First Hero Award presented to student Ben Hennig for improving connectivity between two areas of Berlin, Germany
Optibus, the leading software platform for planning, operating, and optimizing public transportation, is proud to announce the launch of the Public Transportation Hero Award. This new initiative honors individuals who go above and beyond to improve public transportation and create positive change in their communities.
The first recipient of this award is Ben Hennig, a student from Frohnau, Berlin, whose dedication and initiative have made a remarkable impact on public transportation in his region.
What is the Public Transportation Hero Award?
The Public Transportation Hero Award highlights the often-overlooked contributions of people who work tirelessly to make public transportation more inclusive, accessible, and efficient. It also celebrates changemakers using public transportation as a tool for positive impact.
Recipients are featured on the Optibus website, where their stories will inspire others to take action in improving their communities.
What makes Ben Henning a Public Transportation Hero?
Recognizing the challenges faced by passengers traveling between Berlin and Brandenburg, 17-year-old Ben took it upon himself to find a solution. Through extensive research, community engagement, and collaboration with local government representatives, he developed a proposal for a new bus line connecting Reinickendorf and Glienicke, two areas of Berlin. His efforts culminated in a well-attended test run of the proposed service, drawing support from local leaders and demonstrating the power of grassroots action.
Amos Haggiag, CEO and co-founder of Optibus, said:
“This award celebrates changemakers and ideas driving meaningful change. We’re thrilled to recognize Ben as Optibus’ first Public Transportation Hero. Ben’s initiative is an inspiring example of how individuals – whether passengers, drivers, planners, or advocates – can make a real difference in their community through public transportation.”
Ben Hennig’s story and ongoing efforts can be explored on the Public Transportation Hero page.
How to nominate someone for the Public Transportation Hero Award
To nominate a changemaker in your community, submit an application using the form available on the Public Transportation Hero page.
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About Optibus
Optibus is a unified, end-to-end software platform that cities and operators use to plan and operate public transportation networks. Our software unites all aspects of public transportation management - planning, scheduling, rostering, operations, real-time control, and passenger information - in one cloud-native platform and uses artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and optimization algorithms to assess thousands of potential service scenarios. Through optimized decision-making, our users in more than 7,000 cities in 35 countries are improving their operational efficiency, enhancing the passenger experience, promoting transportation equity, reducing emissions, cutting costs, and modernizing their operations. Learn more: www.optibus.com
