact, and progress in mobility. Together, let’s shape the future of public transportation.