---
title: Optibus Public Transportation Hero Award Celebrates Changemakers
description: The Hero Award honors people going above and beyond to improve public transportation and their communities. The first recipient is student Ben Hennig for improving connectivity between two areas of Berlin.
image: https://blog.optibus.com/hubfs/banner%20for%20hero%20award.png
---

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# Optibus Public Transportation Hero Award Celebrates Changemakers

![Abigail Levner](https://blog.optibus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/abi-photo-300x300.jpg?width=100&height=100&name=abi-photo-300x300.jpg)

#### Abigail Levner

September 10, 2025

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*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. 

![Screenshot 2025-09-10 140156](https://blog.optibus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202025-09-10%20140156.png?width=1039&height=782&name=Screenshot%202025-09-10%20140156.png)

## **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.

![1\_Ben Hennig with Hero Award](https://blog.optibus.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1_Ben%20Hennig%20with%20Hero%20Award.png?width=2907&height=2076&name=1_Ben%20Hennig%20with%20Hero%20Award.png)

## **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.](https://optibus.com/tmp/public-transportation-hero-award/)

 

## **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.](https://optibus.com/tmp/public-transportation-hero-award/)

 

\###

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